Network and system management paradigms have recently evolved towards flexible and lightweight integration approaches. These approaches are based on the transparent information-processing capabilities offered by both generous support for self-describing data enabled by XML as well as from the large base of existing underlying tools. BGP is, from a configuration point of view, one of the most complex protocols of the Internet and as such a very good validation environment for new management frameworks. This paper describes the practical experience gathered from the design, implementation and deployment of a comprehensive XML-based management architecture for the Border Router Gateway Protocol.