Windows xp no more security patches

I've got one of my business computers running XP that that I use to run a $4500.00 design program that won't operate on any newer version of Windows, so I will be forced to upgrade both at some point fairly soon and that's gonna really hurt me in the shorts, as the design software company doesn't offer and low-cost upgrade option from the current version I am running, Gotta buy the whole package again, and it is something I NEED to have to open any of my older files.
:banghead:

Some Win 7 variants can run XP programs (or so they say).......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart