A method and system for query-based management of a plurality of resources in a network environment. The system uses web technology, preferably XML-technology, to receive and store information related to back-end resources and to provide a framework by which client computer systems can manage the plurality of back-end resources in a uniform manner. The system and method associates a search components to an object type, wherein the search components may come from different resources. Consequently, in a network environment having multiple resources, search information may be shared between different resources. Additionally, searching for a known objects retrieves information, both task and otherwise, associated with all shared resources. Thus a user can perform many different tasks just by searching for and locating the proper object. Furthermore, each of the resources may include a dedicated search engine for performing searches on dedicated resources.