We are considering consolidating our server administration by cutting down on the number of systems we currently use to manage all our websites(~65 websites).

Currently we have a testing server and 3 production servers. (2 - cherokee(linode), 1 - apache (mt))

We don't have a dedicated server admin, so I am stuck with managing all these servers, and as a developer, I don't want to deal with all the server hassle.

So my main goal is to cut down on the time spent messing with the servers.

We have looked at Pagoda Box and AppFog as possibilities. I am not sure if Pagoda Box would be cost effective. With 65+ websites we may end up paying anywhere from 0 to $50+ per website per month. Right now we page about $250 per month for the 4 VPS servers mentioned above.

We already use Capistrano for deployment.

I have the opportunity to completely overhaul the entire setup and I would like some feedback on where you found your information for large scale server management or how you currently do it. Articles are welcome.

In summary:

1. What is new (past 2 years) in simple server management arena?
2. If you work at an agency or have had agency experience, how do/did you manage your sites? a. What is the level of effort for SSL, new site setup, database management, and extension management. b. How did you handle datacenter outages.
3. Anyone with Pagoda Box experience, do you like it and did you have problems with Wordpress, Cakephp, Drupal, Expression Engine or Magento? a. Is it expensive for you? b. How has server uptime been?

Your direction and comments are greatly appreciated.