Parts are created in Solidworks. Not everyone seems to support dual spindles and a B axis. I asked Mastercam and they said they don't really support this until the next release.
Popularity matters as it is easier to hire someone trained in a popular program.
Price matters somewhat and includes the post.
We want to be able to use the features of the machine yet don't currently plan any fancy 3D surfacing. We are not making propellers or turbines but wanted this machine so that there is no fixturing or human handling for parts made from round bar.
SolidCam works inside Solidworks. This seems good in that you don't have to leave the program but perhaps bad if you are working on a part that someone sends you in another format or bad if we ever change modelers. It seems to cost about $15K for the mill/turn version for this machine.
Camworks is another inside Solidworks and they are talking $20K.
Esprit says they will support this machine, and said $20 to $25K.
Edgecam said $20K or more.
Featurecam said about $18K
Gibbscam said about $14K.
What about Surfcam?
I don't know if OneMill can support this type of machine. Someone in our industry said a lot of people use Gibbscam, and we should consider that. Since it is at the lower end of the price range and perhaps well liked, that is a plus.