Anilam conversion

I am contemplating replacement of an Anilam 1400 3-axis system on an
Eagle 400 mill.

The 1400 is a PC-based system, using twin two-axis motion control
boards to drive Westamp servo cards, which in turn drive tach servo
motors. Positioning feedback is via 1000-line encoders on each axis.
I have purchased a stepper-powered Hoffmann rotary axis, and must
either swap the motor out for a servo, add an encoder, and purchase
another Westamp board (or equivalent), or upgrade the control
hardware and software to allow both stepper and servo controls to
coexist. Since the servo cards are expensive, the parting out of the
Anilam control system should make the conversion relatively inexpensive, so...

Any suggestions? A gecko engineer recommended ArtSoft Mach3, driving
Gecko boxes. Comments? Experience? Hesitations? Positives? Negatives?

Tom Harrison