Guys I need to write a java function which accepts a parametr and returns the data in the form of XML . Now this service is in Java. What dod you think is the best design . out of these public Element GetMyInfo(String name ) { /* This function builds the XML based on some criter*/ } or public String GetMyInfo(String name ) { /* Concatenate the string to give XML lok and return it */ } Is there any better design .. This should be accessible for all types of client using SOAP..