A method for controlling a gas compressor having a magnetic bearing. The method includes communicating digital feedback data from a magnetic bearing system to a computer via a communication link, processing the feedback data with the computer and issuing a bearing control command in response to the feedback data, communicating the bearing control command from the computer to the magnetic bearing system via a communication link, providing operational processing and control of the gas compressor with the computer, and providing operational processing and control of the compressor driver with the computer.