[PHP] Curl alternative?

[Steven Kallstrom]

Dear List,
 
            I am currently working on a UPS Web Service Interface and
was wondering if you thought that I could accomplish such a thing
without the Curl libraries. since unfortunately the server that I am
using did not compile Curl with PHP.  what do you think.  is this
something that is possible.?  Or should I just stick with perl or java.
any suggestions.  thanks, I appreciate any help in advance.
 
Steven Kallstrom