Odd. Not sure why it's not working. I'd add a
print $smtp_server,"\n";
on the line before calling new to make sure the lexical $smtp_server is still in scope. Also "use warnings;"!

As far as the $HASH{'KEY'} it's redundant for the most part as hash keys are automatically "stringified" (You need to use them if the key name has a dash though 'key-name' or would otherwise be interperated as a compound statement). I personally use 'key' but that's just for the editor I use to get it to syntax highlight the hash keys.

-Lee

"To be civilized is to deny one's nature."