Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media include software license management. The method includes receiving, from a user, a request to use one or more software applications for a period of time. The one or more software applications are protected by access controls unlocked by one or more hardware dongles. The method also includes configuring, by one or more processors, a virtual machine that executes the one or more software applications for the period of time. The virtual machine is configured to request authorization to unlock the access controls for the one or more software application from a license server coupled to the one or more hardware dongles. The method includes providing, to the user, connection information for communicating with the virtual machine.