in reply to Is Perl the right solution...

As others have pointed out, any language that you are comforatable with is the one to use. Using perl is definitely possible, however. Openair.com is a commercial PSA that does most of what you are talking about, and it is written exclusively in perl (disclosure: I worked there for a couple years). Perl is a very good web language (preaching to the choir) for any web application, even business ones. I believe Amazon is also a perl shop.

Be aware that what you are talking about is no small task, take a look at OA and realize that it is the fruit of two+ years work.

-jackdied