Java vs Python

[Huy Do]

Hi,

I would just like to know how serious python is taken in the IT industry and
how it compares to something like Java.

For example

If a web applicatoin was written in both Java and Python,
which would companies prefer ?

1. Which is more maintainable ?
2. Which is more scaleable ?
3  Which is faster eg. Java servlets or Python CGI with mod_python ?

Please do not interpret this message as an excuse to discredit java or
python. I am
about to start a major web project using Java but have been referred
to python as an alternative so I am investigating this option.

Your responses are highly regarded.

Thank you

Huy Do