This paper introduces a general policy-based management framework within an IP network. It describes how a policy-based approach can be applied to deal with QoS, security, access control, mobility, etc. The framework presented here is derived from IETF works in Policy Framework working group and in Resource Allocation Protocol working group. Then, we describe some applications that could be handled by policy-based systems. Finally, we present some new evolutions that could be part of the future global policy-based networking architecture.