running legacy apps compiled for 7.2 & 7.3 in x86-64

[Mark Smiles <msmiles@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,
I have question regarding running legacy apps in x86-64 . The ISV's apps 
i'm thinking of, are form  semi-conductor EDA vendors for CAD/CAM 
design tools on linux. Most of these are very conservative in releasing 
updates and tend to remain way behind the curve for current  or new 
kernels. I believe with  R H enterprise release 3 (announced Linux world 
for the Autumn)  this will give support for the Opteron. I believe that 
the new Red Hat Ready program (announced last quarter) will allow these 
vendors to eventually certify their applications under the 12 month / 5 
year support model of the new enterprise support model, giving better 
stability to the vendors and end customers on Linux.  However, this will 
take time as all these vendors jockey their position and roll out the 
PR  statements before we actually see native 64 -bit compiled apps. 
Given this and the fact  that ISV development is unlikely for  RH 8 ( 
let alone 9) , what  guidance can you give for running these legacy apps 
usually run on R H 7.2 and if we are lucky, on R H 7.3 in the x86-64 
environment now and  beyond alpha/beta release GInGin 64 ?

Regards,
Mark Smiles
Unix Systems Manager
Agere Systems