1. A method for setting configuration parameters for at least one software system, comprising steps of: a) receiving a set of configuration parameters for at least one software system to be optimized; b) selecting a random value from a predetermined range for each configuration parameter of interest; c) setting each configuration parameter to a corresponding random value; d) running an application using the values selected; e) gathering performance information relating to the software system while the application is running; f) repeating steps b) through e) for a selected number of times; and g) performing an analysis of the performance information gathered to determine optimal configuration parameters.