<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.19



                        QUADRANT/KMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

                                      LEASE


THIS LEASE is made this 6th day of December, 1996, by and between Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), a Delaware Corporation, as "Landlord," and
Vixel Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, as "Tenant." Landlord and Tenant
agree as follows:

1.      BASIC LEASE TERMS. This section contains the Basic Lease Terms of this
        Lease between Landlord and Tenant named below. Other sections,
        paragraphs, and exhibits of the Lease referred to in this paragraph
        explain and define the Basic Lease Terms in greater detail and are to be
        read in conjunction with the Basic Lease Terms.

        a.     PREMISES:
               Building 11911 Building                    Unit  NA
                        Quadrant Business Park - Bothell  (the "Corporate Park")

               Address  11911 North Creek Parkway South
                        Bothell, WA 98011                       (Paragraph 3)

        b.     AREA OF PREMISES:
               Approximately 42,702 square feet.  (Paragraph 3)

        c.     TERM:  (PARAGRAPH 4)
               (1)    Commencement Date:           February 1, 1997
               (2)    Expiration Date:             January 31, 2002
               (3)    Number of Months:            60
               (4)    Rent Commencement Date:      April 1, 1997

        d.     EXTENSION/RENEWAL OPTIONS:  (PARAGRAPH 4(c))

                      Term                                Rental

               Three (3) Years                  Market Rate - Similar Properties

        e.     MONTHLY BASE RENT:  (PARAGRAPH 6)

                 Months  1 -  2     =    $       0.00/mo.           NNN
                 Months  3 - 12     =    $  32,026.50/mo.           NNN
                 Months 13 - 24     =    $  33,805.75/mo.           NNN
                 Months 25 - 36     =    $  35,585.00/mo.           NNN
                 Months 37 - 48     =    $  37,364.25/mo.           NNN
                 Months 49 - 60     =    $  39,143.50/mo.           NNN

        f. PREPAID RENT AND SECURITY DEPOSIT: (PARAGRAPH 7)

               (1)    Total Initial Deposit:  $416,344.50
               (a)    Prepaid Rent:           $ 32,026.50   for Month 3



                                       1.
<PAGE>   2
               (b)    Initial Security Deposit:   $384,318.00 (Letter of Credit)

        g. USE: (PARAGRAPH 8) TENANT'S USE OF PREMISES:

               General office, warehouse, light manufacturing, assembly and
               testing of electronic systems and components, research and
               development.

        h.     TENANT'S INITIAL ESTIMATED SHARE OF COMMON COSTS AND EXPENSES:
               (PARAGRAPH 9)

               $12,298.18 per month; or $0.288 per square foot per month.

        i.     BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS:  (PARAGRAPH 37)

               (1)    Brokerage Firm:       Cushman & Wakefield of Washington,
                                            Inc./CB Commercial
               (2)    Commission Paid By:   Landlord

        j.     NOTICE ADDRESSES:  (PARAGRAPH 32)

               Landlord:
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
                      Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)
                      c/o Quadrant/KMS Management Services         Telephone: (206) 455-2900
                      Property Management                          Facsimile: (206) 646-8300
                      P.O. Box 130
                      N.E. 8th at 112th
                      Bellevue, Washington 98009

               Tenant:
                      Vixel Corporation
                      11911 North Creek Parkway                    Telephone:  (303) 460-0700
                      Bothell, WA  98011                           Facsimile:  (303) 466-0290
                      Attn:  ______________________

               With a copy to:
                      Vixel Corporation
                      325 Interlocken Parkway
                      Building A, Suite 305
                      Broomfield, Co 80021
                      Attn:  Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

The foregoing Basic Lease Term [LANGUAGE MISSING] a part of the Lease. Each
reference in the Lease to any of the Basic Lease Terms shall mean the respective
information set forth above. Tenant acknowledges that it has read and
understands all of the provisions contained in the entire Lease and all exhibits
which are a part thereof and agrees that the Lease, including the Basic Lease
Terms and all exhibits, reflects the entire understanding and reasonable
expectations of Tenant and Landlord regarding the Premises.


2.      PARTIES. This Lease is made between Landlord and Tenant.



                                       2.
<PAGE>   3
3.      PREMISES. Landlord agrees to lease to Tenant the "Premises" described in
        Exhibit A-1 and consisting of approximately the square feet designated
        in paragraph 1.b. The Premises are a part of the "Building", which
        Building is located on the real property described on Exhibit A-2 (the
        "Property"). The Premises are improved or to be constructed pursuant to
        the terms and conditions of Exhibit B (will be attached upon mutual
        tenant improvement approval by Landlord and Tenant). The Premises,
        Building, and Property are a part of the named Corporate Park stated in
        paragraph 1.a ("Corporate Park").

4.      TERM. The term of this Lease shall commence on the earlier of:

        a.      The date specified in paragraph 1.c(1); or Tenant obtaining an
                occupancy permit for the Premises; or ninety (90) days after a
                lease has been fully executed.

        b.      If Tenant shall occupy the Premises for the purpose of
                commencing operations prior to the date specified in paragraph
                1.c(1), then the date of such occupancy.

        c.      OPTION TO EXTEND TERM: Landlord will grant (1) Option to Extend
                the Lease term and all provisions contained in this Lease,
                except for the minimum monthly rent, for one three (3) year
                period ("Extended Term") following expiration of the initial
                term by giving notice of exercise of the Option ("Option
                Notice") to Landlord at lease one hundred fifty (150) days
                before the expiration of the initial term, provided that if
                Tenant is in default of a material term of this Lease beyond the
                applicable cure period on the date of giving Option Notice, the
                Option Notice shall be ineffective, or if Tenant is in default
                of a material term of this Lease beyond the applicable cure
                period on the day the Extended Term is to commence, the Extended
                Term shall not commence and this Lease shall expire at the end
                of the initial term.

                Landlord shall give Tenant its initial determination of the fair
                market rent either promptly after the receipt of Tenant's notice
                exercising Tenant's option to extend, or promptly after
                receiving a request for such determination prior to receipt of
                Tenant's exercise of its option if such request is received
                during the ninety (90) days prior to the date such option must
                be exercised. If Tenant disagrees with Landlord's initial
                designation of the Fair Market Rent, Landlord and Tenant agree
                to negotiate in good faith for a period of up to thirty (30)
                days following Tenant's receipt of Landlord's initial
                determination of Fair Market Rent in an effort to agree on the
                Fair Market Rent, and if the parties cannot agree upon the Fair
                Market Rent by the end of such thirty day period, then the Fair
                Market Rent shall be submitted to arbitration as follows:

                Within fifteen (15) days after the expiration of such thirty
                (30) day period, Landlord and Tenant shall either agree on the
                name of a single arbitrator or each give notice to the other
                specifying the name and address of the arbitrator each has
                chosen. The two arbitrators so chosen shall meet within ten (10)
                days after the second arbitrator is appointed and if, within
                twenty (20) days after the second arbitrator is appointed, the
                two arbitrators shall not agree upon a determination of the Fair
                Market Rent in



                                       3.
<PAGE>   4
                accordance with the following provisions of this Section they
                shall together appoint a third arbitrator.

                If said two arbitrators cannot agree upon the appointment of a
                third arbitrator within ten (10) days after the expiration of
                such twenty (20) day period, then either party, on behalf of
                both and on notice to the other, may request such appointment by
                the then President of the Washington State Commercial
                Association of Realtors (or any successor organization) in
                accordance with its then prevailing rules. If said President
                shall fail to appoint said third arbitrator within ten (10)
                after such request is made, then either party, on behalf of both
                and on notice to the other, may request such appointment by the
                American Arbitration Association (or any successor organization)
                in accordance with its then prevailing rules. The sole
                arbitrator, both arbitrators or the majority of the arbitrators
                (as applicable) shall determine the Fair Market Rent of the
                Premises for the extension term as of the first day of the
                extension term and render a decision and award as to their
                determination to both Landlord and Tenant within twenty (20)
                days after the appointment of the last arbitrator chosen. In the
                Event that all three arbitrators cannot agree upon such Fair
                Market Rent within ten (10) days after the third arbitrator
                shall have been selected, then each arbitrator shall submit his
                designation of such Fair Market Rent to the other two
                arbitrators in writing; and the Fair Market Rent shall be
                determined by calculating the average of the two numerically
                closest (or, if the values are equidistant, all three) values so
                determined.

                Each of the arbitrators selected as herein provided shall have
                at least ten (10) years experience as a commercial real estate
                broker in the Eastside (East of Lake Washington) area dealing
                with properties of the same type and quality as the Building.
                Each party shall pay the fees and expenses of the arbitrator it
                has selected and the fees and expenses of the third arbitrator
                and all other expenses (not including counsel fees, witness fees
                and similar expenses of the parties, each of which shall be
                borne separately by each of the parties) of the arbitration
                shall be borne equally by the parties hereto except that the
                fees and expenses of the sole arbitrator shall be borne equally
                by the parties. Each party may offer to the arbitrators such
                evidence as it desires. Each arbitrator shall be the judge of
                the relevancy and materiality of the evidence offered, and
                conformity to legal rules of evidence shall not be necessary.
                All orally presented evidence shall be taken in the presence of
                all arbitrators and each of the parties except where such party
                is absent following reasonable notice or has waived the right to
                be present, and copies of all written evidence shall be
                concurrently presented to all arbitrators and each party. The
                decision and award of the arbitrator(s) shall be in writing and
                be final and conclusive on all parties, and counterpart copies
                thereof shall be delivered to each of such parties. Judgment may
                be had on the decision and award of the arbitrator(s) so
                rendered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

                If Tenant does not provide written notice of its option to
                extend on or before the dates specified herein, Tenant's Option
                to Extend shall be null and void and Tenant shall have no right
                to extend the Term.



                                       4.
<PAGE>   5
        d.      OPTION TO TERMINATE: Landlord shall grant a one-time option to
                terminate this Lease after the 36th month. To exercise this
                option Tenant must provide Landlord with six (6) months prior
                written notice of its intent to terminate the Lease. Tenant must
                also pay to Landlord prior to the effective cancellation date a
                termination fee equal to the unamortized portion of Tenant
                Improvements paid for by Landlord, brokerage fees and space
                planning costs incurred by Landlord. The amortization rate will
                be ten percent (10%). Additionally, Tenant shall pay to Landlord
                a fee equal to four (4) months rent ($149,457.00).

        The Lease Term shall expire on the Expiration Date specified in
        paragraph 1.c(2), unless sooner terminated or extended as provided
        herein.

5.      POSSESSION.

        a.      Landlord shall deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant on
                or before seven (7) days from the full execution of this Lease.
                In the event that Landlord fails to deliver the Premises to
                Tenant within such seven day period, Tenant shall have the right
                to terminate this Lease upon notice to Landlord.

        b.      If Landlord permits Tenant to occupy the Premises prior to the
                Commencement Date of the term, such occupancy shall be subject
                to all the provisions of this Lease and shall not advance the
                Expiration Date of this Lease. Tenant's Share of Common Costs
                and Expenses shall be due and payable from the date of Tenant's
                occupancy of the Premises for the purpose of commencing
                operations.

        c.      If Tenant should cause any delay in Landlord's completion of the
                Premises, thereby delaying Tenant's occupancy of the Premises
                beyond the Commencement Date of this Lease, then the Landlord
                may, at its option require the Tenant to commence payment of
                rent on the stated Rent Commencement Date as specified in
                paragraph 1.c.(4) herein.

        d.      In the event that Tenant is delayed in taking occupancy of the
                Premises for the purpose of commencing its operations as a
                result of any Landlord Delay in excess of three (3) business
                days, the Commencement Date shall be delayed one business day
                for each business day of delay resulting from such cause. The
                term "Landlord Delay" shall mean any delay (i) in giving of
                authorizations or approvals by Landlord; (ii) attributable to
                the acts or failure to act of Landlord, its agents or
                contractors, that materially interfere with, and thereby delay,
                the completion of the tenant improvements; (iii) caused by the
                failure of the Building to comply with all applicable laws,
                rules regulations and orders for which the Landlord is
                responsible for pursuant to the terms of this Lease, in effect
                at the time Tenant commences construction of the tenant
                improvements, provided Tenant immediately notifies Landlord of
                any such failure to comply.

6.      RENT. Without prior notice or demand, in advance, Tenant agrees to pay
        to Landlord the Monthly Base Rent specified in paragraph 1.a on or
        before the first day of each calendar month of the Lease Term. Payment
        of Monthly Base Rent shall begin on the Rent Commencement Date specified
        in paragraph 1.c.(4). Rent for any period during the Term hereof which
        is for



                                       5.
<PAGE>   6
        less than one (1) month shall be a prorated portion of the monthly
        installment herein, based upon a thirty (30) day month. Rent shall be
        paid to Landlord at the address to which notices to Landlord are to be
        given, without deduction, or offset in lawful money of the United States
        of America, or to such other person or at such other place as Landlord
        may from time to time designate in writing.

7.      SECURITY DEPOSIT/LETTER OF CREDIT.

        a.      Landlord acknowledges receipt from Tenant of the Security
                Deposit (Letter of Credit), to be held by Landlord, as security,
                without interest, for and during the initial four (4) years of
                the Lease Term. Tenant shall deposit with Landlord thirty nine
                thousand one hundred forty-three dollars ($39,143.00) the first
                day of the forty-ninth (49th) month. If all or any part of the
                Security Deposit is applied to an obligation of Tenant
                hereunder, Tenant shall immediately upon request by Landlord
                restore the Security Deposit to its original amount. Tenant
                shall not have the right to call upon Landlord to apply all or
                any part of the Security Deposit to cure any default or fulfill
                any obligation of the Tenant, but such use shall be solely in
                the discretion of Landlord. Upon any conveyance by Landlord of
                its interest under this Lease, the Security Deposit may be
                delivered by Landlord to Landlord's grantee or transferee
                provided Landlord is not in default at such time. Upon any such
                delivery, Tenant hereby releases Landlord herein named of any
                and all liability with respect to the Security Deposit, its
                application and return, and Tenant agrees to look solely to such
                grantee or transferee. It is further understood that this
                provision shall also apply to subsequent grantees and
                transferees.

        b.      Tenant shall furnish to Landlord, at Tenant's sole cost and
                expense, a clean, irrevocable and unconditional letter of credit
                in the face amount of three hundred eighty four thousand three
                hundred eighteen dollars ($384,318.00), in the form of Exhibit D
                and drawn in favor of Landlord on a lending institution
                reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, together with a copy of the
                issuer's corporate resolution or letter from Tenant President or
                Board of Directors, authorizing execution of the Letter of
                Credit. The Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date no
                earlier than the first anniversary of the Commencement Date,
                which expiration date shall be automatically extended without
                amendment for additional periods of one year. Commencing on the
                thirteenth (13th) month, provided the Tenant is not in default
                beyond any applicable cure period under any material term of
                this Lease (which includes but is not limited to paragraphs 6,
                8, 9(a), 12, 15(b), 18, and 33(b), the Letter of Credit shall be
                reduced to the face amount per the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
                First day of the thirteenth (13th) month:        $  304,252.00
                First day of the twenty-fifth (25th) month:      $  213,510.00
                First day of the thirty-seventh (37th) month:    $  117,431.00
</TABLE>

                and further provided that so long as Tenant is in occupancy of
                any part of the Premises, unless the issuer of the Letter of
                Credit notifies Landlord in writing that it elects not to renew
                the Letter of Credit for such additional period. In the event
                Landlord is so notified by the issuer, Landlord shall so notify
                Tenant and Tenant shall, within 15 days



                                       6.
<PAGE>   7
                after Landlord's notice, deliver to Landlord a replacement
                Letter of Credit, such that the first Letter of Credit or
                replacement Letter of Credit shall be in effect at all times.
                Any replacement Letter of Credit shall be substantially in the
                form of Exhibit F, issued by a lending institution reasonably
                satisfactory to Landlord, and delivered to Landlord together
                with a copy of the issuer's corporate resolution authorizing
                execution of the replacement Letter of Credit. If Tenant fails
                to deliver to Landlord a replacement Letter of Credit within the
                time limits set forth in this paragraph, it shall be a default
                under this Lease and Landlord shall be entitled to draw down the
                full amount of the Letter of Credit without further notice or
                demand and retain the proceeds thereof as substitute security,
                subject to the provisions of this Section (drawing down the full
                amount of the Letter of Credit shall be deemed to cure Tenant's
                failure to deliver the replacement Letter of Credit.)

                Landlord shall hold the Letter of Credit as security for the
                faithful performance and observance beyond applicable cure
                periods by Tenant of the terms, provisions and conditions of
                this Lease. It is understood and agreed that if any default by
                Tenant occurs hereunder, Landlord shall have the right from time
                to time, without further notice or demand and without prejudice
                to any other remedy Landlord may have on account thereof, to
                make presentment of the Letter of Credit in the full amount, and
                Landlord may use, apply, or retain the whole or any part of the
                proceeds to the extent required for payment of any Annual Rent
                or additional rent to any other sum as to which Tenant is in
                default beyond the applicable cure period or for any sum which
                Landlord may expend or may be required to expend by reason of
                any default by Tenant hereunder, including, but not limited to,
                any damage or deficiency accrued before or after summary
                proceedings or other reentry by Landlord. It is agreed tat
                Landlord shall always have the right to apply the proceeds or
                any part thereof, as aforesaid without prejudice to any other
                remedy or remedies which Landlord may have, or Landlord may
                pursue any other such remedy or remedies in lieu of applying the
                proceeds or any part thereof. Tenant shall not have the right to
                call upon Landlord to apply all or any part of the proceeds to
                cure any default or fulfill any obligation of Tenant, such use
                shall be solely in the discretion of Landlord. The proceeds will
                be held by Landlord as Security and without any obligation to
                segregate the proceeds from any other funds held by Landlord or
                to accrue interest thereon for the benefit of Tenant. If
                Landlord shall apply the proceeds or any part thereof, as
                aforesaid, Tenant shall upon demand restore the Letter of Credit
                to the face amount required under this Section or pay to
                Landlord the amount necessary to restore the Letter of Credit to
                its original amount. In the event that Tenant shall fully and
                faithfully comply with all of the terms, provisions, covenants
                and conditions of this Lease, the Letter of Credit, or any
                remaining proceeds or cash deposits, shall be returned to Tenant
                within 30 days after the expiration of the Term and after
                delivery of entire possession of the Premises to Landlord. In
                the event of a sale or other transfer of the Premises, or
                leasing of the Premises, Landlord shall have the right to
                transfer the Letter of Credit, or any remaining proceeds, to the
                grantee, transferee or lessee (if the letter of credit is not
                assignable, Tenant shall furnish Landlord's successor with a
                replacement Letter of Credit showing such successor as payee,
                provided that the original Letter of Credit then outstanding
                shall be simultaneously returned to Tenant) and Landlord shall
                thereupon be released by Tenant from any and all liability with
                respect to the Letter of Credit, or any remaining proceeds, its
                application and return, and Tenant agrees to look solely to the
                grantee,



                                       7.
<PAGE>   8
                transferee or lessee. It is further understood that this
                provision shall also apply to subsequent grantees, transferees
                and lessees. Tenant further covenants that it will not assign or
                encumber nor attempt to assign or encumber the Letter of Credit
                or its proceeds and that neither Landlord nor its successors or
                assigns shall be bound by any such assignment, encumbrance,
                attempted assignment or attempted encumbrance. Any assignment or
                encumbrance or the Letter of Credit or its proceeds by Tenant
                shall be null and void and without force or effect at law or in
                equity.

8.      USE.

        a.      Tenant shall use the Premises for the purposes specified in
                paragraph 1.g above and hereby agrees that it has determined to
                its satisfaction that the Premises can be used for those
                purposes. Tenant waives any right to terminate this Lease in the
                event the Premises cannot be used for such purposes during the
                Lease term. The Premises may not be used for any other purpose
                without Landlord's written consent, such consent not to be
                unreasonable withheld, delayed or conditioned.

        b.      Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done in or about
                the Premises or bring or keep anything therein which will in any
                way increase the existing rate of or affect any fire or other
                insurance upon the Building or any of its contents, or cause
                cancellation or insurance policy covering the Building or any
                part thereof or any of its contents.

        c.      Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done in or about
                the Premises which will in any way obstruct or interfere with
                the rights or other tenants or occupants of the Building or
                Corporate Park or, injure or annoy them or use or allow the
                Premises to be used for any improper, immoral, unlawful, or
                objectionable purpose. Tenant shall not commit or suffer to be
                committed any waste, damage, or injury in or upon the Premises.
                Tenant shall not place upon or install in windows or other
                openings or exterior sides of doors or walls of the Premises any
                signs, symbols, drapes, or other materials without written
                consent of Landlord.

        d.      Landlord gives Tenant and its employees, authorized
                representatives, and business invitees a nonexclusive right to
                the reasonable use and enjoyment of the Common Areas, subject to
                Landlord's rights set forth herein.

9.      TENANT'S SHARE OF COMMON COSTS AND EXPENSES.

        a.      Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as additional rent, the amount
                estimated by Landlord to be Tenant's Share of Common Costs and
                Expenses ("Tenant's Share") as set forth in this paragraph 9.
                Tenant's Share shall be payable on or before the first day of
                the first full calendar month of the Term hereof or upon
                Tenant's occupancy, whichever first occurs, and on the first day
                of each and every successive calendar month thereafter during
                the Term hereof. Tenant's Share for any period less than one
                month shall be paid by the Tenant on a per diem basis, based on
                a thirty (30) day month.



                                       8.
<PAGE>   9
        b.      For the first accounting period of the Term, Tenant's Share
                shall be estimated to be equal to the amount specified in
                paragraph 1.h per month ("Tenant's Initial Estimated Share of
                Common Costs and Expenses").

        c.      An accounting period is a calendar year; except the first
                accounting period shall commence on the date the Lease Term or
                Tenant's occupancy commences, as the case may be, and end on
                December 31 of the same calendar year. The last accounting
                period shall end on the Expiration Date of the Lease Term.

        d.      Landlord can adjust the Common Costs and Expenses at the
                commencement of each new accounting period throughout the Lease
                term, whereupon Tenant's Share shall be adjusted accordingly,
                if, at any time during any accounting period, Landlord
                determines that the actual Common Costs and Expenses for such
                accounting period will vary by more than five percent (5%) from
                Landlord's original estimate, Landlord may, by written notice to
                Tenant, adjust the Common Costs and Expenses for the remainder
                of such accounting period, and, accordingly, Tenant's Share to
                be paid hereunder. Landlord shall furnish to Tenant, after each
                accounting period, a statement showing the actual total Common
                Costs and Expenses, the actual Tenant's Share, and the payments
                made by Tenant as part of its Tenant's Share during such
                accounting period. If the actual Tenant's Share exceeds Tenant's
                payments,,, Tenant shall pay to Landlord the deficiency within
                thirty (30) days of Tenant's receipt of such statement. If
                Tenant's payments made during the accounting period exceed the
                actual Tenant's Share, Landlord may, at Tenant's sole election,
                pay the excess to Tenant at the time Landlord furnishes said
                statement, or credit the excess toward Tenant's payments of
                Tenant's Share in the next succeeding accounting period.
                Landlord will keep books and records regarding the Common Costs
                and Expenses in accordance with the system of accounts and
                accounting practices consistently maintained ion a year-to-year
                basis. Tenant shall have the right (no more frequently than
                twice per calendar year) to review the books and records
                pertaining to such costs. If in Tenant's opinion such review
                discloses an error in Landlord's books and records with regard
                to these costs, Tenant may cause an audit at Tenant's expense of
                Landlord's books and records which will be conducted by an
                independent certified public accountant designated by Tenant and
                reasonably acceptable to Landlord, who does not represent or is
                not employed by either Landlord or Tenant on any other matters.
                If any audit discloses that Tenant overpaid the costs, Landlord
                shall pay Tenant the amount of overpayment within thirty (30)
                days after the results of the audit have been disclosed to both
                parties. Tenant shall pay all costs and expenses of the audit
                unless the audit shows Landlord overstated Tenant's share of the
                costs for the subject calendar year by more than five percent
                (5%) of the actual amount payable by Tenant, in which case,
                Landlord will pay all costs of the audit, not to exceed the
                amount of the overcharge, and will pay Tenant interest on the
                overpaid amounts at the Default Rate.

        e.      Common Costs and Expenses shall include the "Property Taxes" and
                "Operating Expenses". "Property Taxes" shall include, without
                limitation, all real and personal property taxes, charges, and
                assessments imposed on the Premises, Building, Property, or
                Common Areas; and any other taxes, charges, ground rents, or
                assessments assessed



                                       9.
<PAGE>   10
                against the Landlord, Premises, Building, Property, or Common
                Areas in connection with the use or occupancy of the Premises at
                any time during the term of this Lease. Property Taxes does not
                include (i) any interest, penalties or fines relating to
                Landlord's failure to pay any taxes, assessments or other
                charges when due, or (ii) any taxes, surcharges and local
                improvement and other assessments levied with respect to any
                additional development or construction on the Property, except
                that constructed by Tenant. Landlord agrees to pay all Property
                Taxes in the maximum number of installments permitted by law.
                The Property Taxes shall not be due and payable by Tenant except
                in the year in which it is actually paid. Tenant shall only be
                obligated to pay for Property Taxes that become due during the
                Term of this Lease or any extension thereof. Tenant shall have
                the right to have the assessed valuation of the Premises reduced
                or may initiate proceedings to contest the Property Taxes. If
                required by law, Landlord shall join in the proceedings brought
                by Tenant. "Operating Expenses" shall mean the annual Operating
                Expenses which include, without limitation, all operating costs
                incurred by Landlord or on behalf of the Premises in
                maintaining, operating, and providing services to and for the
                Building, Property, Common Areas, and the Corporate Park,
                including, without limitation, the costs of utilities, supplies,
                insurance, independent contractors, property managers, other
                suppliers, compensation of all persons who perform regular and
                recurring duties connected with the Building, Property, and
                Common Areas and Corporate Park, its equipment, utilities,
                sprinkler systems, and parking facilities thereto, the cost of
                improvements or alterations to the Building, Property, Common
                Areas and Corporate Park as may be required by law or reasonably
                determined by Landlord to be necessary to improve the operating
                efficiency of the Building, Property, Common Areas and Corporate
                Park, and allowance to Landlord or Landlord's agent for
                supervision of such maintenance, operation,, services and repair
                of the Building, Property, and Common Areas and any and all
                assessments charged to Landlord or the Property by or through
                the Owners Association of the Corporate Park, if any, in
                connection with the operation, repair and maintenance of the
                Common Areas and Corporate Park.

                Notwithstanding anything above to the contrary, Operating
                Expenses shall not include (A) debt service (including, without
                limitation, interest, principal, points, fees and any impound
                payments) required to be made on any real property mortgage or
                deed or trust recorded with respect to the Property; (B) the
                cost of any items for which Landlord is reimbursed by Insurance
                proceeds, condemnation awards, or otherwise; (C) salaries of
                officers, executives and owners of Landlord; (D) any costs
                included in Expenses representing an amount paid to an entity or
                person related to Landlord which is in excess of the amount
                which would have been paid in the absence of the relationship;
                (E) non-cash items, such as deductions for depreciation or
                obsolescence of the Property and building equipment; (F) costs
                incurred by Landlord for the repair of damage caused by fire,
                windstorm or other casualty, condemnation or eminent domain; (G)
                marketing costs including leasing commissions and attorneys'
                fees incurred in connection with lease negotiations; (H) costs
                incurred by Landlord due to the violation by Landlord of any
                law, code, regulation, ordinance or the like or the defense of
                Landlord's title to the Property or any part thereof; (I)
                overhead and profit increment paid to Landlord or its affiliates
                for goods and/or services rendered by unaffiliated third parties
                on a



                                      10.
<PAGE>   11
               competitive basis; (J) Landlord's general corporate overhead and
               general and administrative expenses; (K) costs incurred in
               connection with upgrading the Property to comply with disability,
               life, fire and safety codes, ordinances, statutes, or other laws
               in effect prior to the Commencement Date including, without
               limitation, the effect prior to the Commencement Date including,
               without limitation, the ADA, including penalties or damages
               incurred due to such non-compliance; (L) tax penalties incurred
               as a result of Landlord's failure to make payments and/or to
               files any tax or informational returns when due; (M) costs for
               which Landlord has been compensated by a management fee, and any
               management fees in excess of those management fees which are
               normally and customarily charged by Landlords of comparable
               property in the vicinity; (N) costs arising from the negligence
               or fault of Landlord or its agents, or any vendors, contractors,
               or providers of materials or services selected, hired or engaged
               by Landlord or its agents; (O) notwithstanding any contrary
               provision of the Lease, including, without limitation, any
               provision relating to capital expenditures, any and all costs
               arising from the presence of any Hazardous Material in or about
               the Property including, without limitation, Hazardous Materials
               in the ground water or soil, not placed on the Property by
               Tenant; (P) costs arising from latent defects in the Building or
               Common Areas installed by Landlord or repair thereof; (Q) costs
               (including in connection therewith all attorneys' fees and costs
               of settlement judgments and payments in lieu thereof arising from
               claims, disputes or potential disputes in connection with
               potential or actual claims, litigation or arbitrations pertaining
               to Landlord and/or the Building and/or the Property; (R) any
               expenses for repairs or maintenance which are reimbursed through
               warranties or service contracts; (S) any costs relating to
               landscaping to the property other than routine maintenence or
               restoration due to damage of existing landscaping. Any
               expenditures by Landlord for Operating Expenses that are
               considered Capital Improvements under Landlord's standard
               accounting practices as consistently applied, shall be amortized
               over the useful life of such asset. Only the amortized portion of
               such expenditure applicable to a particular period shall be
               considered an item of Operating Expenses for such period.

10.     REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY.

        a.      Landlord represents and warrants that to the best of its
                knowledge as of the date of this Lease, the Building (including
                Building systems) is in good condition and repair and in
                compliance with all applicable existing laws, ordinances, rules,
                regulations and orders. Tenant shall have no responsibility for
                correcting any noncompliance of the Premises with any applicable
                statues, ordinances, regulations, rules, and orders as of the
                date of this Lease except for compliance with ADA within the
                Premises. All such costs and expenses relating to correcting
                such noncompliance shall be the responsibility of the Landlord.
                By taking possession of the Premises, Tenant shall be deemed to
                have accepted the Premises as being in good, sanitary order,
                condition, and repair. Tenant shall, when and if needed, at
                Tenant's sole expense, make repairs to the Premises and every
                part thereof, including, without limitation, the heating,
                ventilating, and air conditioning system, if any, serving only
                the Premises. Tenant shall surrender the Premises to Landlord in
                good condition upon the expiration or sooner termination of this
                Lease; provided, however, that Tenant shall not be held
                responsible for damage to the Premises from causes beyond the
                reasonable control of Tenant, to the extent covered



                                      11.
<PAGE>   12
                by Landlord's fire and extended coverage insurance policy, or
                for ordinary wear and tear. Except as specifically provided in
                an exhibit, if any, to this Lease, Landlord shall have no
                obligation whatsoever to alter, remodel, improve, repair,
                decorate, or paint the Premises or any part thereof and the
                parties hereto affirm that Landlord has made no representations
                to Tenant respecting the condition of the Premises or the
                Building, except as specifically herein set forth.

        b.      Landlord, at its option, may engage a maintenance firm to
                maintain the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system,
                if any, servicing only the Premises. Tenant shall pay to
                Landlord, or, at landlord's election, directly to the
                maintenance firm, the cost of such maintenance, which shall be
                in addition to Common Costs and Expenses.

        c.      Except as provided herein, Tenant shall, at its expense, clean,
                maintain, and keep in good repair throughout the term of this
                Lease the entire Premises and appurtenances, including, without
                limitation, signs, windows, doors, and trade fixtures.

        d.      Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 10.a hereinabove,
                but subject to the provisions of paragraph 16, Landlord shall
                repair and maintain the structural portions of the Building,
                including the basic plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and
                electrical systems, installed or furnished by Landlord only
                insofar as such heating, air conditioning, and electrical
                systems provide service to the entire Building, unless such
                maintenance and repairs are caused in part or in whole by the
                act, neglect, fault, or omission of any duty by the Tenant, its
                agents, servants, employees, or invitees, in which case Tenant
                shall pay to Landlord the reasonable costs of such maintenance
                and repairs. Landlord shall not be liable for any failure to
                make any such repairs or to perform any maintenance unless
                Landlord fails to promptly commence such work and diligently
                prosecute it to its completion after written notice of the need
                of such repairs or maintenance is given to Landlord by Tenant.
                Except as provided in paragraph 16 and 17 hereof, there shall be
                no abatement of rent and no liability of Landlord by reason of
                any injury to or interference with Tenant's business arising
                from the making of any repairs, alterations, or improvements in
                or to any portion of the Building, the Premises, the Property,
                or to fixtures, appurtenances, and equipment therein. Tenant
                waives the right to make repairs at Landlord's expense under any
                law, statute, or ordinance now or hereafter in effect.

        e.      Tenant shall comply with the provisions of the American
                Disabilities Act (ADA) for improvements constructed by Tenant.
                Landlord shall be responsible for reasonable costs for common
                area and building exterior compliance for the American
                Disabilities Act (ADA).

        f.      In the event of (i) Premises Partial Damage or (ii) Hazardous
                Substance Condition for which Tenant is not legally responsible,
                the Base Rent, Common Area Operating Expenses and other charges,
                if any, payable by Tenant hereunder for the period during which
                such damage or condition, its repair, remediation or restoration
                continues, shall be abated in proportion to the degree to which
                Tenant's use of the Premises is impaired, but not in excess of
                proceeds from insurance required to be carried under Paragraph
                15.



                                      12.
<PAGE>   13
                Except for abatement of Base Rent, Common Area Operating
                Expenses and other charges, if any, as aforesaid, all other
                obligations of Tenant hereunder shall be performed by Tenant,
                and Tenant shall have no claim against Landlord for any damage
                suffered by reason of any such damage, destruction, repair,
                remediation or restoration.

        g.      If Landlord shall be obligated to repair or restore the Premises
                under the provisions of this Paragraph 9 and shall not commence,
                in a substantial and meaningful way, the repair or restoration
                of the Premises within sixty (60) days after such obligation
                shall accrue, Tenant may, at any time prior to the commencement
                of such repair or restoration, give written notice to Landlord
                and to any Lenders of which Tenant has actual notice of Tenant's
                election to terminate this Lease on a date not less than sixty
                (60) days following the giving of such notice. If Tenant gives
                such notice to landlord and such Lenders and such repair or
                restoration is not commenced within thirty (30) days after
                receipt of such notice, this Lease shall terminate as of the
                date specified in said notice. If Landlord or a Lender commences
                the repair or restoration of the Premises within thirty (30)
                days after the receipt of such notice, this Lease shall continue
                in full force and effect. "Commence" as used in this Paragraph
                shall mean either the unconditional authorization of the
                preparation of the required plans, or the beginning of the
                actual work on the Premises, whichever occurs first.

11.     MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

        a.      Landlord shall maintain the Common Areas in good condition at
                all times. Landlord shall have the right to establish and
                enforce reasonable rules and regulations applicable to all
                tenants concerning the maintenance, management, use, and
                operation of the Common Areas; and to make changes to the Common
                Areas, including, without limitation, changes in the location of
                driveways, entrances, exits, vehicular parking spaces, parking
                area, or the direction of the flow of traffic. Landlord
                understands that Tenant has entered into this Lease for the
                Property in part, based on the appearance of the Building.
                Therefore, Landlord agrees that prior to making any material
                alterations affecting the access and appearance of the front of
                the Building, Landlord will consult with Tenant and consider
                Tenant's recommendations prior to making any such alterations.

        b.      Common Areas, as defined in this Lease, mean all parts of the
                Building, and related land areas and facilities outside the
                Individual Premises, but constituting a part of Corporate Park.
                Common Areas include, without limitation:

                (1)     the Property, pedestrian walkways and patios, landscaped
                        areas, sidewalks, loading areas, parking areas, and
                        roads located on the Property;

                (2)     the structural parts of the Building and other
                        improvements in which the Premises are located, which
                        structural parts include only the foundation, bearing
                        and exterior walls (excluding glass and doors),
                        subflooring, and roof (excluding skylights);



                                      13.
<PAGE>   14
                (3)     the unexposed electrical, plumbing, and sewage systems
                        lying outside the Premises;

                (4)     window frames, gutters, and downspouts on the Building
                        in which the Premises are located; and

                (5)     those certain open areas, landscaped areas, and
                        roadways, utility systems and facilities located outside
                        the Premises but on the Property, and Building.

        c.      Landlord shall not be liable, nor shall the rent be abated,
                because of interruption of services caused by accident, strikes,
                necessity for repairs, or for any other reason beyond its
                control.

12.     UTILITIES. Tenant shall pay, as additional rent, prior to delinquency,
        for heat, light, water, electricity, gas and other utility services
        supplied to the Premises and will pay any required deposits therefor.
        Water, electric, sewer, and other utility charges for which separate
        billings are not available shall be prorated by Landlord and charged to
        Tenant based on the ratio of the Premises to the total rentable square
        footage of the Building, Buildings within the Corporate Park, or
        Property, depending on the metering system then in place; provided,
        however, that Landlord may increase Tenant's pro rata portion of any
        such charges to reflect unusual or excessive utility systems demands.
        Separate charges may be made to reflect unusual or excessive utility
        system demands where not separately metered.

13.     TENANT IMPROVEMENT ALLOWANCE/ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS BY TENANT.

        a.      Tenant shall submit all construction plans and specifications
                describing all the proposed tenant improvements for Landlord's
                approval. Upon submission of construction plans for Landlord
                approval, Tenant shall identify any improvements to the Premises
                that Tenant desires to remove upon termination of the Lease.
                Landlord will approve or reject Tenant's proposal within 10 days
                of receipt of the proposal. Landlord's failure to reject within
                such 10 day period shall be deemed an approval of Tenant's plans
                to retain ownership of such improvements. Landlord will provide
                to Tenant a tenant improvement allowance of $132,400.00
                ($5.00/SF) on the office portion of the Premises, paid to Tenant
                upon completion of construction and Tenant confirmation of full
                payment for the work. All costs associated with construction
                drawings and city permits and approvals necessary to build the
                space in accordance to tenant requirements will be included in
                the tenant improvement allowance. Landlord and landlord's
                property manager shall be allowed to reasonably approve
                construction plans, specifications, contractors and the work.
                Tenant will deliver to landlord certificates of insurance for
                the contractors naming Landlord as additional insured.

        b.      After obtaining the prior written consent of Landlord, which
                shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned,
                Tenant may make, at its sole expense, such additional
                improvements or alterations to the Premises which it may deem
                necessary or desirable. Any repairs or new construction by
                Tenant shall be done in conformity with plans and specifications
                approved by Landlord. All work performed shall be done in a



                                      14.
<PAGE>   15
                workmanlike manner and shall become the property of the
                Landlord. At the time of approval of plans and specifications,
                Landlord shall identify alterations or improvements Landlord may
                require removed at the expiration of the term, such removal to
                occur at Tenant's sole cost and expense; and Tenant shall repair
                all damage to the Premises or Building occurring as a result of
                such removal.

14.     LIENS. Tenant shall keep the Premises, Building, and Property free from
        any liens arising out of any work performed, materials furnished, or
        obligations incurred by Tenant. Landlord may require, at Landlord's sole
        option, that Tenant shall provide to Landlord, at Tenant's sole cost and
        expense, a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to one and
        one-half (1.5) times any and all estimated cost or any improvements,
        additions, or alterations in the Premises, to insure Landlord against
        any liability for mechanics' and materialmen's liens and to insure
        completion of the work.

15.     INSURANCE.

        a.      Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant, and Tenant hereby waives
                all claims against landlord, for injury or damage to any person
                or property in or about the Premises, Building, or Property by
                or from any cause whatsoever; provided, that nothing contained
                herein shall relieve Landlord from liability for any such injury
                or damage caused by Landlord's negligence.

        b.      Tenant agrees to procure and maintain throughout the Lease Term,
                at Tenant's sole cost and expense, comprehensive general
                liability and property damage insurance with minimum liability
                limits of ($1,000,000) per occurrence, aggregate bodily injury
                and property damage; or $1,000,000 combined single limit. Such
                policy shall name Landlord, and Landlord's designated
                representative, as an additional insured, shall contain
                cross-liability endorsements. Tenant shall provide Landlord with
                a certificate of such insurance. The liability insurance policy
                shall be issued by a firm reasonably satisfactory to Landlord
                and shall contain endorsements requiring thirty (30) days notice
                to Landlord prior to any cancellation or any reduction in amount
                of the coverage.

        c.      The proceeds of any insurance policies maintained by or for the
                benefit of Landlord shall belong to and be paid over to
                Landlord. Tenant shall have no interest in or right to such
                proceeds and shall make no claim against Landlord or the insurer
                for any such proceeds. The insurance coverage which Tenant is
                required to maintain hereunder, and any other insurance coverage
                which Tenant elects to maintain, may not decrease the amount of
                insurance available under any insurance policies maintained by
                or for the benefit of Landlord.

        d.      Tenant, as a material part of the consideration to be rendered
                to Landlord, hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold
                harmless Landlord against any and all claims, costs, and
                liabilities, including reasonable attorneys fees, for damage or
                injury (1) arising from Tenant's use of the Premises, or (2)
                from the conduct of Tenant's business, or (3) from any activity,
                work, or thing done, permitted, or omitted by Tenant or any of
                Tenant's agents, contractors, or employees, or (4) from Tenant's
                breach of any term of this



                                      15.
<PAGE>   16
                Lease, or (5) occurring in or about the Premises, Building, or
                Property, unless caused by Landlord's negligence. The provisions
                of this paragraph 15 shall survive the expiration or termination
                of this Lease with respect to any events occurring prior to such
                expiration or termination.

        e.      Landlord, as a material part of the consideration to be rendered
                to Tenant, hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless
                Tenant against any and all claims, costs, and liabilities,
                including reasonable attorneys' fees, for damage or injury (1)
                arising from Landlord's use of the Premises, or (2) from the
                conduct of Landlord's business, or (3) from any activity, work,
                or thing done, permitted, or omitted by Landlord or any of
                Landlord's agents, contractors, or employees, or (4) from
                Landlord's breach of any term of this Lease, or (5) occurring in
                or about the Premises, Building, or Property, unless caused by
                Tenant's negligence. The provisions of this paragraph 15 shall
                survive the expiration or termination of this Lease with respect
                to any events occurring prior to such expiration or termination.

16.     DESTRUCTION. If the Premises or the Building is destroyed by fire,
        earthquake, or other casualty to the extent that they are untenantable
        in whole or in part, then Landlord may, at Landlord's option, proceed
        with reasonable diligence to rebuild and restore the Premises or such
        part thereof, provided that within thirty (30) days after such
        destruction or injury, Landlord shall in writing notify Tenant of
        Landlord's intention to do so. During the period from destruction or
        damage until restoration, the rent shall be abated in the same ratio as
        that portion of the Premises which Landlord determines is unfit for
        occupancy shall bear to the whole Premises. If Landlord shall fail to
        notify Tenant, then this Lease shall, at the expiration of the time for
        the giving of notice as herein provided, be deemed terminated and at an
        end. Landlord shall not be required to repair any injury or damage by
        fire or other cause, or to make any repairs or replacements of any
        panels, decoration, office fixtures, paintings, floor coverings, or any
        other property installed in the Premises by Tenant. The Tenant shall not
        be entitled to any compensation or damages from Landlord for loss of the
        use of the whole or any part of the Premises, Tenant's personal
        property, or any inconvenience or annoyance occasioned by such damage,
        repair, reconstruction, or restoration. Notwithstanding any provision to
        the contrary, in the event that the Premises and the property cannot be
        repaired or restored to a condition that would allow Tenant to continue
        its operations within 120 days from the date of such damage or
        destruction, or if the Premises are not so repaired or restored within
        such 120 day period, Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease
        upon notice to Landlord without any further liability.

17.     CONDEMNATION. If all or part of the Premises are taken under power of
        eminent domain, or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power,
        this Lease shall terminate as to the part so taken as of the date the
        condemning authority takes possession. If more than 25% percent of the
        floor area of Premises or the parking area for the Building is taken by
        condemnation, Tenant may, by a written notice within ten (10) days after
        notice of such taking (or absent of such notice, within ten (10) days
        after the condemning authority takes possession), terminate this Lease
        as of the date the condemning authority takes possession. If Tenant does
        not so terminate, this Lease shall remain in effect as to the portion of
        the Premises remaining except that the rent shall be reduced in the
        proportion that the floor area taken bears to the original



                                      16.
<PAGE>   17
        total floor area; provided, that if circumstances make abatement based
        on floor area unreasonable, the rent shall abate by a reasonable amount
        to be determined by Landlord. In the event that Tenant elects not to
        terminate the Lease with respect to any part of the Premises remaining
        after condemnation, Landlord shall have no responsibility to restore
        such part of the Premises to its condition prior to condemnation. Any
        award for the taking of all or part of the Premises under the power of
        eminent domain, including payment made under threat of the exercise of
        such power, shall be the property of Landlord, whether made as
        compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold or for the taking
        of the fee or as severance damages; provided, that Tenant shall be
        entitled to such compensation as may be separately awarded or
        recoverable by Tenant in Tenant's own right for the loss of or damage to
        Tenant's trade fixtures and removable personal property and moving
        costs. Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for the loss of the use of
        all or any part of the Premises taken by condemnation.

18.     ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING. Tenant shall not assign, let, or sublet this
        Lease or any part thereof, either by operation of law or otherwise, or
        permit any other party to occupy all or any part of the Premises,
        without first obtaining the written consent of Landlord, which shall not
        be unreasonably withheld. Landlord agrees to respond to Tenant request
        for approval of a sublease within ten (10) days from the receipt of such
        request. This Lease shall not be assignable by operation of law.
        Landlord and Tenant agree that landlord may charge Tenant a reasonable
        sum to reimburse Landlord for legal and administrative costs incurred in
        connection with such consent; and that from the date of such assignment,
        let or sublease of this Lease, Landlord and Tenant shall share equally
        in any rental and other proceeds paid to Tenant in excess of the rent to
        be paid to Landlord under the terms of this Lease. If Tenant is a
        corporation, any transfer of this Lease from Tenant by merger,
        consolidation, or liquidation or any change in the ownership or power to
        vote in the majority of the outstanding voting stock of Tenant shall
        constitute an assignment for the purpose of this paragraph. If Tenant is
        a partnership, any change in the individuals or entities of which the
        partnership is composed shall constitute an assignment for purposes of
        this section. Subject to the provisions above, this Lease shall be
        binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, heirs and
        successors and assigns. Tenant shall have the right to assign this Lease
        to any person or entity without consent of Landlord but with prior
        written consent thereof that (a) controls, is controlled by or is under
        common control with Tenant, (b) purchases substantially all of Tenants
        assets or a controlling interest in Tenant and such entity has a net
        worth equal to or greater than Tenant's net worth at the time of this
        Lease, or (c) an entity resulting from a merger or consolidation with
        Tenant.

19.     DEFAULT.

        a.      The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall
                constitute a material default and breach of the Lease by Tenant:

                (1)     vacation or abandonment of all of the Premises;

                (2)     failure by Tenant to make any payment required as and
                        when due, where such failure shall continue after five
                        (5) days written notice from Landlord;



                                      17.
<PAGE>   18
                (3)     failure by Tenant to observe or perform any of the
                        covenants, conditions, or provisions of this Lease,
                        other than the making of any payment, where such
                        failure shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days
                        after written notice from Landlord; or

                (4)     (i) the making by Tenant of any general assignment or
                        general arrangement for the benefit of creditors; (ii)
                        the filing by or against Tenant a petition in
                        bankruptcy, including reorganization or arrangement,
                        unless, in the case of a petition filed against Tenant,
                        the same is dismissed within thirty (30) days; (iii) the
                        appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession
                        of substantially all of Tenant's assets located at
                        Premises or of Tenant's interest in this Lease; (iv) the
                        seizure by any department of any government or any
                        officer thereof of the business or property of Tenant;
                        and (v) adjudication that Tenant is bankrupt.

        b.      Tenant shall notify Landlord promptly of any default by its
                nature not necessarily known to Landlord.

        c.      Landlord shall not be in default unless Landlord fails to
                perform its obligations within thirty (30) days after notice by
                Tenant specifying wherein Landlord has failed to perform;
                provided, that if the nature of Landlord's obligation is such
                that more than thirty (30) days are required for performance,
                Landlord shall not be in default if Landlord commences
                performance within thirty (30) days of Tenant's notice and
                thereafter completes Landlord's performance within a reasonable
                time. In the event that Landlord fails to cure any default
                within the applicable cure period, Tenant may exercise any of
                its rights provided in law or at equity and shall have the
                right, but not the obligation to cure any such even of default
                and to deduct the costs incurred by Tenant to cure such default,
                including legal fees and expenses, from the amounts next due and
                owning under the Lease.

        d.      If, pursuant to paragraph 1.e, Tenant was not obligated to pay
                Monthly Base Rent for any period of time during the Lease Term
                ("Rental Concession"), and if Tenant defaults in Tenant's
                obligations at any time during the Lease Term, than the Rental
                Concession shall be canceled and of no force or effect,
                whereupon the full dollar amount of the Rental Concession as
                specified in paragraph 1.e shall be due and payable as if no
                Rental Concession had ever been granted and without regard to
                whether this Lease is terminated by Landlord as a result of
                Tenant's default.

                In addition, all options and assumptions heretofore, if any, are
                cancelled.

20.     REMEDIES IN DEFAULT. In the event of any default or breach, Landlord
        may, at any time without waiving or limiting any other right or remedy,
        reenter and take possession of the premises, or terminate this Lease, or
        pursue any remedy allowed by law or equity. Tenant agrees to pay
        Landlord the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, the expenses
        of reletting, and any other reasonable costs or damages arising out of
        Tenant's default, including, without limitation, the costs of removing
        persons and property from the Premises, the costs of preparing or
        altering the Premises for reletting, broker's commissions, and legal
        fees.



                                      18.
<PAGE>   19
        Notwithstanding any reentry or termination, the liability of Tenant for
        the rent provided for herein shall not be extinguished for the balance
        of the term of this Lease, and Tenant covenants and agrees to make good
        to the Landlord any deficiency arising from reletting the Premises, at a
        lesser rent than herein agreed to. Tenant shall pay such deficiency each
        month as the amount thereof is ascertained by the Landlord.

21.     ACCESS. Tenant shall permit Landlord to enter the Premises at reasonable
        times for the purpose of inspecting, altering, and repairing the
        Premises and the Building and ascertaining compliance with the
        provisions hereof by Tenant, but nothing herein shall be construed as
        imposing any obligation on Landlord to perform any such work or duties.
        Landlord may also show the Premises to prospective purchasers or tenants
        at reasonable times, provided that Landlord shall not unreasonably
        interfere with Tenant's business operation.

22.     WAIVER OF SUBROGATION. Anything in this Lease to the contrary
        notwithstanding, Tenant and Landlord each waivers its entire right of
        recovery, claims, actions, or causes of action against the other for
        loss or damage to the Premises, Building, or Property or any personal
        property of such party therein that is caused by or incident to the
        perils covered by normal All Risk extended coverage clauses of standard
        fire insurance policies carried by the parties and in force at the time
        of damage or loss. Each party shall cause each insurance policy obtained
        by it to provide that the insurance company waives all right to recovery
        by way of subrogation against either party in connection with any such
        loss or damage. If either Landlord or Tenant is unable to obtain its
        insurer's permission to waive any claim against the other party, such
        party shall promptly notify the other party of such inability.

23.     HOLD-OVER TENANCY. If (without execution of a new lease or written
        extension) Tenant shall hold over after the expiration of the term of
        this Lease with Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be deemed to be
        occupying the Premises as a Tenant from month to month, which tenancy
        may be terminated as provided by law. If Tenant shall hold over after
        expiration of the term of this Lease without Landlord's written consent,
        Tenant's rent payable shall be increased by one hundred percent (100%)
        more than Tenant's Monthly Base Rent required in the last month of the
        Term of this Lease. During any such tenancy, Tenant agrees to be bound
        by all of the terms, covenants, and conditions as specified, insofar as
        applicable.

24.     COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Tenant shall use the Premises or permit anything to
        be done in or about the Premises which will in any way conflict with any
        law, statute, ordinance, or governmental rule or regulation now in force
        or which may hereafter be enacted or promulgated. Tenant shall, at its
        sole cost and expense, promptly comply with all laws, statutes,
        ordinances, and governmental rules, regulations, or requirements now in
        force or which may hereafter be in force, and with the requirements of
        any board of fire insurance underwriters or other similar bodies now or
        hereafter constituted, relating to, or affecting the conditions, use, or
        occupancy of the Premises, excluding structural changes not related to
        or affected by Tenant's use of the Premises, improvements to the
        Premises, or acts. The judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction
        of the admission of Tenant in any action against Tenant, whether
        Landlord be a part thereto or not, that Tenant has violated any law,
        statute, ordinance, or governmental rule, regulation, or requirement,
        shall be conclusive of the fact as between the Landlord and Tenant.



                                      19.
<PAGE>   20
25.     RULES AND REGULATIONS. Tenant shall faithfully observe and comply with
        the reasonable rules and regulations that Landlord shall from time to
        time promulgate. Landlord reserves the right from time to time to make
        all reasonable modification to said rules. The additions and
        modifications to those rules shall be binding upon Tenant upon delivery
        of a copy of them to Tenant. Landlord shall not be responsible to Tenant
        for the nonperformance of any said rules by any other tenants or
        occupants.

26.     PARKING. Tenants shall have the exclusive right to use the parking
        facilities of the Building and Property subject to the reasonable rules,
        regulations and exclusive use parking designations by Landlord, and any
        charges of Landlord for such parking facilities which may be established
        or altered by Landlord at any time or form time to time during the term
        hereof at no charge.

27.     MORTGAGES, DEEDS OF TRUST, PURCHASERS (ESTOPPEL STATEMENT). It is
        understood and agreed that Landlord may sell mortgage, or grant deeds of
        trust with respect to the Premises, the Building, or the Property and
        that Tenant may obtain financing, other than mortgaging the Lease, or
        enter into other Agreements that require confirmation of information
        relating to this Lease. Tenant and Landlord agree to execute, within ten
        (10) days following a request from the other party, such reasonable
        certificates as may be required by a mortgagee or trust deed beneficiary
        or such other party requiring a certificate stating that the Lease is in
        full force and effect and the dates to which the rent and charges have
        been paid. Upon a foreclosure or conveyance in lieu of foreclosure, and
        a demand by Landlord's successor. Tenant shall attorn to and recognize
        such successor as Landlord under this.

28.     SUBORDINATION. Tenant agrees that this Lease shall be subordinate to the
        lien of any mortgage, deeds or trust, or ground lessee now or hereafter
        placed against the Property or Building of which the Premises comprise a
        part, and to all renewals and modifications, supplements,
        consolidations, and extensions thereof; provided however, in the event
        that any mortgages or trust deed beneficiary shall so elect. Landlord
        reserves the right to subordinate said mortgage lien to the Lease upon
        the terms required by such mortgages or trust deed beneficiary. Landlord
        agrees that Tenant's subordination pursuant to this Paragraph 28 is
        conditioned on Landlord and its mortgages, beneficiary or ground lessor
        agreeing that so long as Tenant is not in default under this Lease
        beyond any applicable cure period. Tenant's rights under this Lease
        shall not be disturbed.

29.     TENANT'S PROPERTY. Furnishings, trade fixtures, and equipment installed
        by Tenant shall be the property of Tenant. On termination of the Lease.
        Tenant shall remove any such property. Tenant shall repair or reimburse
        Landlord for the cost of repairing any damage to the Premises resulting
        from the installment or removal of such property. At the expiration of
        this Lease, Tenant shall return Premises to Landlord in the same
        condition as when Tenant took occupancy, reasonable wear and tear
        accepted.

30.     REMOVAL OF PROPERTY. All personal property of Tenant remaining on the
        Premises after reentry or termination of this Lease, if not so removed
        by Tenant within 10 days from notice of Landlord, shall conclusively be
        deemed abandoned and may be removed by Landlord. Landlord may store such
        property in any place selected by Landlord, including, but not limited
        to, a public warehouse, at the expense and risk of the owner thereof,
        with the right to sell such stored property without notice to Tenant.
        The proceeds of such sale shall be applied first to the



                                      20.
<PAGE>   21
        cost of such sales, second to the payment of the cost of removal and
        storage. If any, and third to the payment of any other sums of money
        which may then be due from Tenant to Landlord under any of the terms
        thereof, and the balance, if any, to be paid to Tenant.

31.     PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES. Tenant shall pay, or cause to be paid, before
        delinquency, any and all personal property taxes levied or assessed and
        which become payable during the term hereof upon Tenant's Leasehold
        improvements, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and personal property
        locate din the Premises. In the event any or all of the Tenant's
        leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and personal
        property shall be assessed and taxed with the Building, Tenant shall pay
        to Landlord its share of such taxes within ten (10) days after delivery
        to Tenant by Landlord of a statement in writing setting forth the amount
        of such taxes applicable to Tenant's personal property.

32.     NOTICES. All notices under this Lease shall be effective when mailed by
        certified mail or delivered to Landlord and to Tenant at the addresses
        specified in paragraph 1.j, or to such other address as either party may
        designate to the other in writing from time to time.

33.     CONDITIONS OF PREMISES:  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

        a.      Tenant accepts the land, buildings, improvements, environmental
                condition, and all other aspects of the Premises in their
                present condition, AS IS, including latent defects, without any
                representations or warranties, express or implied.

        b.      Tenant shall not, without first obtaining Landlord's prior
                written approval, generate, release, spill, store, deposit,
                transport, or dispose of (collectively "Release") any hazardous
                substances, sewage, petroleum products, hazardous materials,
                toxic substances or any pollutants or substances, defined as
                hazardous or toxic in accordance with applicable federal, state,
                and local laws and regulations ("Hazardous Substances") in, on
                or about the Premises. In the event, and only in the event,
                Landlord approves such Release of Hazardous Substances on the
                Premises, tenant agrees that such Release shall occur safely and
                in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
                and regulations. Tenant shall indemnify, hold harmless and
                defend Landlord from any and all claims, liabilities, losses,
                damages, cleanup costs, and expenses (including reasonable
                attorneys' fees) arising out of or in any way related to the
                Release by Tenant, or any of its agents, representatives, or
                employees, or the presence of such Hazardous Substances in, on
                or about the Premises occurring at any time after the
                Commencement date specified in paragraph 1.c(1).

        c.      Landlord warrants and represents to the best of its knowledge,
                no use storage, treatment, or transportation of Hazardous
                Substance has occurred in or on the Premises or the property
                before the date of this Lease which has not been in compliance
                with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules,
                regulations, and ordinances. Landlord additionally warrants and
                represents to the best of its knowledge that no release, leak,
                discharge, spill, disposal, or emission of Hazardous Substance
                has occurred in, on, or under the Premises or the Property and
                that the same are free from Hazardous Substances as of the date
                of this Lease.



                                      21.
<PAGE>   22
        d.      Landlord shall indemnify, defend and hold Tenant harmless from
                any and all claims, damages, fines, judgments, liabilities,
                losses, costs, fees, penalties, charges and expenses assessed
                against, or imposed upon Tenant (including without limitation,
                any and all sums paid for settlement, attorneys' fees and costs,
                consultant and expert fees) arising during or after the Lease
                from or in connection with the presence or suspected presence of
                Hazardous Substances in or on the Premises or the Property,
                unless the Hazardous Substances are present as a result of
                Tenant's acts or those of its agents, employees, contractors, or
                invitees. Without limitation of the foregoing, this
                indemnification shall include any and all costs incurred because
                of any investigation, cleanup, removal, or restoration mandated
                by a federal, state or local agency or political subdivision,
                unless the Hazardous Substances are present as a result of
                Tenant, or its agents, employees, contractors or invitees. This
                indemnification shall specifically include any and all costs due
                to Hazardous Substances which flow, diffuse, migrate, or
                percolate into, onto, or under the Premises, Property or other
                property after the date of this Lease.

        e.      The provisions of this paragraph 33 shall survive the expiration
                or termination of this Lease with respect to any events
                occurring prior to such expiration or termination.

34.     SIGNS. The sign criteria for the Premises is set forth in Exhibit C.

35.     GENERAL PROVISIONS.

        a.      ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event either party requires the services
                of any attorney in connection with enforcing the terms of this
                Lease, or in the event suite is brought for the recovery of any
                rent due under this Lease or for the breach of any covenant or
                condition of this Lease, or for the restitution of said Premises
                to Landlord and/or eviction of Tenant during said term or after
                the expiration thereof, the prevailing party will be entitled to
                a reasonable sum for attorneys' fees, witness fees, and court
                costs, including costs of appeal.

        b.      CHOICE OF LAW. This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the
                State in which the premises are located.

        c.      CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No remedy or election hereunder shall be
                deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative
                with all other remedies at law or in equity.

        d.      EXHIBITS. Exhibits, if any, affixed to this Lease are a part
                thereof.

        e.      INABILITY TO PERFORM. This Lease and the obligations of the
                Tenant hereunder shall not be affected or impaired because the
                Landlord is unable to fulfill any of its obligations hereunder
                or is delayed in doing so, if such inability is caused by
                reasons of strike, labor trouble, acts of God, or any other
                cause beyond the reasonable control of the Landlord.

        f.      INTERPRETATION. This Lease has been submitted to the scrutiny of
                all parties hereto and their counsel, if desired, and shall be
                given a fair and reasonable interpretation in accordance with
                the words hereof, without consideration or weight being given to
                its having been drafted by any part hereto or its counsel.



                                      22.
<PAGE>   23
        g.      JOINT OBLIGATION. If there be more than one Tenant, the
                obligations hereunder imposed upon Tenants shall be joint and
                several.

        h.      KEYS. Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall surrender all
                keys to the Premises to Landlord at the piece then fixed for
                payment of rent and shall inform Landlord of all combination
                locks, safes, and vaults, if any, in the Premises.

        i.      LATE CHARGES. Tenant acknowledges that late payment by Tenant to
                Landlord of rent or other sums due hereunder will cause Landlord
                to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount
                of which would be extremely difficult and impractical to
                ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to,
                processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be
                imposed on Landlord by the terms of any mortgage or trust deed
                covering the premises; therefore, in the event Tenant should
                fail to pay any installment of rent or any other sum due
                hereunder within ten (10) days after such amount is due. Tenant
                shall pay to Landlord as additional rent a late charge equal to
                five percent (5%) of each installment or the sum of $25.00 per
                month, whichever is greater. A $5.00 charge will be paid by
                Tenant to Landlord for each returned check. In addition, any sum
                due and payable to Landlord under the terms of this Lease which
                is not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of two
                percent (2%) plus the published prime rate of interest of
                Seattle First National bank, Main Office, in effect as of the
                first day of the calendar month of such default (and adjusted
                accordingly as said prime rate of interest is adjusted) from the
                date the same becomes due and payable until paid.

        j.      LIGHT, AIR, AND VIEW. Landlord does not guarantee the continued
                present status of light, air, or view over any improvements
                adjoining or in the vicinity of the Building.

        k.      MARGINAL HEADINGS. The marginal headings and section titles in
                the sections of this Lease are not a part of this Lease and
                shall have no effect upon the construction or interpretation of
                any part hereof.

        l.      NAME. Tenant shall not use the name of the Building or Corporate
                park for any purpose other than as an address of the business to
                be conducted by the Tenant in the Premises.

        m.      PRIOR AGREEMENTS. This Lease contains all of the agreements of
                the parties hereto with respect to any matter covered or
                mentioned in this Lease, and no prior agreements of
                understandings pertaining to any such matters shall be effective
                for any purpose. No provision of hits Lease may be amended or
                added to except by an agreement in writing signed by the parties
                hereto or their respective successors in interest. This Lease
                shall not be effective or binding on any party until fully
                expected by both parties hereto.

        n.      RECORDATION. Tenant shall not record this Lease or a short form
                memorandum hereof without the prior written consent of Landlord.

        o.      SALE. In the event of any sale of the Building or Property, or
                any assignment of this Lease by Landlord. Landlord shall be and
                is hereby entirely freed and relieved of all liability under any
                and all of its covenants and obligations contained n or derived
                from this Lease arising out of any act, occurrence, or omission
                occurring after the consummation of such sale or assignment; and
                the purchase or assignee at such sale or



                                      23.
<PAGE>   24
                assignment or any subsequent sale or assignment of Lease, the
                Property, or Building, shall be deemed without any further
                agreement between the parties or their successors in interest or
                between the parties and any such purchaser or assignee to have
                assumed and agreed to carry out any and all of the covenants and
                obligations of the Landlord under this Lease.

        p.      SEVERABILITY. Any provision of this Lease which shall prove to
                be invalid, void, or illegal shall in no way affect, impair, or
                invalidate any other provision hereof and such other provision
                shall remain in full force and effect.

        q.      TIME. Time is of the essence of this Lease and each and all of
                its provisions in which performance is a factor.

        r.      WAIVER. The waiver by either party of any term, covenant, or
                condition herein contained shall not be deemed to be a waiver of
                such term, covenant, or condition on any subsequent breach of
                the same or any other term, covenant, or condition herein
                contained. The subsequent acceptance of rent hereunder by
                Landlord shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding
                breach by Tenant of any term, covenant, or condition of this
                Lease, other than the failure of the Tenant to pay the
                particular rental so accepted, regardless of Landlord's
                knowledge of such preceding breach at the time of acceptance of
                such rent. NO covenant, term, or condition of this Lease shall
                be deemed to have been waived by Landlord unless such wavier
                shall be in writing and signed by Landlord's duly authorized
                representatives.

        s.      RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Landlord agrees to cooperate with
                Tenant in obtaining any tax benefit related to the construction
                and use of the Premises for research and development. Landlord
                agrees that any refund, rebate or other tax benefit from such
                construction or use that effectively reduces the tax assessed on
                the Premises will be used to reduce the taxes paid by Tenant in
                Tenant's share of Common Costs.

36.     AUTHORITY OF PARTIES.

        a.      If Tenant is a corporation, each individual executing this Lease
                on behalf of said corporation represents and warrants that he is
                duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on behalf of
                said corporation. In accordance with a duly adopted resolution
                of the board of directors of said corporation or in accordance
                with its terms.

        b.      If the Landlord herein is a limited partnership, it is
                understood and agreed that any claims by Tenant against Landlord
                shall be limited to the assets of the limited partnership, and
                Tenant expressly waives any and all rights to proceed against
                the individual partners or the officers, directors, or
                shareholders of any corporate partner, except to the extent of
                their interest in said limited partnership.

37.     COMMISSIONS. Commissions payable, if any, shall be paid those Broker(s)
        and Agent(s) and by the party specified in paragraph 1.i pursuant to a
        separate commission contract. Each party represents that it has not had
        dealings with any other real estate broker or salesman with respect to
        he Lease, and each party shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the
        other party from all



                                      24.
<PAGE>   25
        costs and liabilities including reasonable attorneys' fees resulting
        from any claims to the contrary.

THIS LEASE IS SUBJECT TO ACCEPTANCE BY LANDLORD.

        AUTHORITY OF TENANT:

        Tenant and each individual executing this Lease on behalf of Tenant
        represents and warrants that it is duly authorized to execute and
        deliver this Lease and that this Lease is binding upon Tenant in
        accordance with its terms.



                                      25.
<PAGE>   26
AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED:




                                       TENANT:
                                       VIXEL CORPORATION
                                       a Delaware corporation


                                       By: /s/ Mark Harrington
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Mark Harrington

                                       Its: CFO
                                            ------------------------------------

                                       Date: 12/5/96
                                             -----------------------------------

                                       LANDLORD:
                                       SUNLIFE ASSURANCE CO. OF CANADA (U.S.)
                                       a Delaware corporation


 /s/ Thomas V. Pedulla                 By: /s/ John G. Mulvihill
----------------------------------        --------------------------------------
THOMAS V. PEDULLA                         John G. Mulvihill
PROPERTY INVESTMENTS OFFICER
                                       Its: Property Investments Officer
                                            ------------------------------------

                                       Date: 12/6/96
                                             -----------------------------------



STATE OF WASHINGTON

COUNTY OF SNOHOMISH

        On this day personally appeared before me Mark Harrington to me known to
be the CFO of Vixel Corporation, the corporation that executed the within and
foregoing instrument and acknowledged the instrument to be the free and
voluntary act and deed of said corporation for the uses and purposes therein
mentioned, and on oath stated that he/she was duly authorized to execute said
instrument on behalf of the corporation.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of
December, 1996.

                                       /s/  Signature Illegible
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the state of
                                       Washington residing at Edmonds
                                       my commission expires: November 1, 2000




Commonwealth of Massachusetts       )



                                      26.
<PAGE>   27
                             )  Ss
County of Norfolk            )

        On this 6th day of December, 1996 before me appeared Thomas V. Pedulla
and John G. Mulvihill, both to me known to be Property Investments Officer and
Property Investments Officer, respectively, of the Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada, duly authorized to execute the annexed instrument, on behalf of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), and acknowledged the said instrument to be
the free and voluntary act and deed of said corporation, for the uses and
purposes therein mentioned, and on oath stated that they were authorized to
execute said instrument.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official
seal the day and year first above written.



                                       /s/  Marylu Lazzaro
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Notary Public
                                       My Commission Expires: May 31, 2002



                                      27.
<PAGE>   28
                                 FIRST AMENDMENT

WHEREAS, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) as Landlord and Vixel
Corporation as Tenant executed that certain Lease dated December 6, 1996 for the
Premises known as 11911 North Creek Parkway South, Bothell, Washington, and

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant wish to amend the Commencement Date and Rent
Commencement Date of the Lease.

NOW, THEREFORE, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree to amend the Lease as follows:

        1) The Commencement Date specified in Section 1.c.91) of the Lease is
        hereby amended by substituting "January 13, 1997" for "February 1,
        1997".

        2) The Rent Commencement Date specified in Section 1.x(4) of the Lease
        is hereby amended by substituting "March 13, 1997" for "April 1, 1997."
        Rent for the partial month of March 13, 1997 through March 31, 1997 is
        $19,629.15.

Except as specifically amended by the First Amendment, the Lease is in full
force and effect and any conflict between this First Amendment and the Lease
shall be controlled by this First Amendment.

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:

SUNLIFE ASSURANCE CO. OF CANADA (U.S.)     VIXEL CORPORATION


By: /s/ John G. Mulvihill                  By: /s/ Signature Illegible
   ----------------------------------          ---------------------------------

Date: 1/13/97                              Date: 1/22/97
      -------------------------------            -------------------------------



                                       1.