1. A system comprising: a memory storing a plurality of profiles defining one or more rules that affect operation of a plurality of functional computing objects, the plurality of profiles including a first profile that defines a first rule and a second profile that defines a second rule; and a processor coupled to the memory and programmed to: determine that the second rule conflicts with the first rule; determine a first priority corresponding to the first profile based on a distance of the first functional computing object to another functional computing object that is positioned below the first functional computing object in a predetermined hierarchy; combine the first profile and the second profile to create an effective profile, wherein the conflict between the first profile and the second profile is resolved in favor of the first profile with respect to a first functional computing object and in favor of the second profile with respect to a second functional computing object, and wherein the effective profile includes no conflicting rules; and apply the effective profile to one of the first and second functional computer objects.