Dominique,
I don't expect you'll see the Pronto very soon in France as the pipeline here in North America is still not full yet.
As far as the software, it is not yet released although Philips has stated that it will be on the web in January 1999 which should mean very soon. I suspect that this will be far clearer at or after the CES show which runs this week Thursday - Sunday.
Yes, the software can be run without a Pronto although I'm not quite sure what "testing" would mean as without a Pronto, there is no method of learning or initiating infrared codes to your equipment.
I hope this helps answer your questions.