python & zope
 

i may well have to start using these technologies soon. i've had a look at python, and it seems pretty perl-like, and easy to follow the code. i've heard zope has a steep learning curve though.

has anyone any experience of either, and if so, what are your thoughts?

Depending upon how familiar you are with Perl, you shouldn't have much trouble picking up Python (it didn't take me too long to get a good grasp on it, and I'm pretty experienced with Perl).

As for Zope, I can't say that I've ever used it, but I have also heard that it's tough to learn.