1. A system for providing a user interface for use with a node in a telecommunications system, comprising: (A) a set of XML meta-data definition files describing a plurality of system objects which together form a representation of the node of the telecommunications system, which files include a set of rules that include object rules and data rules; (B) an XML based hierarchy file that determines the order of creation of each system object; and (C) a client software engine configured to read said meta-data definition files to generate and display associated system objects in a graphical user interface to permit attributes of said system objects to be edited in accordance with the set of rules of said meta-data definition files.