1. A method for controlling the operation of an endpoint, comprising: providing a user interface, at a computing system remote from the end point, configured to allow configuration of a plurality of policies; maintaining the plurality of policies in a data store on the computing system; identifying, from the plurality of policies, a plurality of operating conditions on the endpoint to monitor; configuring one or more software services provided by an operating system on the endpoint to monitor the plurality of operating conditions; receiving, across a network, at the computing system, status information about the plurality of operating conditions on the endpoint gathered by the one or more software services; determining, by the computing system, a compliance state of the endpoint based on the status information and a plurality of compliance policies in the data store; and initiating, remotely by the computing system, based on the compliance state, an action identified in at least one rule in the data store, wherein the action is carried out by a processor on the endpoint, such that the computing system remotely ensures endpoint compliance with the plurality of compliance policies stored in the data store of the computing system.