Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Reseller Hosting : HostNine Review - 4/10

[Cisco]

I recently got an account with HostNine because my previous host, Dathorn, had very bad business practices. Overall, HostNine seems like a good host that falls woefully short in a few areas.

Set Up - 9/10
Very fast set up. Others in the industry, such as my old host Dathorn that lied and claimed to have Near Instant Setups, can learn a thing or two from HostNine in this area.

Value - 10/10
Great price and came with a free WHMCS license. The 50% coupon was nice too. Great bang for your buck -- especially if you're only staying with them for a month!

Support - 5/10
Support responded quickly but it seems like their technicians are either dumb or overworked. A lot of the time they would just reply something meaningless to me, almost like they were stalling for some reason.

Services - 1/10
I have some pretty major complaints here. I had major problems with my FTP connection timing out. Uploading one big file was no problem, but uploading a folder with a bunch of little files consistently made the connection time out or other weird errors pop up. This was very annoying and more than enough to get HostNine a 1/10 in this category, but there's more.

HostNine's WHM replacement, Reseller Central, sucks hard. It's basically a lame version of WHM. Because of their decision to go with this system, HostNine has caused a lot of problems for resellers. Resellers are unable to brand CPanel and a lot of WHMCS's automated functions are hamstrung. For example, since new customers (of a reseller) can be stuck on any of a number of servers, it is impossible for WHMCS to know what IP address they have and so the customer can't connect to their account until their DNS propogates or the reseller manually gets their IP to them.

This wouldn't have been a problem if HostNine would move me over to WHM but they keep on sandbagging me. It also wouldn't be a problem if they created a WHMCS module that adequately deals with the Reseller Central system. WHMCS made a module that performs most of the server functions for new accounts but it doesn't deal with the multiple IP addresses issue. Before HostNine introduced this system they should have planned ahead better.

Also, because of the multiple IP addresses for customers, my CPanel login script stopped working because it targets my reseller domain. I had to add an option for customers to input their own domain, and because they are very lazy I'm sure they don't like that extra step.

Business Practices - 10/10
No complaints here, so they get the full 10/10.

Conclusion
HostNine seems like a pretty good deal for people who don't care about the things that caused problems with me. However, it does seem like their servers have slow downs sometimes, perhaps because some pesky customers are running scripts that use up lots of resources. For some resellers, the Reseller Central system is a big problem, big enough to eliminate an otherwise adequate host.

Personally, I plan on sticking with them for a little while longer to see if they fix their problems.

*Final score on the Cisco scale: 9/10 & 10/10 & 5/10 & 1/10 & 10/10 = 4/10

*The & symbol represents the Cisco Function.

[TimothyH]

HostNine's WHM replacement, Reseller Central, sucks hard. It's basically a lame version of WHM. Because of their decision to go with this system, HostNine has caused a lot of problems for resellers. Resellers are unable to brand CPanel and a lot of WHMCS's automated functions are hamstrung. For example, since new customers (of a reseller) can be stuck on any of a number of servers, it is impossible for WHMCS to know what IP address they have and so the customer can't connect to their account until their DNS propogates or the reseller manually gets their IP to them.

How long did you actually try the HostNine Service? If it had been any longer than 10 seconds you would have noticed that you can use WHM, if you are not happy with there Resellers Central Solution.

This wouldn't have been a problem if HostNine would move me over to WHM but they keep on sandbagging me. It also wouldn't be a problem if they created a WHMCS module that adequately deals with the Reseller Central system. WHMCS made a module that performs most of the server functions for new accounts but it doesn't deal with the multiple IP addresses issue. Before HostNine introduced this system they should have planned ahead better.

Its not really up to them to make a module for WHMCS. It was your choice to use WHMCS, they did not force you to try and use it. They offer Modernbill to which is compatible with there Resellers Central Solution.

Also, because of the multiple IP addresses for customers, my CPanel login script stopped working because it targets my reseller domain. I had to add an option for customers to input their own domain, and because they are very lazy I'm sure they don't like that extra step.

What do you mean by this? Generally, if you have a dedicated IP address, it remains the same all the time.

I have some pretty major complaints here. I had major problems with my FTP connection timing out. Uploading one big file was no problem, but uploading a folder with a bunch of little files consistently made the connection time out or other weird errors pop up. This was very annoying and more than enough to get HostNine a 1/10 in this category, but there's more.

So really, you have only experienced one real problem with Hostnine, which I am sure they are willing to fix.

*Final score on the Cisco scale: 9/10 & 10/10 & 5/10 & 1/10 & 10/10 = 4/10

And, yet again, according to your logic its 4, but if you use real world logic and maths it would be a 7/10.

I hope at one point or another, you actually find a host your happy with. Either that or get a VPS or dedicated server and configure it the way you like. I would highly recommend LimeStone Networks. They have the best support I have ever seen!

[IH-Rameen]

Originally Posted by Cisco

*Final score on the Cisco scale: 9/10 & 10/10 & 5/10 & 1/10 & 10/10 = 4/10

*The & symbol represents the Cisco Function.

Didn't you say the maximum score is limited to the maximum of the lowest score? I don't understand this logic. In fact, it is not logic at all. It is nonsense.

The only good thing I could say is that your review was neutral. But I see no reason to mention Dathorn at all. So really, although I'm sure your review will no doubt be helpful in the experiences you have described, it is clear it is still filled with hatred of your previous host. And I can never trust a review which is structured as such..

Thanks for posting it anyway..

[Cisco]

Originally Posted by EvaHost

How long did you actually try the HostNine Service? If it had been any longer than 10 seconds you would have noticed that you can use WHM, if you are not happy with there Resellers Central Solution.

You are 100% mistaken. I asked them to switch me to WHM and they refused to. Also, I have been with them much longer than 10 seconds.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

Its not really up to them to make a module for WHMCS. It was your choice to use WHMCS, they did not force you to try and use it. They offer Modernbill to which is compatible with there Resellers Central Solution.

I think that it is up to them to create the module or to place pressure on WHMCS to create it. If you think it is up to the reseller to create the module then I have to question your understanding of the situation.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

What do you mean by this? Generally, if you have a dedicated IP address, it remains the same all the time.

Getting a dedicated IP would only affect my reseller website. New customers get stuck on random servers with different IPs regardless of whether or not the reseller website has a dedicated or shared IP.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

So really, you have only experienced one real problem with Hostnine, which I am sure they are willing to fix.

I listed several problems I have had with HostNine: their Reseller Central system, their FTP problems, their slowless, their bad support. Perhaps you need to re-read my post.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

And, yet again, according to your logic its 4, but if you use real world logic and maths it would be a 7/10.

I used logic in the creation of my Cisco Formula. For some reason you assume that each category is weighted the same. Your assumption is incorrect.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

I hope at one point or another, you actually find a host your happy with. Either that or get a VPS or dedicated server and configure it the way you like. I would highly recommend LimeStone Networks. They have the best support I have ever seen!

I have never heard of this LimesStoned Network before. Based on the fact that you like them I am going to assume they are a bad host and not look into them.

[Cisco]

Originally Posted by IH-Rameen

Didn't you say the maximum score is limited to the maximum of the lowest score? I don't understand this logic. In fact, it is not logic at all. It is nonsense.

The maximum score is only limited to the lowest score in cases where the lowest score is a 0. I was tempted to give HostNine a 0 in one of the subscores, but ultimately changed my mind.

Originally Posted by IH-Rameen

The only good thing I could say is that your review was neutral.

I am an absolutely unbiased reviewer.

Originally Posted by IH-Rameen

But I see no reason to mention Dathorn at all.

I just ended my service with Dathorn, of course that would have an effect on what I thought of my new host.

Originally Posted by IH-Rameen

So really, although I'm sure your review will no doubt be helpful in the experiences you have described, it is clear it is still filled with hatred of your previous host. And I can never trust a review which is structured as such..

I do not hate my previous host. I simply state facts. That you mistake my facts for hatred just goes to show how pitiful Dathorn is.

[TimothyH]

You are 100% mistaken. I asked them to switch me to WHM and they refused to. Also, I have been with them much longer than 10 seconds.

I'm sorry about that, last time I was with them, I had the option of choosing which platform I wanted to use.

I think that it is up to them to create the module or to place pressure on WHMCS to create it. If you think it is up to the reseller to create the module then I have to question your understanding of the situation.

Its not really that I expect the Reseller to create it, but I think that not everything can be supported by every program.

Getting a dedicated IP would only affect my reseller website. New customers get stuck on random servers with different IPs regardless of whether or not the reseller website has a dedicated or shared IP.

I don't think that the Hostnine solution is what your after. For eg. if you get a dedicated IP address with Hostgator, that points to your reseller account, but you have one Shared IP address with all the customers on that server. So you won't have to worry about the changing IP addresses

I have never heard of this LimesStoned Network before. Based on the fact that you like them I am going to assume they are a bad host and not look into them.

I am sorry you feel this way. But I would really recommend you look into them, just a little bit. They are a fantastic host and the best part of all is that you can change the settings on your server to match what you want it to do. There support is also outstanding!

I would also like to say sorry to you, I feel my first post on this thread may have been a little, biased, in that I had no problems with Hostnine while I was with them. But I understand your view point now, and for my previous comments, I am sorry.

[IH-Rameen]

Originally Posted by Cisco

I have never heard of this LimesStoned Network before. Based on the fact that you like them I am going to assume they are a bad host and not look into them.

It's actually called "LimeStone Networks".

And that is an extremely ignorant and narrow minded view. Not going with a host because you disagree with the opinions of someone else that is with them? It doesn't mean that they are going to share the same opinions as all their customers..

[Cisco]

Originally Posted by EvaHost

I'm sorry about that, last time I was with them, I had the option of choosing which platform I wanted to use.

Unfortunately, I kind of get the impression with HostNine that they have experienced a lot of growth in a short period of time -- with unfortunate consequences for their customers. Hopefully they'll be able to get things under control soon.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

Its not really that I expect the Reseller to create it, but I think that not everything can be supported by every program.

True, but I feel that it would be a pretty easy fix if HostNine spent any amount of time on the problem. There's a whole list in WHMCS of server management systems that I assume work correctly and it's unfortunate that Reseller Central wasn't tested thoroughly before being introduced. If they got it working right they would actually have a better product than WHM.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

I don't think that the Hostnine solution is what your after. For eg. if you get a dedicated IP address with Hostgator, that points to your reseller account, but you have one Shared IP address with all the customers on that server. So you won't have to worry about the changing IP addresses

I may end up having to go to another host, but I would prefer not to because of the fact that that HostNine lets you choose where your server is located. I just wish they had implemented that ability correctly.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

I am sorry you feel this way. But I would really recommend you look into them, just a little bit. They are a fantastic host and the best part of all is that you can change the settings on your server to match what you want it to do. There support is also outstanding!

Alright, if I end up leaving HostNine, I promise I'll look into them.

Originally Posted by EvaHost

I would also like to say sorry to you, I feel my first post on this thread may have been a little, biased, in that I had no problems with Hostnine while I was with them. But I understand your view point now, and for my previous comments, I am sorry.

No problem. I also apologize if I came across as gruff.

[Cisco]

Originally Posted by IH-Rameen

And that is an extremely ignorant and narrow minded view. Not going with a host because you disagree with the opinions of someone else that is with them?

There are tens of thousands of hosts out there. Since I don't have enough time to study each one, pretty much any excuse is enough for me to cross a host off my list. Including me disagreeing with one of their customers and their customer recommending that host.

Originally Posted by IH-Rameen

It doesn't mean that they are going to share the same opinions as all their customers..

Have you ever heard the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together"? I find that it is true a lot of the time.

[JohnJ]

Cisco, may I please have the ticket ID regarding the FTP issues?

[niorola]

Well here is my review with hostnine.com:

I had gotten a reseller in order to have back ups for my dedicated server (just important backups, and to reseller like 5GB of space.)

I had been with them right at the time when they implemented reseller central, and I had been given the choice to choose to switch to reseller central, which I said I wanted to stay with WHM instead, because I am very use to it. Later in the months they upgraded the 10GB Disk Space and 100gb BW to 15GB Disk Space and 150GB BW, and had also been changing billing software to WHMCS, so I was hoping to get the upgrade, since its the same price that I am paying for the 10GB, and the same plan. Instead... They tell me that they will not give me the upgrade in plan, will not give me options to manage my accounts using the manage accounts in account functions which is disable on hosts until you request. They wanted me to switch to Reseller Central in order to obtain the upgrade that they did to my package? I asked why? They gave me an informal message telling me that they wanted to remove their old servers, yet the server was actually top of the line sever... better then their dedicated servers. I said ok... well I will stay with WHM so could you change me to a server where i can have the proper package quotas that my package should now have, and their answer was no. They are right now during this month have been trying to force out customers to their central reseller in order to save money, and "time" but they are making me and maybe a few other customers think twice about reselling with them. They might even force out modernbill licenses, which I use their license because it comes with the package for free (although modernbill is kind of dieing, I still use modernbill because i got way tooo many clients to transfer).

Here is excerpts of chat discussions with their support which also seems to make me say "Am I really their customer or am I just a moneybag?"

Ticket ID: WMU-367107
------------------
Andrew,

All these upgrades are disabled for WHM customers as incentive to upgrade to Reseller Central. The person you spoke to gave the wrong information I'm afraid.

Best Regards,
Joshua Brown
HostNine Abuse & Billing Manager
Level 2 Technical Support
------------------
Andrew,

Unless you upgrade to RC, the upgrades are not valid.

Further, the features you mention were never part of WHM, they are part of the incentive to upgrade to RC.

Finally, SSH can be requested via hostingnine.com/ssh-request/

Best Regards,
Joshua Brown
------------------
Hello,

So this also includes not being able to upgrade of resources, unless I use RC?

I am finding this very funny since your forcing customers to use Reseller Central, yet I very much like to have WHM since the feel and the amount of control you have and including the type of control you have is much more easier, and allowed to have the control on which control panel you use.

Could you not run this ticket across to Rick? Maybe for review since I am right now not finding it easy to keep using WHM since your forcing me to use it to get these features available to WHM, and including when i was with you guys a year ago when you had started off and usually you would give this stuff, then I moved onto dedicated, and came back. I even remember clientexec and having to be moved from it to modernbill.

Thank You,
Andrew
------------------
Hi Andrew,

Rick is not available anymore, I'm sorry.

Again, to use these features you will need to use RC, we are not making exceptions on these. We need to get rid of these older boxes.
------------------

The server specs for people who want to know (Servers are top of the line):

------------------
2x Dual-Core AMD Opteron(tm) Processor 2216 (4 cpus)
4Gigs of ram
------------------

I am probably going to stay, but if resellers want WHM and do not want RC, I would find a different host as they discontinued WHM, I guess i am one of the few customers left on WHM at Hostnine.com....

[Cisco]

Originally Posted by JohnJ

Cisco, may I please have the ticket ID regarding the FTP issues?

Who are you and why do you want that?

Originally Posted by niorola

I am probably going to stay, but if resellers want WHM and do not want RC, I would find a different host as they discontinued WHM, I guess i am one of the few customers left on WHM at Hostnine.com....

The guy from your transcripts was one of the geniuses I've had to deal with as well. I guess I'm going to stick around for now but keep an eye out for alternatives.

[niorola]

Originally Posted by Cisco

Who are you and why do you want that?


The guy from your transcripts was one of the geniuses I've had to deal with as well. I guess I'm going to stick around for now but keep an eye out for alternatives.

Ya he was really telling me that their is no such thing as "Modify an Account" in "account functions", when really I know their is and it is available in reseller usually disable but enabled by host at request. He then says, that it is available in RC, but not in WHM... Not true, been maintaining cPanel servers for long enough, you can see with cPanel that I am a customer with them (testimonials) and I see that when hostnine tells a customer who is very familiar with WHM/cPanel that a feature is only available on another system, it is like lieing to them. I will stick with them till they stop giving modernbill... what is 5gb less going to do to me, although I want the exact package I signed up, with the upgrades they offer now on that package!

Original sign up package had: 10GB disk and 100GB BW
New package (same package name and price): 15GB and 150GB BW

What I am told, "As an insentive to take people off their old servers".

Does this sound wrong to you to be paying same that people pay using RC, but less resources?

I hope to know if Hostnine will actually open their ears or Ben will atleast look at this thread, even Rick looking once over it would bring in some light.

[Cisco]

Originally Posted by niorola

...I see that when hostnine tells a customer who is very familiar with WHM/cPanel that a feature is only available on another system, it is like lieing to them.

It's not just like lying, it IS lying. Although it might just be limited to this Joshua Brown fellow and not the whole company.

It's going to be a shame to have to leave them. I really liked having the WHMCS license included with the account.

Originally Posted by niorola

What I am told, "As an insentive to take people off their old servers".

I'm almost surprised they don't make all the old servers redirect to lemonparty or something. That would be a strong incentive too!

[Brian-de-vie]

Originally Posted by Cisco

I do not hate my previous host. I simply state facts. That you mistake my facts for hatred just goes to show how pitiful Dathorn is.

There's that cisco logic again

More seriously, I found it an informative review, and appreciate that it is fundimentaly factual of your experience.