Exhibit 10.1
November 29, 2006
Matt Hale
At the address on file with the Company
Dear Matt:
     You have tendered your resignation from S1 Corporation (the “Company”)
effective December 1, 2006 (the “Separation Date”). In order to ensure a smooth
transition of responsibilities, the Company has agreed to engage you on a
consulting basis and make certain payments to you as set forth in this letter
agreement (“Agreement”), which sets forth the terms under which your employment
with the Company is ending, effective on the Separation Date. We desire to
resolve any and all issues relating to your employment and the conclusion of
your employment with the Company amicably on mutually satisfactory terms.
Specifically, you (“You” or “Your”) and the Company (collectively, the
“Parties”) agree:
A. Separation Terms
1.      Payments. Provided that You satisfy the conditions of this Agreement and
do not revoke this Agreement, the Company will:

  (a)   Pay You on or before December 31, 2006 the unpaid portion of Your FY2006
bonus calculated on the basis of the end of year forecast to be presented by the
CEO to the Board of Directors on December 19, 2006.     (b)   Pay You in two
installments in accordance with S1’s normal payroll practices on or before
December 31, 2006 the fixed sum of $23,000 in consideration of the consulting
services provided to the Company.

Additionally, You will be paid accrued but unused vacation, un-reimbursed
business expenses in accordance with S1 policy, and the $30,000 initiation fee
paid by You to the Golf Club of Georgia. All payments will be subject to
applicable withholdings, including taxes and Social Security. Because You are no
longer employed as of the Separation Date, Your rights to any particular
employee benefit will be governed by applicable law and the terms and provisions
of the Company’s various employee benefit plans and arrangements. You
acknowledge that the Separation Date will be the date used in determining
benefits under all Company employee benefit plans. The Company’s obligations
listed above will terminate immediately upon any breach by You of this
Agreement.
2.      Release. In exchange for the payments stated above, You release and
discharge the Company from any claim or liability, whether known or unknown,
arising out of any event, act or omission occurring on or before the day You
sign this Agreement, including, but not limited to, claims arising out of Your
employment or the cessation of Your employment, claims for breach of contract,
tort, employment discrimination, retaliation, or harassment, as well as any
other statutory or common law claims, at law or in equity, recognized under any
federal, state, or local law. Except as set forth above, and subject to payment
of your salary and any un-reimbursed business expenses to be submitted by you
within thirty days of the date hereof, You also release any claims for unpaid
back pay, sick pay, vacation pay, expenses, bonuses, commissions, attorneys’
fees, or any other compensation.
You agree that You are not entitled to any additional payment or benefits from
the Company, except as set forth in this Agreement. You further agree that You
have suffered no harassment, retaliation, employment discrimination, or
work-related injury or illness.
3.      OWBPA/ADEA Waiver. By agreeing to this provision, You release and waive
any right or claim against the Company arising out of Your employment or the
termination of Your employment with the Company under the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq. (“ADEA”), the Older Workers
Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq. (“OWBPA”), or the Georgia
Prohibition of Age Discrimination in Employment, O.C.G.A. § 34-1-2, (the
“Waiver”). You understand and agree that:

 

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  (i)   this Agreement is written in a manner that You understand;     (ii)  
You do not release or waive rights or claims that may arise after You sign this
Agreement;     (iii)   You waive rights and claims You may have had under the
OWBPA and the ADEA, but only in exchange for payments and/or benefits in
addition to anything of value to which You are already entitled;     (iv)   You
have been advised to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement;    
(v)   You have 21 days (the “Offer Period”) from receipt of this Agreement to
consider whether to sign it. If You sign before the end of the Offer Period, You
acknowledge that Your decision to do so was knowing, voluntary, and not induced
by fraud, misrepresentation, or a threat to withdraw, alter, or provide
different terms prior to the expiration of the Offer Period;     (vi)   You have
7 days after signing this Agreement to revoke this Agreement (the “Revocation
Period”). If You revoke, the Agreement shall not be effective or enforceable and
You shall not be entitled to the separation benefits stated above. To be
effective, the revocation must be in writing and received by Sandy Fountain, VP
Human Resources at S1 Corporation, 3500 Lenox Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia
30326, or her successor, within the Revocation Period; and     (vii)   this
Waiver will not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has
expired.

B. Your Ongoing Obligations
1.      During the period of November 30, 2006 – December 31, 2006 (excluding
Christmas week), you agree to provide a minimum of 20 hours and up to 40 hours
per week of consulting service to the Company at the direction of Johann Dreyer.
During Christmas week and the month of January 2007, you agree to provide on
call consulting and support to the Company at the direction of Johann Dreyer.
You further agree to travel as reasonably needed to customer locations for the
purpose of transition of customer relationships. You will be reimbursed your
travel expenses incurred in such S1 requested travel in accordance with S1
policy.
2.      You agree to remain as a director and manager of the S1 subsidiaries in
which you are currently appointed through January 31, 2007, during which time
you will fulfill the duties of a director and manager consistent with the
requirements thereof.
3.      Return of Company Property. You will, not later than January 31, 2007,
return to the Company all of the Company’s property, including, but not limited
to, keys, pass cards, credit cards, customer lists, rolodexes, tapes, software,
computer files, marketing and sales materials, and any other record, document or
piece of equipment belonging to the Company. You will not retain any copies of
the Company’s property, including any copies existing in electronic form, which
are in Your possession or control. You acknowledge that You have not and will
not destroy, delete, or alter any Company property without the Company’s
consent.
4.      Non-Disparagement. You will not make any disparaging or defamatory
statements, whether written or verbal, regarding the Company.
5.      Future Employment. You agree that the Company has no obligation to
consider You for employment should You apply in the future.
6.      Exercise of Vested Options. You are vested in an option to purchase
certain shares of the common stock of the Company (the “Options”) in accordance
with the grants made to you by the Company. The Options are exercisable as set
forth in the option agreement(s) under which the options were granted.
C. General Provisions
1.      No Admission of Liability. This Agreement is not an admission of
liability by the Company or You. The Parties each deny any liability whatsoever.
The Company enters into this Agreement to reach a mutual agreement concerning
Your separation from the Company.

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2.      Attorneys’ Fees. In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement
other than a challenge to the OWBPA/ADEA Waiver set forth in Section A(3) above,
the Company shall, if it is the prevailing party, be entitled to recover
attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation, in addition to all other remedies
available at law or in equity.
3.      Waiver. The Company’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision. The Company’s waiver
of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.
4.      Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any
provision is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in
part, the remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall
remain in full force and effect.
5.      Governing Law. The laws of the State of Georgia shall govern this
Agreement. If Georgia’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws,
the Parties agree that Georgia law shall still govern.
6.      Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Covenants Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit A (collectively, the “Agreements”) constitute the entire
agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein. The
Covenants Agreement is incorporated by reference, and any post-termination
obligations contained in the Covenants Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect, and shall survive cessation of Your employment. You acknowledge that the
post-termination obligations contained in the Covenants Agreement are valid,
enforceable and reasonably necessary to protect the interests of the Company,
and You agree to abide by such obligations. These Agreements supersede any prior
communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, between
the Parties arising out of or relating to Your employment and the termination of
that employment, including without limitation that certain agreement between you
and the Company dated October 5, 2001. Other than this Agreement, no other
representation, promise or agreement has been made with You to cause You to sign
this Agreement.
7.      Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in
writing signed by both Parties.
8.      Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall
inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including,
without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation, or
sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets, and shall be binding upon
You and Your heirs and assigns.
If the terms set forth in this Agreement are acceptable, please sign below and
return the signed original to me on or before December 21, 2006.
Sincerely,
/s/ Johann Dreyer
Johann Dreyer
CEO
I acknowledge the validity of this 3 page Agreement, including the attached
Exhibits, and represent that I have the legal capacity to enter into this
Agreement. I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to consult with an
attorney before signing this Agreement. I have carefully read the Agreement,
know and understand the terms and conditions, including its final and binding
effect, and sign it voluntarily.

     
/s/Matt Hale
  11/29/2006
 
   
Matt Hale
  Date

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EXHIBIT A
COVENANTS AGREEMENT
     This COVENANTS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made this 29th day of
November, 2006, between S1 Corporation (the “Company”) and Matthew Hale (“You”
or “Your”) (collectively, the “Parties”).1
For and in consideration of the premises, as well as the obligations herein made
and undertaken the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, You agree to the
following terms:
1.      Acknowledgments. You acknowledge that:

  (a)   While an employee of the Company, Your were in a position of trust and
responsibility with access to Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and
information concerning employees and customers of the Company;     (b)   the
Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and the relationship between the
Company and each of its Employees and Customers, are valuable assets of the
Company and may not be used for any purpose other than the Company’s Business;
and     (c)   the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable and
necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and will
not impair or infringe upon Your right to work or earn a living in the event
Your employment with the Company ends.

2.      Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

  (a)   You represent and warrant that:

  (i)   You are not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that
would prevent or prohibit You from performing Your duties for the Company or
complying with this Agreement, and     (ii)   You are not in breach of any legal
or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade
secrets or confidential information owned by any other party.

  (b)   You will not:

  (i)   use, disclose, or reverse engineer the Trade Secrets or the Confidential
Information for any purpose other than the Company’s Business, except as
authorized in writing by the Company;     (ii)   use, disclose, or reverse
engineer (a) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former
employer or third party, or (b) any works of authorship developed in whole or in
part by You during any former employment or for any other party, unless
authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or     (iii)  
(a) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies
existing in any form (including electronic form) which are in Your possession or
control, or (b) destroy, delete, or alter the Trade Secrets or Confidential
Information without the Company’s written consent.

  (c)   The obligations under this Agreement shall:

  (i)   with regard to the Trade Secrets, remain in effect as long as the
information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law; and     (ii)   with
regard to the Confidential Information, remain in effect during the Restricted
Period.

  (d)   The confidentiality, property, and proprietary rights protections
available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and
all other rights to which the Company is entitled under federal and state law,
including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade
secret and confidential information laws, and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

3.      Non-Solicitation of Customers. During the Restricted Period, You will
not directly or indirectly
 

1 Unless otherwise indicated, all capitalized terms used in this Agreement are
defined in the “Definitions” section of Attachment A. Attachment A is
incorporated by reference and is included in the definition of “Agreement.”

 

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solicit any Customer of the Company for the purpose of providing any goods or
services competitive with the Business. The restrictions set forth in this
Section apply only to Customers with whom You had Contact.
4.      Non-Recruit of Employees. During the Restricted Period, You will not,
directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Employee to (i) terminate
his or her employment relationship with the Company, or (ii) work for any other
person or entity engaged in the Business.
5.      Post-Employment Disclosure. During the Restricted Period, You shall
provide a copy of this Agreement to persons and/or entities for which You work
or consult as an owner, partner, joint venturer, employee or independent
contractor.
6.      Injunctive Relief. If You breach this Agreement, You agree that:

  (a)   the Company would suffer irreparable harm;     (b)   it would be
difficult to determine damages, and money damages alone would be an inadequate
remedy for the injuries suffered by the Company; and     (c)   if the Company
seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, You will waive and will not
(i) assert any defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with
respect to the breach, (ii) require that the Company submit proof of the
economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information, or (iii) require
the Company to post a bond or any other security.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s right to any other
remedies at law or in equity.
7.      Attorneys’ Fees. In the event of litigation relating to this Agreement,
the Company shall, if it is the prevailing party, be entitled to recover
attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation in addition to all other remedies
available at law or in equity.
8.      Waiver. The Company’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall not act as a waiver of that or any other provision. The Company’s waiver
of any breach of this Agreement shall not act as a waiver of any other breach.
9.      Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any
provision is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in
part, the remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall
remain in full force and effect.
10.    Governing Law. The laws of the State of Georgia shall govern this
Agreement. If Georgia’s conflict of law rules would apply another state’s laws,
the Parties agree that Georgia law shall still govern.
11.    No Strict Construction. If there is a dispute about the language of this
Agreement, the fact that one Party drafted the Agreement shall not be used in
its interpretation.
12.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including Attachment A which is
incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties
concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any
prior communications, agreements or understandings, whether oral or written,
between the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including
without limitation, that certain Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and
Non-Competition Agreement dated April 30, 2001 between You and the Company.
13.    Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in
writing signed by both Parties.
14.    Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be assignable to, and shall
inure to the benefit of, the Company’s successors and assigns, including,
without limitation, successors through merger, name change, consolidation, or
sale of a majority of the Company’s stock or assets, and shall be binding upon
You. You shall not have the right to assign Your rights or obligations under
this Agreement. The covenants contained in this Agreement shall survive
cessation of Your employment with the Company, regardless of who causes the
cessation or the reason for cessation.
15.    Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue. You agree that any claim arising out
of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court of
competent jurisdiction in Georgia. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of
the state and/or federal courts located in Georgia. You waive (a) any objection
to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or
improper venue, in any action brought in such courts.

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16.     Affirmation. You acknowledge that You have carefully read this
Agreement, You know and understand its terms and conditions, and You have had
the opportunity to ask the Company any questions You may have had prior to
signing this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement as of the date set
forth above.

          S1 Corporation               By: /s/ Johann Dreyer   /s/ Matthew Hale
Name: Johann Dreyer   Matthew Hale Title: CEO     Address:   3500 Lenox Road
Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30326    

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ATTACHMENT A
DEFINITIONS

A.   “Business” shall mean the business of developing, designing, and
implementing computer applications that allow banks, brokerage firms, and
insurance companies to enable their customers to access financial information
and conduct transactions over multiple delivery channels.

B.   “Confidential Information” means (a) information of the Company, to the
extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (i) relates to
the business of the Company, (ii) possesses an element of value to the Company,
(iii) is not generally known to the Company’s competitors, and (iv) would damage
the Company if disclosed, and (b) information of any third party provided to the
Company which the Company is obligated to treat as confidential. Confidential
Information includes, but is not limited to, (i) future business plans, (ii) the
composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or
equipment of the Company, (iii) communication systems, audio systems, system
designs and related documentation, (iv) advertising or marketing plans,
(v) information regarding independent contractors, employees, clients and
customers of the Company, and (vii) information concerning the Company’s
financial structure and methods and procedures of operation. Confidential
Information shall not include any information that (i) is or becomes generally
available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure,
(ii) has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating
this Agreement or the legal rights of any party, or (iii) otherwise enters the
public domain through lawful means.

C.   “Contact” means any interaction between You and a Customer which (i) takes
place in an effort to establish, maintain, and/or further a business
relationship on behalf of the Company and (ii) occurs during the last year of
Your employment with the Company (or during Your employment if employed less
than a year).

D.   “Customer” means any person or entity to which the Company has sold its
products or services, or solicited to sell its products or services.

E.   “Employee” means any person who (i) is employed by the Company at the time
Your employment with the Company ends, (ii) was employed by the Company during
the last year of Your employment with the Company (or during Your employment if
employed less than a year), or (iii) is employed by the Company during the
Restricted Period.

F.   “Licensed Materials” means any materials that You utilized for the benefit
of the Company, or delivered to the Company or the Company’s customers, which
were created by You or of which You are otherwise in lawful possession, and
(iii) You lawfully utilized for the benefit of, or distribute to, the Company or
the Company’s customers.

G.   “Restricted Period” means the time period during Your employment with the
Company, and for one (1) year after Your employment with the Company ends.

H.   “Trade Secrets” means information of the Company, and its licensors,
suppliers, clients and customers, without regard to form, including, but not
limited to, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a
compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process,
financial data, financial plans, product plans, or a list of actual or potential
customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public
and which information (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not
being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means
by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and
(ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to
maintain its secrecy.