Apparently CPAN does not have any MSN related modules, so the best approach could be writing a module yourself. Your program could then rely on this module for dealing with the MSN protocol.

You could start studying existent messaging modules (ICQ, Jabber, AOL come to mind) to implement a similar interface for the MSN protocol.

If you're looking for MSN related software, another good source is freshmeat, where you can find, among others, Everybuddy, Gabber, gaim, Imici Messenger, Jabber, MSNj.

I remember I saw jaim once, it was a Perl AOL compatible command line instant messenger, unfortunately the link seems to be broken now nd there is no trace of it on freshmeat or sourceforge. Google maybe? It would be interesting, I think, to study another Perl command line messenger.

Don't forget to check search engines again for MSN protocol details, a quick Google search lead to this document for example.

Have fun, and don't forget to share the module with us on CPAN (it may be worth checking some MS legal mumbo jumbo first, you never know with those guys and their "technology")

-- TMTOWTDI