Follow the Leader: ActiveTcl on Routers and Network Appliances

The network infrastructure sector is a competitive space. Router and network appliance manufacturers are faced with the challenge of providing rock-solid hardware while making sure their devices are flexible and configurable enough to meet a wide range of user needs. Cisco added TCL (Tool Command Language) as the primary scripting interface to it's IOS router operating system, allowing their customers to automate and customize their network environment with an established, standardized dynamic programming language. As the industry leader in the networking space, their decision to use Tcl is important. Should one consider doing the same?