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John Wheldon has it about right. I might start a new firm rather than buy existing ones.
However, replacing G-code and the rest of that fine path dependency, offering all of the costs of compatibility with the none of the benefits, is a much harder problem. That likely requires buying every CNC machine on Earth, fixing them, and then giving them back.
John, have you read much on STEP NC?
The idea, many years ago, was that once a database--probably better described as a 'knowledge-base'--was built, that all you'd need are the actual 3D model files; part, stock, fixturing, machine. From there the 'code' is created in STEP file format, the machine reads the model data directly, no M or G code, no post-processing. Of course the machine controller needs to be STEP compatible to do this...
Interesting reading either way: STEP-NC Machining Demo, Oct. 2008 - YouTube
I'd probably buy a full tilt version of AutoCad and then back it up with MasterCam.
With a good post processor, it should be a closed loop system. Make your toolpaths, verify, post, and go.
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