Is there a preferred set of ruby libraries for client/server solutions?  As
an example, RPC.  The protocol needs to exist for Ruby and Perl, so druby
wont work.  XML-RPC seems to be the leading candidate, despite my objectives
to XML.  I cannot find a Ruby/Corba implementation.  Perl, of course, has
lots of options, but none obviously better than the next.  The limitation
seems to be with Ruby supported protocols.  I need something which supports
complex data structures.  A simple line-terminated packet will not do.

I've currently have a working Perl-based program.  The program monitors
various logfiles and processes.  It correlates errors between processes on
the same machine.  The relationships are stored in dbm files using tied
hashes.  I'd like to move the data to a server process in the interest of
having all the clients using a central data source rather than their own,
local copy.  This should reduce the maintence level-of-effort since only one
data source would need updating rather than a dozen.  (Nevermind that
updaing could easily be done via rcp).  I'm sure I could use 5.8 thread
features, but why should I try something I know would work?

The point is, I'd like to make a Ruby server.  I've got a gserver derived
process with dynamic, reloadable methods via a control port.  I cannot
figure out a good way for it to swap spit with the perl clients.
Suggestions?