Perl is probably the only HIGH level language that is used across multiple "domains" from gene processing to space research and from highschool programming to bulky file processing. I heard 70% Wall Street businesses use Perl. I've worked in a few IT firms so far and all but one used Perl in some place or the other. It is difficult to achieve simplicity of Perl along with its power with any other language. Perl 6 is yet to come out all guns blazing and mark its presence in the market. I feel Perl is here to stay for many more decades.