Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of remote networked devices, such as computers, in compliance with licensed restrictions is provided. In one embodiment, licenses are assigned to users in the order of application requests that are made. When a request is made and no licenses are available, an analysis is performed to determined whether licenses may be swapped in such a fashion so as to free up a license for the requested application. In another embodiment, whenever a new request is made, an analysis performed by considering the needs of users. Information needed to perform the analysis is stored in the database which is updated when a new program launch occurs.