Talking to NI 6527 DIO - NI MAX and NI DAQ neded?

Hello,

i want to use a NI 6527 card and read Digital inputs in my C# program.

With other instruments connected via LAN i can open a port and send SCPI comands over socket connection.

Is this with the 6527 also possible or do i need in each case the installation of NI MAX and NI DAQ?

Is accessing the hardware only possible with the NI DAQ driver and the configuration in NI MAX?

Or is there an other way available where i dont have to install addidtional software?

Thanks for help