The present invention can include an automated solution for resolving conflicts between multiple automation managers in the management of a software resource. In this solution, an automation manager can detect a change in the operating state of a software resource within a computing system. A state change indication can be automatically analyzed. The state change indication can be automatically set by the software resource in response to the change in the operating state. Based upon the analysis of the state change indication, the automation manager can determine if the change in the operating state is deliberate. When the change is determined to be deliberate, the automation manager can accept the change in the operating state as the desired state of the software resource.