a method and system for managing a distributed computing system relying on the discovery and analysis of dependency data . the implemented system and method utilizes an agent that can detect dependency configuration data stored on network management elements to determine the relationship of elements within the distributed system . further included is a particular embodiment that displays a root managed device a root distance from a border and displays a non - root managed device having a dependency relationship with the root managed device a predetermined distance from the border that is greater than the root distance .