cvsbackup is a perl-based tool for backuping your files and sending diffs via e-mail. package also includes scheduler (optional) which helps you monitor more than 1-2 servers (helps to prevent high loads on config repository).
CVS Monitor is a perl CGI application for monitoring activity in a CVS repository. It is somewhat similar in purpose to cvsweb, but far more useful when you want to keep an eye on current development, or provide a view into the project to the public.