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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.29

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") made as of this 8th day of
April, 1999, by and between The viaLink Company, an Oklahoma corporation with
its principal place of business at 13800 Benson Road, Edmond, Oklahoma, 71034
("viaLink"), and Robert I. Noe ("Noe"), 2301 Eldger Drive, PIano, Texas 75025.

         WHEREAS, viaLink desires to hire Noe as its Executive Vice President of
Business Development, and

         WHEREAS Noe desires to become an employee of viaLink, and

         WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to set forth the terms and conditions
of Noe's employment with viaLink.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and the mutual
covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto do agree as follows:

1.       Employment. viaLink hereby employs Noe, and Noe hereby accepts such
         employment, as Executive Vice President of Business Development for
         viaLink upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein.

2.       Duties. Noe shall perform all duties which are commensurate with his
         position and any other duties which may be reasonably assigned to him
         by viaLink's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") from time to time during
         the Term of this Agreement.

3.       Covenants. In order to induce viaLink to enter into this Agreement, Noe
         hereby represents, covenants and agrees as follows:

    3.1.       Throughout his employment hereunder, Noe shall devote his full
               business time, attention, knowledge and skills during normal
               business hours in furtherance of the business of viaLink and will
               faithfully, diligently, and to the best of his ability, perform
               such duties.

    3.2.       During the Term of this Agreement, Noe shall not knowingly engage
               in, and shall not knowingly solicit any employees of viaLink or
               its subsidiaries or other affiliates to engage in any commercial
               activities which are in any way in competition with the
               activities of viaLink, or which in any way materially interfere
               with the performance of such employee's duties or
               responsibilities to viaLink.

    3.3.       Throughout his employment hereunder, Noe shall at all times be
               subject to, observe and carry out such rules, regulations,
               policies, directions and restrictions as viaLink may from time to
               time establish


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               and those imposed by law, provided that the same are generally
               applicable to all employees similarly situated to Noe.

    3.4.       Confidential Information. "Confidential Information" means
               proprietary business information, Trade Secrets and/or other
               confidential information regarding viaLink or any of its
               subsidiaries and/or clients which (i) has not otherwise become
               public knowledge, (ii) was not already learned by Noe from
               independent and unrestricted sources prior to the Effective Date
               of this Agreement (as hereinafter defined), and (iii) has not
               been disclosed by viaLink to others without substantial
               restriction on further disclosure. "Trade Secrets" means any
               proprietary information not generally known in the industry in
               which viaLink is engaged or may become engaged, including,
               without limitation, information relating to viaLink's business
               affairs, finances, properties, methods of operation, software
               developed by viaLink, sources of and arrangements for hardware
               supplied to clients of viaLink, submission and proposal
               procedures of viaLink, viaLink's client or contact lists,
               commercial information supplied to viaLink by viaLink's clients,
               and other confidential information respecting or otherwise
               relating to the business or affairs of viaLink. Noe agrees and
               acknowledges that any such Confidential Information or Trade
               Secrets disclosed to Noe at any time before, during or after the
               Term of this Agreement shall be subject to the terms and
               conditions of this Agreement.

    3.5.       Non-Disclosure. Noe acknowledges and agrees that the business and
               good will of viaLink depend upon its protection of such
               Confidential Information. Except when directed to do otherwise by
               viaLink's Chief Executive Officer, and except as may be required
               by law, court order or subpoena, Noe shall keep confidential and
               shall not divulge to any other person or entity, during the term
               of this Agreement or at any time thereafter, any of viaLink's
               Confidential Information. In any case where Noe is compelled by
               law, court order or subpoena to disclose any Confidential
               Information to any third person, Noe shall advise viaLink in
               advance of such required disclosure and shall permit viaLink to
               object, contest, intervene or obtain appropriate protection of
               such information prior to its disclosure to any person.

    3.6.       Return of Property. Upon termination of this Agreement, Noe shall
               turn over to viaLink all documents, papers and other matter in
               the possession of or under the control of Noe that are or relate
               to such Confidential Information or to viaLink's Work Product.

    3.7.       Work Product. Noe agrees that any and all inventions,
               improvements, developments, discoveries, copyrightable works, or
               contributions thereto, including, without limitation, any written
               works, software products or code, images, designs, and/or
               instructions, whether or not




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               they are the subject of patent or copyright or other proprietary
               rights protection under any federal, state, local or foreign
               law(s), which are created in whole or part by Noe during the term
               of this Agreement or relating in any way to the business of
               viaLink (hereinafter "Work Product") shall be the sole and
               exclusive property of viaLink and shall belong to viaLink free
               and clear from all right, title and interest of any other person,
               including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Noe.
               It is specifically agreed and understood that Noe shall not
               retain any right, title, interest or any right to use any of such
               Work Product. Noe shall promptly and fully disclose to viaLink
               all such Work Product. Noe acknowledges that all Work Product
               shall be a work for hire. Moreover, Noe conveys, transfers and
               assigns all rights, title and interest in and to any Work Product
               to viaLink, and further agrees to execute any written assignment
               or other agreement viaLink deems necessary at any time to effect
               the foregoing and to obtain or uphold, for viaLink's benefit, all
               copyright, patent, and/or other rights of viaLink in such Work
               Product.

    3.8.       Misappropriation. Noe shall not knowingly acquire, use, copy, or
               misappropriate any trade secret or proprietary information
               belonging to any other company or person and shall not cause,
               encourage or induce viaLink to acquire, use, copy, or
               misappropriate any trade secret or proprietary information
               belonging to any other company or person.

    3.9.       Compliance. Noe agrees:

        3.9.1.         Throughout the Term of this Agreement, that he is and
                       shall at all times remain in compliance with any and all
                       applicable federal and/or state laws, rules or
                       regulations regarding Noe's eligibility for employment
                       and/or continued employment with viaLink; and

        3.9.2.         That by executing this Agreement he will not be in
                       violation of any agreement, term or condition of any
                       other agreement that he has with any third party; and

        3.9.3.         That the execution of this Agreement will not constitute
                       or nor otherwise cause a breach of any other agreement to
                       which Noe is a party

    3.10.      Injunction. Noe acknowledges that disclosure of any Confidential
               Information or Work Product by Noe will give rise to irreparable
               injury, which is inadequately compensable in damages, to viaLink
               and/or the owner of such Confidential Information. Accordingly,
               viaLink or such other party, in addition to any other remedies
               which are elsewhere granted in this Agreement, may seek and
               obtain injunctive relief against the breach or threatened breach
               of (i) the foregoing Sections 3.5, 3.6,

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               3.7 and/or 3.8 (ii) any infringement upon any intellectual
               property rights of viaLink and/or (iii) any other breach of any
               term, covenant, condition, warranty or representation of this
               Agreement relating thereto.

    3.11.      Survival. Noe's obligations in this Section 3 shall survive the
               termination of this Agreement.

4.       Compensation. As full compensation for Noe's services hereunder and in
         exchange for his promises contained herein, during the Term of this
         Agreement, viaLink shall compensate Noe in the manner set forth below.
         The amounts set forth below shall be subject to any withholding or
         other deductions required by law.

    4.1.       Noe shall receive an annualized salary of two hundred and fifty
               thousand dollars ($250,000) which shall be earned and payable
               biweekly. viaLink may increase Noe's salary during the Term of
               this Agreement in viaLink's sole discretion. Noe's salary may not
               be decreased during the Term of this Agreement without the prior
               consent of Noe.

    4.2.       During the Term of this Agreement, commencing with the second
               quarter of 1999, Noe shall also be eligible to receive quarterly
               bonuses, which if completely earned for each quarter of a given
               calendar year, would equal fifty percent (50%) of his annualized
               salary as of the beginning of such calendar year ("Applicable
               Annualized Salary"); except that such bonuses for 1999, if fully
               earned, would equal ninety three thousand seven hundred fifty
               dollars ($93,750.00). The bonuses shall accrue and be calculated
               quarterly. The criteria which Noe must meet to earn a bonus for a
               given quarter shall be established by viaLink's CEO and
               communicated to Noe prior to the beginning of such quarter;
               except that the criteria for the second quarter of 1999 shall be
               established by viaLink's CEO and communicated to Noe within ten
               days of the commencement of Noe's employment with viaLink
               pursuant to this Agreement. The amount of each such quarterly
               bonus, if the criteria to earn such bonus for a given quarter is
               met, shall be an amount equal to twelve and one-half percent
               (12.50%) of Noe's Applicable Annualized Salary. If such criteria
               is not met for a given quarter, no bonus shall be earned for that
               quarter. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section
               4.2, in order to receive a bonus hereunder, Noe must be an
               employee of viaLink under this Agreement at the end of the
               quarter for which such bonus is earned pursuant to this Section
               4.2. Any payment due for a quarterly bonus under this Section 4.2
               shall be paid not later than the next regular payroll after the
               sixtieth (60th) day following the end of each quarter for which
               any Bonus amount is earned.




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    4.3.       Noe shall be vested with four (4) weeks vacation as of the
               commencement of this Agreement and shall also receive four (4)
               weeks vacation during each subsequent calendar year of the Term
               of this Agreement.

    4.4.       Noe shall be eligible for viaLink's group benefits programs which
               are in place from time to time to the extent that the same are
               offered to all employees of viaLink ("Programs"); provided,
               however, that such Programs may be amended by viaLink from time
               to time in its sole and absolute discretion. Eligibility for each
               of such Programs shall be subject to and administered according
               to any applicable documents relating to such Programs.
               Notwithstanding the foregoing, viaLink shall maintain during the
               Term of this Agreement either a group or an individual long term
               disability insurance policy, at viaLink's option, providing
               coverage, subject to the terms and limitations of such policy,
               for Noe, with coverage amounts not less than those currently
               provided to viaLink's employees under viaLink's group long term
               disability policy in place as of the execution date of this
               Agreement.

    4.5.       Subject to the conditions and restrictions ("Conditions and
               Restrictions") hereinafter set forth and subject to the terms,
               covenants and conditions of viaLink's 1995 Stock Option Plan
               ("Plan"), viaLink shall grant to Noe an option to purchase one
               hundred fifty thousand (150,000) shares of viaLink common stock
               at the grant price equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the
               closing price of the viaLink common stock on the date of the
               actual grant of the options to Noe by viaLink. For purposes of
               this Section, the date of the grant shall be the date upon which
               the shareholders approve the increase in the number of options
               available under the Plan. Such Conditions and Restrictions are as
               follows:

        4.5.1.         That Noe is an employee of viaLink on the date of said
                       grant.

        4.5.2.         The approval by viaLink's shareholders of an increase in
                       the number of options available under viaLink's 1995
                       Stock Option Plan. viaLink agrees to use its best efforts
                       to obtain such approval. Noe agrees and understands that
                       in the event that viaLink's shareholders fail at their
                       1999 annual meeting to increase the number of shares
                       available under the Plan in an amount sufficient to
                       satisfy both the grant of options set forth herein hereof
                       as well as all other grants of options granted to other
                       persons which are subject to similar Conditions and
                       Restrictions, the grant of options hereunder is null and
                       void and of no further force and effect. Provided,
                       however, that in the event viaLink's shareholders fail at
                       their 1999 annual meeting to increase the number of
                       shares available under the Plan, Noe, within forty-five
                       (45) days after such annual meeting, and



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                       notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
                       Agreement, may give viaLink notice of termination of this
                       Agreement. Such termination shall be effective as of the
                       latter of the following: (i) two (2) weeks from the day
                       such notice of termination is received by viaLink or (ii)
                       the end of such forty-five (45) day period. In the event
                       that Noe elects to exercise such right to terminate under
                       this Section 4.5.2, viaLink, within five (5) business
                       days following the effective date of such termination,
                       shall pay Noe a sum equal to 90/365ths of his then
                       current annualized salary (i.e. annual salary divided by
                       365, times 90).

        4.5.3.         The execution by Noe of a Stock Option Agreement
                       generally used by viaLink for the granting of stock
                       options under said Plan. Such Stock Option Agreement
                       shall include, but not limited to, the following terms
                       and conditions:

                  4.5.3.1.    The option rights shall vest in equal amounts over
                              a three year period during the Term of this
                              Agreement; and

                  4.5.3.2.    If Noe is terminated or this Agreement is not
                              renewed, whether with or without cause, or if this
                              Agreement otherwise expires, except as may
                              otherwise be provided in the change of control
                              provisions in the Plan under which any options
                              granted, Noe shall not be entitled to exercise any
                              of such options which have not vested as of the
                              date of such termination, non-renewal or earlier
                              expiration of this Agreement.

                  4.5.3.3.    The approval by viaLink's shareholders of an
                              increase in the number of options available under
                              viaLink's 1995 Stock Option Plan. viaLink agrees
                              to use its best efforts to obtain such approval.

    4.6.       During the Term of this Agreement, Noe shall have the use of
               company car of his choice while an employee of viaLink on such
               terms and conditions and subject to such policy(s) as may be
               reasonably adopted by viaLink from time to time. The car shall be
               of Noe's choosing but shall not have a final sales price,
               exclusive of tags, title and tax expenses, in excess of forty
               thousand dollars ($40,000.00). Alternatively, Noe, in his sole
               discretion, may, subject to the appropriate withholdings for
               federal and/or state taxes, elect to receive a seven hundred
               dollar ($700) per month car allowance in lieu of use of a company
               car. Also, if Noe elects to receive such allowance, viaLink,
               subject to the appropriate withholdings for federal and/or state
               taxes, will reimburse Noe for expenses incurred in the
               maintenance of his


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               vehicle, but not for gas, and for the cost of such insurance
               thereon as may be required by viaLink.

5.       Non-competition.

    5.1.       If viaLink terminates this Agreement for cause (as defined in
               Section 6 of this Agreement) or if Noe terminates this Agreement
               for other than cause, for a period of two (2) years after the
               termination of this Agreement, Noe shall not, directly or
               indirectly, alone, or as a partner, officer, director, employee,
               stockholder, consultant or agent of any other corporation,
               partnership or other business organization, knowingly solicit the
               employment of, or hire, any employee of viaLink, or any viaLink
               subsidiary, or cause any such employee to terminate such
               employee's relationship with viaLink or any viaLink subsidiary,
               without the prior written approval of viaLink. If viaLink
               terminates Noe's employment without Cause, the provisions of this
               section 5.1 of this Agreement shall be enforceable against Noe
               only as long as Noe is receiving the compensation set forth in
               Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

    5.2.       If viaLink terminates this Agreement for cause (as defined in
               Section 6 of this Agreement) or if Noe terminates this Agreement
               for other than cause, for a period of two (2) year after the
               termination of this Agreement, Noe shall not, directly or
               indirectly, alone, or as a partner, officer, director, employee,
               stockholder, consultant or agent of any other corporation,
               partnership or other business organization, knowingly solicit any
               of the accounts of viaLink which were customers of viaLink during
               the Term of this Agreement unless such solicitation is undertaken
               on behalf of a business venture or entity which does not compete
               with viaLink in the shared database electronic commerce services
               industry for supply chain management in consumer package goods.
               For the purposes of this subparagraph, a business shall be deemed
               to be in competition with viaLink if the products or services of
               such business are substantially similar in purpose, function or
               capability to the products or services then being developed,
               manufactured, marketed, provided or sold by viaLink. If viaLink
               terminates Noe's employment without Cause, the provisions of this
               section 5.2 of this Agreement shall be enforceable against Noe
               only as long as Noe is receiving the compensation set forth in
               Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

6.       Duration and Termination.

    6.1.       Except as hereinafter set forth, the term ("Term") of this
               Agreement shall commence on or before the 30th day of April, 1999
               ("Effective Date") and shall continue for one year from the
               Effective Date, and shall be automatically renewed on a year to
               year basis thereafter unless one party hereto notifies the other
               party hereto in writing at least thirty (30)



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               days prior to the end of the then current Term that it will not
               renew this Agreement at the end of such then current Term.
               Provided, however, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary
               herein, this Agreement may also be terminated by viaLink (i) at
               any time during its then current Term pursuant to Sections 6.2,
               6.3, or 6.4, or (ii) without cause at any time during a then
               current Term upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other
               party. In the event that viaLink terminates this Agreement
               without cause either as of the end of a then current term or at
               any time during a then current term, Noe shall be entitled to
               receive an amount equal to his then current annualized salary,
               payable upon the effective date of such termination. Upon such
               payment, Noe shall not be entitled to any further compensation.
               For purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise specifically
               indicated, the word "Term" shall include both the original one
               year period of this Agreement and any renewal period thereof.

    6.2.       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Agreement
               shall immediately terminate, and all rights, benefits and
               obligations hereunder shall cease, in the event of Noe's death,
               except such rights of Noe which have accrued as of the date of
               death.

    6.3.       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Agreement
               shall immediately terminate and all rights and benefits hereunder
               shall cease thirty (30) days after Noe is eligible to begin
               receiving monthly benefits under any then current long-term
               disability insurance plan maintained by viaLink pursuant to this
               Agreement, except to the extent that any such rights or benefits
               have already accrued to Noe as of such date. Notwithstanding the
               foregoing, the parties agree and understand that viaLink, at its
               option, may waive this termination provision.

    6.4.       In addition to the other rights granted to viaLink under this
               Agreement, viaLink shall have the right to terminate this
               Agreement in any of the following events, each of which shall
               constitute "Cause". Cause is defined as:

        6.4.1.         Any breach by Noe's of his obligations under Sections
                       3.5, 3.6, 3.7 and/or 3.8 of this Agreement;

        6.4.2.         Noe's breach of any of his other duties under this
                       Agreement if such breach continues unremedied for thirty
                       (30) days after written notice thereof to Noe specifying
                       the acts constituting the breach and requesting that they
                       be remedied; or

        6.4.3.         a conviction, plea of nolo contendere, plea to a lesser
                       charge in lieu of a felony, of a felony, a crime
                       involving fraud or



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                       misrepresentation, or any other crime, the effect of
                       which is likely to materially adversely affect viaLink;
                       or

        6.4.4.         violation of any law which results in material liability
                       to viaLink.

        6.4.5.         abuse of alcohol or other drugs, or the illegal use of
                       drugs, which materially interferes with the performance
                       by Noe of his duties hereunder.

7.       Successors and Assigns. The rights and obligations of viaLink hereunder
         shall run in favor of and shall be binding upon viaLink, its
         successors, assigns, nominees or other legal representatives. Noe may
         not assign his rights and obligations hereunder.

8.       Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
         hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
         given upon receipt if delivered by hand, sent by telecopier or courier,
         or three (3) days after such communication is mailed within the
         continental United States by first class certified mail, return receipt
         requested, postage prepaid, to the other party, in each case addressed
         as follows:

    8.1.       if to viaLink, The viaLink Company, 13800 Benson Road, Edmond,
               Oklahoma 73034, Attention Chief Executive Officer; and

    8.2.       if to Noe, 2301 Eldger Drive, Plano, Texas 75025

         Addresses may be changed by written notice sent to the other party at
         the last recorded address of that party.

9.       Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be adjudged by
         any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable for
         any reason, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the
         remainder of this Agreement.

10.      Entire Understanding. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding
         of the parties hereto, and supersedes all other oral or written
         agreements or understandings between them regarding the subject matter.
         No change, alteration or modification hereof may be made except in a
         writing, signed by both parties hereto. Without limiting the generality
         of the foregoing, but except as may be otherwise stated in this
         Agreement, any prior oral or written offer(s) of employment to Noe by
         viaLink shall be null and void and of no further force and effect.

11.      Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience and
         reference only and shall not be construed as part of this Agreement or
         to limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.



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12.      Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the
         parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be
         original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same
         instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.

13.      Choice of Laws. Jurisdiction over disputes with regard to this
         Agreement shall be exclusively in the courts of the State of Oklahoma,
         and this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed
         by the laws of the state of Oklahoma without giving effect to
         principles of conflicts of law hereunder.

14.      Attorney Fees. In the event of any litigation between the parties
         hereto, the prevailing shall be entitled to all of its costs incurred
         in such litigation, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

15.      Nonwaiver. The waiver of any violation or breach of this Agreement by
         either party hereto shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any
         continuing violation or breach or a waiver of any other violation or
         breach of this Agreement.

16.      Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
         this Agreement, or its breach, or its validity or interpretation,
         except claims for injunctive relief and/or claims involving necessary
         third parties who refuse to participate, shall be settled by binding
         arbitration in accordance with the then current rules for arbitration
         of the American Arbitration Association subject to the following:

    16.1.      The location for the arbitration shall be at such location as
               agreed by the parties in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma or if the
               parties cannot agree at such location in Oklahoma County,
               Oklahoma as designated by the American Arbitration Association.

    16.2.      Such arbitration shall be heard and determined by a panel of
               three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the then current rules
               or regulations of the AAA relating to commercial disputes
               ("Rules").

    16.3.      All arbitrators shall be selected pursuant to the then current
               Rules thereof within thirty (30) days after the filing of a
               demand for arbitration. Each arbitrator shall be a person with
               experience in handling disputes relating to the employment
               contracts of corporate executives.

    16.4.      The hearing on the arbitration shall be heard not later than six
               (6) months after the demand for arbitration has been made by a
               party.

    16.5.      The arbitration award shall be binding on the parties and may be
               enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction.



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    16.6.      The prevailing party in the arbitration and/or in any court
               action authorized by this Agreement shall be entitled to recover
               its reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred by such
               prevailing party, provided however, the parties will split the
               cost of the arbitrators' fees regardless of who prevails in the
               arbitration.

    16.7.      The arbitrators will not have the authority to nor shall they
               award punitive or exemplary damages. Each party hereby waives the
               right to such damages.

    16.8.      In resolving all disputes between the parties, the arbitrators
               will apply the laws of the State of Oklahoma and/or the
               applicable federal law, as the case may be.

17.      Residence. During the Term of this Agreement, it is agreed and
         understood that Noe, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, will be
         allowed to live in Dallas, Texas and work at viaLink's Dallas, Texas
         office.

18.      Survival. In addition to any others Sections of this Agreement which
         survive pursuant to their terms, Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9,
         3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 7-17 (inclusive) and this Section 18 shall survive the
         termination or expiration of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement
as of the day and year first above written.



The viaLink Company                          Robert I. Noe

By: /s/ LEWIS B. KILBOURNE                   /s/ ROBERT I. NOE
    --------------------------------         -----------------------------------
    Lewis B. Kilbourne                       Robert I. Noe

Its: Chief Executive Officer



Date:  4/9/99                           Date:  4/8/99
    --------------------------------         -----------------------------------



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