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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.27

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") made as of this 1st 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 J. Andrew Kerner ("Kerner"), 2924 Stanford Avenue, Dallas,
Texas 75225.

         WHEREAS, viaLink desires to hire Kerner as its Vice President of
Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and

         WHEREAS Kerner desires to become an employee of viaLink, and

         WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to set forth the terms and conditions
of Kerner'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 Kerner, and Kerner hereby accepts
         such employment, as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
         Officer for viaLink upon the terms and subject to the conditions
         contained herein.

2.       Duties. Kerner 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,
         Kerner hereby represents, covenants and agrees as follows:

    3.1.       Throughout his employment hereunder, Kerner 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, Kerner 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, Kerner 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 Kerner.

    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 Kerner 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. Kerner agrees and
               acknowledges that any such Confidential Information or Trade
               Secrets disclosed to Kerner 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. Kerner 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, Kerner 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 Kerner is
               compelled by law, court order or subpoena to disclose any
               Confidential Information to any third person, Kerner 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, Kerner
               shall turn over to viaLink all documents, papers and other matter
               in the possession of or under the control of Kerner that are or
               relate to such Confidential Information or to viaLink's Work
               Product.

    3.7.       Work Product. Kerner 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,



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               whether or not 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
               Kerner 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, Kerner. It is specifically agreed and understood that
               Kerner shall not retain any right, title, interest or any right
               to use any of such Work Product. Kerner shall promptly and fully
               disclose to viaLink all such Work Product. Kerner acknowledges
               that all Work Product shall be a work for hire. Moreover, Kerner
               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. Kerner 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. Kerner 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 Kerner'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 Kerner is a party

    3.10.      Injunction. Kerner acknowledges that disclosure of any
               Confidential Information or Work Product by Kerner 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



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               relief against the breach or threatened breach of (i) the
               foregoing Sections 3.5, 3.6, 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. Kerner's obligations in this Section 3 shall survive
               the termination of this Agreement.

4.       Compensation. As full compensation for Kerner's services hereunder and
         in exchange for his promises contained herein, during the Term of this
         Agreement, viaLink shall compensate Kerner 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.       Kerner shall receive an annualized salary of two hundred and
               twenty-five thousand dollars ($225,000) which shall be earned and
               payable biweekly. viaLink may increase Kerner's salary during the
               Term of this Agreement in viaLink's sole discretion. Kerner's
               salary may not be decreased during the Term of this Agreement
               without the prior consent of Kerner.

    4.2.       Subject to the terms of this Section 4.2, and beginning with the
               beginning with the second quarter of 1999, Kerner shall also be
               eligible to receive a total annual bonus which if completely
               earned for a given calendar year would be equal to fifty percent
               (50%) of his then current annual salary as of the beginning of
               such calendar year ("Bonus") if Kerner satisfies the criteria
               established by viaLink's CEO ("Criteria"). Such Criteria shall be
               established by viaLink's CEO for each quarter in a given calendar
               year and communicated to Kerner prior to the beginning of such
               quarter. Said Bonus shall accrue quarterly and shall be
               calculated and paid quarterly. Notwithstanding anything to the
               contrary in this Section 4.2, in order to receive a Bonus due
               hereunder, Kerner must be an employee of viaLink under this
               Agreement at the end of a given quarter for which a bonus is
               earned pursuant to this Section 4.2. Any payment due for a
               quarter 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.

    4.3.       Kerner shall be vested with two (2) weeks vacation as of the
               commencement of this Employment Agreement and shall also receive
               two weeks vacation during each subsequent calendar year of the
               Term of this Agreement.




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    4.4.       Kerner 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.

    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 Kerner an option to purchase one
               hundred twenty-five thousand (125,000) 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 Kerner 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 Kerner 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. Kerner 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, Kerner, within
                       forty-five (45) days after such annual meeting, and
                       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 Kerner 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 Kerner a sum equal to 90/365ths of
                       his then current annualized salary (i.e. annual salary
                       divided by 365, times 90).



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        4.5.3.         The execution by Kerner 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 Kerner 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, Kerner 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
                              via Link's 1995 Stock Option Plan. viaLink agrees
                              to use its best efforts to obtain such approval.

    4.6.       During the Term of this Agreement, Kerner 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 Kerner's choosing but shall not have a final sales price,
               exclusive of tags, title and tax expenses, in excess of thirty
               thousand dollars ($30,000.00). Alternatively, Kerner, 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 Kerner elects to receive such allowance, viaLink,
               subject to the appropriate withholdings for federal and/or state
               taxes, will reimburse Kerner for expenses incurred in the
               maintenance of his 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 Kerner terminates this
               Agreement for other than cause, for a period of two (2) years
               after the termination of this Agreement, Kerner 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,



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               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 Kerner's employment without Cause,
               the provisions of this section 5.1 of this Agreement shall be
               enforceable against Kerner only as long as Kerner 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 Kerner terminates this
               Agreement for other than cause, for a period of two (2) years
               after the termination of this Agreement, Kerner 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 unless such solicitation is undertaken on
               behalf of a business venture or entity which does not compete
               directly with the products or services owned, sold, manufactured,
               marketed, provided or developed by viaLink during Kerner's
               employment by viaLink. 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 Kerner's employment without Cause,
               the provisions of this section 5.2 of this Agreement shall be
               enforceable against Kerner only as long as Kerner 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 5th day of April, 1999 ("Effective
               Date") and shall continue through 4th day of April, 2000 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) 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 as of the end of a then current term by
               delivering notice of non-renewal as required by the first
               sentence of this Section 6.1 or at any time during a then current
               term by giving the notice required by Section 6.1(ii) above,
               Kerner shall be entitled to receive a one-time lump sum payment
               in an



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               amount equal to his then current annualized salary, payable upon
               the effective date of such termination. Upon such payment, Kerner
               shall not be entitled to any further compensation except to the
               extent that it has otherwise accrued as of such date of
               termination. 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 Kerner's
               death, except such rights of Kerner which have accrued as of the
               date of death.

    6.3.       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the
               occurrence of the earlier of the following events, this Agreement
               shall immediately terminate and all rights, benefits and
               obligations hereunder shall cease, except such rights of Kerner
               which have accrued as of the date of disability:

        6.3.1.         if a mutually acceptable physician determines that Kerner
                       is unable to substantially perform his usual and
                       customary duties under this Agreement for more than three
                       (3) months in any calendar year, or

        6.3.2.         if Kerner is eligible to begin receiving monthly benefits
                       under any current long-term disability insurance plan.

    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 Kerner's of his obligations under Sections
                       3.5, 3.6, 3.7 and/or 3.8 of this Agreement;

        6.4.2.         Kerner'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 Kerner
                       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 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.



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        6.4.5.         abuse of alcohol or other drugs, or the illegal use of
                       drugs, which materially interferes with the performance
                       by Kerner 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. Kerner
         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 Kerner, 2924 Stanford Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225

         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 Kerner
         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.

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.


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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 Dallas, Texas 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.

    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.



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    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 Kerner, 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                               J. Andrew Kerner


By: /s/ LEWIS B. KILBOURNE                        /s/ J. ANDREW KERNER
   ----------------------------------             ------------------------------
     Lewis B. Kilbourne                           J. Andrew Kerner

Its: Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 1, 1999                               Date:  3/31/99
     --------------------------------                  -------------------------



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