Plenty of businesses are ready and willing to make the move to Windows 7, but end up sticking with XP because of app compatibility. And, let's face it, many custom apps simply won't run properly in the new OS.

For a long time we've endorsed virtualization as the workaround for this, and we still think that's an ideal solution. However, for SMBs, particularly those with limited resources, Microsoft just unveiled another option: AOK for Small and Midsize Businesses, or AOK4SMB.

Based on a subset of the ChangeBASE AOK tool, AOK4SMB assesses and validates custom applications. If they're not found to be Windows 7-compatible, the tool will automatically modify it for you. Here's how it works:

AOK can be accessed via an online portal where organizations can upload a single application in MSI file format. AOK then produces a PDF report outlining the application compatibility status in three categories: acceptable (compatible), severe, or critical; and then it automatically resolves any issues categorized as severe in the form of a transform file sending the .MST file back to the client thus enabling effective migration to Windows 7 Professional.

Amazingly, AOK4SMB is free -- at least until the end of July, when Microsoft will evaluate the service's demand and success to determine whether to keep it free or start charging a fee.

This is a potential game-changer for SMBs, a no-lose proposition that can help eliminate the final hurdles in migrating to Windows 7. If you have apps that aren't compatible (or you're not sure if they are), give AOK4SMB a try--then let us know if it did the trick. (Via PC World Business Center)