It just allows you to utilize digi convertors through the HD cards. It won't allow you to utilize any of the TDM plugs, just the hardware. The ability to use the cards with either something like the digi 192 or with apogee interfaces gives you the possibility to have the same convertor/interface rig with 2 different daw's, which isn't uncommon but considering digidesign's name is on the hardware, it's kinda cool.