On a different (albeit related) thread, the recommendation was made to 
use Docker to "port" alien applications and environments (presumably 
with the ISA and basic machine components used by SL7) to SL 7.  Looking 
at the Docker documentation and license (license reproduced below), this 
seems feasible -- rather than using any VM for the purpose of running 
such an application.

How many have tried Docker?  Does it work well?  For example, will a 
legally licensed MS Win application that does not run under 
Wine/CrossOver work under Docker under SL 7 the same as it would under 
VirtualBox with a full install of say MS Win 8.1 (soon MS Win 10)?  Can 
one make a Docker application package on the target host (e.g., SL 7) or 
does one need first a full install of the (virtual) base (e.g., DLLs and 
OS environment structures of the original host of the application, e.g., 
MS Win) under which to "dockerize" (e.g., run MS Win under VirtualBox 
under SL7, dockerize a MS Win application, and then run the dockerized 
application under SL7 without VirtualBox or any regular VM)?

from -- https://www.docker.com/company/aboutus/

Business Model

Docker, Inc. offers Docker-related products and services and is creating 
a network of certified professional support, training, and services 
providers. We are committed to keeping Docker open source under the 
Apache 2.0 license.

Yasha Karant

End quote.