Here is where Microsoft needs to step in and offer support, writes report author and Gartner analyst Michael Silver.

"It appears that Microsoft is attempting to distance itself from IE6, reversing its stance of 2001 to 2006, when it encouraged development of IE6-specific applications," writes Silver in his research note. "Microsoft must do more to help organizations with their IE6 problems that Microsoft helped cause."

So what can businesses do to break free from IE6?

There are several ways to support IE6 apps during a Windows 7 migration -- some are temporary and some permanent, most involve virtualization, and none are perfect.

Here are four ways to resolve the IE6/Windows 7 dilemma, according to Gartner.