- This article presents a framework for a XML based search system composed by three layers: data layer, logic layer and presentation layer. In all three layers XML related technologies are used to store, search, transport and present information like Native XML Databases, Web Services and XSLT. Two examples of an implementation of a XML based search system are presented and compared, one based in open-source tools and another in a commercial suite. The open-source system uses XIndice to store the XML information and JAVA technologies to create the Web Services and the presentation while the commercial system uses Microsoft IndexServer with a XML Filter to analyze the XML Information and the .NET framework to create the Web Services and presentation of the information. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses that are presented in this article.