Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.17
                       WORKGROUP TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                 1996 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN

     1.   Purpose. This Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, to be known as the
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Amended and Restated 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (hereinafter,
this "Plan") is intended to promote the interests of Workgroup Technology
Corporation (hereinafter, the "Company") by providing an inducement to obtain
and retain the services of qualified persons who are not employees or officers
of the Company to serve as members of its Board of Directors (the "Board").

     2.   Available Shares. The total number of shares of Common Stock, par
          ----------------
value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") for which options may
be granted under this Plan shall not exceed 300,000 shares, subject to
adjustment in accordance with paragraph 10 of this Plan.  Shares subject to this
Plan are authorized but unissued shares or shares that were once issued and
subsequently reacquired by the Company.  If any options granted under this Plan
are surrendered before exercise or lapse without exercise, in whole or in part,
the shares reserved therefor shall continue to be available under this Plan.

     3.   Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Board or by a
          --------------
committee appointed by the Board (the "Committee").  In the event the Board
fails to appoint or refrains from appointing a Committee, the Board shall have
all power and authority to administer this Plan.  In such event, the word
"Committee" wherever used herein shall be deemed to mean the Board.  The
Committee shall, subject to the provisions of the Plan, have the power to
construe this Plan, to determine all questions hereunder, and to adopt and amend
such rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan as it may deem
desirable.  No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any
action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any
option granted under it.

     4.   Automatic Grant of Options. Subject to the availability of shares
          --------------------------
under this Plan,

          (a)  each person who is elected or appointed a member of the Board on
or after June 1, 2000 and who is not an employee or officer of the Company (a
"Non-Employee Director") shall be automatically granted on the later of (i) the
date on which the stockholders of the Company approve the amendment and
restatement of the Plan or (ii) the date such person is first elected to the
Board, without further action by the Board, an option to purchase 48,000 shares
of the Common Stock, and

          (b)  each person who is a member of the Board who is a Non-Employee
Director on the date upon which his most recently granted option to purchase
shares of Common Stock becomes fully vested shall be automatically granted on
each such date an option to purchase 48,000 shares of the Common Stock.

The options to be granted under this paragraph 4 shall be the only options ever
to be granted at any time to such member under this Plan.

     5.   Option Price. The purchase price of the stock covered by an option
          ------------
granted pursuant to this Plan shall be 100% of the fair market value of such
shares on the day the option is granted.  The option price will be subject to
adjustment in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 10 of this Plan.
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                                      -2-

For purposes of this Plan, if, at the time an option is granted under the Plan,
the Company's Common Stock is publicly traded, "fair market value" shall be
determined as of the last business day for which the prices or quotes discussed
in this sentence are available prior to the date such option is granted and
shall mean (i) the average (on that date) of the high and low prices of the
Common Stock on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common
Stock is traded, if the Common Stock is then traded on a national securities
exchange; or (ii) the last reported sale price (on that date) of the Common
Stock on the Nasdaq National Market, if the Common Stock is not then traded on a
national securities exchange; or (iii) the closing bid price (or average of bid
prices) last quoted (on that date) by an established quotation service for over-
the-counter securities, if the Common Stock is not reported on the Nasdaq
National Market List. However, if the Common Stock is not publicly traded at the
time an option is granted under the Plan, "fair market value" shall be deemed to
be the fair value of the Common Stock as determined by the Committee after
taking into consideration all factors which it deems appropriate, including,
without limitation, recent sale and offer prices of the Common Stock in private
transactions negotiated at arm's length.

     6.   Period of Option.  Unless sooner terminated in accordance with the
          ----------------
provisions of paragraph 8 of this Plan, an option granted hereunder shall expire
on the date which is ten (10) years after the date of grant of the option.

     7.   (a)  Vesting of Shares and Non-Transferability of Options.  Options
               ----------------------------------------------------
granted under this Plan shall not be exercisable until they become vested.
Options granted under this Plan shall vest in the optionee and thus become
exercisable in twelve (12) equal quarterly installments beginning three months
from the date of grant provided, that, in the event that an optionee's term as a
                       --------  ----
director expires at, and such optionee is not reelected and does not continue to
serve as a director following, the date of an annual meeting of stockholders
within the 90-day period preceding any vesting date, the installment of such
option corresponding to such vesting date shall vest on the date of such
meeting.

     The number of shares as to which options may be exercised shall be
cumulative, so that once the option shall become exercisable as to any shares it
shall continue to be exercisable as to said shares, until expiration or
termination of the option as provided in this Plan.

          (b)  Non-transferability.  Any option granted pursuant to this Plan
               -------------------
shall not be assignable or transferable other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order and shall be
exercisable during the optionee's lifetime only by him or her.

     8.   Termination of Option Rights.
          ----------------------------

          (a)  Except as otherwise specified in the agreement relating to an
option, in the event an optionee ceases to be a member of the Board for any
reason other than death or permanent disability, any then unexercised portion of
options granted to such optionee shall, to the extent not then vested,
immediately terminate and become void; any portion of an option which is then
vested but has not been exercised at the time the optionee so ceases to be a
member of the Board may be exercised, to the extent it is then vested, by the
optionee within 90 days of the date the optionee ceased to be a member of the
Board; and all options shall terminate after such 90 days have expired.

          (b)  In the event that an optionee ceases to be a member of the Board
by reason of his or her death or permanent disability, any option granted to
such optionee shall be immediately and automatically accelerated and become
fully vested and all unexercised options shall be exercisable by the optionee
(or by the optionee's personal representative, heir or legatee, in the event of
death) for a period of one year thereafter.
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                                      -3-

     9.   Exercise of Option.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan
          ------------------
and the option agreements, an option granted hereunder shall, to the extent then
exercisable, be exercisable in whole or in part by giving written notice to the
Company by mail or in person addressed to its principal executive offices,
stating the number of shares with respect to which the option is being
exercised, accompanied by payment in full for such shares. Payment may be (a) in
United States dollars in cash or by check, (b) in whole or in part in shares of
the Common Stock of the Company already owned by the person or persons
exercising the option or shares subject to the option being exercised (subject
to such restrictions and guidelines as the Board may adopt from time to time),
valued at fair market value determined in accordance with the provisions of
paragraph 5 or (c) consistent with applicable law, through the delivery of an
assignment to the Company of a sufficient amount of the proceeds from the sale
of the Common Stock acquired upon exercise of the option and an authorization to
the broker or selling agent to pay that amount to the Company, which sale shall
be at the participant's direction at the time of exercise. There shall be no
such exercise at any one time as to fewer than one hundred (100) shares or all
of the remaining shares then purchasable by the person or persons exercising the
option, if fewer than one hundred (100) shares. The Company's transfer agent
shall, on behalf of the Company, prepare a certificate or certificates
representing such shares acquired pursuant to exercise of the option, shall
register the optionee as the owner of such shares on the books of the Company
and shall cause the fully executed certificate(s) representing such shares to be
delivered to the optionee as soon as practicable after payment of the option
price in full. The holder of an option shall not have any rights of a
stockholder with respect to the shares covered by the option, except to the
extent that one or more certificates for such shares shall be delivered to him
or her upon the due exercise of the option.

     10.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization and Other Events.  Upon the
          -----------------------------------------------------------
occurrence of any of the following events, an optionee's rights with respect to
options granted to him or her hereunder shall be adjusted as hereinafter
provided:

          (a)  Stock Dividends and Stock Splits.  If the shares of Common Stock
               --------------------------------
shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or smaller number of shares or if
the Company shall issue any shares of Common Stock as a stock dividend on its
outstanding Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon
the exercise of options shall be appropriately increased or decreased
proportionately, and appropriate adjustments shall be made in the purchase price
per share to reflect such subdivision, combination or stock dividend.

          (b)  Recapitalization Adjustments.  If the Company is to be
               ----------------------------
consolidated with or acquired by another entity in a merger, sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets or otherwise, each option granted
under this plan which is outstanding but unvested as of the effective date of
such event shall become exercisable in full twenty (20) days prior to the
effective date of such event.  In the event of a reorganization,
recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or any other change in the corporate
structure or shares of the Company, to the extent permitted by Rule 16b-3 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, adjustments in the number and kind of
shares authorized by this Plan and in the number and kind of shares covered by,
and in the option price of outstanding options under this Plan necessary to
maintain the proportionate interest of the optionee and preserve, without
exceeding, the value of such option, shall be made.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no such adjustment shall be made which would, within the meaning of
any applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
constitute a modification, extension or renewal of any Option or a grant of
additional benefits to the holder of an Option.

          (c)  Issuances of Securities.  Except as expressly provided herein, no
               -----------------------
issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall
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                                      -4-

affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the
number or price of shares subject to options. No adjustments shall be made for
dividends paid in cash or in property other than securities of the Company.

          (d)  Adjustments.  Upon the happening of any of the foregoing events,
               -----------
the class and aggregate number of shares set forth in paragraph 2 of this Plan
that are subject to options which previously have been or subsequently may be
granted under this Plan shall also be appropriately adjusted to reflect such
events.  The Board shall determine the specific adjustments to be made under
this paragraph 10 and its determination shall be conclusive.

     11.  Restrictions on Issuance of Shares.  Notwithstanding the provisions of
          ----------------------------------
paragraphs 4 and 9 of this Plan, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver
any certificate or certificates upon exercise of an option until one of the
following conditions shall be satisfied:

               (i)  The issuance of shares with respect to which the option has
     been exercised is at the time of the issue of such shares effectively
     registered under applicable Federal and state securities laws as now in
     force or hereafter amended; or

               (ii) Counsel for the Company shall have given an opinion that the
     issuance of such shares is exempt from registration under Federal and state
     securities laws as now in force or hereafter amended; and the Company has
     complied with all applicable laws and regulations with respect thereto,
     including without limitation all regulations required by any stock exchange
     upon which the Company's outstanding Common Stock is then listed.

     12.  Legend on Certificates.  The certificates representing shares issued
          ----------------------
pursuant to the exercise of an option granted hereunder shall carry such
appropriate legend, and such written instructions shall be given to the
Company's transfer agent, as may be deemed necessary or advisable by counsel to
the Company in order to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933 or any state securities laws.

     13.  Representation of Optionee.  If requested by the Company, the optionee
          --------------------------
shall deliver to the Company written representations and warranties upon
exercise of the option that are necessary to show compliance with Federal and
state securities laws, including representations and warranties to the effect
that a purchase of shares under the option is made for investment and not with a
view to their distribution (as that term is used in the Securities Act of 1933).

     14.  Option Agreement.  Each option granted under the provisions of this
          ----------------
Plan shall be evidenced by an option agreement, which agreement shall be duly
executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and by the optionee to whom such
option is granted.  The option agreement shall contain such terms, provisions
and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as may be determined by the
officer executing it.

     15.  Termination and Amendment of Plan.  Options may no longer be granted
          ---------------------------------
under this Plan after January 26, 2006, and this Plan shall terminate when all
options granted or to be granted hereunder are no longer outstanding.  The Board
may at any time terminate this Plan or make such modification or amendment
thereof as it deems advisable; provided, however, that the Board may not,
                               --------  -------
without approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy and voting on such matter
at a meeting, (a) increase the maximum number of shares for which options may be
granted under this Plan (except by adjustment pursuant to Section 10), (b)
materially modify the requirements as to eligibility to participate in this
Plan, (c) materially increase benefits
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                                      -5-

accruing to option holders under this Plan or (d) amend this Plan in any manner
which would cause Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act (or any successor
or amended provision thereof) to become inapplicable to this Plan; and provided
                                                                       --------
further that the provisions of this Plan specified in Rule 16b-3(c)(2)(ii)(A)
-------
(or any successor or amended provision thereof) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (including without limitation, provisions as to eligibility, amount,
price and timing of awards) may not be amended more than once every six months,
other than to comport with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act, or the rules thereunder. Termination or any
modification or amendment of this Plan shall not, without consent of a
participant, affect his or her rights under an option previously granted to him
or her.

     16.  Withholding of Income Taxes.  Upon the exercise of an option, the
          ---------------------------
Company, in accordance with Section 3402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, may
require the optionee to pay withholding taxes in respect of amounts considered
to be compensation includible in the optionee's gross income.

     17.  Compliance with Regulations.  It is the Company's intent that the Plan
          ---------------------------
comply in all respects with Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(or any successor or amended provision thereof) and any applicable Securities
and Exchange Commission interpretations thereof.  If any provision of this Plan
is deemed not to be in compliance with Rule 16b-3, the provision shall be null
and void.

     18.  Governing Law.  The validity and construction of this Plan and the
          -------------
instruments evidencing options shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law
thereof.

Approved by Board of Directors of the Company: January 26, 1996.

Approved by Stockholders of the Company: January 26, 1996.

Amended and Restated by the Stockholders of the Company: July 28, 2000.<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                FORM OF CONTRIBUTION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

    This CONTRIBUTION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered
into as of the __ day of August, 2000, by and between BRE Properties, Inc., a
corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland ("BRE"), and
VelocityHSI, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware ("VelocityHSI").

                                R E C I T A L S

    WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of BRE (the "BRE Board") has determined that
it is in the best interest of its shareholders to transfer certain assets and
liabilities of BRE to VelocityHSI, a wholly-owned subsidiary (which is
subsequently to become an independent public company); and

    WHEREAS, BRE desires to effect the Asset Transfer and Liability Transfer (as
those terms are defined in this Agreement) to VelocityHSI in exchange for
10,432,752 shares of common stock of VelocityHSI, par value $.01 per share (the
"Shares"), representing 100% of the outstanding shares of VelocityHSI.

    WHEREAS, BRE intends that the Asset Transfer and Liability Transfer shall
constitute a contribution (the "Contribution") under Section 351 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

    WHEREAS, BRE intends to distribute a portion of the Shares to the BRE
shareholders on a pro rata basis (the "Distribution"), upon completion and
effectiveness of certain filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"); and

    WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to set forth the terms and conditions upon
which the Contribution and the Distribution will take place.

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                  DEFINITIONS

         1.1 GENERAL. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the
singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

    "Action" shall mean any claim, action, suit, arbitration, inquiry,
proceeding or investigation by or before any court, any governmental or other
regulatory or administrative official, agency, body or commission or any
arbitration tribunal, including any claims or contract disputes concerning any
governmental contract.

    "Administrative Services and Reimbursement Agreement" shall mean the
Administrative Services and Reimbursement Agreement to be entered into between
BRE and VelocityHSI prior to the Closing and which shall become effective
concurrently with the Distribution.
<PAGE>

    "Affiliate" shall mean, when used with respect to a specified person,
another person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the person
specified.

    "Agent" shall mean ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, as transfer agent for
BRE and VelocityHSI and distribution agent for BRE in connection with the
Distribution.

    "Agreement Disputes" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 11 hereof.

    "Ancillary Agreements" shall mean all of the written agreements, instruments
(including the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments), understandings,
assignments or other arrangements (other than this Agreement) entered into in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without
limitation, the Administrative Services and Reimbursement Agreement.

    "Asset Transfer" shall mean the transfer of assets to VelocityHSI as
described in Article 2 of this Agreement.

    "Assumed Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3
hereof.

    "BRE Board" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

    "BRE Retained Business" shall mean the businesses of any division,
Subsidiary or investment of BRE (other than the VelocityHSI Business) managed or
operated by BRE, including, without limitation, the acquisition, development,
and operation of real estate assets.

    "BRE Retained Company Policies" shall mean all Policies, current or past,
under which BRE or any Subsidiary, affiliate or predecessor of BRE is a named
insured.

    "BRE Retained Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3
hereof.

    "BRE Tax Matters Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.2(v) hereof.

    "Business" shall mean BRE's provision of Internet connectivity services, e-
mail services, Web pages individualized for particular communities, community-
specific portals and related services, otherwise known as "Project Velocity."

    "Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

    "Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

    "Code" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

    "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    "Contributed Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 hereof.

    "Contribution" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

                                       2
<PAGE>

    "Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments" shall mean, collectively, the
various agreements, instruments and other documents to be entered into to effect
the Asset Transfer and Liability Transfer in the manner contemplated by this
Agreement.

    "Distribution" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

    "Distribution Date" shall mean the date on which the Distribution occurs.

    "Excluded Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 hereof.

    "Form 8-A Registration Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 9.3(d) hereof.

    "Form S-1 Registration Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 9.3c) hereof.

    "Governmental Authorities" shall mean any nation or country (including but
not limited to the United States) and any commonwealth, territory or possession
thereof and any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, including but not
limited to courts, departments, commissions, boards, bureaus, agencies,
ministries or other instrumentalities.

    "Intellectual Property Rights" shall mean the rights and interests of BRE
in:

                (a)  all worldwide patents, patent applications, trademarks,
     trade names, service marks, trade dress, domain names and copyrights and
     any renewal rights therefor, mask works, trade secrets, know-how, moral
     rights and applications and registrations for any of the foregoing;

                (b)  all documents, records and files relating to design, end
     user documentation, manufacturing, quality control, sales, schematics,
     software, firmware, technology, manufacturing processes, vendor lists,
     customer lists, marketing or customer support for all intellectual property
     of the type described in clause (a) above; and

                (c)  all license and similar rights in any third party product
     or any third party intellectual property of the type described in clause
     (a) and (b) above; and that are owned or held by BRE or and that are being
     or have been used or are currently under development for use in the
     Business as it has been, is currently or is currently planned to be
     conducted.

    "Legal Requirements" when described as being applicable to any Person, shall
mean any and all laws (statutory, judicial or otherwise), ordinances,
regulations, judgments, orders, directives, injunctions, writs, decrees or
awards of, and any contracts with, any Governmental Authority, in each case as
and to the extent applicable to such Person or such Person's business,
operations or properties.

    "Liabilities" shall mean any and all debts, liabilities and obligations,
absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated,
accrued or unaccrued, known or

                                       3
<PAGE>

unknown, whenever arising, including all costs and expenses relating thereto,
and including, without limitation, those debts, liabilities and obligations
arising under any law, rule, regulation, Action, threatened Action, order or
consent decree of any court, any governmental or other regulatory or
administrative agency or commission or any award of any arbitration tribunal,
and those arising under any contract, guarantee, commitment or undertaking.

    "Liability Transfer" shall mean the transfer of liabilities to, and the
assumption of liabilities by, VelocityHSI as described in Section 2.3 hereof.

    "Permits" shall mean any and all permits, legal status or orders under any
Legal Requirement or otherwise granted by any Governmental Authority.

    "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation, limited liability
company, trust, estate, business trust, joint venture, association, company,
partnership or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

    "Policies" shall mean insurance policies and insurance contracts of any kind
(other than life and benefits policies or contracts) relating to the VelocityHSI
Business or the BRE Retained Business as conducted prior to the date of this
Agreement, including, without limitation, primary, excess and umbrella policies,
commercial general liability policies, fiduciary liability, environmental
impairment, director and officer, health, automobile, aircraft, property and,
casualty, workers' compensation and employee dishonesty insurance policies,
bonds and self- insurance and captive insurance company arrangements, together
with the rights, benefits and privileges thereunder.

    "Records" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(iii) hereof.

    "Rules" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 11 hereof.

    "Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

    "Subsidiary" of an entity shall mean any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company or other entity of which the entity (i) owns, directly or
indirectly, ownership interests sufficient to elect a majority of the board of
directors (or persons performing similar functions) (irrespective of whether at
the time any other class or classes of ownership interests of such corporation,
partnership, limited liability company or other entity shall or might have such
voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) or (ii) is a general
partner or managing member or an entity performing similar functions (e.g., a
trustee).

    "Tax" shall mean all Federal, state, local and foreign taxes and
assessments, including all interest, penalties and additions imposed with
respect to such amounts.

    "Transferred Contracts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c)
hereof.

    "VelocityHSI Business" shall mean the Business heretofore conducted by BRE,
and any other business activities acquired, developed or established by or for
VelocityHSI.

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<PAGE>

    "VelocityHSI Tax Matters Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.3(iv) hereof.

          1.2 REFERENCES; INTERPRETATION. References to an "Exhibit" or to a
"Schedule" are, unless otherwise specified, to one of the Exhibits or Schedules
attached to this Agreement, and references to a "Section" are, unless otherwise
specified, to one of the Sections of this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE 2.
                      CONTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, ISSUANCE OF
                     SHARES AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES

     2.1 CONTRIBUTION OF ASSETS; ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the Closing Date, BRE shall
convey, assign, transfer and deliver to VelocityHSI, and VelocityHSI shall
acquire and accept delivery of, an undivided 100% interest in the Contributed
Assets, free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, and, in exchange,
VelocityHSI shall issue the Shares to BRE. "Contributed Assets" means all of the
assets of BRE, other than the Excluded Assets (as defined in Section 2.2), used
by BRE in connection with or otherwise related to the Business, including,
without limitation, all of the right, title and interest of BRE in, to, and
under the following:

             (a)  all inventories, raw materials, parts and other materials
     owned by BRE, wherever located, which relate to the Business, including all
     inventory in transit or on order and not yet delivered, as set forth on
     Schedule 2.1(a)(i);

             (b)  all supplies, equipment, machinery, furniture, computers,
     hardware, routers, fixtures and other tangible property owned by BRE and
     which are used in the Business, including, but not limited to, the tangible
     assets listed on Schedule 2.1(a)(ii);

             (c)  all of BRE's rights and entitlements under the contracts
     listed on Schedule 2.1(a)(iii) (the "Transferred Contracts");

             (d)  the Business as a going concern, including the following:

                  (i) BRE's customer lists, vendor lists, referral lists, rights
     of endorsement, advertising, promotional materials and data relating to the
     Business;

                 (ii) restrictive covenants and similar obligations owing to BRE
     in connection with the Business;

                (iii) all books, schematics, computer software, firmware,
     technology, files, papers, records and other data of BRE used to operate
     the Business; and

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<PAGE>

                 (iv) franchises, permits and licenses relating to the conduct
     of the Business as set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(iv), except those
     franchises, permits and licenses identified on Schedule 2.1(a)(iv) which,
     by their terms, are not transferable to VelocityHSI;

                  (e)  all of BRE's accounts receivable attributable to the
Business;

                  (f)  all of BRE's technology and other intangible rights which
     are used in connection with or otherwise related to the conduct of the
     Business, including, but not limited to, all Intellectual Property Rights,
     confidential or proprietary information, and all documentation or other
     repositories containing such technology, including, without limitation, the
     technology and rights set forth in Schedule 2.1(a)(vii); and

                  (g)  all claims, causes of action, and rights (whether known
     or unknown and whether absolute, contingent, or otherwise) relating to the
     foregoing assets.

     2.2  EXCLUDED ASSETS. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
to the contrary, BRE shall not assign or transfer to VelocityHSI under this
Agreement, and VelocityHSI shall not acquire or accept from BRE under this
Agreement, any of the assets ("Excluded Assets") specifically described in
Schedule 2.2.

     2.3  ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. On and as of the Closing Date, BRE shall
transfer to VelocityHSI and VelocityHSI shall assume all Liabilities (the
"Assumed Liabilities") with respect to the Contributed Assets and the
VelocityHSI Business arising out of or relating to events or occurrences
happening on or after the Closing Date. BRE and VelocityHSI agree that BRE will
be responsible for all Liabilities (the "BRE Retained Liabilities") with respect
to (i) the Contributed Assets and the Business arising out of or relating to
events or occurrences happening prior to the Closing Date and (ii) the BRE
Retained Business. BRE agrees to jointly and severally indemnify, defend and
hold VelocityHSI harmless from and against any and all claims and liabilities
relating to the BRE Retained Liabilities, and VelocityHSI hereby agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold BRE harmless from and against any and all claims and
liabilities relating to the Assumed Liabilities.

                                  ARTICLE 3.
                          CLOSING OF THE CONTRIBUTION

      3.1 CLOSING. The closing of the contribution transactions contemplated
hereby (the "Closing") shall be held on August __, 2000 at the offices of Latham
& Watkins, 505 Montgomery Street, Suite 1900, San Francisco, California 94111,
or at such other time and place as mutually agreed upon by BRE and VelocityHSI.
For the purposes hereof, the date upon which the Closing actually occurs is
referred to as the "Closing Date."

      3.2 DELIVERIES BY BRE. At the Closing, BRE shall deliver (or cause to be
delivered) to VelocityHSI:

                                       6
<PAGE>

              (i)  such transfer documentation as shall reasonably be requested
     by VelocityHSI, including but not limited to the Conveyancing and
     Assumption Instruments;

             (ii)  a certificate of the Secretary of BRE certifying that all
     necessary corporate action has been taken on behalf of BRE approving the
     execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

             (iii) possession of all originals and copies of agreements,
instruments, documents, deeds, books, records, files, tax returns and other data
and information within the possession of BRE, any Affiliate of BRE, or any
representative or advisor of BRE pertaining to the Business (collectively, the
"Records"); provided, however, that BRE may retain (a) copies of any tax returns
and copies of Records relating thereto; (b) copies of any Records that BRE is
reasonably likely to need in order to comply with requirements of law; and (c)
copies of any Records that in the reasonable opinion of BRE will be required in
connection with the performance of its indemnification obligations under this
Agreement;

              (iv) the Ancillary Agreements, executed by BRE;

              (v)  such other instruments and documents as are required by BRE
     to be delivered at the Closing by BRE pursuant to the provisions of this
     Agreement or as are reasonably required by VelocityHSI to evidence
     compliance by BRE with the representations, warranties and covenants of BRE
     contained in this Agreement; and

              (vi) such other documents, and shall perform such other acts, as
     VelocityHSI shall reasonably require in order to perfect the right, title
     and interest of VelocityHSI to and in the Contributed Assets.

3.3  DELIVERIES BY VELOCITYHSI. At the Closing, VelocityHSI shall deliver (or
cause to be delivered) to BRE:

              (i)  a certificate representing the Shares;

              (ii) a certificate of the Secretary of VelocityHSI, certifying
     that all necessary corporate action has been taken on behalf of VelocityHSI
     approving the execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement;

             (iii) the Ancillary Agreements, executed by VelocityHSI; and

              (iv) such other instruments and documents as are required to be
     delivered by VelocityHSI at Closing pursuant to the provisions of this
     Agreement or are reasonably required by BRE to

                                       7
<PAGE>

              evidence compliance with the representations, warranties and
              covenants of VelocityHSI contained in this Agreement.

    3.4  OTHER DELIVERIES.

             (a)  In connection with Latham & Watkins' opinion to be rendered in
     connection with the filing of the Registration Statement regarding the
     material tax consequences of the transactions described therein:

                  (i) BRE shall deliver to Latham & Watkins a certificate of an
     officer of BRE containing certain representations and agreements with
     respect to the Contribution and Distribution (the "BRE Tax Matters
     Certificate") substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto; and

                 (ii) VelocityHSI shall deliver to Latham & Watkins a
     certificate of an officer of VelocityHSI containing certain representations
     and agreements with respect to the Contribution and Distribution (the
     "VelocityHSI Tax Matters Certificate") substantially in the form of Exhibit
     B attached hereto.

             (b)  The BRE Tax Matters Certificate and the VelocityHSI Tax
     Matters Certificate may be modified upon the request of Latham & Watkins
     and the agreement of BRE and VelocityHSI.

                                  ARTICLE 4.
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BRE

    BRE hereby represents and warrants to VelocityHSI that:

           4.1  CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND QUALIFICATION. BRE is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Maryland; BRE has the corporate power to own, manage, lease and hold its assets
and to carry on its business as and where such assets are presently located and
such business is presently conducted.

           4.2  AUTHORITY, APPROVAL AND ENFORCEABILITY. This Agreement has been
duly executed and delivered by BRE. BRE has the corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which BRE is
a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which
BRE is a party have been authorized by proper corporate action on the part of
BRE. This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which BRE is a party
constitutes, or upon execution and delivery will constitute, the legal, valid
and binding obligation of BRE, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except
as such enforcement may be limited by general equitable principles or by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, or similar laws and judicial
decisions from time to time in effect which affect creditors' rights generally.

                                       8
<PAGE>

           4.3  NO CONSENTS. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.3, the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by BRE and the
performance by BRE of its obligations hereunder and thereunder will not violate
any Legal Requirements or require the consent under any indenture, agreement or
other instrument to which BRE is a party, or by which BRE or any properties or
assets of BRE are bound or affected, or conflict with, result in a breach of or
constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, or
accelerate or permit any acceleration of the performance required by, or give
any other party the right to terminate, any such indenture, agreement or other
instrument.

           4.4  NO VIOLATIONS. Except as provided in Schedule 4.4, neither the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements nor the
carrying out of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will:

                   (i)  violate or conflict with any of the terms, conditions or
     provisions of BRE's charter documents;

                   (ii) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of,
     constitute a default under (whether with or without notice or the lapse of
     time or both), or accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance
     required by, or give any other party the right to terminate, any
     Transferred Contract;

                  (iii) result in the creation of any lien, charge or other
     encumbrance on any Contributed Asset;

                   (iv) constitute a violation of any Legal Requirement or
      Permit; or

                   (v)  other than the filing and effectiveness of the Form S-1
     Registration Statement and the Form 8-A Registration Statement, require BRE
     to obtain or make any waiver, consent, action, approval or authorization
     of, or registration, declaration, notice or filing with any Governmental
     Authority.

          4.5 NO PROCEEDINGS. To BRE's knowledge, no suit, action or other
proceeding is pending or threatened before any Governmental Authority seeking to
restrain BRE from entering into this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, or
prohibiting the Closing or the Distribution, or seeking damages as a result of
the consummation of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.

          4.6 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6, BRE is
and has been in compliance in all respects with any and all Legal Requirements
applicable to the Business. BRE has not received or entered into any citations,
complaints, consent orders, compliance schedules, or other similar enforcement
orders or received any written notice from any Governmental Authority or any
other written notice that would indicate that there is not currently compliance
with all such Legal Requirements with respect to the Business.

                                       9
<PAGE>

          4.7 LITIGATION. Except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 4.7, (i)
there are no claims, actions, suits, investigations or proceedings against BRE
pending or, to the knowledge of BRE, threatened in any court or before or by any
Governmental Authority, or before any arbitrator (whether covered by insurance
or not), relating to the Business or the Contributed Assets and (ii) to the
knowledge of BRE, there is no basis for any such claim, action, suit,
investigation or proceeding that is likely to result in a judgment, decree or
order.

          4.8 OWNERSHIP OF CONTRIBUTED ASSETS. BRE has and will have as of the
Closing Date legal and beneficial ownership of the Contributed Assets, free and
clear of any and all liens, mortgages, pledges, adverse claims, encumbrances or
other restrictions or limitations whatsoever (other than restrictions currently
set forth in the Transferred Contracts).

          4.9 TRANSFERRED CONTRACTS. All of the Transferred Contracts are valid,
binding and in full force and effect, and BRE has not been notified or advised
by any party thereto of such party's intention or desire to terminate or modify
any such Transferred Contract in any respect. Neither BRE nor, to BRE's
knowledge, any other party is in breach of any of the terms or covenants of any
of the Transferred Contracts. Following the Closing, VelocityHSI will be
entitled to all of the benefits of BRE under the Transferred Contracts. True,
correct and complete copies of the Transferred Contracts have been delivered to
VelocityHSI.

          4.10 INSURANCE. Schedule 4.10 hereto sets forth a complete and correct
list of all insurance policies presently in effect that relate to the Business
or the Contributed Assets, all of which have been in full force and effect from
and after the date(s) set forth on Schedule 4.10.

          4.11 EQUIPMENT AND OTHER TANGIBLE PROPERTY. BRE's equipment,
furniture, machinery, structures, fixtures and other tangible property included
in the Contributed Assets, other than inventory, is suitable for the purposes
for which intended and in good operating condition and repair, except for
ordinary wear and tear.

          4.12 PERMITS. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.12, BRE has all
Permits necessary to conduct the Business as presently conducted. Except as
otherwise set forth in Schedule 4.12, all such Permits are in effect, no
proceeding is pending or threatened to modify, suspend or revoke, withdraw,
terminate, or otherwise limit any such Permits, and no administrative or
governmental actions have been taken or are threatened in connection with the
expiration or renewal of such Permits which could adversely affect the Business
as presently conducted. Except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 4.12, (i) no
material violations have occurred that remain uncured, unwaived, or otherwise
unresolved, or are occurring in respect of any such Permits.

          4.13 TAX MATTERS CERTIFICATE.The statements set forth in the BRE Tax
Matters Certificate shall be true, complete and correct as of the date such
certificate is delivered to Latham & Watkins and will continue to be true
through the date of the Distribution.

    The representations and warranties of BRE set forth in this Article 4 shall
survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 5.
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VELOCITYHSI

    VelocityHSI hereby represents and warrants to BRE that:

          5.1 CORPORATE EXISTENCE. VelocityHSI is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

          5.2 AUTHORITY, APPROVAL AND ENFORCEABILITY. This Agreement has been
duly executed and delivered by VelocityHSI. VelocityHSI has the corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements
to which VelocityHSI is a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and
thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements to which VelocityHSI is a party have been authorized by
proper corporate action on the part of VelocityHSI. This Agreement and each
Ancillary Agreement to which VelocityHSI is a party constitutes, or upon
execution and delivery will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation
of VelocityHSI, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforcement may be limited by general equitable principles or by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, or similar laws and judicial decisions from
time to time in effect which affect creditors' rights generally.

          5.3 NO VIOLATIONS. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor the carrying out of any of the transactions contemplated hereby
will violate or conflict with any of the terms, conditions or provisions of
VelocityHSI's charter documents.

          5.4 NO PROCEEDINGS. To VelocityHSI's knowledge, no suit, action or
other proceeding is pending or threatened before any Governmental Authority
seeking to restrain VelocityHSI from entering into this Agreement or the
Ancillary Agreements, prohibiting the Closing or the Distribution, or seeking
damages as a result of the consummation of this Agreement or the Ancillary
Agreements.

          5.5 TAX MATTERS CERTIFICATE. The statements set forth in the
VelocityHSI Tax Matters Certificate shall be true, complete and correct as of
the date such certificate is delivered to Latham & Watkins and will continue to
be true through the date of the Distribution.

    The representations and warranties of VelocityHSI set forth in this Article
5 shall survive the Closing for a period of six (6) months.

                                   ARTICLE 6.
          CONDITIONS TO BRE'S OBLIGATION TO CONSUMMATE THE CONTRIBUTION

    The obligation of BRE to consummate the Contribution is subject, in the
discretion of BRE, to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the following
conditions:

          6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE AT CLOSING. VelocityHSI's
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall be true and
correct as of the Closing Date.

                                       11
<PAGE>

          6.2 CONSENTS. All Permits, consents, approvals and waivers from
Governmental Authorities and other third parties necessary for the consummation
of the Contribution shall have been obtained.

          6.3 NO ACTIONS OR COURT ORDERS. No Action shall have been instituted
or threatened which questions the validity or legality of the transactions
contemplated hereby or by the Ancillary Agreements. There shall not be any Legal
Requirement that makes the transactions contemplated hereby illegal or otherwise
prohibited.

          6.4 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS. VelocityHSI shall have
executed and delivered the documents and instruments required to be delivered by
it pursuant to Sections 3.3 and 3.4 hereof.

          6.5 OTHER TRANSACTIONS. At or prior to the Closing, BRE and
VelocityHSI shall have consummated such other transactions in connection with
the Contribution that are necessary to effect such Contribution.

    PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein
shall not in any way limit BRE's power of termination set forth in Section 12.8.

                                   ARTICLE 7.
      CONDITIONS TO VELOCITYHSI'S OBLIGATION TO CONSUMMATE THE CONTRIBUTION

    The obligation of VelocityHSI to consummate the Contribution is subject, in
the discretion of VelocityHSI, to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the
following conditions:

          7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE AT CLOSING. BRE's
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall be true and
correct as of the Closing Date.

          7.2 CONSENTS. All Permits, consents, approvals and waivers from
Governmental Authorities and other third parties necessary for the consummation
of the Contribution shall have been obtained.

          7.3 NO ACTIONS OR COURT ORDERS. No Action shall have been instituted
or threatened that questions the validity or legality of the transactions
contemplated hereby or by the Ancillary Agreements or that otherwise would have
a material adverse effect on the VelocityHSI Business. There shall not be any
Legal Requirement that makes the transactions contemplated hereby illegal or
otherwise prohibited or that otherwise would have a material adverse effect on
the VelocityHSI Business.

          7.4 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS. BRE shall have executed and
delivered the documents and instruments required to be delivered by it pursuant
to Sections 3.2 and 3.4 hereof.

                                       12
<PAGE>

          7.5 OTHER TRANSACTIONS. At or prior to the Closing, BRE and
VelocityHSI shall have consummated such other transactions in connection with
the Contribution that are necessary to effect such Contribution.

                                   ARTICLE 8.
                              ACCESS TO INFORMATION

          8.1 PROVISION OF CORPORATE RECORDS. After the Closing Date, upon the
prior written request by one party for agreements, documents, books, records or
files including, without limitation, computer files, microfiche, tape recordings
and photographs, relating to or affecting the requesting party, the other party
shall arrange, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such
request, for the provision of appropriate copies thereof (or the originals
thereof if the party making the request has a reasonable need for such
originals) in the possession of such other party or any of its Affiliates, but
only to the extent such items are not already in the possession of the
requesting party. Except to the extent otherwise contemplated by any Ancillary
Agreement, a party providing information or access to information to the other
party under this Article 8 shall be entitled to receive from the recipient, upon
the presentation of invoices therefor, payments for such amounts relating to
supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses as are reasonably
incurred in providing such information or access to information.

                                   ARTICLE 9.
                                THE DISTRIBUTION

          9.1 THE DISTRIBUTION. On the Distribution Date, subject to the
conditions and rights of termination set forth in this Agreement, BRE shall
deliver to the Agent share certificates representing one (1) Share for every
five (5) shares of BRE common stock outstanding on the record date for the
Distribution, subject to adjustment for fractional shares in the manner
described in Section 9.2, for distribution to the holders of record of shares of
BRE common stock on the record date for the Distribution. VelocityHSI agrees to
provide all share certificates that the Agent shall require in order to effect
the Distribution.

          9.2 CASH IN LIEU OF FRACTIONAL SHARES. No certificate or scrip
representing fractional shares of VelocityHSI common stock shall be issued as
part of the Distribution and in lieu thereof, each holder of BRE common stock
who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of VelocityHSI
common stock will receive an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the
fractional share multiplied by $1.00.

          9.3 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE DISTRIBUTION. The BRE Board shall, in
its discretion, establish any appropriate procedures in connection with the
Distribution. The Distribution shall not occur unless the following conditions
shall have been satisfied:

                    (a) the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement to
               have occurred on or prior to the Distribution Date shall have
               been consummated in all material respects;

                                       13
<PAGE>

                    (b) BRE and VelocityHSI shall have obtained all consents,
               approvals and waivers from Governmental Authorities and other
               third parties necessary for the Distribution;

                    (c) the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by
               VelocityHSI pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 in connection
               with the Distribution (the "Form S-1 Registration Statement")
               shall have been declared effective by the Commission; and

                    (d) the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed by
               VelocityHSI pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
               "Form 8-A Registration Statement") shall have been declared
               effective by the Commission.

                    (e) The statements set forth in the BRE Tax Matters
               Certificate and the VelocityHSI Tax Matters Certificate shall be
               true and correct as through the date of the Distribution.

    PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) any such condition may be waived by the BRE
Board in its sole discretion, and (ii) the satisfaction of such conditions shall
not create any obligation on the part of BRE or any other party hereto to effect
the Distribution or in any way limit BRE's power of termination set forth in
Section 12.8.

                 9.4 INSURANCE COVERAGE PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION DATE. Subject to
applicable laws, prior to the Distribution Date, the BRE Retained Company
Policies shall provide general liability, property damage, director and officer,
and employment practices insurance coverage to VelocityHSI.

                 9.5 INSURANCE COVERAGE ON AND AFTER DISTRIBUTION DATE. On and
after the Distribution Date, coverage of VelocityHSI shall cease under the BRE
Retained Company Policies. From and after the Distribution Date, VelocityHSI and
its Subsidiaries will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining insurance
coverages for their own account.

                                  ARTICLE 10.
                                    COVENANTS

                 10.1 SECTION 351(a). BRE and VelocityHSI each acknowledges that
upon the Contribution, VelocityHSI will be a "qualified REIT subsidiary" of BRE
which will be disregarded for federal income tax purposes and, consequently, the
Contribution will be disregarded for federal income tax purposes. BRE and
VelocityHSI each further acknowledges that at the time VelocityHSI ceases to be
wholly-owned by BRE, there shall be a deemed contribution for federal income tax
purposes of the assets then owned by VelocityHSI to a new corporation by BRE.
Each of BRE and VelocityHSI each agrees to take all actions necessary to cause
such deemed contribution to qualify as, and will not take or agree to take any
action that would prevent such deemed contribution from qualifying as, an
exchange under Section 351(a) of the Code.

                 10.2 TRANSFERS NOT EFFECTED PRIOR TO CLOSING; TRANSFERS DEEMED
EFFECTIVE AS OF THE CLOSING. To the extent that any transfers contemplated

                                       14
<PAGE>

hereby shall not have been consummated at or prior to the Closing, the parties
shall cooperate to effect such transfers as promptly following the Closing as
shall be practicable. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the transfer of
any assets which by their terms or operation of law cannot be transferred;
provided, however, that the parties hereto and their respective Subsidiaries
shall cooperate to seek to obtain any necessary consents or approvals for the
transfer of all assets contemplated to be transferred pursuant hereto. In the
event that any such transfer of assets has not been consummated, from and after
the Closing, BRE shall hold such asset in trust for the use and benefit of
VelocityHSI and take such other action as may be reasonably requested by
VelocityHSI, insofar as is reasonably possible, in the same position as would
have existed had such asset been transferred as contemplated hereby. As and when
any such asset becomes transferable, such transfer shall be effected forthwith.
The parties agree that, as of the Closing, VelocityHSI shall be deemed to have
acquired complete and sole beneficial ownership over all of the Contributed
Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges incident thereto, and
shall be deemed to have assumed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
all of the Assumed Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and responsibilities
incident thereto.

                 10.3 COOPERATION PRIOR TO THE DISTRIBUTION. BRE and VelocityHSI
shall (i) cooperate in preparing, filing with the Commission and causing to
become effective any registration statements or amendments thereof relating to
the Distribution; (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate
under the securities or blue sky laws of states or other political subdivisions
of the United States in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements; (iii) use all reasonable efforts to
obtain all third-party consents or approvals necessary or desirable in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements; and (iv) use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to
be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary or
desirable under applicable law, to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

                 10.4 FURTHER ASSURANCES. In case at any time any further action
is reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement
and the Ancillary Agreements, the proper officers of each party to this
Agreement shall take all such necessary action. Without limiting the foregoing,
BRE and VelocityHSI shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all
consents and approvals, to enter into all amendments to this or any Ancillary
Agreements and to make all filings and applications that may be required for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements, including, without limitation, all applicable governmental
and regulatory filings and novations.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE 11.
                               DISPUTE RESOLUTION

    In the event of a controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, in
connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance,
nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary
Agreements or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to this Agreement
or any of the Ancillary Agreements, including, without limitation, any claim
based on contract, tort, statute or constitution (collectively, "Agreement
Disputes"), the Chief Executive Officers (or their designees) of the respective
parties shall negotiate in good faith for a reasonable period of time to settle
such Agreement Dispute.

    If, after such reasonable period, such Chief Executive Officers (or their
designees) are unable to settle such Agreement Dispute (and in any event after
60 days have elapsed from the time the parties began such negotiations), such
Agreement Dispute shall be determined, at the request of either party, by
arbitration before a single arbitrator conducted in San Francisco, California,
before and in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Practice and Procedure
(the "Rules") of the San Francisco office of JAMS/Endispute, Inc. ("JAMS") and
any judgment or award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final, binding and
nonappealable (except upon grounds specified in 9 U.S.C. Section 10 or
California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1285 et seq. as in effect on the date
hereof), and judgment may be entered by any state or Federal court having
jurisdiction thereof.  Any controversy concerning whether an Agreement Dispute
is an arbitrable Agreement Dispute, whether arbitration has been waived, whether
an assignee of this Agreement is bound to arbitrate, or as to the interpretation
of enforceability of this Article 11 shall be determined by the arbitrator.  The
arbitrator shall be a retired or former judge of any Federal or California trial
or appellate court or such other qualified person as the parties may agree to
designate.  The arbitrator shall be entitled, if appropriate, to award any
remedy in such proceedings, including, without limitation, monetary damages,
specific performance and all other forms of legal and equitable relief;
provided, however, the arbitrator shall not be entitled to award punitive
damages and shall not reform, modify or materially change this Agreement or any
of the Ancillary Agreements.  In his or her award the arbitrator shall allocate,
in his or her discretion, among the parties to the arbitration all costs of the
arbitration, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of the
arbitrator and reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expert witness expenses of
the parties.  The parties hereto agree to comply with any award made in any such
arbitration proceedings that has become final in accordance with the Rules and
agree to the entry of a judgment in any jurisdiction upon any award rendered in
such proceedings becoming final under the Rules.

                                   ARTICLE 12.
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

12.1  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; CONSTRUCTION.

     This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect
to such subject matter.

                                       16
<PAGE>

                 12.2 CONFIDENTIALITY. Each of BRE and its Affiliates and
VelocityHSI and its Affiliates shall not use or permit the use of (without the
consent of the other) and shall hold, and shall cause its consultants and
advisors to hold, in strict confidence, all information concerning the other
party in its possession, its custody or under its control (except to the extent
that (A) such information has been in the public domain or becomes part of the
public domain through no fault of such party, (B) such information has been
later lawfully acquired by such party, without an obligation of confidence, from
a third party who is legally free to disclose such information, (C) this
Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement entered into
pursuant hereto permits such use or disclosure of such information or (D) such
information is independently developed by such party without reference to such
information) to the extent such information relates to the period up to the
Closing, relates to any Ancillary Agreement or is obtained in the course of
performing services for the other party pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement, and
each party shall not (without the prior written consent of the other) otherwise
release or disclose such information to any other person, except such party's
auditors, attorneys and other representatives, unless compelled to disclose such
information by judicial or administrative process or unless such disclosure is
required by law and such party has used commercially reasonable efforts to
consult with the other affected party or parties prior to such disclosure. To
the extent that a party hereto is compelled by judicial or administrative
process to disclose such information under circumstances in which any
evidentiary privilege would be available, such party agrees to assert such
privilege in good faith prior to making such disclosure. Each of the parties
hereto agrees to consult with each relevant other party in connection with any
such judicial or administrative process, including, without limitation, in
determining whether any privilege is available, and further agrees to allow each
such relevant party and its counsel to participate in any hearing or other
proceeding (including, without limitation, any appeal of an initial order to
disclose) in respect of such disclosure and assertion of privilege.

                 12.3 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement,
and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed
by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

                 12.4 EXPENSES. All costs and expenses incurred on or prior to
the Distribution in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery and
implementation of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be the
responsibility of BRE.

                 12.5 NOTICES. Notices shall be sent to the Parties at the
following addresses:

          BRE Properties, Inc.
          44 Montgomery Street, 36th Floor
          San Francisco, California  94104
          Attn:  LeRoy E. Carlson
          Facsimile:  415-445-6505

          VelocityHSI, Inc.
          2175 North California Boulevard, Suite 810
          Walnut Creek, California  94596

                                       17
<PAGE>

          Attn:  Charles P. Wingard
          Facsimile:  925-952-5697

    Notices may be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, Federal Express or comparable overnight delivery service, or
facsimile.  Notice shall be deemed received at the time delivered by hand, on
the fourth business day following deposit in the U.S. mail, on the first
business day following deposit with Federal Express or other delivery service,
or if given by facsimile when confirmation of transmission is indicated by the
sender's facsimile machine.  Any party to this Agreement may change its address
for notice by giving written notice to the other party at the address and in
accordance with the procedures provided above.

                 12.6 AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS. No modification or amendment to this
Agreement, or waiver of any right or remedy herein provided, shall be effective
for any purpose unless such modification, amendment or waiver is specifically
set forth in a writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby. The
waiver of any right or remedy with respect to any occurrence on one occasion
shall not be deemed a waiver of such right or remedy with respect to such
occurrence on any other occasion.

                 12.7 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns. This Agreement shall not be assigned without the express
written consent of each of the parties hereto.

                 12.8 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated, and the
Asset Transfers may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the
Closing Date by and in the sole discretion of BRE without the approval of
VelocityHSI or the shareholders of BRE. In the event of such termination, no
party shall have any liability of any kind to any other party or any other
person. After the Closing Date, this Agreement may not be terminated except by
an agreement in writing signed by the parties.

                 12.9 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is solely for
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective Subsidiaries and
Affiliates and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy,
claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of
those existing without reference to this Agreement.

                 12.10 TITLE AND HEADINGS. Titles and headings to sections
herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended
to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

                 12.11 SCHEDULES; EXHIBITS. Any Schedule or Exhibit shall be
construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as
if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.

                 12.12 GOVERNING LAW. This agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California without regard
to the principles of choice of law thereof.

                                    *  *  *

                                       18
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Contribution and
Distribution Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above
written.

                                 BRE PROPERTIES, INC.

                                 By:
                                    -------------------------------------------

                                    LeRoy Carlson
                                    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
                                    Officer

                                 VELOCITYHSI, INC.

                                 By:
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Charles P. Wingard
                                    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
                                    Officer

                                      19

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