Abstract: Methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems provide both reactive and proactive data to customers about their licensing positions. This is done by (1) automatically scanning data centers for all servers without any agent technology required; (2) creating an inventory of all software on all servers; (3) making detailed measurements of the most complex and expensive software; e.g. databases by Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Sybase; (4) normalizing and storing the gathered data in a database; (5) providing simple graphical views of typical problem areas such as (5a) over-allocation or under-allocation of virtual machines, called macro-consolidation, and (5b) inefficient use of Oracle options, called micro-consolidation; and finally (6) providing a simple graphical interface for the customer to play out “what if” scenarios with virtualization and consolidation.