1. A method executed on a computer comprising: representing an information topology on the computer, wherein the represented information topology comprises a plurality of information nodes and a plurality of states; representing a set of polices on the computer, wherein each policy of the set of policies expresses one or more requirements applied to the plurality of information nodes; and assessing compliance of the represented information topology by determining on the computer whether the plurality of states meet the requirements expressed in the plurality of policies; where the set of policies comprises a Compliance Classification Assessment policy; wherein the compliance classification assessment policy defines a requirement of consistent classification of the resources or the aggregation of resources into one of more sets; wherein the plurality of states comprises an actual state, capabilities, and a required state; and wherein the assessing comprises comparing the actual state, the required state, and the capabilities.