<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4






                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                                NETPARTNER, INC.

                                       AND

                               JOHN B. CARRINGTON





<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PAGE
                                                                                           ----
<S>     <C>                                                                                 <C>
1.      EMPLOYMENT...........................................................................1

2.      LOYAL AND CONSCIENTIOUS PERFORMANCE; NONCOMPETITION..................................2

3.      COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE............................................................2

4.      TERM.................................................................................4

5.      CHOICE OF LAW........................................................................7

6.      AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.................................................................8

7.      CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION;
        NONSOLICITATION......................................................................8

8.      ASSIGNMENT AND BINDING EFFECT........................................................9

9.      NOTICES..............................................................................9

10.     CHOICE OF LAW........................................................................9

11.     INTEGRATION..........................................................................9

12.     AMENDMENT...........................................................................10

13.     WAIVER..............................................................................10

14.     SEVERABILITY........................................................................10

15.     INTERPRETATION; CONSTRUCTION........................................................10

16.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES......................................................10

17.     LITIGATION COSTS....................................................................10

18.     TRADE SECRETS OF OTHERS..............................................................1
</TABLE>


                                       i.


<PAGE>   3

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


        This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of May 10, 1999 (the "Hire Date") by and between NETPARTNERS, INC. (the
"Company"), a Delaware corporation, and JOHN B. CARRINGTON ("Executive"). The
Company and Executive are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties,"
and individually referred to as a "Party."

                                    RECITALS

        A. The Company desires assurance of the association and services of
Executive in order to retain Executive's experience, skills, abilities,
background and knowledge, and is willing to engage Executive's services on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        B. Executive desires to be in the employ of the Company, and is willing
to accept such employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.

                                    AGREEMENT

        In consideration of the foregoing Recitals and the mutual promises and
covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT.

        1.1 The Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts
employment by the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for the period commencing on the Hire Date and ending as provided in
paragraph 4 hereof (the "Employment Period").

        1.2 Executive shall serve as President, Chief Executive Officer ("CEO")
and a director on the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") Executive shall
report to the Board.

        1.3 Executive shall do and perform all services, acts or things
necessary or advisable to manage and conduct the business of the Company and
which are normally associated with the position of President and CEO consistent
with the bylaws of the Company and as required by the Company's Board.

        1.4 Unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing, during the term of
this Agreement, Executive shall perform the services he is required to perform
pursuant to this Agreement at the Company's offices, located in San Diego,
California, or at any other place at which the Company maintains an office;
provided, however, that the Company may from time to time require Executive to
travel temporarily to other locations in connection with the Company's business.



                                       1.
<PAGE>   4

2. LOYAL AND CONSCIENTIOUS PERFORMANCE; NONCOMPETITION.

        2.1 During the Employment Period, Executive shall devote his full
business energies, interest, abilities and productive time to the proper and
efficient performance of his duties under this Agreement. The foregoing shall
not preclude Executive from engaging in civic, charitable or religious
activities, or from serving on boards of directors of companies or organizations
which will not present any direct conflict with the interest of the Company or
affect the performance of Executive's duties hereunder. The Company acknowledges
that, at this time the Executive is on the Board of Directors of SalesLogix in
Phoenix, Arizona and Digital Lava in Los Angeles, California.

        2.2 Except with the prior written consent of the Company's Board,
Executive will not, during the Employment Period, or any period during which
Executive is receiving compensation or any other consideration from the Company,
including severance pay pursuant to Section 4 herein, engage in competition with
the Company, either directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, as
adviser, principal, agent, partner, officer, director, employee, member of any
association or otherwise, in any phase of the business of developing,
manufacturing and marketing of products which are in the same field of use or
which otherwise compete with the products or products actively under development
by the Company.

        2.3 Except as permitted herein, Executive agrees not to acquire, assume
or participate in, directly or indirectly, any position, investment or interest
known by him to be adverse or antagonistic to the Company, its business or
prospects, financial or otherwise. Ownership by Executive, as a passive
investment, of less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of any corporation with one or more classes of its capital stock listed on
a national securities exchange or publicly traded in the over-the-counter market
shall not constitute a breach of this paragraph.

3. COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE.

        3.1 The Company shall pay Executive an initial base salary of Two
Hundred Thousand and Four Dollars ($200,004.00) per year (the "Base Salary"),
payable in regular periodic payments in accordance with Company policy. Such
salary shall be prorated for any partial year of employment on the basis of a
365 day fiscal year.

        3.2 Executive's compensation may be changed from time to time by mutual
agreement of Executive and the Board. Executive's Base Salary shall be reviewed
annually by the Board and increased (but not decreased) based upon Executive's
performance in the sole discretion of the Board.

        3.3 All of Executive's compensation shall be subject to customary
withholding taxes and any other employment taxes as are commonly required to be
collected or withheld by the Company.



                                       2.
<PAGE>   5


        3.4 During the Employment Period, the Company agrees to reimburse
Executive for all reasonable and necessary business expenses subject to the
Company's standard requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of
such expenses.

        3.5 Executive shall, in accordance with Company policy and the terms of
the applicable plan documents, be eligible to participate in benefits under any
Executive benefit plan or arrangement which may be in effect from time to time
and made available to its executive or key management employees. The Company may
modify or cancel its benefit plan(s) as it deems necessary.

        3.6 Executive shall be eligible for a performance bonus in 1999 to be
awarded by the Board based upon Executive's attainment of certain sales goals.
If the Company's sales for the period of May through December, 1999, are between
Eight Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($8,600,000.00) and Ten Million Seven
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($10,700,000.00), Executive shall earn a bonus equal to
the formula of Actual $ Sales / $10,700,000. x $50,000.00. As a stretch bonus,
if the Company's sales for the period of May through December, 1999, are between
Ten Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($10,700,000.00) and Thirteen Million
Dollars ($13,000,000.00), Executive will earn an additional bonus equal to the
formula of Actual $ Sales / $13,000,000.00 x $50,000.00 In the event Executive
attains sales goals in excess of Thirteen Million Dollars ($13,000,000.00), his
total bonus paid shall be limited to One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00)
in 1999. If Executive earns a bonus, hereunder, it shall be paid within sixty
(60) days of December 31, 1999. For each year following 1999, Executive shall be
eligible for an annual bonus which shall be awarded at the sole discretion of
the Board pursuant to the terms of any bonus formula or plan which the Board may
approve in the future.

        3.7 (a) Subject to the Board's approval, Executive will be granted a
non-statutory stock option to purchase nine hundred seventy-five thousand
(975,000) shares of the common stock of the Company, contingent on Executive
accepting employment with the Company and effective upon Executive's Hire Date
and subject to the terms and conditions of the 1998 Equity Incentive Plan
("Option 1"). One-fourth (1/4) of the shares subject to Option 1 shall vest and
be immediately exercisable on the flat anniversary of the Hire Date following
twelve (12) continuous months of service with the Company, with an additional
one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares subject to Option 1 vesting monthly
thereafter, provided that Executive remains employed with the Company through
each vesting installment date. The exercise price of Option 1 shall be fifty
(.50) cents per share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Option 1 shall be fully
exercisable and shall vest in full upon a Change in Control (as defined below).

             (b) Subject to the Board's approval, Executive will also be
granted a non-statutory stock option to purchase 325,000 shares of the Company's
common stock, contingent upon Executive accepting employment with the Company
and effective upon Executive's Hire Date, and subject to the terms and
conditions of the 1998 Equity Incentive Plan ("Option 2"). Option 2 will be
immediately exercisable; provided, however, that the Company shall have the
right to repurchase all unvested shares at the original purchase price of the
shares. The right of repurchase in favor of the Company shall lapse monthly
(27,083 shares per month) so that on the first anniversary of the date of grant
the right of repurchase in favor of the Company shall have



                                       3.
<PAGE>   6

lapsed in fall. Such right of repurchase shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of subsection 6(i) of the 1998 Equity Incentive Plan. The exercise
price of Option 2 shall be fifty (.50) cents per share. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Option 2 shall be fully exercisable and shall vest in full upon a
Change in Control (as defined below).

            (c) If the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock are
increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind
of shares for the Company through a reorganization or recapitalization, stock
dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, or other similar transaction, then
appropriate and proportional adjustment shall be made in the number and kind of
securities receivable upon the exercise of the Options and the exercise price
per share to prevent the dilution or enlargement of Executive's rights under the
Options; provided, however, the aggregate exercise price applicable to the
Options shall remain the same.

            (d) Upon any acquisition of the Company (through acquisition of
shares, merger, sale of assets or otherwise) in which shares of the Company's
common stock are converted into or exchanged for shares of another corporation,
provision shall be made by the Company for the assumption of the Options by such
other corporation and the Options shall be appropriately adjusted to apply and
pertain to the number and class of securities which would have been issued to
Executive upon consummation of such acquisition had the Options been exercised
immediately prior thereto. Appropriate adjustments shall also be made to the
exercise price applicable to the Options shall remain the same; provided, that
in the event any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation refuses to
assume such Options or to substitute similar stock awards for such Options, the
vesting of such Options (and, if applicable, the time during which such Options
may be exercised) shall be accelerated prior to such event and the Options
terminated if not exercised after such acceleration and at or prior to such
event.

4. TERM.

            (a) The Employment Period shall end on the second anniversary of the
Hire Date; provided, that the Employment Period terminate earlier as provided in
this Section 4. The two (2) year Employment Period shall be extended at the end
of each year during the Employment Period for an additional one (1) year period
unless the Company notifies Executive in writing by April 30 of any year of the
Company's election not to extend the Employment Period. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, (i) the Employment Period shall terminate upon Executive's
resignation, death or permanent Disability (as defined in Section 4(k)); (ii)
the Employment Period may be terminated by Executive at any time if the Company
fails to comply with any material provision of this Agreement, which failure has
not been cured within ten (10) business days after notice of such noncompliance
has been given by the Executive to the Company; (iii) the Employment Period may
be terminated for Good Reason by Executive at any time during the period two (2)
years after the date of a Change in Control (as defined below); (iv) the
Employment Period may be terminated without Cause by the Company upon thirty
(30) days prior written notice to Executive; and (v) the Employment Period may
be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause.



                                       4.
<PAGE>   7


            (b) If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company for Cause
or by Executive's resignation, Executive shall be entitled to receive all
amounts due to him through the date of termination, including any Bonus earned.

            (c) If the Employment Period is terminated as a result of
Executive's death or permanent Disability, the Company shall pay any amounts due
to Executive through the date of termination and a pro-rated Bonus in an amount
equal to the Bonus which would have otherwise been payable to Executive pursuant
to paragraph 3.6, if any, with respect to the fiscal year in which such
termination occurs.

            (d) If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company pursuant
to paragraph 4(a)(iv) or by Executive pursuant to paragraphs 4(a)(ii) above
then, upon Executive's furnishing to the Company an executed waiver and release
of claims (a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A), Executive shall be
entitled to receive (i) a lump sum payment equal to 50% of his current Base
Salary in effect as of the date of termination, subject to standard deductions
and withholdings payable within ten (10) days after the date of termination,
(ii) a Bonus equal to 50% of the average of the annual Bonuses earned by
Executive during the Employment Period subject to standard deductions and
withholdings. Executive shall also be eligible to receive continued medical
benefits to the extent permitted under COBRA for a period of six (6) months from
the date of termination.

            (e) If, within two (2) years after a Change in Control, the
Employment Period is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, or if
Executive terminates the Employment Period for Good Reason (as hereinafter
defined), then upon Executive's furnishing to the Company an executed waiver and
release of claims (a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A), Executive
shall be entitled to the following: (i) Executive's Base Salary and accrued and
unused vacation earned through the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum payment
equal to one and one-half times the sum of Executive's current Base Salary in
effect as of the date of termination, subject to standard deductions and
withholdings, to be paid within (10) days after the date of termination; (iii) a
lump sum payment equal to one and one-half times the average of the Bonuses
earned by Executive during the Employment Period, subject to standard deductions
and withholdings, to be paid within ten (10) days after the date of termination;
(iv) continued medical benefits, to the extent permitted under COBRA, for a
period of eighteen (18) months.

            (f) If the Employment Period is terminated prior to December 1,
1999, there shall be no Bonus earned by Executive for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1999. If the Employment Period is terminated between December 1 and
December 31, 1999, the Bonus earned by Executive for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1999 shall be 50% of Executive's Base Salary in effect as of such
termination for purposes of calculating average Bonuses in paragraphs 4(d) and
(e) above; provided, however, that Executive is not terminated for Cause.

            (g) For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" of the
Company shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any "person" (as such term is
used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act")), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities of the Company under an employee benefit plan of



                                       5.
<PAGE>   8

the Company, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of
the Company representing 50% or more of (A) the outstanding shares of Common
Stock of the Company or (B) the combined voting power of the Company's
then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors; (ii) during any period of not more than two consecutive years, not
including any period prior to the date of this Agreement, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than
a director designed by a person who has entered into an agreement with the
Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i) or (iii) of this
paragraph (g)) whose election by the Board or nomination by the Company's
shareholders was approved by a vote by at least a majority of the directors
still in office who either were in office at the beginning of such period or
whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, ceases for
any reason to constitute a majority of the Board; (iii) the Company is party to
a merger or consolidation which results in the holders of voting securities of
the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto failing to continue to
represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting
securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of
the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding
immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the Company sells or disposes
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or any transaction having a
similar effect is consummated.

            (h) "Good Reason" as used in this Agreement shall mean (i) without
Executive's express written consent, any failure by the Company to comply with
any material provision of this Agreement, which failure has not been cured
within ten (10) business days after notice of such noncompliance has been given
by Executive to the Company, or (ii) the occurrence (without Executive's express
written consent), within two (2) years after a Change in Control, of any one of
the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act, unless, in
the case of any act or failure to act described below, such act or failure to
act is corrected prior to the date of termination specified in any notice of
termination given by Executive to the Company in respect thereof:

               (a) Any change in Executive's title, authorities,
responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) which represents an
adverse change from his status, title, position or responsibilities (including
reporting responsibilities) which were in effect immediately prior to the Change
in Control; the assignment to Executive of any material duties or work
responsibilities which are inconsistent with such status, title, position or
work responsibilities; or any removal of Executive from, or failure to appoint
or reelect him to, any such positions, except if such changes are because of
Disability, retirement, death or for Cause;

               (b) The relocation of Executive's office to a location outside of
San Diego or Orange County, California;

               (c) The failure by the Company to continue in effect any annual
or long-term incentive compensation plan in which Executive participated
immediately prior to the Change in Control, unless Executive participates after
the Change in Control in another


                                       6.
<PAGE>   9

comparable plan generally available to senior executives of the Company and
senior executives of any person in control of the Company; or

               (d) The failure by the Company to continue to provide the
Executive with benefits substantially similar in value in the aggregate to those
enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control.

            (i) Except as otherwise set forth above, all of Executive's rights
to fringe benefits and bonuses hereunder (if any) accruing after the termination
of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination.

            (j) For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) the
willful failure or refusal by Executive to perform his duties hereunder (other
than any such failure resulting from Executive's incapacity due to physical or
mental illness), which has not ceased within ten (10) business days after
written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the
Company, which demand identifies the manner in which Company believes that the
Executive has not performed such duties and the steps required to cure such
failure to perform; (ii) Executive shall intentionally and willfully engage in
misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or
otherwise; or (iii) the conviction of Executive of or the entering of a plea of
nolo contenders by Executive with respect to, a felony.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive's Employment hereunder shall not be
deemed to be terminated for Cause and no other action shall be taken by the
Company which is adverse to Executive unless and until there shall have been
delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by a unanimous vote
of the Board (excluding Executive) at a meeting of the Board (after written
notice to Executive and a reasonable opportunity for Executive to be heard
before the Board) authorizing and approving such termination or other action.

            (k) For purposes of this Agreement, permanent "Disability" shall
mean the expiration of a continuous period of one hundred and eighty (180) days
during which Executive is unable to perform his assigned duties due to physical
or mental incapacity. In the event of any dispute regarding the existence of
Executive's Disability hereunder, the matter will be resolved by the
determination of a majority of three physicians qualified to practice medicine
in California, one to be selected by each of Executive and the Board and the
third to be selected by the two designated physicians. For this purpose,
Executive will submit to appropriate medical examinations.

            (l) Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any
payment provided for in this Section 4 by seeking other employment or otherwise,
and the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Section 4 shall
not be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment
by another employer or by any other benefits.

5. CHOICE OF LAW.

        5.1 This Agreement will be governed by the internal law, and not the
laws of conflicts, of the State of California.


                                       7.
<PAGE>   10

6. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.

        6.1 The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with
the prior written consent of the Company and Executive, and no course of conduct
or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement shall affect
the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement.

7. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION; NONSOLICITATION.

        7.1 Executive agrees to execute and abide by the Proprietary Information
and Inventions Agreement attached and amended hereto as Exhibit B.

        7.2 Executive recognizes that his employment with the Company will
involve contact with information of substantial value to the Company, which is
not old and generally known in the trade, and which gives the Company an
advantage over its competitors who do not know or use it, including but not
limited to, techniques, designs, drawings, processes, inventions, developments,
equipment, prototypes, sales and customer information, and business and
financial information relating to the business, products, practices and
techniques of the Company, (hereinafter referred to as "Confidential and
Proprietary Information"). Executive will at all times regard and preserve as
confidential such Confidential and Proprietary Information obtained by Executive
from whatever source and will not, either during his employment with the Company
or thereafter, publish or disclose any part of such Confidential and Proprietary
Information in any manner at any time, or use the same except on behalf of the
Company, without the prior written consent of the Company.

        7.3 While employed by the Company and for one (1) year thereafter, the
Executive agrees that in order to protect the Company's Confidential and
Proprietary Information from unauthorized use, that Executive will not, either
directly or through others, solicit or attempt to solicit any employee,
consultant or independent contractor of the Company to terminate his or her
relationship with the Company in order to become an employee, consultant or
independent contractor to or for any other person or business entity; or the
business of any customer, vendor or distributor of the Company which, at the
time of termination or one (1) year immediately prior thereto, was doing
business with the Company or listed on Company's customer, vendor or distributor
list.



                                       8.
<PAGE>   11


8. ASSIGNMENT AND BINDING EFFECT.

        8.1 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
Executive and Executive's heirs, executors, personal representatives, assigns,
administrators and legal representatives. Due to the unique and personal nature
of Executive's duties under this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any
rights or obligations under this Agreement shall be assignable by Executive.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and
its successors, assigns and legal representatives. The Company will require any
successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or
otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place.

9. NOTICES.

        9.1 All notices or demands of any kind required or permitted to be given
by the Company or Executive under this Agreement shall be given in writing and
shall be personally delivered (and receipted for) or mailed by certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

               9.1.1  If to the Company:

                      NetPartners, Inc.
                      9210 Sky Park Court
                      San Diego, California 92123
                      Attn:  Chairman of the Board of Directors

               9.1.2  If to Executive:

                      John B. Carrington
                      25 Pelican Hill Circle
                      Newport Coast, California 92657

Any such written notice shall be deemed received when personally delivered or
three (3) days after its deposit in the United States mail as specified above.
Either Party may change its address for notices by giving notice to the other
Party in the manner specified in this section.

10. CHOICE OF LAW.

        10.1 This Agreement is made in San Diego, California. This Agreement
shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
California.

11. INTEGRATION.

        11.1 This Agreement contains the complete, final and exclusive agreement
of the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes
all prior oral and written employment agreements or arrangements between the
Parties.



                                       9.
<PAGE>   12

12. AMENDMENT.

        12.1 This Agreement cannot be amended or modified except by a written
agreement signed by Executive and the Company.

13. WAIVER.

        13.1 No term, covenant or condition of this Agreement or any breach
thereof shall be deemed waived, except with the written consent of the Party
against whom the wavier in claimed, and any waiver or any such term, covenant,
condition or breach shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or
succeeding breach of the same or any other term, covenant, condition or breach.

14. SEVERABILITY.

        14.1 The finding by a court of competent jurisdiction of the
unenforceability, invalidity or illegality of any provision of this Agreement
shall not render any other provision of this Agreement unenforceable, invalid or
illegal. Such court shall have the authority to modify or replace the invalid or
unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision
which most accurately represents the parties' intention with respect to the
invalid or unenforceable term or provision.

15. INTERPRETATION; CONSTRUCTION.

        15.1 The headings set forth in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not be used in interpreting this Agreement. This
Agreement has been drafted by legal counsel representing the Company, but
Executive has been encouraged, and has consulted with, his own independent
counsel and tax advisors with respect to the terms of this Agreement. The
Parties acknowledge that each Party and its counsel has reviewed and revised, or
had an opportunity to review and revise, this Agreement, and the normal rule of
construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the
drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement.

16. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

        16.1 Executive represents and warrants that he is not restricted or
prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing each
of the terms and covenants contained in this Agreement, and that his execution
and performance of this Agreement will not violate or breach any other
agreements between Executive and any other person or entity.

17. LITIGATION COSTS.

        17.1 Should any litigation, arbitration, or administrative action be
commenced between the parties or their personal representatives concerning any
provision of this agreement or the rights and duties of any person in relation
to this agreement, the party or parties prevailing such action shall be
entitled, in addition to such other relief as may be granted to a reasonable



                                      10.

<PAGE>   13

sum as and for that party's attorney's fees in such litigation which shall be
determined by the court, arbitrator, or administrative agency, in such action or
in a separate action brought for that purpose.

18. TRADE SECRETS OF OTHERS.

        18.1 It is the understanding of both the Company and Executive that
Executive shall not divulge to the Company and/or its subsidiaries any
confidential information or trade secrets belonging to others, including
Executive's former employers, nor shall the Company and/or its affiliates seek
to elicit from Executive any such information. Consistent with the foregoing,
Executive shall not provide to the Company and/or its affiliates, and the
Company and/or its affiliates shall not request, any documents or copies of
documents containing such information.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

NETPARTNERS, INC.

By:        /s/ Bruce Coleman
    ------------------------------
Its:             CEO
    ------------------------------

Dated:         5/7/99
      ----------------------------


EXECUTIVE:


    /s/ John B. Carrington
----------------------------------
JOHN B. CARRINGTON

Dated:         May 7, 1999
       ---------------------------



                                      11.
<PAGE>   14

                                    EXHIBIT A

                          RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS



        In consideration of the payments and other benefits set forth in Section
4 of the Employment Agreement dated May ____, 1999 to which this form is
attached, I, JOHN B. CARRINGTON, hereby furnish NETPARTNERS, INC. (the
"Company"), with the following release and waiver ("Release and Waiver").

        I hereby release, and forever discharge the Company, its officers,
directors, agents, employees, stockholders, successors, assigns affiliates and
Benefit Plans, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of
action, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, damages, indemnities and obligations
of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown,
suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising at any time prior
to and including my employment termination date with respect to any claims
relating to my employment and the termination of my employment, including but
not limited to, claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law relating to
employment, including, but not limited to, discrimination claims, claims under
the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended ("ADEA"), or claims for
wrongful termination, breach of the covenant of good faith, contract claims,
tort claims, and wage or benefit claims, including but not limited to, claims
for salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, vacation pay, fringe
benefits, severance pay or any form of compensation.

        In releasing claims unknown to me at present, I am waiving all rights
and benefits under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, and any law or
legal principle of similar effect in any jurisdiction: "A GENERAL RELEASE DOES
NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS
FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE
MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR."

        I acknowledge that, among other rights, I am waiving and releasing any
rights I may have under ADEA, that this release and waiver is knowing and
voluntary, and that the consideration given for this release and waiver is in
addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled as an Executive of
the Company. I further acknowledge that I have been advised, as required by the
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, that: (a) the release and waiver granted
herein does not relate to claims which may arise after this release and waiver
is executed; (b) I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to executing
this release and waiver (although I may choose voluntarily not to do so); and if
I am over 40 years old upon execution of this (c) I have twenty-one (21) days
from the date of termination of my employment with the Company in which to
consider this release and waiver (although I may choose voluntarily to execute
this release and waiver earlier); (d) I have seven (7) days following the
execution of this release and waiver to revoke my consent to this release and
waiver; and (e) this release and waiver shall not be effective until the seven
(7) day revocation period has expired.



Date:                                                /s/ John B. Carrington
     ----------------------                      ------------------------------
                                                       JOHN B. CARRINGTON


<PAGE>   15

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                NETPARTNERS, INC.

                  EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

        In consideration of my employment or continued employment by
NETPARTNERS, INC. (the "COMPANY"), and the compensation now and hereafter paid
to me, I, JOHN B. CARRINGTON, hereby agree as follows:


1. NONDISCLOSURE

        1.1 RECOGNITION OF COMPANY'S RIGHTS; NONDISCLOSURE. At all times during
my employment and thereafter, I will hold in strictest confidence and will not
disclose, use, lecture upon or publish any of the Company's Proprietary
Information (defined below), except as such disclosure, use or publication may
be required in connection with my work for the Company, or unless an officer of
the Company expressly authority such in writing. I will obtain Company's written
approval before publishing or submitting for publication any material (written,
verbal, or otherwise) that relates to my work at Company and/or incorporates any
Proprietary Information. I hereby assign to the Company any rights I may have or
acquire in such Proprietary information and recognize that all Proprietary
Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns.

        1.2 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. The term "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION" shall
mean any and all confidential and/or proprietary knowledge, data or information
of the Company. By way of illustration but not limitation, "PROPRIETARY
INFORMATION" includes (a) trade secrets, inventions, mask works, ideas,
processes, formulas, source and object codes, data, programs, other works of
authorship, know-how, improvements, discoveries developments, designs and
techniques (hereinafter collectively referred to as "INVENTIONS"); and (b)
information regarding plans for research, development, new products, marketing
and selling, business plans, budgets and unpublished financial statements,
licenses, prices and costs, suppliers and customers; and (c) information
regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood that, at all such times, I am
free to use information which is generally known in the trade or industry, which
is not gained as result of a breach of this Agreement, and my own, skill,
knowledge, know-how and experience to whatever extent and in whichever way I
wish.

        1.3 THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. I understand, in addition, that the Company
has received and in the future will receive from third parties confidential or
proprietary information ("THIRD PARTY INFORMATION") subject to a duty on the
Company's part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it
only for certain limited purposes. During the term of my employment and
thereafter, I will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and
will not disclose to anyone (other than Company personnel who need to know such
information in connection with their work for the Company) or use, except in
connection with my work for the Company, Third Party Information unless
expressly authorized by an officer of the Company in writing.

        1.4 NO IMPROPER USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS AND OTHERS. During
my employment by the Company I will not improperly use or disclose any
confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employer or any
other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality, and I will not
bring onto the promises of the Company any unpublished documents or any property
belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom I have an
obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by that former
employer or person. I will use in the performance of my duties only information
which is generally known and used by persons with training and experience
comparable to my own, which is common knowledge in the industry or otherwise
legally in the public domain, or which is otherwise provided or developed by the
Company.

2. ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS

        2.1 PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. The term "PROPRIETARY RIGHTS" shall mean all
trade secret, patent, copyright, mask work and other intellectual property
rights throughout the world.

        2.2 PRIOR INVENTIONS. Inventions, if any, patented or unpatented, which
I made prior to the commencement of my employment with the



                                       2.
<PAGE>   16

Company are excluded from the scope of this Agreement. To preclude any possible
uncertainty, I have set forth on Exhibit B (Previous Inventions) attached hereto
a complete list of all Inventions that I have, alone or jointly with others,
conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed
or reduced to practice prior to the commencement of my employment with the
Company, that I consider to be my property or the property of third parties and
that I wish to have excluded from the scope of this Agreement (collectively
referred to as "PRIOR INVENTIONS"). If disclosure of any such Prior Invention
would cause me to violate any prior confidentiality agreement, I understand that
I am not to list such Prior Inventions in Exhibit B but am only to disclose a
cursory name for each such invention, a listing of the party(ies) to whom it
belongs and the fact that full disclosure as to such inventions has not been
made for that reason. A space is provided on Exhibit B for such purpose. If no
such disclosure is attached, I represent that there are no Prior Inventions. If,
in the course of my employment with the Company, I incorporate a Prior Invention
into a Company product, process or machine, the Company is hereby granted and
shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide
license (with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees) to
make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, I agree that I will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated,
Prior Inventions in any Company Inventions without the Company's prior written
consent.

        2.3 ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS. Subject to Sections 2.4, and 2.6, I hereby
assign and agree to assign in the future (when any such Inventions or
Proprietary Rights are first reduced to practice or first fixed in a tangible
medium, as applicable) to the Company all my right, title and interest in and to
any and all Inventions (and all Proprietary Rights with respect thereto) whether
or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar statutes, made or
conceived or reduced to practice or learned by me, either alone or jointly with
others, during the period of my employment with the Company. Inventions assigned
to the Company, or to a third party as directed by the Company pursuant to this
Section 2, are hereinafter referred to as "COMPANY INVENTIONS."

        2.4 NONASSIGNABLE INVENTIONS. This Agreement does not apply to an
Invention which qualifies fully as a nonassignable Invention under Section 2870
of the California Labor Code (hereinafter "SECTION 2870"). I have reviewed the
Notification on Exhibit A (Limited Exclusion Notification) and agree that my
signature acknowledges receipt of the notification.

        2.5 OBLIGATION TO KEEP COMPANY INFORMED. During the period of my
employment I will promptly disclose to the Company fully and in writing all
Inventions authored, conceived or reduced to practice by me, either alone or
jointly with others. In addition, I will promptly disclose to the Company all
patent applications filed by me or on my behalf within six (6) months after
termination of employment. At the time of each such disclosure, I will advise
the Company in writing of any Inventions that I believe fully qualify for
protection under Section 2870; and I will at that time provide to the Company in
writing all evidence necessary to substantiate that belief. The Company will
keep in confidence and will not use for any purpose or disclose to third parties
without my consent any confidential information disclosed in writing to the
Company pursuant to this Agreement relating to Inventions that qualify fully for
protection under the provisions of Section 2870. I will preserve the
confidentiality of any Invention that does not fully qualify for protection
under Section 2870.

        2.6 GOVERNMENT OR THIRD PARTY. I also agree to assign all my right,
title and interest in and to any particular Company Invention to a third party,
including without limitation the United States, as directed by the Company.

        2.7 WORKS FOR HIRE. I acknowledge that all original works of authorship
which am made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of my
employment and which are protectable by copyright are "works made for hire,"
pursuant to United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101).

        2.8 ENFORCEMENT OF PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. I will assist the Company in
every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and
foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Inventions in any and all
countries. To that end I will execute, verify and deliver such documents and
perform such other acts (including appearances as a witness) as the Company may
reasonably request for use in applying for, obtaining, perfecting, evidencing,
sustaining and enforcing such Proprietary Rights and the assignment thereof. In
addition, I will execute, verify and deliver assignments of such Proprietary
Rights to the Company or its designee.



                                       3.
<PAGE>   17

My obligation to assist the Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating
to such Company Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the
termination of my employment, but the Company shall compensate me at a
reasonable rate after my termination for the time actually spent by me at the
Company's request on such assistance.

In the event the Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to
secure my signature on any document needed in connection with the actions
specified in this Section 2.8, I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the
Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in
fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and in my behalf
to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully
permitted acts to further the purposes of the preceding paragraph with the same
legal force and effect as if executed by me. I hereby waive and quitclaim to the
Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which I now or may
hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assigned hereunder to
the Company.

3. RECORDS. I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the
form of notes, sketches, drawings and in any other form that may be required by
the Company) of all Proprietary information developed by me and all Inventions
made by me during the period of my employment at the Company, which records
shall be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

4. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES. I agree that during the period of my employment by the
Company I will not without the Company's express written consent, engage in any
employment or business activity which is competitive with, or would otherwise
conflict with, my employment by the Company. I agree further that for the period
of my employment by the Company and for six (6) months after the date of
termination of my employment by the Company I will not induce any employee of
the Company to leave the employ of the Company.

5. NO CONFLICTING OBLIGATION. I represent that my performance of all the terms
of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breech
any agreement to keep in confidence information acquired by me in confidence or
in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I
agree I will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict
herewith.

6. RETURN OF COMPANY DOCUMENTS. When I leave the employ of the Company, I will
deliver to the Company any and all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications,
devices, formulas, and documents, together with all copies thereof, and any
other material containing or disclosing any Company Inventions, Third Party
Information or Proprietary Information of the Company. I further agree that any
property situated on the Company's premises and owned by the Company, including
disks and other storage media, filing cabinets or other work areas, is subject
to inspection by Company personnel at any time with or without notice. Prior to
leaving, I will cooperate with the Company in completing and signing a mutually
agreed termination statement.

7. LEGAL AND EQUITABLE REMEDIES. Because my services are personal and unique and
because I may have access to and become acquainted with the Proprietary
Information of the Company, the Company shall have the right to enforce this
Agreement and any of its provisions by injunction, specific performance or other
equitable relief, without bond and without prejudice to any other rights and
remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this Agreement

8. NOTICES. Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be given to the
appropriate party at the address specified below or at such other address as the
party shall specify in writing. Such notice shall be deemed given upon personal
delivery to the appropriate address or if sent by certified or registered mail,
three (3) days after the date of mailing.

9. NOTIFICATION OF NEW EMPLOYER. In the event that I leave the employ of the
Company, I hereby consent to the notification of my new employer of my rights
and obligations under this Agreement.

10. GENERAL PROVISIONS

        10.1 GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION. This Agreement
will be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of
California, as such laws are applied to agreements entered into and to be
performed entirely within California between California residents. I hereby
expressly consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts
located in San Diego County, California for any lawsuit filed there against me
by Company arising from or related to this Agreement



                                       4.
<PAGE>   18

        10.2 SEVERABILITY. In case any one or more of the provisions contained
in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement
shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had
never been contained herein.

        10.3 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement will be binding upon my
heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for
the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns.

        10.4 SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the
termination of my employment and the assignment of this Agreement by the Company
to any successor in interest or other assignee.

        10.5 EMPLOYMENT. I agree and understand that nothing in this Agreement
shall confer any right with respect to continuation of employment by the
Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with my right or the Company's right
to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause.

        10.6 WAIVER. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Agreement
shall be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the
Company of any right under this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any
other right. The Company shall not be required to give notice to enforce strict
adherence to all terms of this Agreement.

        10.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The obligations pursuant to Sections 1 and 2 of
this Agreement shall apply to any time during which I was previously employed,
or am in the future employed, by the Company as a consultant if no other
agreement governs nondisclosure and assignment of inventions during such period.
Except for my Employment Agreement dated May 10th, 1999, this Agreement is the
final, complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this
Agreement and my Employment Agreement, my Employment Agreement shall prevail. No
modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights
under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the
party to be charged.

        This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment
with the Company, namely: May 10, 1999.

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I HAVE COMPLETELY
FILLED OUT EXHIBIT B TO THIS AGREEMENT.



Dated:             5-7-99
      ----------------------------

      /s/ John B. Carrington
----------------------------------
(SIGNATURE)

             JOHN B. CARRINGTON
----------------------------------
(PRINTED NAME)



ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:

NETPARTNERS, INC.

By:      /s/ Bruce Coleman
    ------------------------------

Title:          CEO
      ----------------------------


----------------------------------
(Address)

----------------------------------

Dated:          5/7/99
       ---------------------------



                                       5.
<PAGE>   19

                                    EXHIBIT A

                         LIMITED EXCLUSION NOTIFICATION



        THIS IS TO NOTIFY you in accordance with Section 2872 of the California
Labor Code that the foregoing Agreement between you and the Company does not
require you to assign or offer to assign to the Company any invention that you
developed entirely on your own time without using the Company's equipment,
supplies, facilities or trade secret information except for those inventions
that either:

        1. Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the
invention to the Company's business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated
research or development of the Company;

        2. Result from any work performed by you for the Company.

        To the extent a provision in the foregoing Agreement purports to require
you to assign an invention otherwise excluded from the preceding paragraph, the
provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

        This limited exclusion does not apply to any patent or invention covered
by a contract between the Company and the United States or any of its agencies
requiring full title to such patent or invention to be in the United States.

        I ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT of a copy of this notification.



                                         By:     /s/ John B. Carrington
                                             ----------------------------------
                                                     JOHN B. CARRINGTON

                                         Date:          5-7-99
                                               --------------------------------


WITNESSED BY:

       /s/ Bruce Coleman
----------------------------------
(PRINTED NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE)


<PAGE>   20

                                    EXHIBIT B

TO:        NETPARTNERS, INC.

FROM:      JOHN B. CARRINGTON

DATE:      May 7, 1999

SUBJECT:   PREVIOUS INVENTIONS

1. Except as listed in Section 2 below, the following is a complete list of all
inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by
NETPARTNERS, INC. (the "COMPANY") that have been made or conceived or first
reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my engagement by
the Company:

        [X]     No inventions or improvements.

        [ ]     See below:


                ----------------------------------

                ----------------------------------

                ----------------------------------


[ ]     Additional sheets attached.

        2. Due to a prior confidentiality agreement, I cannot complete the
disclosure under Section 1 above with respect to inventions or improvements
generally listed below, the proprietary rights and duty of confidentiality with
respect to which I owe to the following party(ies):


           INVENTION OR IMPROVEMENT          PARTY(IES)           RELATIONSHIP
           ------------------------          ----------           ------------
1.
           ------------------------          ----------           ------------
2.
           ------------------------          ----------           ------------
3.
           ------------------------          ----------           ------------




[ ]     Additional sheets attached.