The programmers platform you might be looking for would be Logicmaster which is a DOS look alike programmers software. You can contact any GE supplier for a copy of this software, however I don't know if you can get a free version online, if you can let me know.
VersaPro is Okay for programming but Proficy ME is MUCH better for startup and troubleshooting.
The Interactive, Live cross refereence is worth the upgrade.
Ge fanuc plc uses software called "versa pro" or there is a newer software you can use called "cimplicity machine edition" I have used both. I think Cimplicity is better because you can work on your plc and hmi in the same software.