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simdexFlag for United States of America

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Best software/service to batch manage & maintain Joomla! websites

I'm looking for the best solution to managing multiple Joomla! sites. There are lots of great solutions available for managing & maintaing multiple WordPress sites, but it's harder to find the perfect solution for Joomla!. What do I mean by best? In order of priority:

(1) Features. I would like the ability to batch install & configure extensions simultaneously for several sites, run batch updates, run batch backups, etc.

(2) Low cost. I would like a relatively cheap solution, preferably no more than $10 or $20 per month.

(3) Simplicity. Ease of use would be really nice, but I can deal with something that's somewhat complicated, as long as there's a good reason such as powerful, unique features.

Here's what I've looked at so far (none of which seem like the optimal solution, however it's possible I just didn't do enough research):

http://cmscommander.com
https://watchful.li
http://www.joomlalivechat.com/joomla-admin.html

Any ideas? I appreciate all feedback. Thank you for your help!
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Rowby Goren
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I am interesting in any answers here on managing  multi-joomla sites.  Just lurking.  Not asking for any points. :)

Rowby
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Another option I've considered, but it looks expensive and not simple (you can just tell it's not going to be easy to use considering they include 1 hour training and offer more time plus their website really sucks):

http://www.jms2win.com
What version of Joomla are you using.   I am assuming there may more options for the latest versions of Joomla, which is now Joomla! 3.1.1 Stable

Rowby
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The vast majority of Joomla! sites I manage are 3.x.x or 2.5.x, and a few are still in version 1.7.x.
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Yes, I have (I commented on it above). Also, that product requires core hacks (modifications to the Joomla! core code, which I don't want to deal with).
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Any more ideas or suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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Avatar of Boyd (HiTechCoach) Trimmell, Microsoft Access MVP 2010-2015
Boyd (HiTechCoach) Trimmell, Microsoft Access MVP 2010-2015
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I googled for reviews. I have no idea how good it is, but look at this youtube review:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0V0fKJ_EUU

I offer this without comment.

Rowby
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Thanks for that. Well, that response/solution was the best one I got, even if it isn't great. It was the only "real" suggestion I received, so I figured it was time to close this EE question since it looked like there wasn't much hope otherwise...

EDIT: This is the best solution I've found so far, and am using currently:

Watchful
https://watchful.li/features/
Yes.  I saw the link to Watchful in that guy's comments.  

Best of luck -- and keep us posted, if you can, of your experience(s) and success with watchful.

Rowby