1. A method of deriving parametric data for a hardware system, comprising: executing a first software statement, said first software statement involving a first operation of a system activity, said system activity not directly associated with a specific hardware platform; recording a first set of performance results based upon execution of said first software statement; executing a second software statement, said second software statement involving a second operation of said system activity; recording a second set of performance results based upon execution of said second software statement; comparing said first set of performance results against said second set of performance results; and profiling said hardware system based upon comparison of said first set of performance results against said second set of performance results.