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.