The above crops up in a few messages and I wonder if anyone can explain exactly what it is and what it entails. I am considering moving up to MC7 and dont want to be hit with something that requires too much more technical knowledge or indeed is a distraction from my main aim of having a DAW.
 
Thanks in advance

It is the tool used to install and maintain newer Cakewalk products. It simplified the installation and update process.  Users can still manually download, install and authenticate software.

Do you think it is a useful (or was even required) Scook?

For SONAR since it is updated monthly, I find it very convenient. In the case of MC which does not have the same rolling update feature, it still simplifies the installation process. MC7 is broken out into 5 installers. Only one installer is required but the rest contain instrument, help and tutorials. Use of the command center is optional but I recommend it.