Document:

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                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                          CONFIRMATION FOR EQUITY SWAP
            TRANSACTION BETWEEN SALOMON BROTHERS HOLDING COMPANY INC,
                            VERIO, LLC AND VERIO INC.

          The purpose of this confirmation, dated as of March 17, 2000, is to
set forth certain terms and conditions for the equity swap transaction that
Verio, LLC ("Counterparty") and Verio Inc. (Verio") entered into with Salomon
Brothers Holding Company Inc ("Salomon") on March 17, 2000 (the "Trade Date")
(the "Transaction"). This confirmation constitute a "Confirmation" as referred
to in the Agreement specified below.

          This Confirmation evidence a complete binding agreement between you
and us as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. In
the event you and us execute the ISDA Master Agreement (Multicurrency-Cross
Border) (the "ISDA Agreement") in the form published by the International Swaps
and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("ISDA") with such modifications as you and we
shall in good faith agree (as modified, the "Agreement"), this Confirmation will
supplement, form a part of, and be subject to the Agreement. Prior to execution
of the Agreement, this Confirmation, together with all other documents referring
to the ISDA Agreement (each a "Confirmation") confirming transactions (each a
"Transaction") entered into between you and us (notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in a Confirmation), shall supplement, form a part of, and be subject to
an agreement in the form of the ISDA Agreement as if we had executed an
agreement in such form (without any Schedule but modified by the provisions in
Section 12 herein) on the Trade Date.

          The ISDA Agreement and this Confirmation will be governed by the laws
of the State of New York.

          1. In the event of any inconsistency between this Confirmation, on the
one hand, and the ISDA Agreement, or when executed, the Agreement, on the other
hand, this Confirmation will control for the purpose of the Transaction. With
respect to the Transaction, capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them, in the ISDA Agreement
or, when executed, the Agreement.

          2. Each party will make each payment specified in this Confirmation as
being payable by it, not later than the due date for value on that date in the
place of the account specified below or otherwise specified in writing, in
freely transferable funds and in a manner customary for payments in the required
currency. This Confirmation and the Agreement, shall constitute the written
agreement between Counterparty and Salomon with respect to this Transaction.

          3. The Transaction to which this Confirmation relates is an equity
swap transaction, the terms of which include:

          4. GENERAL DEFINITIONS:

Business Day:        Means a day (other  than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which
                     commercial banks generally are open for business in New
                     York City.

Carrying             Rate: Means on any day with respect to the Notional Amount
                     (i) until but not including the Initial Reset Date LIBOR as
                     determined as of the first

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                     day of the initial period plus the Carrying Spread and (ii)
                     during each period thereafter, LIBOR determined as of the
                     beginning of such period plus the Carrying Spread.

Common Shares:       means shares of Verio Inc.'s common stock.

Designated
Salomon Affiliate:   means Salomon or one or more broker-dealer affiliates of
                     Salomon, wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by Citigroup
                     (or any successor thereto) as designated by Salomon (or to
                     the extent that Salomon does not designate such an
                     affiliate), the Designated Salomon Affiliate shall mean
                     Salomon).

LIBOR:               means the rate per annum for U.S. dollar LIBOR (determined
                     on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a
                     360-day year) for the appropriate reference period, as
                     determined by Salomon, appearing (except as provided in the
                     following sentence) on Telerate Page 3750 or any
                     replacement of that page, two London business days prior to
                     the start of a relevant period, provided that if the rate
                     cannot be so determined, it shall be determined as if
                     USD-LIBOR-Reference Banks (as defined in the 1991 ISDA
                     Definitions) had been specified for purposes of determining
                     the rate. If the relevant period is one week or less, the
                     reference period shall be one week, and the rate shall be
                     as specified on Reuters Screen LIBO Page. LIBOR shall
                     otherwise be determined by linear interpolation if the
                     relevant period does not correspond exactly to a period for
                     which rates appear on Telerate Page 3750 or its
                     replacement. Except for the period ending on the Maturity
                     Date or unless the parties otherwise agree, the relevant
                     period for determining LIBOR shall be one month.

Principal            Market: Means NASDAQ or the principal national securities
                     exchange or quotation system on which the Common Shares may
                     be listed or otherwise included in the future should they
                     cease to be quoted on such exchange or quotation system.
                     All references to closing prices or sales prices for the
                     Common Shares shall be to such prices on the Principal
                     Market.

Trading Day:         means a day on which the Principal Market is open for
                     trading.

          5.   GENERAL TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION; FEES:

              (a) General Terms of the Transaction.

         Trade Date:                         March 17, 2000

         Number of Common Shares:            640,000

         Notional Amount:                    $33,600,000

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         Initial Reset Date:                 April 17, 2000 (or, if such date
                                             is not a Trading Day, the next
                                             Trading Day).

         Optional Unwind Date:               April 17, 2000 (or, if such date is
                                             not a Trading Day, the next Trading
                                             Day).

         Maturity Date:                      December 18, 2000 (or, if such date
                                             is not a Trading Day, the next
                                             Trading Day).

         Carrying Spread:                    2.00% per annum.

         Structuring Fee Amount:             $500,000

         Initial Price Per Share             $52.50

     (b)  Outstanding Aggregate Amount. The term "Outstanding Aggregate Amount"
means, as of any date, a dollar amount equal to the original Notional Amount
minus the sum of the Daily Delivery Amounts for each related Delivery Date (each
as defined in paragraph 6) occurring prior to such date.

     (c)  Structuring Fees. By the third Trading Day following the Trade Date,
Counterparty shall pay to Salomon Smith Barney Inc. a fee equal to the
Structuring Fee Amount, specified above in Section 5(a).

          6.   UNWIND PERIOD SETTLEMENT OBLIGATIONS:

     (a)  Counterparty Unwind Period Settlement Option. Counterparty shall be
entitled to elect by timely written notice to Salomon whether settlement of the
parties' respective obligations for a particular Unwind Period shall be by (i)
"Net Share Settlement" or (ii) "Net Cash Settlement" (or if Counterparty fails
to so elect, it shall be deemed to have elected Net Share Settlement).
Counterparty shall notify Salomon of its election of Net Share Settlement or Net
Cash Settlement not less than twenty Trading Days prior to the commencement of
the relevant Unwind Period. The methods for determining the beginning and length
of the "Unwind Period" for a "Maturity Termination" as well as for a "Trigger
Event," an "Optional Unwind" and a "Partial Termination" are set forth in
paragraph 7.

     (b)  Net Share Settlement. If Counterparty elects Net Share Settlement with
respect to an Unwind Period, on each Delivery Date in such Unwind Period, (i)
the Designated Salomon Affiliate shall deliver to Counterparty a number of
Common Shares equal to the Salomon Share Amount for such Delivery Date against
payment by Counterparty to the Designated Salomon Affiliate of cash equal to the
Forward Amount for such Delivery Date and (ii) Counterparty shall deliver to the
Designated Salomon Affiliate a number of Common Shares equal to the Forward
Amount for such Delivery Date divided by the Determination Price for such
Delivery Date (the "Counterparty Share Amount") against payment by the
Designated Salomon Affiliate to Counterparty of cash equal to the Forward Amount
for such Delivery Date (the Salomon Share Amount minus the Counterparty Share
Amount is referred to herein as the "Net Share Amount").

     (c)  Net Cash Settlement. If Counterparty elects Net Cash Settlement with
respect to an Unwind Period, on each Delivery Date in such Unwind Period, (i) if
the Net Share Amount is positive, the Designated Salomon Affiliate shall pay to
Counterparty an amount equal to the Net Share Amount

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multiplied by the Determination Price for such Delivery Date and (ii) if the Net
Share Amount is negative, Counterparty shall pay to the Designated Salomon
Affiliate an amount equal to the absolute value of the Net Share Amount
multiplied by the Determination Price for such Delivery Date.

      WHERE:

      "Salomon Share Amount" means, for any Delivery Date, the Daily Delivery
      Amount for such Delivery Date divided by the Initial Price Per Share.

      "Daily Delivery Amount" means, for any Delivery Date, the portion of the
      Outstanding Aggregate Amount subject to the related Unwind Period divided
      by the number of Unwind Period Days for such Unwind Period (each
      determined in accordance with paragraph 7) or such other amount as agreed
      to by the parties or by Salomon if an event as described in Paragraph 6(f)
      ("Salomon Unwind Period Settlement Option") has occurred.

      "Forward Amount" means, for any Delivery Date, a dollar amount equal to
      (i) the Daily Delivery Amount for such Delivery Date plus (ii) Carrying
      Costs for such Delivery Date minus (iii) Actual Dividends for such Daily
      Delivery Amount.

      "Delivery Date" means, in respect of each Unwind Period Day, the third
      Trading Day after such Unwind Period Day.

      "Unwind Period Day" means each Trading Day in an Unwind Period.

      "Carrying Costs" means, for any Delivery Date and subject to paragraph
      9(e) ("Funding Cost Adjustment"), an amount equal to interest on the Daily
      Delivery Amount for such Delivery Date at the applicable Carrying Rate,
      compounded periodically each time LIBOR is reset on an actual/360 basis,
      for the period from and including the third Trading Day after the Trade
      Date to but excluding such Delivery Date.

      "Actual Dividends" means, for any Delivery Date, the amount of all
      dividends (other than dividends resulting in an adjustment pursuant to
      paragraph 8(c) ("Adjustment Events") or transferred to Counterparty
      pursuant to paragraph 9(f) ("Certain Dividends")) paid before the day on
      which the Unwind Period commences to which a holder of a number of Common
      Shares equal to the applicable Daily Delivery Amount (or portion thereof)
      outstanding on the applicable ex-dividend date divided by the Initial
      Price Per Share would be entitled.

      "Determination Price" means for any Delivery Date, the weighted average
      price at which Salomon or the Designated Salomon Affiliate sells Common
      Shares (net of Fees) on the relevant Unwind Period Day for net proceeds
      equal to the Forward Amount for such Delivery Date.

      "Fees" means the following:

      (i)   if the Common Shares are sold in an Underwritten Offering, 3% of the
            weighted average offering price;

      (ii)  if Common Shares are sold pursuant to a Block Sale, 1.5% of the
            weighted average price at which the Designated Salomon Affiliate
            sells the Common Shares; or

      (iii) otherwise, $0.03125.

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      (e)   Final Dividend Amount. In connection with each Unwind Period,
Salomon shall transfer to Counterparty, promptly after the related dividend
payment date and in the same form in which the dividend was made, the amount of
all dividends (other than dividends resulting in an adjustment pursuant to
paragraph 8(c) ("Adjustment Events")) with an ex-dividend date before the last
Trading Day in such Unwind Period and a dividend payment date on or after the
first Trading Day in such Unwind Period to which a holder of a number of Common
Shares equal to the Remaining Share Amount on the applicable ex-dividend date
would be entitled.

      WHERE:

      "Remaining Share Amount" means, for any ex-dividend date, (i) the portion
      of the Outstanding Aggregate Amount that is the subject of the Unwind
      Period (determined in accordance with paragraph 7) outstanding on such
      ex-dividend date divided by the Initial Price Per Share minus (ii) the
      Salomon Share Amount for each Delivery Date with a related Unwind Period
      Day occurring on or before such ex-dividend date.

      (f)   Salomon Unwind Period Settlement Option. If Counterparty fails to
comply with or perform any agreement or obligation contained in paragraph 10(c)
("Securities Laws and Registration--Registration Statement") or paragraph 10(e)
("Securities Laws and Registration--Due Diligence") or Counterparty's
representations contained in paragraph 10(d) ("Securities Laws and
Registration--Representations") are incorrect or misleading in any material
respect, Salomon and its affiliates shall be entitled (in addition to any other
remedies under the Agreement or otherwise) in connection with a Delivery Date to
sell Common Shares used to hedge this Transaction or Common Shares received from
Counterparty hereunder (including pursuant to this clause (f)) on a private
placement basis and, if Common Shares are so sold, Counterparty shall deliver to
the Designated Salomon Affiliate a number of Common Shares such that the
aggregate actual net proceeds of the Common Shares so sold is equal to the
Forward Amount for such Delivery Date. Counterparty shall deliver promptly upon
request the number of Common Shares Salomon reasonably determines is adequate to
realize actual net proceeds in such amount, and Counterparty's obligation to
deliver Common Shares under this clause (f) shall be a continuing one until
Salomon or its affiliates have received actual net proceeds equal to the Forward
Amount for such Delivery Date. Counterparty agrees that each of its filings
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") or other
applicable securities laws that are required to be filed have been filed, as of
each day on which Salomon or its affiliates sell Common Shares pursuant to this
clause (f) will have been filed and that such filing, as supplemented by any
information provided by Counterparty to Salomon, will contain no misstatement of
material fact or omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Salomon and its
affiliates shall be entitled to disclose any material non-public information
regarding Counterparty in their possession to purchasers in such a private
placement.

            7.    UNWIND PERIODS:

      (a)   Maturity Termination. By the close of business in New York on the
Maturity Date, Salomon shall give notice of the number of Trading Days in the
Unwind Period commencing on the Maturity Date and of the Manner of Sale. An
Unwind Period will commence on the Maturity Date with respect to the entire
Outstanding Aggregate Amount.

      (b)   Optional Unwind. Counterparty (i) may notify Salomon of its desire
to effect a settlement with respect to any portion (prior to October 1, 2000) or
all of the Outstanding Aggregate

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Amount (at any time) over a number of Trading Days, from 1 to 45 consecutive
Trading Days inclusive, as Counterparty may propose (an "Optional Unwind"), (ii)
propose the Manner of Sale and (iii) shall include in such notice an irrevocable
indication of its election pursuant to paragraph 6(a) ("Counterparty Unwind
Period Settlement Option"). Salomon shall not unreasonably reject the proposed
portion of such Outstanding Aggregate Amount, Unwind Period length, commencement
date of the Unwind Period relating to such Optional Unwind or Manner of Sale;
provided that, unless otherwise agreed, the Unwind Period shall commence at
least twenty Trading Days after Counterparty gives notice of its desire to
effect an Optional Unwind. If any such term is not reasonably acceptable to
Salomon, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify the proposed term,
provided that if the parties cannot agree regarding the Unwind Period length,
the number of Trading Days in the Unwind Period or the Manner of Sale, then each
disputed item shall be determined by Salomon; provided that Salomon shall not
elect an Underwritten Offering unless it reasonably determines that Block Sales
or Gradual Market Distribution is not feasible. If the first Trading Day in the
Unwind Period is before the Optional Unwind Date, Counterparty shall pay Salomon
by the second Business Day following such Trading Day an amount equal to the
present value (calculated by Salomon using a discount rate equal to LIBOR minus
0.125% per annum) of the Carrying Spread that would have been earned on the
portion of the Outstanding Aggregate Amount subject to such Optional Unwind had
it remained outstanding through such date.

      WHERE

      "Manner of Sale" means:

      (i)   an underwritten fixed price of "at the market" public offering of
            the Common Shares, with respect to which Salomon shall be entitled
            to designate Salomon Smith Barney Inc. ("SSB") or one or more
            affiliates of Salomon as the sole book running manager (an
            "Underwritten Offering");

      (ii)  one or more privately negotiated sales involving at least a block of
            the Common Shares, with respect to which Salomon shall be entitled
            to designate SSB or one or more affiliates of Salomon as the sole
            agent, executing dealer or other intermediary ("Block Sale"); or

      (iii) an offering of the Common Shares into the existing trading market
            for outstanding shares of the same class at other than a fixed price
            on the Principal Market or to or through a market maker or broker or
            dealer, with respect to which Salomon shall be entitled to designate
            SSB or one or more affiliates of Salomon as the sole agent,
            executing dealer or other intermediary (a "Gradual Market
            Distribution").

      (c)   Trigger Event. A "Trigger Event" shall occur if Counterparty does
not take one of the actions described in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 5.01 of
the Pledge Agreement dated as of March 17, 2000 between Salomon, Counterparty
and Verio (the "Pledge Agreement") within the required period under Section 5.01
of the Pledge Agreement after the occurrence of an event described in Section
5.01 of the Pledge Agreement or if Counterparty elects pursuant to clause (b) of
Section 5.01 of the Pledge Agreement to effect an Optional Unwind that would
result in the Outstanding Aggregate Amount being 50% or less of the than the
initial Notional Amount. Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Trigger
Event, Salomon shall be entitled to commence an Unwind Period with respect to
the entire Outstanding Aggregate Amount and designate the Manner of Sale;
provided that Salomon shall not elect an Underwritten Offering unless it
reasonably determines that Block Sales or Gradual Market Distribution is not
feasible. Such Unwind Period shall commence on a Trading Day and end on and
include a Trading

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Day, each as designated by Salomon. At the option of Salomon, any Unwind Period
that had commenced prior to the start of the Unwind Period for such Trigger
Event and not terminated shall terminate on the Trading Day prior to the start
of the Unwind Period for such Trigger Event.

      (d)   Suspension of Unwind Period. Counterparty may, by notice to Salomon
by 8:30 a.m. New York time on any Trading Day, suspend an Unwind Period for up
to 5 days in the aggregate based on the advice of counsel respecting applicable
federal securities laws that such Unwind Period should be suspended. As promptly
as practicable after such suspension, Salomon will adjust any term of this
Transaction relating to an Unwind Period, Maturity Date or other Trading Day or
otherwise to the extent appropriate to effectuate the fundamental economic terms
of this Transaction.

      (e)   Unwind Periods in Effect. For purposes of "Optional Unwind" and
"Maturity Termination," and unless Salomon (in the case of "Trigger Event")
elects to terminate an Unwind Period in effect in accordance with the last
sentence of such paragraphs, any Daily Delivery Amount for which an Unwind
Period is in effect shall be deemed not outstanding for purposes of determining
the Outstanding Aggregate Amount to be subject to such an Unwind Period.

            8.    DISRUPTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS:

      (a)   Market Disruption Events. If on any day that would otherwise be a
Trading Day Salomon determines that there has been a material suspension or
material limitation of trading in the Common Shares on the Principal Market, or
that trading in securities in general on the Principal Market has been
materially suspended or materially limited (a "Market Disruption Event"), then
that day shall be deemed not to be a Trading Day (in whole or in part), and the
next Trading Day shall be postponed to the first succeeding Trading Day on
which, in Salomon's determination, there is no Market Disruption Event. As
promptly as practicable after the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event,
Salomon will adjust any term of this Transaction relating to an Unwind Period,
Maturity Date or other Trading Day or otherwise to the extent appropriate to
effectuate the fundamental economic terms of this Transaction.

      (b)   Disruption of Settlement. If on any date there occurs an event
beyond the control of the parties as a result of which The Depository Trust
Company or any successor depository cannot effect a transfer of the Common
Shares pursuant to this Transaction, the party obligated to deliver the Common
Shares shall use its best efforts to cause the Common Shares to be delivered as
promptly as practicable to the other party in any commercially reasonable
manner. Each party agrees that if delivery of the Common Shares on any Delivery
Date is subject to any restriction imposed by a regulatory authority, the
parties will negotiate in good faith a procedure to effect settlement of such
Common Shares in a manner that complies with any relevant rules of such
regulatory authority.

      (c)   Adjustment Events. In the event of (i) a subdivision, consolidation
or reclassification of the Common Shares into a different number or kind of
shares of stock of Counterparty, (ii) a dividend on the Common Shares paid in
Common Shares, (iii) a merger or other transaction whereby the outstanding
Common Shares are exchanged for another class of securities, or securities of
another issuer, or (iv) any other similar event (an "Adjustment Event"), then in
each case, Salomon shall make appropriate adjustments to the terms of this
Transaction, and/or amend the definition of Common Shares, such that the
fundamental economic terms of this Transaction are equivalent to those in effect
immediately prior to the Adjustment Event.

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            9.    MISCELLANEOUS:

      (a)   Early Termination. The parties agree that for purposes of Section
6(e) of the Agreement, Second Method and Loss will apply to this Transaction.
The parties further agree that for purposes of calculating Salomon's Loss in
connection with this Transaction, Salomon and its affiliates shall dispose of
any Common Shares used to hedge this Transaction over a period consisting of (i)
in the case of an Early Termination Date resulting from an Event of Default, any
number of Trading Days as Salomon may determine and (ii) in the case of an Early
Termination Date resulting from a Termination Event, any number of Trading Days
as Salomon may determine and to which Counterparty shall not unreasonably
object.

      (b)   Netting of Obligations; Rounding. The respective Common Share
delivery and cash payment obligations on any day of Counterparty, on the one
hand, and Salomon and the Designated Salomon Affiliate, on the other hand, shall
be netted. The net Common Shares delivery obligation of either party shall be
rounded down to the nearest number of whole shares, such that neither party
shall be required to deliver any fractional shares.

      (c)   Agreement regarding Common Shares. Each party agrees with the other
that, in respect of any Common Shares delivered to the other party, (i) in the
case of Salomon, the Designated Salomon Affiliate will, at the time of delivery,
be the legal and beneficial owner thereof, free of liens and other encumbrances,
and (ii) in the case of Counterparty, such shares shall be, upon such delivery,
duly and validly authorized, issued and outstanding, fully paid and
nonassessable, and subject to no adverse claims of any other party.

      (d)   Default Interest. If a party defaults in the performance of any
obligation required to be settled by delivery, it will indemnify the other party
on demand, in accordance with the practice of the Principal Market for the
Common Shares, for any costs, losses or expenses (including the costs of
borrowing Common Shares, if applicable) resulting from such default. A
certificate signed by the deliveree setting out such costs, losses or expenses
in reasonable detail shall be conclusive evidence that they have been incurred,
absent manifest error.

      (e)   Funding Cost Adjustment. If for any reason the relevant interest
period does not correspond with the reference period used for purposes of
calculating the Carrying Costs, Salomon shall adjust the terms of this
Transaction appropriately to reflect any additional funding costs incurred, or
any reduction in funding costs received, by Salomon.

      (f)   Certain Dividends. Salomon shall transfer to Counterparty, promptly
after the related dividend payment date and in the same form in which the
dividend was made, the amount of all dividends (other than cash dividends and
dividends resulting in an adjustment pursuant to paragraph 8(c) ("Adjustment
Events")) to which a holder of a number of Common Shares equal to the Dividend
Share Amount on the applicable ex-dividend date would be entitled.

      WHERE:

      "Dividend Share Amount" means, for any ex-dividend date, a number of
      Common Shares equal to (i) the portion of the Outstanding Aggregate Amount
      outstanding on such ex-dividend date that is not, and has not been, the
      subject of an Unwind Period (determined in accordance with paragraph 7)
      when such dividend is paid divided by (ii) the Initial Price Per Share.

      (g)   Increased Costs. If Salomon determines that from the Trade Date of
the relevant Transaction (i) due to either (x) the introduction of or any change
in or in the interpretation of any law or

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regulation or (y) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central
bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law),
there shall be any increase in the cost to Salomon or its affiliates of engaging
in this Transaction or related transactions, or (ii) compliance with any law or
regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other
governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) increases or
would increase the amount of any capital required or expected to be maintained
by Salomon or any affiliate of Salomon as a direct or indirect consequence of
this Transaction ("Increased Costs"), then Counterparty shall from time to time
until this Transaction is no longer outstanding (whether through Optional Unwind
or otherwise), promptly upon demand by Salomon, convey to Salomon additional
amounts sufficient to compensate Salomon for such Increased Costs as are
incurred. Such additional amounts may, at Counterparty's option, be paid in U.S.
dollars or be satisfied by delivery of a number of Common Shares having an
equivalent value; provided, however, that Counterparty shall be entitled to
satisfy such obligation by delivery of Common Shares only if it provides twenty
Trading Days' notice and complies with its obligations and makes the
representations set forth in paragraph 10 ("Securities Laws and Registration")
as if such delivery were in connection with a Delivery Date to which Net Share
Settlement applied for purposes of paragraph 6(a) ("Counterparty Unwind Period
Settlement Option"). A certificate as to the amount of Increased Costs,
submitted to Counterparty by Salomon, shall be conclusive and binding for all
purposes absent manifest error.

      (h)   Consent to Recording. Each party (i) consents to the recording of
the telephone conversations of trading and marketing personnel of the parties
and their affiliates in connection with this Transaction and (ii) agrees to
obtain any necessary consent of, and give notice of such recording to, such
personnel of it and its affiliates.

      (i)   Severability; Illegality. If compliance by either party with any
provision of this Transaction would be unenforceable or illegal, (i) the parties
shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such unenforceability or illegality in
a manner that preserves the economic benefits of the transactions contemplated
hereby and (ii) the other provisions of this Transaction shall not be
invalidated, but shall remain in full force and effect.

      (j)   Calculation Agent. Salomon shall make all calculations, adjustments
and determinations required pursuant to this Transaction. Salomon's good faith
calculations, adjustments and determinations shall be made in good faith and in
a commercially reasonable manner.

      (k)   Cash Payments. All references herein to "dollars" or "$" are to U.S.
dollars. All amounts payable in cash shall be payable in dollars in immediately
available funds.

      (l)   Waiver of Trial by Jury. Each of Counterparty, VERIO and Salomon
hereby irrevocably waives (on its own behalf and, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders) all right to trial by jury in any
action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or
otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Transaction or the actions of
Salomon or its affiliates in the negotiation, performance or enforcement hereof.

      (m)   Financial Statements. Each of Counterparty and Verio will provide
to Salomon promptly upon request copies of its most recent annual report
containing audited or certified financial statements.

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      (n) Delivery of Opinion. On the date hereof, Counterparty will provide to
Salomon an opinion of counsel regarding this Master Confirmation and the
Transaction contemplated hereby in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Salomon.

      (o)   Piggyback Rights. Without the prior consent of Salomon, neither
Counterparty nor Verio shall in a public offering sell any Common Shares or
securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares (other than
offerings pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form 5-8 or an offering of
convertible preferred stock), unless Counterparty elects an Optional Unwind with
respect to a number of Common Shares equal to the greater of (i) 50% of the
number of Common Shares to be sold in such offering and (ii) 50% of the then
outstanding Number of Common Shares in connection with the Transaction and
Salomon or the Designated Salomon Affiliate participates in such offering as a
selling shareholder.

      (p)   Limitations on Additional Forward Stock Purchase Agreements. Until
the expiration of the final Unwind Period, Verio and any of its Affiliates shall
not enter into Forward Stock Purchase Agreements other than this Confirmation.

      WHERE

      "Forward Stock Purchase Agreement" means with respect to Verio and any of
      its Affiliates only, any forward stock purchase agreement, swap agreement
      or similar agreement entered into by Verio and any of its Affiliates and
      one or more parties in the future relating to the delayed sale by such
      counterparties of Common Shares.

      (q)   Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, each and every representation, warranty and covenant herein is being
made by Counterparty or Verio solely on a several basis and nothing herein shall
be interpreted to impute to either Counterparty of Verio any obligation or
guaranty by either such entity on behalf of the other.

            10.   SECURITIES LAWS AND REGISTRATION:

      (a)   Registration Statement. Verio agrees to make available to Salomon
and its affiliates an effective registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act and one or more
prospectuses as necessary to allow Salomon and its affiliates to comply with the
applicable prospectus delivery requirements (the "Prospectus") for the resale by
Salomon and its affiliates of such number of Common Shares as Salomon shall
reasonably specify (or, if greater, the number of shares that Counterparty shall
reasonably specify), such Registration Statement to be effective and Prospectus
to be current for each day in the Unwind Period and for at least twenty Trading
Days after the Unwind Period (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, days on
which the Unwind Period has been suspended pursuant to paragraph 7(f)
("Suspension of Unwind Period")). It is understood that the Registration
Statement and Prospectus will cover a number of Common Shares equal to all
Common Shares acquired by Salomon or its affiliates for hedging purposes plus
all Common Shares delivered by Counterparty pursuant to this Transaction.
Salomon shall provide, by a reasonable time in advance, such information
regarding Salomon and its affiliates as Verio, upon advice from counsel,
reasonably determines is required to be included in the Prospectuses. Verio
shall pay the applicable registration fee and all costs in connection with the
preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus including, without
limitation, Salomon's legal expenses in connection with the preparation of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and the cost of printing the
Prospectus. Verio agrees to take all required action so that all Common Shares
covered by the Registration Statement are eligible for sale

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

and otherwise to take such actions reasonably requested by Salomon to facilitate
the disposition of the Common Shares.

      (b)   Representations. Verio represents (A) on the Trade Date of this
Transaction and (B) on each day described in paragraph (c) above in connection
with an Unwind Period, that each of its filings under the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act or other applicable securities laws that are required to be filed
have been filed and that, as of the respective dates thereof and as of the date
of this representation, there is no misstatement of material fact contained
therein or omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

      (c)   Due Diligence. Verio agrees to provide to Salomon and its affiliates
by the Trading Day before the commencement of the relevant Unwind Period
opinions of counsel, comfort letters, officers' certificates and representations
and such other documents as may be reasonably requested by Salomon. Verio also
agrees that beginning (x) no later than such twentieth Trading Day before the
commencement of the relevant Unwind Period and (y) at any time after 5 days'
notice, Salomon and its affiliates shall be entitled to perform such diligence
as Salomon may reasonably request. In addition, from time to time, Salomon shall
be entitled to attend, with notice, Verio's meetings with equity analysts and
make reasonable inquiries of appropriate officers of Verio.

      (d)   Additional Termination Event. The failure by Verio to comply with
its obligations under paragraphs (a) and (c) above, if such failure is not
remedied on or before the third Business Day after notice of such failure is
given to Verio, shall constitute an Additional Termination Event with
Counterparty as the sole Affected Party and this Transaction as the sole
Affected Transaction.

            11.   INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION:

      (a)   Indemnification by Verio. Verio agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Salomon, its affiliates, their respective directors, officers,
employees, agents, advisors, brokers and representatives and each person who
controls Salomon or its affiliates within the meaning of either the Securities
Act or the Exchange Act against, and Verio agrees that no indemnified party
shall have any liability to Counterparty or Verio or any of their affiliates,
officers, directors, or employees for, any liability (whether direct or
indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) for, any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, joint or several, to which they or any of them may
become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or
state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions, claims,
investigations or proceedings in respect thereof, whether commenced or
threatened) arise out of or relate to (x) any misstatement or alleged
misstatement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus (or in any offering materials or supplemental information, if any,
provided by or on behalf of Counterparty or Verio in connection with any sales
on a private placement basis pursuant to paragraph 6(f) ("Salomon Unwind Period
Settlement Option"), or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading) or
(y) actions or failures to act by an indemnified party with the consent of or in
reliance on Verio, or (z) otherwise arise out of or relate to any breach or
violation by Verio of, or misrepresentation by Verio under, this Confirmation or
allegation by a third party that Verio acted or failed to act in a manner that,
as alleged, would have constituted such a breach, violation or
misrepresentation. Verio agrees, promptly on demand, to reimburse each such
indemnified party for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, expense or action. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
foregoing, Verio will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such
loss, claim, damage,

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

liability or expense arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to Verio by or on behalf of
Salomon specifically for use in connection with the preparation of the
Prospectus or any supplement thereto. This indemnity agreement will be in
addition to any liability which Counterparty or Verio may otherwise have.

      (b)   Indemnification by Salomon. Salomon agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Verio, its affiliates, their respective directors, officers, employees
and agents, and each person who controls Counterparty within the meaning of
either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the
foregoing indemnity from Verio to Salomon, but only with reference to written
information furnished to Counterparty by or on behalf of Salomon specifically
for use in the preparation of the Prospectus or any supplement thereto. This
indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which Salomon may
otherwise have.

      (c)   Legal Proceedings. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party
under paragraphs (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action,
such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against
the indemnifying party under paragraphs (a) or (b) above, notify the
indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so
to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from
any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under
paragraphs (a) or (b) above or, in respect of paragraphs (a) or (b) above, to
the extent that the indemnifying party was not materially prejudiced by such
failure to notify. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified
party, and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the
indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein, and to the extent
that it may elect by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly
after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party to assume the
defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided
that if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and
the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified
parties which are different from or additional to those available to the
indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to
select separate counsel to represent such indemnified party or parties. Upon
receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its
election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified
party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified
party under paragraphs (a) or (b) above for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof unless (A) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in
accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood,
however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of
more than one separate counsel (in addition to local counsel), representing the
indemnified parties who are parties to such action), (B) the indemnifying party
shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to
represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of
commencement of the action or (C) the indemnifying party has authorized the
employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the
indemnifying party; and except that, if clause (A) or (C) is applicable, such
liability shall be only in respect of the counsel referred to in such clause (A)
or (C). The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any
proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such
consent or if there shall be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the
indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against
any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying
party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect
any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any
indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been
sought hereunder by

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release
of such indemnified party from all liability arising from such proceeding.

      (d)  Contribution. If the indemnification provided for above is
unavailable to an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages,
expenses or liabilities referred to herein, then each applicable indemnifying
party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the
amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses,
claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, in such proportion as is appropriate
to reflect not only the relative fault of Verio on the one hand and of Salomon
on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in
such losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, but also any other
relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of Verio on the one hand
and Salomon on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the misstatement or alleged misstatement of a material fact or
the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by Verio or by Salomon and the parties' relative intent, knowledge,
access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages and liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include,
subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other fees or expenses
reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending
any action or claim. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable
if contribution pursuant to this paragraph (d) were determined by method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred
to in this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.

           12.   MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGREEMENT:

           Prior to execution of the Master Agreement and Schedule the
provisions in this Section 12 shall apply. Upon execution of the Master
Agreement and Schedule by the parties the provisions in this Section 12 shall be
deemed deleted.

     (a)   Termination Provisions:

     (i)   The "Cross-Default" provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) of the Agreement
           will apply to Salomon and Counterparty.

           WHERE

"Threshold Amount" means (i) with respect to Salomon three percent (3%) of
Stockholder's Equity of Salomon, and (ii) with respect to Counterparty USD
1,000,000. For purposes of (i) above, Stockholder's Equity shall be determined
by reference to the relevant party's most recent consolidated (quarterly, in the
case of a U.S. incorporated party) balance sheet and shall include, in the case
of a U.S. incorporated party, legal capital, paid-in capital, retained earnings
and cumulative translation adjustments. Such balance sheet shall be prepared in
accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in such
party's country of organization.

     (ii)  The "Credit Event Upon Merger" provisions of Section 5(b)(iv) of the
           Agreement will apply to Salomon and Counterparty.

     (iii) "Termination Currency" means United States Dollars.

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

     (b)  Set-Off:

          Section 6 of the Agreement is amended by adding the following new
          subsection 6(f):

          (f) In addition to any rights of set-off a party may have as a matter
          of law or otherwise, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with
          respect to a party ("X") the other party ("Y") will have the right
          (but will not be obliged) without prior notice to X or any other
          person to set-off any obligation of X owing to Y (whether or not
          arising under this Agreement, whether or not matured, whether or not
          contingent and regardless of the currency, place of payment or booking
          office of the obligation) against any obligation of Y owing to X
          (whether or not arising under this Agreement, whether or not matured,
          whether or not contingent and regardless of the currency, place of
          payment or booking office of the obligation).

          For the purpose of cross-currency set-off, Y may convert any
          obligation to another currency at a market rate determined by Y.

          If an obligation is unascertained, Y may in good faith estimate that
          obligation and set-off in respect of the estimate, subject to the
          relevant party accounting to the other when the obligation is
          ascertained.

     (c)  Credit Support Document. The Credit Support Document is the Pledge
          Agreement.

          13.  REPRESENTATIONS:

     (a)  Each party represents (which representations will be deemed to be
repeated on each Tranche Date) to the other party that:

     (i)  It is acting as principal for its own account and not as agent when
          entering into this Transaction;

     (ii) It has sufficient knowledge and expertise to enter into this
          Transaction and it is entering into this Transaction in reliance upon
          such tax, accounting, regulatory, legal, and financial advice as its
          deems necessary and not upon any view expressed by the other. It has
          made its own independent decision to enter into this Transaction, is
          acting at arm's length and is not relying on any communication
          (written or oral) of the other party as a recommendation or investment
          advice regarding this Transaction. It has the capability to evaluate
          and understand (on its own behalf or through independent professional
          advice), and does understand, the terms, conditions and risks of this
          Transaction and is willing to accept those terms and conditions and to
          assume (financially and otherwise) those risks. It acknowledges and
          agrees that the other party is not acting as a fiduciary or advisor to
          it in connection with this Transaction. It is entering into this
          Transaction for the purposes of hedging its underlying assets or
          liabilities, in connection with a line of business or to lock in the
          future cost of its share repurchase program, and not for purposes of
          speculation; and

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

      (iii) It is an "accredited investor" as defined in Section 2(15)(ii) of
            the Securities Act and an "eligible swap participant" as such term
            is defined in 17 C.F.R. Section 35.1(b)(2).

      (b)   Counterparty and Verio each represents as of the Trade Date to
            Salomon that:

      (i)   It understands no obligations of Salomon to it hereunder will be
            entitled to the benefit of deposit insurance and that such
            obligations will not be guaranteed by any affiliate of Salomon or
            any governmental agency;

      (ii)  Its financial condition is such that it has no need for liquidity
            with respect to its investment in this Transaction and no need to
            dispose of any portion thereof to satisfy any existing or
            contemplated undertaking or indebtedness. Its investments in and
            liabilities in respect of this Transaction, which it understands is
            not readily marketable, is not disproportionate to its net worth,
            and it is able to bear any loss in connection with this Transaction,
            including the loss of its entire investment in this Transaction;

      (iii) It understands that this Transaction and, except as provided in
            paragraph 10 ("Securities Laws and Registration"), the transactions
            contemplated herein will not be registered under the Securities Act
            or any state securities law or other applicable federal securities
            law; and

      (iv)  IT UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS TRANSACTION IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEX RISKS
            WHICH MAY ARISE WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY AT TIMES BE VOLATILE AND
            THAT LOSSES MAY OCCUR QUICKLY AND IN UNANTICIPATED MAGNITUDE AND IS
            WILLING TO ACCEPT SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND ASSUME (FINANCIALLY
            AND OTHERWISE) SUCH RISKS.

      (c)   Verio represents that the entry by Counterparty into this
Confirmation, the sale of Common Shares to Salomon pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement dated as of the date hereof among the parties hereto and the use of
the proceeds of such sale by Counterparty will not result in a violation of or
contravene any material agreement to which Verio is a party or subject to.

      (d)   With respect to this Transaction, each representation under the
Agreement made or deemed made on each date on which a Transaction is entered
into shall be deemed made on the Trade Date.

            14.   ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:

            To Salomon:              To be advised.

            To Counterparty:         To be advised.

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

            15.   DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS:

      Unless otherwise directed in writing, any Common Shares to be delivered
hereunder shall be delivered as follows:

                  To Salomon:               Salomon Smith Barney
                                            DTC 418
                                            Attn: Prime Broker Group
                                            For Account 768-00038

                  To Counterparty:          To be advised.

            16.   ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES:

      For purposes of Section 12(a) of the Agreement, unless otherwise directed
in writing, all notices or communications to Counterparty or Salomon shall be
delivered to the following addresses:

                  To Salomon:               Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc
                                            Attn.: Herman Hirsch
                                            390 Greenwich Street- 3rd Floor
                                            Equity Derivatives
                                            New York, NY  10013
                  Facsimile:                (212) 723-8750
                  Telephone:                (212) 723-7357

                  with a copy to:           Donald A. Bendernagel, Esq.
                                            Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc
                                            388 Greenwich Street - 20th Floor
                                            New York, New York 10013
                  Facsimile:                (212) 816-4223
                  Telephone:                (212) 816-2747

                  To Counterparty
                      And Verio:            General Counsel
                                            Verio LLC
                                            8005 South Chester Street, Suite 200
                                            Englewood, CO  80112
                  Facsimile:                (303) 792-3879
                  Telephone:                (303) 645-1900

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

                                        Yours sincerely,

                                        SALOMON BROTHERS HOLDING COMPANY INC

                                        By: /s/ Joseph Elmlinger
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                Joseph Elmlinger
                                                Managing Director
                                                Authorized Representative

Confirmed as of the date first above written:

VERIO, LLC

By: /s/ Peter B. Fritzinger
   -----------------------------------
   Name:  Peter B. Fritzinger
   Title: Manager

VERIO INC.

By: /s/ Peter B. Fritzinger
   -----------------------------------
   Name:  Peter B. Fritzinger
   Title: Chief Financial Officer

                                       17<PAGE>   1

                                   Verio, LLC

                         640,000 Shares of Common Stock

                               Purchase Agreement

                                                              New York, New York
                                                                  March 17, 2000

Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
390 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013

Ladies and Gentlemen:

            Verio, LLC (the "Company") organized under the laws of Delaware,
proposes to sell to Salomon Smith Barney Inc., acting as agent for and on behalf
of Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc. (the "Purchaser" and collectively with
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. the "SSB Parties"), 640,000 shares (the "Purchased
Securities") of common stock of Verio Inc. ("Verio") (the "Common Stock"). In
addition, the Company may deliver to the Purchaser additional shares of Common
Stock (the "Additional Securities") in settlement of certain of its obligations
under the Equity Swap Agreement dated as of March 17, 2000, between the Company
and the Purchaser (the "Master Confirmation"). In addition, in connection
therewith, the Company shall pledge certain other shares of Common Stock (the
"Pledged Securities") to the Purchaser (or one of its affiliates) pursuant to a
pledge agreement dated as of the date hereof (the "Pledge Agreement"). The
Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Verio. The Purchased Securities, the
Pledged Securities and the Additional Securities are hereinafter referred to as
the "Securities". Any reference herein to any Resale Registration Statement, a
Preliminary Prospectus, or any Resale Prospectus (each as defined herein) shall
be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference
therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 which were filed under the Exchange Act
on or before the Effective Date of such Resale Registration Statement or the
issue date of such Preliminary Prospectus or Resale Prospectus, as the case may
be; and any reference herein to the terms "amend", "amendment" or "supplement"
with respect to any Resale Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus or
Resale Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any
document under the Exchange Act after the applicable Effective Date or issue
date, deemed to be incorporated therein by reference. Certain terms used herein
are defined in Section 17 hereof.

            1. Representations and Warranties of Verio and the Company. Each of
Verio and the Company represents and warrants, on a several basis only, to, and
agrees with the SSB Parties as set forth below in this Section 1.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>   2

            (a) Verio (or its predecessors) has prepared and filed with the
      Commission (those reports incorporated by reference into the Resale
      Registration Statement (together with the Resale Registration Statement,
      the "Exchange Act Reports"). Each such Exchange Act Report, when filed
      with the Commission, complied in all material respects with the applicable
      requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
      and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
      state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
      order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
      under which they were made, not misleading. Since the date of the most
      recent financial statements included in the Exchange Act Reports, there
      has been no material adverse change on the condition (financial or
      otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company and
      its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising from
      transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or
      contemplated in the Exchange Act Reports.

            (b) Verio has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
      corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which
      it is chartered or organized, with full corporate power and authority to
      conduct its business as described in the Exchange Act Reports, and is duly
      qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing
      under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification,
      except where the failure to so qualify does not have a material adverse
      effect on Verio or its business. The Company has been duly organized and
      is validly existing as a limited liability company under the laws of the
      jurisdiction in which it is organized, with full power and authority to
      conduct its business as described in the Exchange Act Reports, and is duly
      qualified to do business under the laws of each jurisdiction which
      requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify does
      not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business.

            (c) The authorized equity capitalization of Verio is as set forth in
      the Exchange Act Reports; the capital stock of Verio conforms in all
      material respects to the description thereof contained in the Exchange Act
      Reports; the outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly and validly
      authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable; the
      certificates for the Securities are (or, in the case of the Additional
      Securities, will be) in valid and sufficient form; and the holders of
      outstanding shares of capital stock of Verio are not entitled to
      preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities; and, except as
      set forth in the Exchange Act Reports, no options, warrants or other
      rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to
      convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of
      capital stock of or ownership interests in Verio are outstanding.

            (d) There is no pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding by
      or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any
      arbitrator involving Verio, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or
      property of a character required to be disclosed in the Exchange Act
      Reports which is not adequately disclosed therein, and there is no
      franchise, contract or other document of a character required to be
      described therein, or to be filed as an exhibit thereto, which is not
      described or filed as required.

                                        2
<PAGE>   3

            (e) The Exchange Act Reports (other than the financial statements
      and other financial information contained therein) comply as to form in
      all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the
      Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder; and at
      the date of the filing thereof with the Commission, no such Exchange Act
      Report contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
      state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
      the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
      were made, not misleading.

            (f) The execution and delivery of this Agreement has been duly
      authorized by all necessary corporate or other action by Verio and the
      Company, as the case may be, and this Agreement has been duly executed and
      delivered by each of Verio and the Company and constitutes the valid,
      binding and enforceable agreement of each of the Company and Verio subject
      to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors'
      rights generally and to general principles of equity.

            (g) The execution and delivery of the Master Confirmation and the
      Pledge Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the
      Company, each of the Master Confirmation and the Pledge Agreement has been
      duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the valid,
      binding and enforceable agreement of the Company, subject to applicable
      bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights
      generally and to general principles of equity.

            (h) Neither the Company nor Verio is and, after giving effect to the
      sale of the Purchased Securities and the application of the proceeds
      thereof, neither will be an "investment company" as defined in the U.S.
      Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

            (i) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with or order of any
      court or governmental agency or body is required in connection with the
      transactions contemplated herein, in the Master Confirmation and in the
      Pledge Agreement.

            (j) None of the issue and sale of the Purchased Securities, the
      issue of any Additional Securities, the consummation of any other of the
      transactions contemplated herein, in the Master Confirmation or in the
      Pledge Agreement or the fulfillment of the terms hereof or thereof will
      conflict with, result in a breach or violation of or imposition of any
      lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of Verio or its
      subsidiaries pursuant to, (A) the charter or by-laws of Verio or any of
      its subsidiaries; (B) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease,
      mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other
      agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which Verio or
      its subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound or to which its or
      their property is subject; or (C) any statute, law, rule, regulation,
      judgment, order or decree applicable to Verio or its subsidiaries of any
      court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body,
      arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over Verio or its
      subsidiaries or any of its or their properties; provided, however, that in
      no event will

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

      the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable as Purchased
      Securities and Additional Securities be greater than 2,000,000 shares.

            (k) Any certificate signed by any officer of Verio and delivered to
      the SSB Parties or counsel for the SSB Parties shall be deemed a
      representation and warranty by Verio as to matters covered thereby.

            2. Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser.

            The Purchaser represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of
the Company and the as set forth below in this Section 2.

            (a) The Purchaser (i) has such knowledge and experience in financial
      and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks
      of an investment in the Securities and is able to bear the economic risk
      of investment in the Securities; (ii) is purchasing the Purchased
      Securities for its own account (or the account of an affiliate) with no
      present intention of distributing any of the Securities or any arrangement
      or understanding with any other persons regarding the distribution of the
      Securities, it being understood that the foregoing representation does not
      limit the right of the Purchaser to resell the Securities pursuant to an
      effective Resale Registration Statement or as otherwise contemplated in
      the Master Confirmation and Pledge Agreement; and (iii) has completed or
      caused to be completed and delivered to the Company and the Resale
      Registration Statement Questionnaire and the Stock Certificate
      Questionnaire attached hereto as Appendices I and II, respectively, for
      use in preparation of any Resale Registration Statement, and the answers
      thereto are true and correct as of the date hereof and will be true and
      correct as of the applicable Effective Date.

            (b) The Purchaser shall, in connection with any transfer of
      Securities, provide to the transfer agent for the Common Stock prompt
      notice of any Securities sold pursuant to any Resale Registration
      Statement or otherwise.

            3. Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions and in
reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, the Company
agrees to sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the
Company the Purchased Securities at a purchase price per share equal to $52.50
per share.

            4. Delivery and Payment. Delivery of and payment for the Purchased
Securities shall be made at 10:00 AM, New York City time, on March 17, 2000 or
at such time on such later date not more than three Business Days after the
foregoing date as the Company and the Purchaser may agree, which date and time
may be postponed by agreement between the Company and the SSB Parties (such date
and time of delivery and payment for the Purchased Securities being herein
called the "Closing Date"). Delivery of the Purchased Securities shall be made
to Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as agent for and on behalf of the Purchaser,
against payment by the Purchaser of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer
in immediately available funds. Certificates for the Purchased Securities shall
be registered in such names and in such denominations as the Purchaser may
request.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

            5. Certain Agreements. Verio agrees with the SSB Parties that:

            (a) Verio shall promptly advise the SSB Parties (i) of any request
      by the Commission or its staff for any amendment of any Exchange Act
      Report of Verio or for any additional information; and (ii) of the
      institution or threatening of any enforcement proceeding, including any
      stop order, by the Commission against Verio and relating to any Exchange
      Act Report or other document filed by Verio with the Commission, including
      any registration statement filed under the Act.

            (b) Verio will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed
      to or which has constituted or which might reasonably be expected to cause
      or result, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, in stabilization or
      manipulation of the price of any security of Verio to facilitate the sale
      or resale of any Securities.

            (c) Verio shall notify in writing the SSB Parties as promptly as
      practicable at any time that Verio determines that, as a result of a
      change in the capital stock of Verio the SSB Parties holds more than 4.9%
      of the common stock of Verio.

            (d) Verio shall, for so long as any Securities are owned by the SSB
      Parties, (i) upon reasonable prior written notice, permit representatives
      of the SSB Parties access to the books and records and to the principal
      executive and operating officers of Verio during normal business hours at
      such times as may be mutually agreed between the SSB Parties and Verio, as
      the case may be, at any time during which the SSB Parties may have an
      intention to resell any of the Securities; and (ii) furnish to the SSB
      Parties such certificates of officers of Verio relating to the business,
      operations and affairs of Verio and its respective subsidiaries, any
      Resale Registration Statement or Resale Prospectus and any amendments or
      supplements thereto, this Agreement, the Master Confirmation and the
      performance by Verio its respective obligations hereunder and thereunder
      as the SSB Parties may from time to time reasonably request.

            (e) For so long as the Master Confirmation shall remain in effect,
      (i) not later than 90 days following the end of the fiscal year of Verio
      or 45 days following the end of each fiscal quarter of Verio and Verio
      shall provide the SSB Parties (A) a copy of the applicable Annual Report
      on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Verio then required to be
      filed by Verio with the Commission; (B) a certificate of the Chief
      Financial Officer, General Counsel or other authorized officer of Verio to
      the effect that such Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on
      Form 10-Q complied in all material respects, as of the date of the filing
      thereof with the Commission, with the applicable requirements of the
      Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and did not contain
      any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
      required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
      therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
      misleading; and (ii) promptly upon the filing thereof, a copy of each
      other report filed with the Commission by Verio.

            (f) Verio agrees to pay all reasonable expenses incident to the
      performance of its obligations hereunder and under the Master
      Confirmation, including (i) the preparation

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

      and filing of any Resale Registration Statement and all amendments
      thereto; (ii) the cost of printing and delivering certificates evidencing
      the Securities; (iii) the cost of printing and delivering any Resale
      Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus and Resale Prospectus in
      such quantities as the SSB Parties may reasonably request; (iv) the fees
      and expenses of independent accountants for Verio and their respective
      counsel; (v) the qualification of the Securities for sale under state
      securities or blue sky laws; (vi) the listing of the Securities on the
      NASDAQ Stock Exchange; and (vii) all transfer or other taxes (other than
      income taxes) payable in connection with the issuance, sale or transfer of
      the Securities, and (viii) the reasonable fees and disbursements of
      counsel to Holdings and its affiliates incurred in connection with any
      sales or resales of the Securities.

            6. Conditions to the Obligations of the Purchaser. The obligations
of the Purchaser to purchase the Purchased Securities shall be subject to the
accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of Verio contained
herein as of the Execution Time and the Closing Date, to the accuracy of the
statements of Verio made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof,
to the performance by Verio and the Company of their obligations hereunder and
to the following additional conditions:

            (a) No enforcement proceeding, including any stop order, by the
      Commission against Verio and relating to any Exchange Act Report or other
      document filed by Verio with the Commission, including any registration
      statement filed under the Act, shall have been instituted or threatened.

            (b) Verio and the Company shall have requested and caused Morrison &
      Foerster LLP, counsel for Verio and the Company, to furnish to the SSB
      Parties an opinion, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the SSB
      Parties substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

            (c) Verio shall have furnished to the SSB Parties a certificate of
      each of the Company and Verio signed by its respective Chief Financial
      Officer, General Counsel or other authorized officer or manager, dated the
      Closing Date, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have
      carefully examined this Agreement and that:

                  (i) the representations and warranties of Verio and the
            Company, as the case may be, in this Agreement are true and correct
            in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same
            effect as if made on the Closing Date, and Verio and the Company, as
            the case may be, have complied with all the agreements and satisfied
            all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or
            prior to the Closing Date; and

                  (ii) since the date of the most recent financial statements
            included in the Exchange Act Reports, there has been no material
            adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects,
            earnings, business or properties of the Company and its subsidiaries
            considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising from
            transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth
            in or contemplated in the Exchange Act Reports.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

            (d) The Company and the Purchaser shall have entered into the Master
      Confirmation and the Pledge Agreement.

            (e) Prior to the Closing Date, Verio and the Company shall have
      furnished to the SSB Parties such further information, certificates and
      documents as the SSB Parties may reasonably request.

            If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have
been fulfilled in all material respects when and as provided in this Agreement,
or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this
Agreement shall not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form
and substance to the SSB Parties and counsel for the SSB Parties, this Agreement
and all obligations of the SSB Parties hereunder may be canceled at, or at any
time prior to, the Closing Date by Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as agent for and
on behalf of the Purchaser. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the
Company and the in writing or by telephone or facsimile confirmed in writing.

            The documents required to be delivered by this Section 6 shall be
delivered at the office of Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., 390 Greenwich Avenue, New
York, NY on the Closing Date.

            7. Registration of the Securities. (a) Verio agrees:

                  (i) as soon as practicable after the Closing Date, but in no
            event later than 30 days after the Closing Date, to prepare and file
            with the Commission a Resale Registration Statement covering the
            resale by the SSB Parties, from time to time of a number of shares
            of Common Stock at least equal to the number of Purchased Securities
            and the Pledged Securities in any manner of distribution specified
            in the Master Confirmation (the "Initial Resale Registration
            Statement"), but in any event permitting distribution by
            underwritten public offering, direct sales from time to time and
            block trades, and use its best efforts to obtain effectiveness of
            the Initial Resale Registration Statement as promptly as practicable
            following such filing, but in no event later than 90 days after the
            Closing Date. If the aggregate number of Purchased Securities and
            Pledged Securities plus any Additional Securities exceeds the number
            of shares of Common Stock covered by the Initial Resale Registration
            Statement, then Verio shall promptly prepare and file with the
            Commission such additional Resale Registration Statement or
            Statements as shall be necessary to cover the resale by the SSB
            Parties of such Additional Securities in the same manner as
            contemplated by the Initial Resale Registration Statement, provided
            that prior to issuing any such Additional Securities to the SSB
            Parties, the applicable Resale Registration Statement shall have
            become effective and no stop order suspending such effectiveness
            shall be in effect;

                  (ii) to use its best efforts to maintain each Resale
            Registration Statement continuously effective until the later to
            occur of (A) the termination of the Master Confirmation; and (B) the
            final disposition by the SSB Parties of all Purchased

                                       7

<PAGE>   8
            Securities and Securities received by it under the Master
            Confirmation. Verio shall be deemed not to have used its best
            efforts to maintain a Resale Registration Statement effective during
            the requisite period if it voluntarily takes any action that would
            result in the SSB Parties' inability to effect public sales of the
            Securities thereunder, unless (X) such action is required by
            applicable law; or (Y) such action is taken by Verio in good faith
            and for valid business reasons (not including avoidance of its
            respective obligations under this Agreement), including the
            acquisition or divestiture of assets, so long as the Company
            promptly thereafter prepares and files with the Commission a
            post-effective amendment to such Resale Registration Statement or an
            amendment or supplement to the related Resale Prospectus and such
            other documents so that such Resale Prospectus shall not include an
            untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
            fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
            circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

                  (iii) to cause (A) any Resale Registration Statement and any
            amendment thereto and any Resale Prospectus forming a part thereof
            and any amendment or supplement thereto to comply in all material
            respects with the Act and the Exchange Act and the respective rules
            and regulations thereunder; (B) any Resale Registration Statement
            and any amendment thereto not, when it becomes effective, to contain
            an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
            fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
            statements therein not misleading; and (C) any Resale Prospectus
            forming a part of any Resale Registration Statement and any
            amendment or supplement thereto not to include an untrue statement
            of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in
            order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
            circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

                  (iv) to advise the SSB Parties in writing (A) when a Resale
            Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto shall
            have been filed with the Commission and when such Resale
            Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto shall
            have become effective; (B) of any request by the Commission for any
            amendment or supplement to any Resale Registration Statement or
            related Resale Prospectus or for additional information; (C) of the
            issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
            effectiveness of any Resale Registration Statement or the initiation
            of any proceedings for that purpose; (D) of the receipt by Verio of
            any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification
            of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction designated by the SSB
            Parties in accordance with clause (x) below or the initiation or
            threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and (E) the
            happening of any event that requires the making of any changes in
            any Resale Registration Statement or related Resale Prospectus so
            that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and
            do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
            or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any such
            Resale Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

            they were made) not misleading, which notice shall be accompanied by
            an instruction to suspend the use of such Resale Prospectus until
            the requisite changes shall have been made;

                  (v) to make generally available to its security holders as
            soon as practicable after the Effective Date of each Resale
            Registration Statement and after the date of each underwriting or
            similar agreement relating to a disposition of any Securities,
            including any confirmation relating to a block trade, an earning
            statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and
            Rule 158 thereunder;

                  (vi) to (A) make reasonably available for inspection by any
            underwriter or executing dealer participating in any disposition of
            Securities pursuant to any Resale Registration Statement (whether
            through an underwritten offering, an "at the market offering", a
            block transaction or otherwise) and any attorney, accountant or
            other agent retained by such underwriter or executing dealer all
            relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents
            and properties of Verio and its respective subsidiaries; (B) cause
            the officers, directors and employees of Verio and its respective
            subsidiaries to supply all relevant information reasonably requested
            by any such underwriter, executing dealer, attorney, accountant or
            agent in connection with any such Resale Registration Statement as
            is customary for due diligence examinations; (C) make such
            representations and warranties to such underwriter or executing
            dealer in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by
            issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings; (D)
            request and cause counsel to Verio to furnish to the SSB Parties
            opinions and updates thereof (which counsel and opinions (in form,
            substance and scope) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the SSB
            Parties), addressed to the SSB Parties and any such underwriter or
            executing dealer, covering such matters as are customarily covered
            in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and such other
            matters as may be reasonably requested by the SSB Parties or such
            underwriter or executing dealer; (E) request and cause the
            independent certified public accountants of Verio (and, if
            necessary, of any other independent certified public accountants of
            any subsidiary of Verio or of any business acquired by Verio for
            which financial statements and financial data are, or are required
            to be, including in any Resale Registration Statement) to furnish to
            the SSB Parties "cold comfort" letters and updates thereof addressed
            to the SSB Parties and any such underwriter or executing dealer, in
            customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered
            in "cold comfort" letters in connection with primary underwritten
            offerings; and (F) deliver such documents and certificates as may be
            reasonably requested by the SSB Parties or any such underwriter or
            executing dealer and to evidence compliance with any customary
            conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other
            agreement entered into by Verio. The foregoing actions set forth in
            clauses (C), (D), (E) and (F) shall be performed, unless waived by
            the SSB Parties, upon or at (1) the effectiveness of each Resale
            Registration Statement and each post-effective

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

            amendment thereto; (2) each closing under any underwriting, purchase
            or similar agreement as and to the extent required thereunder; and
            (3) the confirmation of any block trade or direct resale by the SSB
            Parties;

                  (vii) to cause the transfer agent for the Common Stock to
            issue, promptly upon the effectiveness of the Initial Resale
            Registration Statement, certificates evidencing the Purchased
            Securities bearing no legends evidencing restrictions on the sale of
            such Purchased Securities and to cooperate with the SSB Parties in
            issuing to persons purchasing from the SSB Parties certificates
            evidencing the Securities in such names and denominations as they
            may request;

                  (viii) to use its best efforts to prevent the issuance and to
            obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of
            each Resale Registration Statement or Resale Prospectus or
            suspending the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of
            any of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction designated by the
            SSB Parties in accordance with clause (x) below;

                  (ix) to furnish to the SSB Parties with respect to the
            Securities registered under any Resale Registration Statement such
            reasonable number of copies of such Resale Registration Statement
            and the related Resale Prospectus, including any supplements and
            amendments thereto and any documents incorporated by reference
            therein;

                  (x) to qualify the Securities for sale under the securities or
            blue sky laws in such jurisdictions as shall be designated to Verio
            in writing by the SSB Parties; provided, however, that Verio shall
            be required to qualify to do business or consent to service of
            process in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or
            has not so consented;

                  (xi) to file promptly any necessary listing applications or
            amendments or supplements to existing listing applications to cause
            any shares of Common Stock covered by any Resale Registration
            Statement to be listed or admitted to trading, on or prior to the
            effectiveness of such Resale Registration Statement, on any national
            stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common
            Stock is then listed or traded and to cause the same to be so listed
            not later than the effective date of such Resale Registration
            Statement; and

                  (xii) not to file any Resale Registration Statement (including
            the Initial Resale Registration Statement) or Resale Prospectus or
            any amendment or supplement thereto, unless a copy thereof shall
            have been first submitted to the Purchaser and the Purchaser shall
            not have objected thereto in good faith; provided, however, that if
            the Purchaser do not object within five Business Days of receiving
            any such material, there shall be deemed to have no objection
            thereto; and provided further that the foregoing shall not limit the
            obligations Verio under Section 5(d) hereof.

                                       10

<PAGE>   11

            (b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the
contrary, if (i) Verio determines, in its good faith judgment, that the
disclosure of an event or development, or the filing of a required filing with
the Commission would have a material adverse impact on Verio or the Company, or
(ii) the disclosure of an event or development, or the filing of a required
filing with the Commission is otherwise related to a material business
transaction that has not yet been publicly disclosed, Verio shall be entitled to
suspend any registration referred to in this Section 7.

            (c) The SSB Parties shall notify Verio at least one business day
prior to the earlier of the date on which they intend to commence effecting any
resales of Securities under a Resale Registration Statement or the date of
pricing with respect to the public resale or other disposition of any Shares
under a Resale Registration Statement effected through an underwritten offering
or a block trade and, if Verio does not, within such one-day period, advise the
SSB Parties of the existence of any facts of the type referred to in subsection
(a)(iv)(D) above, then Verio shall be deemed to have jointly and severally
represented to each of the SSB Parties that no such facts then exist and each of
the SSB Parties may rely on such representation in making such resales. The
preceding sentence shall not limit the obligations of Verio and the Company and
the under Section 5(e) or subsections (a)(ii) and (a)(vi) of this Section 7.

            (d) If the SSB Parties notify the Company and the Purchaser wishes
to effect an underwritten offering or block trade of the Securities, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc. shall be the managing underwriter or the executing dealer, as
the case may be, and shall be entitled to designate other underwriters or
executing dealers to participate therein, which shall be reasonably satisfactory
to Verio and the. The underwriters participating in such sale shall be entitled
to fees mutually agreed upon with the Company.

            8. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) Verio and the Company
severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless the SSB Parties, the directors,
officers, employees and agents of the SSB Parties and each person who controls
the SSB Parties within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act against
any and all losses, claims, damages or to which such entity may respectively
become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state
statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses,
claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or
are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact contained in any Resale Registration Statement as originally filed or in
any amendment thereof, or in any Preliminary Prospectus or any Resale
Prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of
or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as
incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action; provided, however, that neither Verio nor the Company will
be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or
liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company or the by or

                                       11

<PAGE>   12

on behalf of the SSB Parties specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity
agreement will be in addition to any liability which Verio or the Company may
otherwise have.

            (b) Each of the SSB Parties agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
each of the Company and Verio and each of their respective directors, each of
their respective officers, and each person who controls the Company or Verio
within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as
the foregoing respective indemnities from the Company and Verio to the SSB
Parties, but only with reference to written information relating to the SSB
Parties furnished to either the Company or Verio by or on behalf of the SSB
Parties specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing
indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which
the SSB Parties may otherwise have.

            (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party
under this Section 8, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the
commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i)
will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and
to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results
in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses;
and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any
obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation
provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled
to appoint counsel of the indemnifying party's choice at the indemnifying
party's expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which
indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not
thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel
retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below);
provided, however, that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the indemnified
party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party's election to appoint counsel to
represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party shall have
the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and the
indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such
separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to
represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of
interest; (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such
action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the
indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal
defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different
from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party; (iii) the
indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the
indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time
after notice of the institution of such action; or (iv) the indemnifying party
shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense
of the indemnifying party. An indemnifying party will not, without the prior
written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to
the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim,
action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution
may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or
potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or
consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all
liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.

                                       12

<PAGE>   13

            (d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b)
of this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an
indemnified party for any reason, each of Verio, the Company, and the SSB
Parties agrees to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and
liabilities (including legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection
with investigating or defending same) (collectively "Losses") to which Verio,
the Company, and the SSB Parties may be subject in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by Verio, the Company and
the SSB Parties from the purchase and sale of the Securities; provided, however,
that in no case shall the SSB Parties be responsible for any amount in excess of
the amount by which the aggregate net proceeds retained by the SSB Parties from
the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Master Confirmation exceeds the
amount of any damages that the SSB Parties have otherwise been required to pay
by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is
unavailable for any reason, Verio, the Company, and the SSB Parties shall
contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such
relative benefits but also the relative fault of Verio, the Company and the SSB
Parties in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received
by the Company shall be deemed to be equal to the amount paid by the SSB Parties
to the Company pursuant to this Agreement and the Master Confirmation, and
benefits received by the SSB Parties shall be deemed to be equal to the net
proceeds retained by the SSB Parties from the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Master Confirmation. Relative fault shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a
material fact relates to information provided by Verio, the Company or the SSB
Parties on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge,
access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue
statement or omission. Verio, the Company, and the SSB Parties agree that it
would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata
allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the
meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any
person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of
this Section 8, each person who controls the SSB Parties within the meaning of
either the Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and
agent of each of the SSB Parties shall have the same rights to contribution as
the SSB Parties, and each person who controls Verio within the meaning of either
the Act or the Exchange Act, each officer of Verio who shall have signed the
Resale Registration Statement and each director of Verio shall have the same
rights to contribution as the Verio, subject in each case to the applicable
terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).

            9. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. The respective
agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of
Verio and the Company, or their respective officers and of the SSB Parties set
forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and
effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the SSB Parties
or Verio and the Company or any of the officers, directors or controlling
persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and will survive the execution of this
Agreement and the Master

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

Confirmation and the delivery of and payment for the Securities. The provisions
of Section 8 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this
Agreement.

            10. Notices. All communications hereunder will be in writing and
effective only on receipt, and, if sent to either of the SSB Parties, will be
mailed, delivered or telefaxed to the General Counsel, Salomon Smith Barney
Inc., at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, Attention: General
Counsel; or, if sent to Verio or the Company will be mailed, delivered or
telefaxed to Verio, LLC 8005 South Chester Street, Suite 200 Englewood, CO 80112
Telephone: (303) 645-1900 Facsimile: (303) 792-3879 and confirmed to it by
Telephone: (303) 645-1900, addressed to the attention of the General Counsel.

            11. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers
and directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof and, in
the case of Section 7 hereof, each person who purchases any Securities from the
SSB Parties otherwise than pursuant to an effective Resale Registration
Statement or in accordance with Rule 144 under the Act, if available, and no
other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. Any assignee or
transferee of rights or obligations of the SSB Parties under the Master
Confirmation shall be subject to all of the terms of this Agreement.

            12. Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except
pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by Verio the Company, and the SSB
Parties.

            13. Applicable Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts
made and to be performed within the State of New York.

            14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

            15. Headings. The section headings used herein are for convenience
only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

            16. Confidentiality. The SSB Parties agree to maintain the
confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information
may be disclosed (i) to its and its affiliates' directors, officers, employees
and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being
understood that the persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of
the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such
Information confidential), (ii) to the extent requested by any regulatory
authority, (iii) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by
any subpoena or similar legal process, (iv) to any other party to this
Agreement, (v) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or
under the Master Confirmation or the Pledge Agreement or any suit, action or
proceeding relating to this Agreement, the Master Confirmation or the Pledge
Agreement or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (vi) subject to
an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this
paragraph, to any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement,
the Master Confirmation or the Pledge Agreement, (vii) with the consent of the
Company and Verio or (viii) to the extent such Information (A) becomes publicly
available other than as a result of a breach of this paragraph or (B) becomes
available to any SSB Party on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than
the Company or Verio. For the purposes of this Section 16, "Information" means
all information received from the Company or Verio relating to the Company or
Verio or its business, other than any such information that is available to any
SSB Party on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Company or
Verio; provided that, in the case of information received from the Company or
Verio after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time
of delivery as confidential. Any person required to maintain the confidentiality
of Information as provided in this Section 16 shall be considered to have
complied with its obligation to do so if such person has exercised the same
degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such
person would accord to its own confidential information.

            17. Definitions. The terms which follow, when used in this
Agreement, shall have the meanings indicated.

            "Act" shall mean the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
      the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

            "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or
      a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies
      are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City.

            "Commission" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

            "Effective Date" shall mean each date and time any Resale
      Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment or amendments thereto
      and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, as the case may be, became or
      become effective.

            "Exchange Act" shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
      as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated
      thereunder.

            "Execution Time" shall mean the date and time that this Agreement is
      executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

            "Initial Resale Registration Statement" shall have the meaning set
      forth in Section 7(a) hereof.

            "Preliminary Prospectus" shall mean any preliminary prospectus
      included in a Resale Registration Statement at the applicable Effective
      Date that omits Rule 430A Information.

            "Resale Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus relating to the
      Securities that is first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or, if no filing
      pursuant to Rule 424(b) is required, shall

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

      mean the form of final prospectus relating to the Securities included in a
      Resale Registration Statement at the applicable Effective Date.

            "Resale Registration Statement" shall mean each registration
      statement relating to the resale by the SSB Parties of the Securities,
      including exhibits and financial statements, as amended at the Effective
      Date and, in the event any post-effective amendment thereto or any Rule
      462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective, shall also mean such
      registration statement as so amended or such Rule 462(b) Registration
      Statement, as the case may be. Such term shall include any Rule 430A
      Information deemed to be included therein at the Effective Date as
      provided by Rule 430A.

            "Rule 424", "Rule 430A" and "Rule 462" refer to such rules under the
      Act.

            "Rule 430A Information" shall mean information with respect to the
      Securities and the offering thereof permitted to be omitted from the
      Resale Registration Statement when it becomes effective pursuant to Rule
      430A.

            "Rule 462(b) Registration Statement" shall mean a registration
      statement and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
      relating to the resale of Securities covered by the applicable Resale
      Registration Statement.

            18. Interpretation; No Guaranties. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, each and every representation, warranty and covenant
herein is being made by Verio and the Company solely on a several basis and
nothing herein shall be interpreted to impute to either Verio or the Company any
obligation or guaranty by either such entity on behalf of the other.

                                      * * *

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

            If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon
this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the
Company, the and the SSB Parties.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       VERIO, LLC

                                       By: /s/ Peter B. Fritzinger
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Name:   Peter B. Fritzinger
                                          Title:  Manager

                                       VERIO INC.

                                       By: /s/ Peter B. Fritzinger
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Name:   Peter B. Fritzinger
                                          Title:  Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing Agreement is hereby
confirmed and accepted as of the
date first above written.

Salomon Brothers Holding Company  Inc.
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.

By: Salomon Smith Barney Inc.

By: /s/ Joseph Elmlinger
   -------------------------------------
   Name:  Joseph Elmlinger
   Title: Managing Director

                                       17

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