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 that conflicts with the first rule; and a processor coupled to the memory and programmed to: combine the first profile and the second profile to create an effective profile, wherein a conflict between the first profile and the second profile is resolved in favor of the first profile with respect to the a 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.