Although probably not a useful solution for your situation, one neat way around this problem is to create your own mini-CPAN that just contains the modules you need.

That might be a good idea. I need to figrue out if it has enough added value versus a directory of tar-balls to be worth the effort.

You might want to look at Apache Toolbox as a starting point.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that before. Definitely worth a look.

Documenting a standard mechanism for the user of your application to rebuild with the latest module / apache / whatever if necessary.

Definitely on the todo list. I'll probably do this as part of the specification process for the new system.

-sam