Using deltas for efficient policy distribution

The present disclosure relates to mapping, tracking, and distributing policy to client devices. Policy, in particular lists of policy assignments are sent to client devices. A determination is made as to the changes or deltas between policy assignments that have been sent to client devices and policy assignments that must be sent to client devices. Identifying the delta policy assignments avoids the need be sent to client devices. Identifying the delta policy assignments avoids the need to send policy assignments that have not change and do not need to be sent to client devices. A server computer determines applicability of policy assignments to particular client devices, tracks if and when policy assignments have been deleted and allows the client to either receive a partial list of policy assignments that are required to update policy or a full list of policy assignments. Full, partial or not list policy assignment depends when a particular client device was last provided a policy assignment.