Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to software license compliance. In aspects, a configuration manager receives an indication of an intent of an software-related action and determines that a license may affect the action. The configuration manager consults with a license needs calculation engine that determines whether additional licenses are needed to perform the action. If additional licenses are needed, the configuration manager consults with a rules engine to determine whether the action is to be allowed. The rules engine applies one or more business rules to the licenses needed data and indicates a response to the intent. In either case, the configuration manager may provide information to an administrator and others regarding the action and may allow or disallow the action as indicated by the rules. If the administrator determines to take the action, the configuration manager may create an audit record.