1. A method for managing a computer having hardware and software components, comprising: arranging the hardware and software components of the computer in a hierarchy of layers; launching two autonomic management elements, each running in a different component of the computer; configuring the two autonomic management elements as a master and a slave, the master controlling management responsibilities of the slave, provided the two autonomic management elements are running in different layers; launching, by the slave, an automatic discovery procedure, based on a communication protocol, to discover and communicate with the master; upon successful automatic discovery procedure, registering the slave with the master, comprising reporting: a layer where the slave is located; other slaves for which the slave is a master; current resource profile of the slave; and current management responsibilities of the slave and the other slaves; and managing the hardware and software components of the computer by the two autonomic management elements, comprising running the two autonomic management elements in a master-slave mode.