If you run software for a business, take note: Vendors are watching you closely.

Corporate users are expected to pay in full for all the ways they use a vendor’s software, and on what systems, and for all the people who use it, and maybe more. Complicating matters further, the rules can often change.

It’s not easy for enterprises to keep track of every penny, but vendors do. Tales of the widely dreaded “compliance audit” are increasingly common.

“Vendors are putting more pressure on customers,” said Craig Guarente, co-founder and CEO of Palisade Compliance, which helps Oracle customers negotiate with the database giant. “They’re definitely using audits to get leverage with their clients.”

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