1. A method comprising: storing, in a memory accessible by a path computation element (PCE), at least one profile identifier; computing, by the PCE, path parameters describing a path from a path computation client (PCC) to a path destination; generating, by the PCE, a path computation element communication protocol (PCEP) initiate message comprising the path parameters, the path destination, and a profile identifier of the at least one profile identifier; wherein the PCEP initiate message is generated in response to a request message received by the PCE from an application, the application being located in a component external to the PCC and the PCE, and wherein the application stores the profile identifier and at least one corresponding path usage parameter on the PCC and the at least one corresponding path usage parameter is inaccessible by the PCE; and transmitting, from the PCE, the PCEP initiate message to the PCC.