Hi man,
You can simplified your work a lot when you use Net::Telnet::Cisco lib - I using it - and if your switches have an IOS it's piece of cake with this lib. Try CPAN for details.

I am using this lib to print commands from external config file to telnet connection to device and also to get summmary reports from my Cisco devices.

Li Tin O've Weedle
mad Tsort's philosopher