<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.25


                                Promissory Note

Date: JANUARY 5, 2001                                        RENEWAL 391968/265

Amount: $700,000.00                               Maturity Date: APRIL 15, 2001

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Bank:                                                       Borrower:

<S>                                                         <C>
Bank of America, N.A.                                       Firstwave Technologies, Inc.
Banking Center:  Private Bank                               2859 Paces Ferry Road, Ste. 1000
600 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 1100                        Atlanta, GA 30339
Atlanta, GA 30308

County:  Fulton                                             County:  Cobb
</TABLE>

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Borrower unconditionally (and jointly and
severally, if more than one) promises to pay to the order of Bank, its
successors and assigns, without setoff, at its offices indicated at the
beginning of this Note, or at such other place as may be designated by Bank,
the principal amount of SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100--- Dollars
($700,000.00), or so much thereof as may be advanced in immediately available
funds, together with interest computed daily on the outstanding principal
balance hereunder, at an annual interest rate, and in accordance with the
payment schedule, indicated below.

         [This Note contains some provisions preceded by boxes. If a box is
         marked, the provision applies to this transaction; if it is not
         marked, the provision does not apply to this transaction.]

1.       Rate.

         FIXED RATE. The Rate shall be fixed at 7.94 percent per annum.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Note, Bank does not intend to charge and
Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount of interest or other charges
in excess of the maximum permitted by the applicable law of the State of
Georgia; if any higher rate ceiling is lawful, then that higher rate ceiling
shall apply. Any payment in excess of such maximum shall be refunded to
Borrower or credited against principal, at the option of Bank.

2.       ACCRUAL METHOD. Unless otherwise indicated, interest at the Rate set
forth above will be calculated by the actual/360 day method (a daily amount of
interest is computed for a hypothetical year of 360 days; that amount is
multiplied by the actual number of days for which any principal is outstanding
hereunder). If interest is not to be computed using this method, the method
shall be: N/A.

3.       RATE CHANGE DATE. Any Rate based on a fluctuating index or base rate
will change, unless otherwise provided, each time and as of the date that the
index or base rate changes. If the Rate is to change on any other date or at
any other interval, the change shall be: N/A.
In the event any index is discontinued, Bank shall substitute an index
determined by Bank to be comparable, in its sole discretion.

4.       PAYMENT SCHEDULE. All payments received hereunder shall be applied
first to the payment of any expense or charges payable hereunder or under any
other loan documents executed in connection with this Note, then to interest
due and payable, with the balance applied to principal, or in such other order
as Bank shall determine at its option.

         SINGLE PRINCIPAL PAYMENT. Principal and all accrued interest due April
15, 2001.

5.       REVOLVING FEATURE

         [ ]       Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow hereunder at any
         time, up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any one time
         equal to the principal amount of this Note, provided, that Borrower is
         not in default under any provision of this Note, any other documents
         executed in connection with this Note, or any other note or other loan
         documents now or hereafter executed in connection with any other
         obligation of Borrower to Bank, and provided that the borrowings
         hereunder do not exceed any borrowing base or other limitation on
         borrowings by Borrower. Bank shall incur no liability for its refusal
         to advance funds based upon its determination that any conditions of
         such further advances have not been met. Bank records of the amounts
         borrowed from time to time shall be conclusive proof thereof.

         [ ]       UNCOMMITTED FACILITY. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that,
         notwithstanding any provisions of this Note or any other documents
         executed in connection with this Note, Bank has no obligation to make
         any advance, and that all advances are at the sole discretion of Bank.

         [ ]       OUT-OF-DEBT PERIOD. For a period of at least consecutive
         days during [ ] each fiscal year, [ ] any consecutive 12-month period,
         Borrower shall fully pay down the balance of this Note, so that no
         amount of principal or interest and no other obligation under this
         Note remains outstanding.


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6.       AUTOMATIC PAYMENT.

[ ]       Borrower has elected to authorize Bank to effect payment of sums due
under this Note by means of debiting Borrower's account number    . This
authorization shall not affect the obligation of Borrower to pay such sums when
due, without notice, if there are insufficient funds in such account to make
such payment in full on the due date thereof, or if Bank fails to debit the
account.

7.       LOAN FEE.

[ ]       Upon the maturity of this Note, whether by demand, acceleration, or
otherwise, an administrative fee in the amount of $ shall be due and payable.

8.       WAIVERS, CONSENTS AND COVENANTS. Borrower, any indorser or guarantor
hereof, or any other party executing a Loan Document that supports and/or
secures payment of this Note, (individually an "Obligor" and collectively
"Obligors") and each of them jointly and severally: (a) waive presentment,
demand, protest, notice of demand, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of
acceleration of maturity, notice of protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of
dishonor, and any other notice required to be given under the law to any
Obligor in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or
enforcement of this Note, any endorsement or guaranty of this Note, or any
other documents executed in connection with this Note including but not limited
to: mortgage, deed of trust, security instrument or pledge agreement, or any
other note or other loan documents now or hereafter executed in connection with
any obligation of Borrower to Bank (the "Loan Documents"); (b) consent to all
delays, extensions, renewals or other modifications of this Note or the Loan
Documents, or waivers of any term hereof or of the Loan Documents, or release
or discharge by Bank of any of Obligors, or release, substitution or exchange
of any security for the payment hereof, or the failure to act on the part of
Bank, or any indulgence shown by Bank (without notice to or further assent from
any of Obligors), and agree that no such action, failure to act or failure to
exercise any right or remedy by Bank shall in any way affect or impair the
obligations of any Obligors or be construed as a waiver by Bank of, or
otherwise affect, any of Bank's rights under this Note, under any endorsement
or guaranty of this Note or under any of the Loan Documents; and (c) agree to
pay, on demand, all costs and expenses of collection or defense of this Note or
of any endorsement or guaranty hereof and/or the enforcement or defense of
Bank's rights with respect to, or the administration, supervision,
preservation, or protection of, or realization upon, any property securing
payment hereof, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees,
including fees related to any suit, mediation or arbitration proceeding, out of
court payment agreement, trial, appeal, bankruptcy proceedings or other
proceeding, in such amount as may be determined reasonable by any arbitrator or
court, whichever is applicable.

9.       "INTEREST" LIMITED. As used in this Note and for the purposes of
Section 7-4-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, or any successor
thereto, the term "interest" does not include any fees (including, but not
limited to, the Loan Fee) or other charges imposed on Borrower in connection
with the indebtedness evidenced by this Note, other than the interest described
above.

10.      PREPAYMENTS. Prepayments may be made in whole or in part at any time
on any loan for which the Rate is based on the Prime Rate or any other
fluctuating Rate or index which may change daily. All prepayments of principal
shall be applied in the inverse order of maturity, or in such other order as
Bank shall determine in its sole discretion. No prepayment of any other loan
shall be permitted without the prior written consent of Bank. Notwithstanding
such prohibition, if there is a prepayment of any such loan, whether by consent
of Bank, or because of acceleration or otherwise, Borrower shall, within 15
days of any request by Bank, pay to Bank any loss or expense which Bank may
incur or sustain as a result of such prepayment. For the purposes of
calculating the amounts owed only, it shall be assumed that Bank actually
funded or committed to fund the loan through the purchase of an underlying
deposit in an amount and for a term comparable to the loan, and such
determination by Bank shall be conclusive, absent a manifest error in
computation.

11.      DELINQUENCY CHARGE. To the extent permitted by law, a delinquency
charge may be imposed in an amount not to exceed four percent (4%) of any
payment that is more than fifteen days late.

12.      EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The following are events of default hereunder: (a)
the failure to pay or perform any obligation, liability or indebtedness of any
Obligor to Bank, or to any affiliate or subsidiary of Bank of America
Corporation, whether under this Note or any Loan Documents, as and when due
(whether upon demand, at maturity or by acceleration); (b) the failure to pay
or perform any other obligation, liability or indebtedness of any Obligor to
any other party; (c) the death of any Obligor (if an individual); (d) the
resignation or withdrawal of any partner or a material owner/guarantor of
Borrower, as determined by Bank in its sole discretion; (e) the commencement of
a proceeding against any Obligor for dissolution or liquidation, the voluntary
or involuntary termination or dissolution of any Obligor or the merger or
consolidation of any Obligor with or into another entity; (f) the insolvency
of, the business failure of, the appointment of a custodian, trustee,
liquidator or receiver for or for any of the property of, the assignment for
the benefit of creditors by, or the filing of a petition under bankruptcy,
insolvency or debtor's relief law or the filing of a petition for any
adjustment of indebtedness, composition or extension by or against any Obligor;
(g) the determination by Bank that any representation or warranty made to Bank
by any Obligor in any Loan Documents or otherwise is or was, when it was made,
untrue or materially misleading; (h) the failure of any Obligor to timely
deliver such financial statements, including tax returns, other statements of
condition or other information, as Bank shall request from time to time; (i)
the entry of a judgment against any Obligor which Bank deems to be of a
material nature, in Bank's sole discretion; (j) the seizure or forfeiture of,
or the issuance of any writ of possession, garnishment or attachment, or any
turnover order for any property of any Obligor; (k) the determination by Bank
that it is insecure for any reason; (l) the determination by Bank that a
material adverse change has occurred in the financial condition of any Obligor;
or (m) the failure of Borrower's business to comply with any law or regulation
controlling its operation.

13.      REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. Whenever there is a default under this Note (a)
the entire balance outstanding hereunder and all other obligations of any
Obligor to Bank (however acquired or evidenced) shall, at the option of Bank,
become immediately due and payable and any obligation of Bank to permit further
borrowing under this Note shall immediately cease and terminate, and/or (b) to
the extent permitted by law, the Rate of interest on the unpaid principal shall
be increased at Bank's discretion up to the maximum rate allowed by law, or if
none, 25% per annum (the "Default Rate"). The provisions herein for a Default
Rate shall not be deemed to extend the time for any payment hereunder or to
constitute a "grace period" giving Obligors a right to cure any default. At
Bank's option, any accrued and unpaid interest, fees or charges


<PAGE>   3


may, for purposes of computing and accruing interest on a daily basis after the
due date of the Note or any installment thereof, be deemed to be a part of the
principal balance, and interest shall accrue on a daily compounded basis after
such date at the Default Rate provided in this Note until the entire
outstanding balance of principal and interest is paid in full. Upon a default
under this Note, Bank is hereby authorized at any time, at its option and
without notice or demand, to set off and charge against any deposit accounts of
any Obligor (as well as any money, instruments, securities, documents, chattel
paper, credits, claims, demands, income and any other property, rights and
interests of any Obligor), which at any time shall come into the possession or
custody or under the control of Bank or any of its agents, affiliates or
correspondents, any and all obligations due hereunder. Additionally, Bank shall
have all rights and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, as
well as all rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

14.      NON-WAIVER. The failure at any time of Bank to exercise any of its
options or any other rights hereunder shall not constitute a waiver thereof,
nor shall it be a bar to the exercise of any of its options or rights at a
later date. All rights and remedies of Bank shall be cumulative and may be
pursued singly, successively or together, at the option of Bank. The acceptance
by Bank of any partial payment shall not constitute a waiver of any default or
of any of Bank's rights under this Note. No waiver of any of its rights
hereunder, and no modification or amendment of this Note, shall be deemed to be
made by Bank unless the same shall be in writing, duly signed on behalf of
Bank; each such waiver shall apply only with respect to the specific instance
involved, and shall in no way impair the rights of Bank or the obligations of
Obligors to Bank in any other respect at any other time.

15.      APPLICABLE LAW, VENUE AND JURISDICTION. This Note and the rights and
obligations of Borrower and Bank shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance with the law of the State of Georgia. In any litigation in
connection with or to enforce this Note or any endorsement or guaranty of this
Note or any Loan Documents, Obligors, and each of them, irrevocably consent to
and confer personal jurisdiction on the courts of the State of Georgia or the
United States located within the State of Georgia and expressly waive any
objections as to venue in any such courts. Nothing contained herein shall,
however, prevent Bank from bringing any action or exercising any rights within
any other state or jurisdiction or from obtaining personal jurisdiction by any
other means available under applicable law.

16.      PARTIAL INVALIDITY. The unenforceability or invalidity of any
provision of this Note shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any
other provision herein and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision
of this Note or of the Loan Documents to any person or circumstance shall not
affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to
other persons or circumstances.

17.      BINDING EFFECT. This Note shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of Borrower, Obligors and Bank and their respective successors,
assigns, heirs and personal representatives, provided, however, that no
obligations of Borrower or Obligors hereunder can be assigned without prior
written consent of Bank.

18.      CONTROLLING DOCUMENT. To the extent that this Note conflicts with or
is in any way incompatible with any other document related specifically to the
loan evidenced by this Note, this Note shall control over any other such
document, and if this Note does not address an issue, then each other such
document shall control to the extent that it deals most specifically with an
issue.

19.      ARBITRATION. ANY CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARTIES
HERETO INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS
INSTRUMENT, AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT OR ANY RELATED INSTRUMENTS, AGREEMENTS OR
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY CLAIM BASED ON OR ARISING FROM AN ALLEGED TORT, SHALL
BE DETERMINED BY BINDING ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION
ACT (OR IF NOT APPLICABLE, THE APPLICABLE STATE LAW), THE RULES OF PRACTICE AND
PROCEDURE FOR THE ARBITRATION OF COMMERCIAL DISPUTES OF J.A.M.S./ENDISPUTE OR
ANY SUCCESSOR THEREOF ("J.A.M.S."), AND THE "SPECIAL RULES" SET FORTH BELOW. IN
THE EVENT OF ANY INCONSISTENCY, THE SPECIAL RULES SHALL CONTROL. JUDGMENT UPON
ANY ARBITRATION AWARD MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION. ANY
PARTY TO THIS INSTRUMENT, AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT MAY BRING AN ACTION, INCLUDING
A SUMMARY OR EXPEDITED PROCEEDING, TO COMPEL ARBITRATION OF ANY CONTROVERSY OR
CLAIM TO WHICH THIS AGREEMENT APPLIES IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER
SUCH ACTION.

         A.       SPECIAL RULES. THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN THE
COUNTY OF ANY BORROWER'S DOMICILE AT THE TIME OF THE EXECUTION OF THIS
INSTRUMENT, AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT AND ADMINISTERED BY J.A.M.S. WHO WILL APPOINT
AN ARBITRATOR; IF J.A.M.S. IS UNABLE OR LEGALLY PRECLUDED FROM ADMINISTERING
THE ARBITRATION, THEN THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION WILL SERVE. ALL
ARBITRATION HEARINGS WILL BE COMMENCED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE DEMAND FOR
ARBITRATION; FURTHER, THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ONLY, UPON A SHOWING OF CAUSE, BE
PERMITTED TO EXTEND THE COMMENCEMENT OF SUCH HEARING FOR UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 60
DAYS.

         B.       RESERVATION OF RIGHTS. NOTHING IN THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION
SHALL BE DEEMED TO (I) LIMIT THE APPLICABILITY OF ANY OTHERWISE APPLICABLE
STATUTES OF LIMITATION OR REPOSE AND ANY WAIVERS CONTAINED IN THIS INSTRUMENT,
AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT; OR (II) BE A WAIVER BY BANK OF THE PROTECTION AFFORDED
TO IT BY 12 U.S.C. SEC. 91 OR ANY SUBSTANTIALLY EQUIVALENT STATE LAW; OR (III)
LIMIT THE RIGHT OF BANK HERETO (A) TO EXERCISE SELF HELP REMEDIES SUCH AS (BUT
NOT LIMITED TO) SETOFF, OR (B) TO FORECLOSE AGAINST ANY REAL OR PERSONAL
PROPERTY COLLATERAL, OR (C) TO OBTAIN FROM A COURT PROVISIONAL OR ANCILLARY
REMEDIES SUCH AS (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, WRIT OF POSSESSION OR
THE APPOINTMENT OF A RECEIVER. BANK MAY EXERCISE SUCH SELF HELP RIGHTS,
FORECLOSE UPON SUCH PROPERTY, OR OBTAIN SUCH PROVISIONAL OR ANCILLARY REMEDIES
BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE PENDENCY OF ANY ARBITRATION PROCEEDING BROUGHT
PURSUANT TO THIS INSTRUMENT, AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT. NEITHER THIS EXERCISE OF
SELF HELP REMEDIES NOR THE INSTITUTION OR MAINTENANCE OF AN ACTION FOR
FORECLOSURE OR PROVISIONAL OR ANCILLARY REMEDIES SHALL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF
THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY, INCLUDING THE CLAIMANT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, TO ARBITRATE
THE MERITS OF THE CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM OCCASIONING RESORT TO SUCH REMEDIES.

BORROWER REPRESENTS TO BANK THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THIS LOAN ARE TO BE USED
PRIMARILY FOR BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL OR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. BORROWER
ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY, ALL TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF THIS NOTE AND HEREBY EXECUTES THIS NOTE UNDER SEAL AS OF THE
DATE HERE ABOVE WRITTEN.


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NOTICE OF FINAL AGREEMENT. THIS WRITTEN PROMISSORY NOTE REPRESENTS THE FINAL
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,
CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO
UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

CORPORATE OR PARTNERSHIP BORROWER:

FIRSTWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By:    /s/Richard T. Brock                                               (Seal)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: RICHARD T. BROCK

Title: CEO


-----------------------------------------------------
Attest (If Applicable)

[Corporate Seal]


<PAGE>   5


                                                                 Customer # New

                                                                 CERTIFICATE OF
                                                          CORPORATE RESOLUTIONS

                                   Borrowing

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Resolutions of the Board of Directors of:        Authorizing borrowing from:                Type of Company

<S>                                              <C>                                        <C>
Name and Address of Company                      Name and Address of Bank                   Corporation

    Firstwave Technologies, Inc.                     Bank of America, N.A.
    2859 Paces Ferry Road, Ste. 1000                 600 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 1100
    Atlanta, GA 30339                                Atlanta, GA 30308


(hereinafter "Company")                          (hereinafter "Bank")
</TABLE>

I CERTIFY THAT I am the keeper of the records and minutes of meetings of the
Board Of Directors of Company, a corporation chartered under the laws of the
State of GEORGIA, whose correct corporate name and address are stated above,
and that on ___________________________, ______________, a meeting of the Board
of Directors of Company was held in accordance with law and the by-laws of
Company, that a quorum of directors was present, or (if the date was not
completed above pursuant to a written consent signed by all the members of the
Board of Directors) , the following resolutions were duly and legally passed
and have not been revoked, altered or amended:

"RESOLVED, that Company is authorized to borrow from and to incur other
obligations to Bank of every kind, without limit as to the amount and at such
rates of interest and upon such other terms and conditions as Company and Bank
shall agree to, including but not limited to the execution of applications for
letters of credit, currency exchange contracts, and interest rate exchange
agreements, which shall include all such acts, transactions or agreements
undertaken by any officer of Company prior to the date of these
Resolutions("Obligations") , including any and all renewals, modifications or
extensions of indebtedness owed by Company to Bank; and to secure the same by
creation of liens, security interests, or other encumbrances on all or any real
or personal property of Company; and in connection therewith to issue notes and
other evidences of Obligations and to make and execute agreements with Bank
securing or otherwise pertaining to Obligations, including security agreements,
deeds of trust or mortgages, pledge agreements, assignments and any other
agreement securing or pertaining to Obligations; to assign or discount to Bank
commercial paper, chattel paper, rents, leases, accounts, and other assets of
Company upon such terms and with such agreement as Bank and Company shall agree
to; to make indorsements or guaranties in connection with all of the foregoing;
and to renew and extend all of the foregoing; and that any ONE (1) of the
following persons are authorized to act in the name and behalf of Company in
connection with any matters under this Resolution:

                      Names of People Authorized to Borrow
RICHARD T. BROCK

"RESOLVED, that Bank is authorized and directed, without limitation or inquiry,
irrespective of the circumstances, to honor and carry out all orders,
directions or instructions of the above named persons as to the disposition of
any amounts borrowed or credit obtained on behalf of Company hereunder, and
Bank shall be under no obligation or liability for the use or disposition of
any amounts borrowed or credit obtained, and further that Company shall
indemnify and hold harmless Bank from any claim, loss, cost, damage, liability
or expense arising out of its acting on these Resolutions;"

"RESOLVED, that the authority herein given to all of said persons shall remain
irrevocable as far as Bank is concerned until Bank is notified in writing of
the revocation of such authority; and shall have acknowledged in writing
receipt of such notification."

I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT the signatures below are the signatures of the
designated officers of Company and of the persons authorized to borrow money by
the foregoing resolutions:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Signatures/Titles of People
                                       Authorized to Borrow
<S>                                       <C>                                     <C>
x                                         Treasurer                               Title:
Vice President                            Title:                                  Title:
Secretary                                 Title:                                  Title:
</TABLE>

In Witness Whereof, I have set my hand as Secretary of Company, this ________
day of ________________________________, _________________


                                  ---------------------------------------------
        [CORPORATE SEAL]                 Secretary