Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.9

                           THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
                  RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND CO-SALE AGREEMENT

     This Third Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale
Agreement (this "AGREEMENT"), dated as of March 9, 2000, is entered into by and
among Sonus Networks, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), the persons
and entities listed on the signature pages hereto under the heading "Purchasers"
(individually, a "PURCHASER" and, collectively, the "PURCHASERS"), and Hassan
Ahmed, Rubin Gruber, Michael G. Hluchyj and Kwok P. Wong (individually, a
"FOUNDER" and, collectively, the "FOUNDERS").

     WHEREAS, on November 18, 1997, the Company, certain of the Purchasers (the
"SERIES A PURCHASERS") and the Founders entered into a Right of First Refusal
and Co-Sale Agreement (the "ORIGINAL AGREEMENT") to protect the management and
control of the Company from influence by any person not acceptable to the
Company and the Series A Purchasers and to assist the Series A Purchasers in
selling their Shares (as defined below) if they so desired;

        WHEREAS, in connection with the purchase and sale of 3,144,287 shares of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK"), by certain of the Purchasers (the "SERIES B
PURCHASERS"), the Company and the Series B Purchasers entered into an Amended
and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated as of September
23, 1998 (the "RESTATED AGREEMENT"); and

        WHEREAS, in connection with the purchase and sale of 1,939,681 shares of
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK"), by certain of the Purchasers (the "SERIES C
PURCHASERS"), the Company and the Series C Purchasers entered into a Second
Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated as of
September 10, 1999 (the "SECOND RESTATED AGREEMENT"); and

        WHEREAS, in connection with the purchase and sale of up to 1,585,366
shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share, of the
Company (the "SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK"), by certain of the Purchasers (the
"SERIES D PURCHASERS"), the parties hereto desire to amend and restate the
Second Restated Agreement so that the Series D Purchasers have substantially the
same rights and obligations the Series A Purchasers, the Series B Purchasers and
the Series C Purchasers had under the Second Restated Agreement, respectively
(the terms of this Agreement to supersede the terms of the Second Restated
Agreement in their entirety).

        NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, it is agreed as follows:

        1. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.

        1.1 Any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition, whether
voluntarily or by operation of law (collectively, "TRANSFER"), of any of the
Shares (as defined below) by a Founder other than according to the terms of this
Agreement, shall be void and shall transfer no right, title, or interest in or
to any of such Shares to the purported transferee. As used in this Agreement,
the term "SHARES" shall include all shares of capital stock of the Company held
by the Founders or the Purchasers, whether now owned or hereafter acquired. For
purposes of

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                                  -2-

calculating a Purchaser's pro rata ownership of Shares, all shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share ("SERIES A PREFERRED
STOCK"), Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock or Series D
Preferred Stock of the Company shall be deemed to have been converted into
shares of Common Stock of the Company.

        1.2 Each Founder has presented or agrees to present the certificates
representing the Shares presently owned or hereafter acquired by him to the
Secretary of the Company and cause the Secretary to stamp on the certificate in
a prominent manner the following legend:

         "The sale or other disposition of any of the shares represented by this
         certificate is restricted by a Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale
         Agreement among certain of the shareholders of this Corporation and
         this Corporation (the "Agreement"). A copy of the Agreement is
         available for inspection by a prospective purchaser without charge at
         the office of the Secretary of the Corporation."

        2. TRANSFERS NOT SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS.

           A Founder may Transfer (i) any or all of his Shares to his parents,
spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, siblings, brothers- or
sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces or nephews, or spouse of any such person, or to
a trust or similar estate- or tax-planning vehicle (including a family limited
partnership or a family limited liability company) established for the benefit
of any one or more of his parents, spouse, children, stepchildren,
grandchildren, siblings, brothers- or sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces or
nephews, or spouse of any such person, or himself or (ii) any or all of his
Shares under his will, without compliance with Sections 3 through 6 hereof;
PROVIDED in the case of each such Transfer that (i) the transferee delivers a
written instrument to the other parties hereto agreeing to be bound by the terms
hereof as if it were a Founder and (ii) the transferee grants its proxy to vote
such shares to such Founder or a legal representative of such Founder, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that such proxy need not be granted if such action would have an
adverse tax consequence on the Founder or the transferee.

        3. OFFER OF TRANSFER; NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER.

           If a Founder desires to Transfer any of his Shares, or any interest
 in such Shares, in any transaction other than pursuant to Section 2 of this
Agreement, such Founder (a "SELLING STOCKHOLDER") shall first deliver written
notice of his desire to do so (the "NOTICE") to the Company and each Purchaser,
in the manner prescribed in Section 9.4 of this Agreement. The Notice must
specify: (i) the name and address of the party to which the Selling Stockholder
proposes to Transfer the Shares or an interest in the Shares (the "Offeror"),
(ii) the number of Shares the Selling Stockholder proposes to Transfer (the
"OFFERED SHARES"), (iii) the consideration per Share to be delivered to the
Selling Stockholder for the proposed Transfer, and (iv) all other material terms
and conditions of the proposed transaction.

        4. COMPANY'S OPTION TO PURCHASE.

           4.1 The Company shall have the first option to purchase all or any
part of the Offered Shares for the consideration per share and on the terms and
conditions specified in the Notice. The Company must exercise such option, no
later than 15 days after such Notice is

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                                    -3-

deemed under Section 9.4 hereof to have been delivered to it, by written notice
to the Selling Stockholder.

           4.2 In the event the Company does not exercise its option within such
15-day period with respect to all of the Offered Shares, the Secretary of the
Company shall, by the last day of such period, give written notice of that fact
to each Purchaser (the "COMPANY NOTICE"). The Company Notice shall specify the
number of Offered Shares not purchased by the Company (the "REMAINING SHARES").

           4.3 In the event the Company duly exercises its option to purchase
all or part of the Offered Shares, the closing of such purchase shall take place
at the offices of the Company on the later of (i) the date five days after the
expiration of such 15-day period or (ii) the date that the Purchasers consummate
their purchase of Offered Shares under Section 5 hereof.

           4.4 To the extent that the consideration proposed to be paid by the
Offeror for the Offered Shares consists of property other than cash or a
promissory note, the consideration required to be paid by the Company and/or the
Purchasers exercising their options under Sections 4 and 5 hereof may consist of
cash equal to the value of such property, as determined in good faith by
agreement of the Selling Stockholder and the Company and/or the Purchasers
acquiring such Offered Shares.

           4.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the
Company nor the Purchasers shall have any right to purchase any of the Offered
Shares hereunder unless the Company and/or the Purchasers exercise their option
or options to purchase all of the Offered Shares.

         5.PURCHASERS' OPTION TO PURCHASE.

           5.1 Each Purchaser and Founder other than the Selling Stockholder
shall have an option, exercisable for a period of 15 days from the date of
delivery of the Company Notice, to purchase its pro rata share of the Remaining
Shares for the consideration per share and on the terms and conditions set forth
in the Notice. Such option shall be exercised by delivery of written notice to
the Secretary of the Company. Alternatively, if the Selling Stockholder is a
Significant Selling Stockholder (as defined below), each Purchaser and Founder
other than the Selling Stockholder may within the same 15-day period notify the
Secretary of the Company and the Significant Selling Stockholder of its desire
to participate in the sale of the Shares on the terms set forth in the Notice,
and the number of Shares it proposes to sell. A "SIGNIFICANT SELLING
STOCKHOLDER" shall mean any Founder who (together with his parents, spouse,
children, stepchildren, grandchildren, siblings, brothers- or sisters-in-law,
cousins, nieces or nephews, or spouse of any such person, and any trust or
similar estate- or tax-planning vehicle (including a family limited partnership
or a family limited liability company) established for the benefit of any one or
more of his parents, spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, siblings,
brothers- or sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces or nephews, or spouse of any such
person, or himself) owns, after giving effect to the conversion of all
convertible preferred stock into Common Stock, at least 1,000,000 shares of
Common Stock (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits, stock
dividends, combinations and other similar recapitalizations affecting such
shares).

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                                  -4-

           5.2 In the event options to purchase have been exercised by
Purchasers and Founders with respect to some but not all of the Remaining
Shares, those Purchasers and Founders who have exercised their options within
the 15-day period specified in Section 5.1 shall have an additional option, for
a period of five days next succeeding the expiration of such 15-day period, to
purchase all or any part of the balance of such Remaining Shares on the terms
and conditions set forth in the Notice, which option shall be exercised by the
delivery of written notice to the Secretary of the Company. In the event there
are two or more such Purchasers and Founders that choose to exercise the
last-mentioned option for a total number of Shares in excess of the number
available, the Shares available for each such Purchaser's and Founder's option
shall be allocated to such Purchaser and Founder pro rata based on the number of
Shares owned by the Purchasers and Founders so electing.

           5.3 If the options to purchase the Remaining Shares are exercised in
full by the Purchasers and Founders, the Secretary of the Company shall promptly
notify all of the exercising Purchasers and Founders of that fact. The closing
of the purchase of the Remaining Shares shall take place at the offices of the
Company no later than five days after the date of such notice to the Purchasers.

       6.  FAILURE TO FULLY EXERCISE OPTIONS; CO-SALE.

           6.1 If the Company and the Purchasers and Founders do not exercise
their options to purchase all of the Offered Shares within the periods described
in this Agreement (the "OPTION PERIOD"), then all options of the Company and the
Purchasers and Founders to purchase the Offered Shares, whether exercised or
not, shall terminate; but each Purchaser and Founder who has, pursuant to
Section 5, expressed a desire to sell Shares in the transaction ("PARTICIPANTS")
shall be entitled to do so pursuant to this Section. The Secretary of the
Company shall promptly, upon expiration of the Option Period, notify the
Significant Selling Stockholder of the aggregate number of Shares the
Participants wish to sell. The Significant Selling Stockholder shall use his or
its best efforts to interest the Offeror in purchasing, in addition to the
Offered Shares, the Shares the Participants wish to sell. If the Offeror does
not wish to purchase all of the Shares made available by the Significant Selling
Stockholder and the Participants, then each Participant and the Significant
Selling Stockholder shall be entitled to sell, at the price and on the terms and
conditions set forth in the Notice, a portion of the Shares being sold to the
Offeror, in the same proportion as the Significant Selling Stockholder or such
Participant's ownership of Shares bears to the aggregate number of Shares owned
by the Significant Selling Stockholder and the Participants. The transaction
contemplated by the Notice shall be consummated not later than 60 days after the
expiration of the Option Period.

           6.2 The Selling Stockholder shall be entitled to sell to the Offeror,
according to the terms set forth in the Notice, that number of his Shares which
equals the difference between the number of Shares desired to be purchased by
the Offeror and (if applicable) the number of Shares the Participants wish to
sell in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.1 hereof. If the Selling
Stockholder wishes to Transfer any such Shares at a price per Share which
differs from that set forth in the Notice, upon terms different from those
previously offered to the Company and the Purchasers and Founders, or more than
60 days after the expiration of the Option Period, then, as a condition
precedent to such transaction, such Shares must first be offered to the Company
and the Purchasers and Founders on the same terms and conditions as given the
Offeror, and in accordance with the procedures and time periods set forth above.

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                                     -5-

           6.3 The proceeds of any sale made by the Selling Stockholder without
compliance with the provisions of this Section 6 shall be deemed to be held in
constructive trust in such amount as would have been due the Purchasers and
Founders if the Selling Stockholder had complied with this Agreement. The
contents of any such trust shall be delivered to the Purchasers and Founders
upon surrender of the applicable Shares to the Selling Stockholder.

       7.  TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.

           7.1 This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of the following
events:

              (a) Any (i) merger or consolidation which results in the voting
securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto representing
immediately thereafter (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted
into voting securities of the surviving or acquiring entity) less than a
majority of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or
such surviving or acquiring entity outstanding immediately after such merger or
consolidation, (ii) sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company
or (iii) sale of shares of capital stock of the Company, in a single transaction
or series of related transactions, representing at least 80% of the voting power
of the voting securities of the Company;

              (b) The closing of the sale of shares of Common Stock in a firm
commitment underwritten public offering pursuant to a Registration Statement at
a price to the public of at least $19.68 per share (adjusted for stock splits,
stock dividends and similar events) resulting in proceeds to the Company (net of
the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses) of at least
$25,000,000; or

              (c) The redemption of all shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock.

           7.2 The provisions of Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 hereof shall not apply
to sales of Shares pursuant to a transaction referred to in Sections 7.1(a) or
7.1(b) above.

       8.  TRANSFERS OF RIGHTS.

           (a) This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of a Series A
Purchaser hereunder, may be assigned by such Series A Purchaser to any person or
entity to which at least 355,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, as adjusted
for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and similar events (or 100%
of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock originally purchased hereunder by such
Series A Purchaser, if less than 355,000 shares), are transferred by such Series
A Purchaser, and such transferee shall be deemed a "Series A Purchaser" for
purposes of this Agreement; provided that the transferee provides written notice
of such assignment to the Company and agrees to be bound by the terms and
conditions set forth herein.

           (b) This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of a Series B
Purchaser hereunder, may be assigned by such Series B Purchaser to any person or
entity to which at least 157,214 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, as adjusted
for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and similar events (or 100%
of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock originally

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                                    -6-

purchased hereunder by such Series B Purchaser, if less than 157,214 shares),
are transferred by such Series B Purchaser, and such transferee shall be deemed
a "Series B Purchaser" for purposes of this Agreement; provided that the
transferee provides written notice of such assignment to the Company and agrees
to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth herein.

           (c) This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of a Series C
Purchaser hereunder, may be assigned by such Series C Purchaser to any person or
entity to which at least 107,653 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, as adjusted
for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and similar events (or 100%
of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock originally purchased hereunder by such
Series C Purchaser, if less than 107,653 shares), are transferred by such Series
C Purchaser, and such transferee shall be deemed a "Series C Purchaser" for
purposes of this Agreement; provided that the transferee provides written notice
of such assignment to the Company and agrees to be bound by the terms and
conditions set forth herein.

           (d) This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of a Series D
Purchaser hereunder, may be assigned by such Series D Purchaser to any affiliate
of or fund managed by such Series D Purchaser without restriction or to any
person or entity to which at least 237,805 shares of Series D Preferred Stock,
as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and similar
events (or 100% of the shares of Series D Preferred Stock originally purchased
hereunder by such Series D Purchaser, if less than 237,805 shares), are
transferred by such Purchaser, and such transferee shall be deemed a "Series D
Purchaser" for purposes of this Agreement; provided that the transferee provides
written notice of such assignment to the Company and agrees to be bound by the
terms and conditions set forth herein.

       9.  GENERAL.

           9.1 SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, so
that the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall
not affect the validity or enforceability of any other term or provision of this
Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

           9.2 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. In addition to any and all other remedies
that may be available at law in the event of any breach of this Agreement, the
Purchasers shall be entitled to specific performance of the agreements and
obligations of the Company and the Founders hereunder and to such other
injunctive or other equitable relief as may be granted by a court of competent
jurisdiction.

           9.3 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

           9.4 NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents, and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered
by hand, sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service or mailed by
first class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid:

       If to the Company, at 5 Carlisle Road, Westford, MA 01886, Attn:
President, or at such other address or addresses as may have been furnished in
writing by the Company to the

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                                     -7-

Purchasers, with a copy to Bingham Dana LLP, 150 Federal Street, Boston, MA
02110, Attn: David L. Engel, Esq.;

       If to a Purchaser, at its address as set forth the signature pages
hereto, or at such other address or addresses as may have been furnished to the
Company in writing by such Purchaser, with a copy to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
LLP, Attn: Peter Heilmann, Esq.; or

       If to a Founder, at his address as set forth on the signature page
hereto or at such other address or addresses as may have been furnished to the
Company and the Purchasers in writing by such Founder.

       Notices provided in accordance with this Section 9.4 shall be deemed
delivered upon personal delivery, one business day after being sent via a
reputable nationwide overnight courier service, or five business days after
deposit in the mail.

       9.5  COMPLETE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS.

       (a) This Agreement constitutes the full and complete agreement of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supercedes the
Second Restated Agreement in its entirety. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each
Founder acknowledges that he is a party to a Stock Restriction Agreement with
the Company which imposes restrictions on the transfer of the shares issued
thereunder and a purchase option in favor of the Company which are in addition
the transfer restrictions and purchase rights set forth herein.

       (b) No amendment, modification, termination or waiver (either general or
in a particular instance and either prospective or retrospective) of any
provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the
Company, Founders holding at least a majority by voting power of the shares of
capital stock held by the Founders, and the Purchasers holding at least 66 2/3%
of the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the shares
of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock
and Series D Preferred Stock held by the Purchasers, PROVIDED that no consent
shall be required for an amendment pursuant to Sections 9.9 or 9.10 below.

       9.6 PRONOUNS. Whenever the content may require, any pronouns used in this
Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms,
and the singular form of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural, and vice
versa.

       9.7 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall constitute one Agreement binding on all the
parties hereto.

       9.8 CAPTIONS. Captions of sections have been added only for convenience
and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

       9.9 ADDITION OF PURCHASERS. Each purchaser of Series A Preferred Stock of
the Company under the Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement of November
18, 1997 shall become a party to and a Series A Purchaser under this Agreement
upon its execution of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement. Each
purchaser of Series B Preferred Stock of the Company under the Series B
Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement of September 23, 1998 shall

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                                    -8-

become a party to and a Series B Purchaser under this Agreement upon the
execution of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement. Each purchaser of
Series C Preferred Stock of the Company under the Series C Preferred Stock
Purchase Agreement of September 10, 1999 shall become a party to and a Series C
Purchaser under this Agreement upon the execution of a counterpart signature
page to this Agreement. Each purchaser of Series D Preferred Stock of the
Company under the Series D Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement of even date
herewith shall become a party to and a Series D Purchaser under this Agreement
upon the closing of its purchase of Series D Preferred Stock thereunder and its
execution of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement.

       9.10 ADDITIONAL PARTIES. The Company expects that it may issue Common
Stock, in the form of restricted stock, to additional key employees of the
Company (the "ADDITIONAL FOUNDERS"). The Company shall require that such
Additional Founder become a party to this Agreement by executing a counterpart
signature page hereto. The parties to this Agreement agree that, upon execution
by each Additional Founder of a counterpart signature page hereto, such
Additional Founder shall become a party hereto and shall be deemed a "Founder"
for all purposes hereof. Following the execution by an Additional Founder of a
counterpart signature page hereto, the Company shall promptly deliver to the
other parties hereto notice that such Additional Founder has become a party
hereto (which notice shall specify the number of shares of Common Stock issued
to such Additional Founder).

<PAGE>

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as an instrument
under seal as of the date first above written.

       COMPANY

       Sonus Networks, Inc.

       By: /s/ Hassan Ahmed
           ------------------------------------
           Hassan Ahmed
           President

       FOUNDERS:

       /s/ Rubin Gruber
       --------------------------------
       Rubin Gruber
       709 Sudbury Road
       Concord, MA 01742

       /s/ Michael G. Hluchyj
       --------------------------------
       Michael G. Hluchyj
       27 Jackson Road
       Wellesley, MA 02181

       /s/ Kwok P. Wong
       --------------------------------
       Kwok P. Wong
       22 Thoreau Road
       Lexington, MA 02173

       /s/ Hassan Ahmed
       --------------------------------
       Hassan Ahmed
       3 Andover Country Club Lane
       North Andover, MA 01810

       PURCHASERS:

       BroadBand Office, Inc.
       2900 Telestar Court
       Falls Church, VA  22042

          By: /s/ Johnson Agogbua
              -----------------------------
              Name: Johnson Agogbua
              Title: Vice President, Engineering

<PAGE>

       Credit Suisse First Boston Venture Fund I, L.P.
       2400 Hanover Street
       Palo Alto, CA

       By:      QBB Management I, LLC, its General Partner

           By: /s/ Frank Quattrone
               ---------------------------
               Name: Frank Quattrone
               Title:  Member

       Time Warner Telecom Inc.
       10475 Park Meadows Drive
       Suite 4400
       Littleton, CO  80124

           By: /s/ Paul B. Jones
               ---------------------------
               Name: Paul B. Jones
               Title: Senior Vice President
                      General Counsel & Regulatory Policy

       ICI Capital LLC
       3625 Queen Palm Drive
       Tampa, FL  33611

           By: /s/ Raymond L. Lawless
               ---------------------------
               Name: Raymond L. Lawless
               Title: Vice President and Treasurer

       Williams Communications, Inc.
       One Williams Center
       Tulsa, OK  74172

           By: /s/ Dell [ILLEGIBLE]
               ---------------------------
               Name:
               Title:

       Global Crossing Ventures, Inc.
       141 Caspian Court
       Sunnyvale, CA 94089

           By: /s/ Michael Cohen
               ---------------------------
              Name:
              Title:

<PAGE>

       Z-Tel Technologies, Inc.
       601 S. Harbour Island Blvd.
       Suite 220
       Tampa, FL  33602

           By: /s/ Eduard J. Mayer
               ---------------------------
               Name: Eduard J. Mayer
               Title: President

       Tailwind Capital Partners 2000, L.P.
       c/o Thomas Weisel Partners
       One Montgomery Street, Suite 3700
       San Francisco, CA  94104

       By: Thomas Weisel Capital Partners LLC,
           its General Partner

           By: /s/ Marianne Winkler
               ---------------------------
               Name: Marianne Winkler
               Title: CFO

       Hambrecht & Quist California

       One Bush Street
       San Fransisco, CA 94104

           By: /s/ Thomas Szymoniak
               ---------------------------
               Name: Thomas Szymoniak
               Title: Attorney-in-Fact

       Hambrecht & Quist California

       One Bush Street
       San Fransisco, CA 94104

           By: /s/ Thomas Szymoniak
               ---------------------------
               Name: Thomas Szymoniak
               Title: Attorney-in-Fact

       H&Q Employee Venture Fund 2000, L.P.

       One Bush Street
       San Fransisco, CA 94104

       By:  H&Q Venture Management LLC, its General Partner

           By: /s/ Thomas Szymoniak
               ---------------------------
               Name: Thomas Szymoniak
               Title: Attorney-in-Fact

<PAGE>

       Access Technology Partners, L.P.

       One Bush Street
       San Fransisco, CA 94104

       By:  Access Technology Management LLC, its General Partner

            By: /s/ Thomas Szymoniak
                ---------------------------
                Name: Thomas Szymoniak
                Title: Attorney-in-Fact

       Access Technology Partners Brokers Fund, L.P.

       One Bush Street
       San Fransisco, CA 94104

       By:  H&Q Venture Management, LLC, its General Partner

            By: /s/ Thomas Szymoniak
                ---------------------------
                 Name: Thomas Szymoniak
                 Title: Attorney-in-Fact

       Viatel, Inc.
       685 Third Avenue,
       New York, NY 10017

           By: /s/ Sheldon M. Goldman
               ---------------------------
               Name: Sheldon M. Goldman
               Title: EVP

       VYTL, LLC
       685 Third Avenue,
       New York, NY 10017

           By: /s/ Sheldon M. Goldman
               ---------------------------
               Name: Sheldon M. Goldman
               Title:

       Eagle Teleprograms, Inc.

       60 East 56th Street
       New York, NY 10022

           By: /s/ Kent Srikanth Chargundla
               ---------------------------
               Name: Kent Srikanth Chargundla
               Title: Chairman

<PAGE>

         U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray ECM Fund I, LLC
         22 South Ninth Street
         Minneapolis, MN 55402

              By: /s/ John Jacobs
                  ------------------------------------
                  Name: John Jacobs
                  Title: Managing Member

              GD&C Partners 2000 Fund, LLC
              333 South Grand Avenue
              Los Angeles, CA 90071

                   By: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
                       ------------------------------------
                       Name:
                       Its:  Manager

<PAGE>

       River Partners I
       c/o Tim Walsh
       1221 Avenue of the Americas
       New York, NY  10020

           By: /s/ Tim Walsh
               ---------------------------
               Name: Tim Walsh
               Title: Managing Director

       Carrier 1

       ----------------------

       ----------------------

       ----------------------

           By:
               ---------------------------
               Name:
               Title:

       Whitman Partners, L.P.

       ----------------------

       ----------------------

       ----------------------

           By: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
               ---------------------------
               Name:
               Title:

       SERIES A PURCHASERS, SERIES B PURCHASERS, AND SERIES C PURCHASERS;

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>    <C>                                                    <C>
       North Bridge Venture Partners II, L.P.                  North Bridge Venture Partners III, L.P.
       950 Winter Street, Suite 4600                           950 Winter Street, Suite 4600
       Waltham, MA  02451                                      Waltham, MA  02451

       By:   North Bridge Venture Management II, L.P.,         By:   North Bridge Venture Management III, L.P.,
             its General Partner                                     its General Partner

       By:   /s/ Edward T. Anderson                            By:        /s/ Edward T. Anderson
             -----------------------------------------                    -----------------------------------
             Edward T. Anderson                                           Edward T. Anderson
             General Partner                                              General Partner

<PAGE>

       Matrix Partners V, L.P.                                 Matrix V Entrepreneurs Fund, L.P.
       Bay Colony Corporate Center                             Bay Colony Corporate Center
       1000 Winter Street, Suite 4500                          1000 Winter Street, Suite 4500
       Waltham, MA  02154                                      Waltham, MA  02154

       By:   Matrix V Management Co., LLC,                     By:   Matrix V Management Co., LLC,
             its General Partner                                     its General Partner

       By:   /s/ Paul J. Ferri                                 By:   /s/ Paul J. Ferri
             -----------------------------------------               ----------------------------------------
             Name:                                                   Name:
             Title:                                                  Title:

       Charles River Partnership VIII,                         Charles River VIII-A LLC
       A Limited Partnership                                   1000 Winter Street, Suite 3300
       1000 Winter Street, Suite 3300                          Waltham, MA  02154
       Waltham, MA  02154

       By:   Charles River VIII GP Limited Partnership,        By:   Charles River Friends VII, Inc.,
             its General Partner                                     its Manager

       By:   /s/ Richard M. Burnes                             By:   Richard M. Burns
             -----------------------------------------               ----------------------------------------
             Richard M. Burnes                                       Name:
             General Partner                                         Title:

</TABLE>

       Bedrock Capital Partners I, L.P.
       c/o Volpe Brown Whelan & Company LLC
       One Boston Place
       Suite 3310
       Boston, MA 02108

       By:   Bedrock General Partner I, LLC, General Partner

          By: /s/ J.M. [ILLEGIBLE]
             ------------------------------------------
             Name:
             Title:

       VBW Employee Bedrock Fund, L.P.
       c/o Volpe Brown Whelan & Company LLC
       One Boston Place
       Suite 3310
       Boston, MA 02108

       By:   Bedrock General Partner I, LLC, General Partner

          By: /s/ J.M. [ILLEGIBLE]
             ------------------------------------------
                  Name:
                  Title:

<PAGE>

       Credit Suisse First Boston Bedrock Fund, L.P.
       c/o Volpe Brown Whelan & Company LLC
       One Boston Place
       Suite 3310
       Boston, MA  02108

       By:      Bedrock General Partner I, L.P.
       Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

           By: /s/ J.M. [ILLEGIBLE]
               ------------------------------------------
                Name:
                Title:<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.10

                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                            $1,500,000 EQUIPMENT LINE
                                   PROVIDED BY
                               SILICON VALLEY BANK
                                       TO
                              SONUS NETWORKS, INC.

                                  March 6, 1998
<PAGE>

      This LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is entered into as of March 6,1998, by
and between SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California-chartered bank with its principal
place of business at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054 and with a loan
production office located at Wellesley Office Park, 40 William Street, Suite
350, Wellesley, MA 02181, doing business under the name Silicon Valley East
("Bank"), and SONUS NETWORKS, INC., a Delaware corporation with its principal
place of business at 5 Carlisle Road, Westford, Massachusetts 01886
("Borrower").

                                    RECITALS

      Borrower wishes to obtain credit from time to time from Bank, and Bank
desires to extend credit to Borrower. This Agreement sets forth the terms on
which Bank will advance credit to Borrower, and Borrower will repay the amounts
owing to Bank.

                                    AGREEMENT

      The parties agree as follows:

      1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

            1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the following definitions:

                  "Accounts" means all presently existing and hereafter arising
accounts, contract rights, and all other forms of obligations owing to Borrower
arising out of the sale or lease of goods (including, without limitation, the
licensing of software and other technology) or the rendering of services by
Borrower, whether or not earned by performance, and any and all credit
insurance, guaranties, and other security therefor, as well as all merchandise
returned to or reclaimed by Borrower and Borrower's Books relating to any of the
foregoing.

                  "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person that
owns or controls directly or indirectly such Person, any Person that controls or
is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, and each of such
Person's senior executive officers, directors, partners and, for any Person that
is a limited liability company, such Person's managers and members.

                  "Bank Expenses" means all reasonable costs or expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred in connection with
the preparation, negotiation, administration, and enforcement of the Loan
Documents; and Bank's reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in
amending, enforcing or defending the Loan Documents, (including fees and
expenses of appeal or review, or those incurred in any Insolvency Proceeding)
whether or not suit is brought.

                  "Borrower's Books" means all of Borrower's books and records
including, without limitation: ledgers; records concerning Borrower's assets or
liabilities, the Collateral, business operations or financial condition; and all
computer programs or tape files containing such information.

                  "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday,
or other day on which banks in the State of California are authorized or
required to close.

                  "Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement.

                  "Code" means the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code.

                  "Collateral" means the property described on Exhibit A
attached hereto.

                  "Committed Equipment Line" means a credit extension of up to
ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND Dollars ($1,500,000).
<PAGE>

                  "Contingent Obligation" means, as applied to any Person, any
direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with
respect to (i) any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other
obligation of another, including, without limitation, any such obligation
directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made or discounted or sold with
recourse by that Person, or in respect of which that Person is otherwise
directly or indirectly liable; (ii) any obligations with respect to undrawn
letters of credit issued for the account of that Person; and (iii) all
obligations arising under any interest rate, currency or commodity swap
agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, or other
agreement or arrangement designated to protect a Person against fluctuation in
interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices; provided, however,
that the term "Contingent Obligation" shall not include endorsements for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any
Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or
determined amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent
Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably
anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good
faith; provided, however, that such amount shall not in any event exceed the
maximum amount of the obligations under the guarantee or other support
arrangement.

                  "Credit Extension" means each Equipment Advance or any other
extension of credit by Bank for the benefit of Borrower hereunder.

                  "Current Assets" means, as of any applicable date, all amounts
that should, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current assets on the
consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date.

                  "Current Liabilities" means, as of any applicable date, all
amounts that should, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current liabilities
on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as at such
date, plus, to the extent not already included therein, all outstanding Credit
Extensions made under this Agreement, including all Indebtedness that is payable
upon demand or within one year from the date of determination thereof unless
such Indebtedness is renewable or extendable at the option of Borrower or any
Subsidiary to a date more than one year from the date of determination, but
excluding Subordinated Debt.

                  "Equipment" means all present and future machinery, equipment,
tenant improvements, furniture, fixtures, vehicles, tools, parts and attachments
in which Borrower has any interest.

                  "Equipment Advance" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.1.1.

                  "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, and the regulations thereunder.

                  "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in
effect in the United States from time to time.

                  "Indebtedness" means (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money
or the deferred purchase price of property or services, including without
limitation reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and
letters of credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or
similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations and (d) all Contingent
Obligations, but specifically excludes all redemption obligations of Borrower
pursuant to its redeemable preferred stock, whether now or in the future
authorized and outstanding.

                  "Insolvency Proceeding" means any proceeding commenced by or
against any person or entity under any provision of the United States Bankruptcy
Code, as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including
assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or informal moratoria,
compositions, extension generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking
reorganization, arrangement, or other relief.

                  "Inventory" means all present and future inventory in which
Borrower has any interest, including merchandise, raw materials, parts,
supplies, packing and shipping materials, work in process and finished products
intended for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service, of
every kind and description now or at any time hereafter owned by or in the
custody or possession, actual or constructive, of

                                       2
<PAGE>

Borrower, including such inventory as is temporarily out of its custody or
possession or in transit and including any returns upon any accounts or other
proceeds, including insurance proceeds, resulting from the sale or disposition
of any of the foregoing and any documents of title representing any of the
above.

                  "Investment" means any beneficial ownership of (including
stock, partnership interest or other securities) any Person, or any loan,
advance or capital contribution to any Person.

                  "IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the regulations thereunder.

                  "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, charge,
pledge, security interest or other encumbrance.

                  "Loan Documents" means, collectively, this Agreement, any note
or notes executed by Borrower, and any other present or future agreement entered
into between Borrower and/or for the benefit of Bank in connection with this
Agreement, all as amended, extended or restated from time to time.

                  "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on
(i) the business operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) the ability of Borrower to repay
the Obligations or otherwise perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

                  "Maturity Date" means June 5, 2002.

                  "Negotiable Collateral" means all of Borrower's present and
future letters of credit of which it is a beneficiary, notes, drafts,
instruments, securities, documents of title, and chattel paper.

                  "Obligations" means all debt, principal, interest, Bank
Expenses and other amounts owed to Bank by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement,
whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter
arising, including any interest that accrues after the commencement of an
Insolvency Proceeding.

                  "Payment Date" means the FIFTH calendar day of each month
commencing on the first such date after the Closing Date and ending on the
Maturity Date.

                  "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

                  (a) Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of Bank arising under
this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

                  (b) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and disclosed in
the Schedule;

                  (c) Subordinated Debt;

                  (d) Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary
course of business; and

                  (e) Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens.

                  "Permitted Investment" means:

                  (a) Investments existing on the Closing Date disclosed in the
Schedule;

                  (b) (i) marketable direct obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any
State thereof maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof,
(ii) commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of
creation thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from either
Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's

                                       3
<PAGE>

Investors Service, Inc., and (iii) certificates of deposit maturing no more than
one (1) year from the date of investment therein issued by Bank; and

                  (c) Investments consisting of (i) travel and expense advances
to employees and other employee loans and advances in the ordinary course of
business in an aggregate amount not in excess of $50,000 outstanding at any time
and (ii) loans to employees, officers or directors of Borrower relating to the
purchase of equity securities of Borrower pursuant to employee stock purchase
plans approved by Borrower's Board of Directors.

                  "Permitted Liens" means the following:

                  (a) Any Liens existing on the Closing Date and disclosed in
the Schedule or arising under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

                  (b) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental
charges or levies, either not delinquent or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves are maintained on
Borrower's Books in accordance with GAAP, provided the same have no priority
over any of Bank's security interests;

                  (c) Liens (i) upon or in any Equipment acquired or held by
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the purchase price of such
Equipment or indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the
acquisition of such Equipment, or (ii) existing on such Equipment at the time of
its acquisition, provided that the Lien is confined solely to the property so
acquired and improvements thereon, and the proceeds of such Equipment;

                  (d) Liens on Equipment leased by Borrower or any Subsidiary
pursuant to an operating or capital lease in the ordinary course of business
(including proceeds thereof and accessions thereto) incurred solely for the
purpose of financing the lease of such Equipment (including Liens pursuant to
leases permitted pursuant to Section 7.1 and Liens arising from UCC financing
statements regarding leases permitted by this Agreement); and

                  (e) Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal
or refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in
clauses (a) through (d) above, provided that any extension, renewal or
replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing
Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness being extended, renewed or
refinanced does not increase.

                  "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation,
firm, joint stock company, estate, entity or governmental agency.

                  "Prime Rate" means the variable rate of interest, per annum,
most recently announced by Bank, as its "prime rate," whether or not such
announced rate is the lowest rate available from Bank.

                  "Quick Assets" means, as of any applicable date, the
consolidated cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and investments with
maturities of fewer than 90 days of Borrower determined in accordance with GAAP.

                  "Responsible Officer" means each of the Chief Executive
Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer and the
Controller of Borrower.

                  "Schedule" means the schedule of exceptions attached hereto,
if any.

                  "Subordinated Debt" means any debt incurred by Borrower that
is subordinated to the debt owing by Borrower to Bank on terms acceptable to
Bank (and identified as being such by Borrower and Bank).

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  "Subsidiary" means with respect to any Person, a corporation,
partnership, company association, joint venture, or any other business entity of
which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or other equity
interests is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one
or more Affiliates of such Person.

                  "Tangible Net Worth" means as of any applicable date, the
consolidated total assets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries minus, without
duplication, (i) the sum of any amounts attributable to (a) goodwill, (b)
intangible items such as unamortized debt discount and expense, patents, trade
and service marks and names, copyrights and research and development expenses
except prepaid expenses, and (c) all reserves not already deducted from assets
and (ii) Total Liabilities.

                  "Total Liabilities" means as of any applicable date, any date
as of which the amount thereof shall be determined, all obligations that should,
in accordance with GAAP be classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance
sheet of Borrower, including in any event all Indebtedness, but specifically
excluding Subordinated Debt and all redemption obligations of Borrower's
pursuant to its redeemable preferred stock, whether now or in the future
authorized and outstanding.

            1.2 Accounting and Other Terms. All accounting terms not
specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP and all
calculations and determinations made hereunder shall be made in accordance with
GAAP. When used herein, the term "financial statements" shall include the notes
and schedules thereto, if any, subject to year-end adjustments for unaudited
financial statements. The terms "including"/ "includes" shall always be read as
meaning "including (or includes) without limitation", when used herein or in any
other Loan Document.

      2. LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

            2.1 Credit Extensions. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful
money of the United States of America, at such place as Bank may reasonably
designate, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Credit Extensions made
by Bank to Borrower hereunder. Borrower shall also pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of such Credit Extensions at rates in accordance with the terms
hereof.

                  2.1.1 Equipment Advances.

                        (a) At any time from the date hereof through JUNE 30,
1998, Borrower may from time to time request advances from Bank in an aggregate
amount not to exceed ONE MILLION AND NO/100THS DOLLARS ($1,000,000) to finance
Equipment purchased after JULY 1,1997 and prior to JULY 1, 1998.

                        (b) At any time after JUNE 30, 1998 through DECEMBER
31,1998, Borrower may from time to time request advances from Bank in an
aggregate amount not to exceed the Committed Equipment Line less any advances
made under Section 2.1.1(a) of this Agreement, to finance Equipment purchased
after JUNE 1, 1998 and prior to JANUARY 1, 1999.

                        (c) The advances under Sections 2.1.1(a) and 2.1.1(b) of
this Agreement (each an "Equipment Advance" and collectively, the "Equipment
Advances") shall not exceed ONE HUNDRED Percent (100%) of the invoice amount of
such equipment approved from time to time by Bank, excluding taxes, shipping,
warranty charges, freight discounts and installation expense. Software may,
however, constitute up to FORTY percent (40%) of aggregate Equipment Advances.

                        (d) Interest shall accrue from the date of each
Equipment Advance at the rate specified in Section 2.2(a), and shall be payable
on the Payment Date of each month through the month in which the applicable
Equipment Advance converts to a term loan as set forth in this Section 2.1.1(d).
Any Equipment Advances made under Section 2.1.1(a) of this Agreement that are
outstanding on JULY 1,1998 will be payable in FORTY EIGHT (48) equal monthly
installments of principal, plus all accrued interest, beginning on the Payment
Date of each month commencing JULY 5,1998 and with the last payment due on JUNE
5, 2002.

                                       5
<PAGE>

Any Equipment Advances made under Section 2.1.1(b) of this Agreement that are
outstanding on JANUARY 1, 1999 will be payable in FORTY TWO (42) equal monthly
installments of principal, plus all accrued interest, beginning on the Payment
Date of each month commencing JANUARY 5,1999 and with the last payment due on
JUNE 5, 2002. Equipment Advances may be prepaid without penalty. Equipment
Advances, once repaid, may not be reborrowed.

                  (e) When Borrower desires to obtain an Equipment Advance,
Borrower shall notify Bank (which notice shall be irrevocable) by facsimile
transmission to be received no later than 3:00 p.m. Pacific time one (1)
Business Day before the day on which the Equipment Advance is to be made. Such
notice shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B. The notice shall be
signed by a Responsible Officer or its designee and include a copy of the
invoice(s) for the Equipment to be financed.

            2.2 Interest Rates, Payments, and Calculations.

                  (a) Interest Rate. Except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), any
Credit Extensions shall bear interest, on the average daily balance thereof, at
a per annum rate equal to ONE-HALF (0.50) percentage points above the Prime
Rate.

                  (b) Default Rate. All Obligations shall bear interest, from
and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, at a rate equal to three (3)
percentage points above the interest rate applicable immediately prior to the
occurrence of the Event of Default.

                  (c) Payments. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable on
each Payment Date. Borrower hereby authorizes Bank to debit any accounts with
Bank, including, without limitation, Account Number 3300070686 for payments of
principal and interest due on the Obligations and any other amounts owing by
Borrower to Bank. Bank will notify Borrower of all debits which Bank has made
against Borrower's accounts. Any such debits against Borrower's accounts in no
way shall be deemed a set-off. Any interest not paid when due shall be
compounded by becoming a part of the Obligations, and such interest shall
thereafter accrue interest at the rate then applicable hereunder.

                  (d) Computation. In the event the Prime Rate is changed from
time to time hereafter, the applicable rate of interest hereunder shall be
increased or decreased effective as of 12:01 a.m. on the day the Prime Rate is
changed, by an amount equal to such change in the Prime Rate. All interest
chargeable under the Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a three
hundred sixty (360) day year for the actual number of days elapsed.

            2.3 Crediting Payments. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of
Default, Bank shall credit a wire transfer of funds, check or other item of
payment to such deposit account or Obligation as Borrower specifies. After the
occurrence of an Event of Default, the receipt by Bank of any wire transfer of
funds, check, or other item of payment, whether directed to Borrower's deposit
account with Bank or to the Obligations or otherwise, shall be immediately
applied to conditionally reduce Obligations, but shall not be considered a
payment in respect of the Obligations unless such payment is of immediately
available federal funds or unless and until such check or other item of payment
is honored when presented for payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, any wire transfer or payment received by Bank after 12:00 noon
Pacific time shall be deemed to have been received by Bank as of the opening of
business on the immediately following Business Day. Whenever any payment to Bank
under the Loan Documents would otherwise be due (except by reason of
acceleration) on a date that is not a Business Day, such payment shall instead
be due on the next Business Day, and additional fees or interest, as the case
may be, shall accrue and be payable for the period of such extension.

            2.4 Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank the following:

                  (a) Financial Examination and Appraisal Fees. Bank's customary
fees and out-of-pocket expenses (not to exceed $1,500 per audit or appraisal,
unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) for Bank's audits of
Borrower's Accounts, and for each appraisal of Collateral and financial analysis
and examination of Borrower performed from time to time by Bank or its agents,
provided that such audits and

                                       6
<PAGE>

appraisals will be conducted no more often than every twelve (12) months unless
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

                  (b) Bank Expenses. Upon demand from Bank, including, without
limitation, upon the date hereof, all Bank Expenses incurred through the date
hereof, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, and, after the date
hereof, all Bank Expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, as
and when they become due.

            2.5 Additional Costs. In case any law, regulation, treaty or
official directive or the interpretation or application thereof by any court or
any governmental authority charged with the administration thereof or the
compliance with any guideline or request of any central bank or other
governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law):

                  (a) subjects Bank to any tax with respect to payments of
principal or interest or any other amounts payable hereunder by Borrower or
otherwise with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (except for taxes
on the overall net income of Bank imposed by the United States of America or any
political subdivision thereof);

                  (b) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any deposit
insurance, reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets held
by, or deposits in or for the account of, or loans by, Bank; or

                  (c) imposes upon Bank any other condition with respect to its
performance under this Agreement,

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to Bank, reduce
the income receivable by Bank or impose any expense upon Bank with respect to
any loans, Bank shall notify Borrower thereof. Borrower agrees to pay to Bank
the amount of such increase in cost, reduction in income or additional expense
as and when such cost, reduction or expense is incurred or determined, upon
presentation by Bank of a statement of the amount and setting forth Bank's
calculation thereof, all in reasonable detail, which statement shall be deemed
true and correct absent manifest error.

            2.6 Term. Except as otherwise set forth herein, this Agreement shall
become effective on the Closing Date and, subject to Section 12.7, shall
continue in full force and effect for a term ending on the Maturity Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank shall have the right to terminate its
obligation to make Credit Extensions under this Agreement immediately and
without notice upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default. Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, Bank's lien on the
Collateral shall remain in effect for so long as any Obligations are
outstanding.

            2.7 Application of Payment. Borrower irrevocably waives the right to
direct the application of any and all payments at any time hereafter received by
Bank from or on behalf of Borrower, and Borrower irrevocably agrees that Bank
shall have the continuing exclusive right to apply any and all such payments
against the then due and owing obligations of Borrower as Bank may deem
advisable. In the absence of a specific determination by Bank with respect
thereto, all payments shall be applied in the following order: (a) then due and
payable fees and expenses; (b) then due and payable interest payments and
mandatory prepayments; and (c) then due and payable principal payments and
optional prepayments.

      3. CONDITIONS OF LOANS

            3.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Credit Extension. The obligation
of Bank to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to the condition
precedent that Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to
Bank, the following:

                  (a) this Agreement duly executed by Borrower;

                  (b) a certificate of the Secretary of Borrower with respect to
charter, bylaws, incumbency and resolutions authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement;

                                       7
<PAGE>

                  (c) financing statements (Forms UCC-1);

                  (d) insurance certificate;

                  (e) payment of the fees and Bank Expenses then due specified
in Section 2.4 hereof;

                  (f) Certificate of Foreign Qualification (if applicable); and

                  (g) financial statements and a Certificate of Compliance as
required by Section 6.3 hereof.

            3.2 Conditions Precedent to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of
Bank to make each Credit Extension, including the initial Credit Extension, is
further subject to the following conditions:

                  (a) timely receipt by Bank of the Payment/Advance Form as
provided in Section 2.1; and

                  (b) the representations and warranties contained in Section 5
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such
Payment/Advance Form and on the effective date of each Credit Extension as
though made at and as of each such date, except to the extent any such
representation or warranty specifically relates to a prior date, and no Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or would result from such Credit
Extension. The making of each Credit Extension shall be deemed to be a
representation and warranty by Borrower on the date of such Credit Extension as
to the accuracy of the facts referred to in this Section 3.2(b).

      4. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

            4.1 Grant of Security Interest. Borrower grants and pledges to Bank
a continuing security interest in all presently existing and hereafter acquired
or arising Collateral in order to secure prompt payment of any and all
Obligations and in order to secure prompt performance by Borrower of each of its
covenants and duties under the Loan Documents. Except as set forth in the
Schedule or with respect to Permitted Liens, such security interest constitutes
a valid, first priority security interest in the presently existing Collateral,
and will constitute a valid, first priority security interest in Collateral
acquired after the date hereof. Borrower acknowledges that Bank may place a
"hold" on any Deposit Account pledged as Collateral to secure the Obligations.
Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, Bank's Lien on the Collateral
shall remain in effect for so long as any Obligations are outstanding.

            4.2 Delivery of Additional Documentation Required. Borrower shall
from time to time execute and deliver to Bank, at the request of Bank, all
Negotiable Collateral, all financing statements and other documents that Bank
may reasonably request, in form satisfactory to Bank, to perfect and continue
perfected Bank's security interests in the Collateral and in order to fully
consummate all of the transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents.

            4.3 Right to Inspect. Bank (through any of its officers, employees,
or agents) shall have the right, upon reasonable prior notice, from time to time
during Borrower's usual business hours, to inspect Borrower's Books and to make
copies thereof and to check, test, and appraise the Collateral in order to
verify Borrower's financial condition or the amount, condition of, or any other
matter relating to, the Collateral.

      5. REPRESENTATlONS AND WARRANTIES

            Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

            5.1 Due Organization and Qualification. Borrower and each Subsidiary
is a corporation duly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state
of incorporation and qualified and licensed to do

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<PAGE>

business in, and is in good standing in, any state in which the conduct of its
business or its ownership of property requires that it be so qualified.

            5.2 Due Authorization: No Conflict. The execution, delivery, and
performance of the Loan Documents are within Borrower's powers, have been duly
authorized, and are not in conflict with nor constitute a breach of any
provision contained in Borrower's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, nor
will they constitute an event of default under any material agreement to which
Borrower is a party or by which Borrower is bound. Borrower is not in default
under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound, which
default could have a Material Adverse Effect.

            5.3 No Prior Encumbrances. Borrower has good and indefeasible title
to the Collateral, free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens.

            5.4 Merchantable Inventory. All Inventory is in all material
respects of good and marketable quality, free from all material defects, subject
to recorded reserves for obsolete inventory.

            5.5 Name: Location of Chief Executive Office. Except as disclosed in
the Schedule, Borrower has not done business and will not without at least
thirty (30) days prior written notice to Bank do business under any name other
than that specified on the signature page hereof The chief executive office of
Borrower is located at the address indicated in Section 10 hereof.

            5.6 Litigation. Except as set forth in the Schedule, there are no
actions or proceedings pending, or, to Borrower's knowledge, threatened by or
against Borrower or any Subsidiary before any court or administrative agency in
which an adverse decision could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material
adverse effect on Borrower's interest or Bank's security interest in the
Collateral.

            5.7 No Material Adverse Change in Financial Statements. All
consolidated financial statements related to Borrower and any Subsidiary that
have been delivered by Borrower to Bank fairly present in all material respects
Borrower's consolidated financial condition as of the date thereof and
Borrower's consolidated results of operations for the period then ended. There
has not been a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition
of Borrower since the date of the most recent of such financial statements
submitted to Bank on or about the Closing Date.

            5.8 Solvency. The fair saleable value of Borrower's assets
(including goodwill minus disposition costs) exceeds the fair value of its
liabilities; the Borrower is not left with unreasonably small capital after the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and Borrower is able to pay its
debts (including trade debts) as they mature.

            5.9 Regulatory Compliance. Borrower and each Subsidiary has met the
minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to any employee benefit plans
subject to ERISA. No event has occurred resulting from Borrower's failure to
comply with ERISA that is reasonably likely to result in Borrowers incurring any
liability that could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower is not an
"investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Borrower is not engaged
principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending
credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the
meaning of Regulations G, T and U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System). Borrower has complied in all material respects with all the
provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Borrower has not violated
any statutes, laws, ordinances or rules applicable to it, violation of which
could have a Material Adverse Effect.

            5.10 Environmental Condition. None of Borrower's or any Subsidiary's
properties or assets has ever been used by Borrower or any Subsidiary or, to the
best of Borrowers knowledge, without independent investigation, by previous
owners or operators, in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat,
release, or transport, any hazardous waste or hazardous substance other than in
accordance with applicable law; to the best of Borrower's knowledge, without
independent investigation, none of Borrower's properties or assets has ever been
designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection
statute as a hazardous waste or hazardous substance disposal site, or a
candidate for closure pursuant to any environmental

                                       9
<PAGE>

protection statute; no lien arising under any environmental protection statute
has attached to any revenues or to any real or personal property owned by
Borrower or any Subsidiary; and neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received
a summons, citation, notice, or directive from the Environmental Protection
Agency or any other federal, state or other governmental agency concerning any
action or omission by Borrower or any Subsidiary resulting in the release, or
other disposition of hazardous waste or hazardous substances into the
environment.

            5.11 Taxes. Borrower and each Subsidiary has filed or caused to be
filed all tax returns required to be filed on a timely basis, or has duly and
timely filed for extensions with respect to same, and has paid, or has made
adequate provision for the payment of all taxes reflected therein.

            5.12 Subsidiaries. Borrower does not own any stock, partnership
interest or other equity securities of any Person, except for Permitted
Investments.

            5.13 Government Consents. Borrower and each Subsidiary has obtained
all consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings
with, and given all notices to, all governmental authorities that are necessary
for the continued operation of Borrower's business as currently conducted,
except where the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

            5.14 Full Disclosure. No representation, warranty or other statement
made by Borrower in any certificate or written statement furnished to Bank
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements contained in such certificates or
statements not misleading.

      6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

            Borrower covenants and agrees that, until payment in full of all
outstanding Obligations, and for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make
a Credit Extension hereunder, Borrower shall do all of the following:

            6.1 Good Standing. Borrower shall maintain its and each of its
Subsidiaries' corporate existence and good standing in its jurisdiction of
incorporation and maintain qualification in each jurisdiction in which the
failure to so qualify could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower shall
maintain, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, to the extent
consistent with prudent management of Borrower's business, in force all
licenses, approvals and agreements, the loss of which could have a Material
Adverse Effect.

            6.2 Government Compliance. Borrower shall meet, and shall cause each
Subsidiary to meet, the minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to
any employee benefit plans subject to ERISA. Borrower shall comply, and shall
cause each Subsidiary to comply, with all statutes, laws, ordinances and
government rules and regulations to which it is subject, noncompliance with
which could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the
Collateral or the priority of Bank's Lien on the Collateral.

            6.3 Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. (i) Borrower shall
deliver to Bank:

                  (a) as soon as available, but in any event within thirty (30)
days after the end of each month, a company prepared unaudited consolidated
balance sheet and unaudited income statement covering Borrowers consolidated
operations during such period, in a form and certified by an officer of Borrower
reasonably acceptable to Bank;

                  (b) as soon as available, but in any event within one hundred
twenty (120) days after the end of Borrowers fiscal year 1997, company prepared
unaudited consolidated balance sheet and unaudited income statement covering
Borrowers consolidated operations during such year, in a form and certified by
an officer of Borrower reasonably acceptable to Bank; provided, however, that if
Borrower's fiscal year 1997 financial statements are audited, such financial
statements need not be accompanied by an unqualified opinion of the auditing
certified public accounting firm.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                  (c) as soon as available, but in any event within one hundred
twenty (120) days after the end of each of Borrower's fiscal year other than FYE
12/31/97, audited consolidated financial statements of Borrower prepared in
accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, together with an unqualified opinion
on such financial statements of Ernst & Young or another independent certified
public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Bank;

                  (d) within five (5) days of filing, copies of all statements,
reports and notices sent or made available generally by Borrower to its security
holders or to any holders of Subordinated Debt and all reports on Form 10-K,
10-Q and 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

                  (e) promptly upon receipt of notice thereof, a report of any
legal actions pending or threatened against Borrower or any Subsidiary that
could result in damages or costs to Borrower or any Subsidiary of One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or more;

                  (f) such budgets, sales projections, operating plans or other
financial information as Bank may reasonably request from time to time.

                  (g) within thirty (30) days after the last day of each month,
with the monthly financial statements, a Compliance Certificate signed by a
Responsible Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.

            6.4 Inventory; Returns. Borrower shall keep all Inventory in good
and marketable condition, free from all material defects, subject to recorded
reserves for obsolete inventory. Returns and allowances, if any, as between
Borrower and its account debtors shall be on the same basis and in accordance
with the usual customary practices of Borrower, as they exist at the time of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement. Borrower shall promptly notify Bank of
all returns and recoveries and of all disputes and claims, where the return,
recovery, dispute or claim involves more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000).

            6.5 Taxes. Borrower shall make, and shall cause each Subsidiary to
make, due and timely payment or deposit of all material federal, state, and
local taxes, assessments, or contributions required of it by law, and will
execute and deliver to Bank, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to
the payment or deposit thereof; and Borrower will make, and will cause each
Subsidiary to make, timely payment or deposit of all material tax payments and
withholding taxes required of it by applicable laws, including, but not limited
to, those laws concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., state disability, and local,
state, and federal income taxes, and will, upon reasonable request, furnish Bank
with proof satisfactory to Bank indicating that Borrower or a Subsidiary has
made such payments or deposits; provided that Borrower or a Subsidiary need not
make any payment if the amount or validity of such payment is (i) contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) is reserved against (to the extent
required by GAAP) by Borrower and (iii) no lien other than a Permitted Lien
results.

            6.6 Insurance.

                  (a) Borrower, at its expense, shall keep the Collateral
insured against loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, sprinklers, and all
other hazards and risks, and in such amounts, as ordinarily insured against by
other owners in similar businesses conducted in the locations where Borrower's
business is conducted on the date hereof. Borrower shall also maintain insurance
relating to Borrower's ownership and use of the Collateral in amounts and of a
type that are customary to businesses similar to Borrower's.

                  (b) All such policies of insurance shall be in such form, with
such companies, and in such amounts as are reasonably satisfactory to Bank. All
such policies of property insurance shall contain a lender's loss payable
endorsement, in a form satisfactory to Bank, showing Bank as an additional loss
payee thereof and all liability insurance policies shall show the Bank as an
additional insured, and shall specify that the insurer must give at least twenty
(20) days notice to Bank before canceling its policy for any reason. At Bank's
request, Borrower shall deliver to Bank certified copies of such policies of
insurance and evidence of the payments of all premiums therefor. All proceeds
payable under any such policy shall, at the option of Bank, be payable to Bank
to be applied on account of the Obligations.

                                       11
<PAGE>

            6.7 Principal Operating Accounts. Borrower shall maintain its
principal operating accounts with Bank.

            6.8 Tangible Net Worth. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day
of each calendar month, a Tangible Net Worth of not less than the total of all
outstanding Obligations under this Agreement.

            6.9 Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time Borrower
shall execute and deliver such further instruments and take such further action
as may reasonably be requested by Bank to effect the purposes of this Agreement.

      7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

            Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Credit Extension
hereunder shall be available and until payment in full of the outstanding
Obligations or for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make any Credit
Extensions, Borrower will not do any of the following:

            7.1 Dispositions. Convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose
of (collectively, a "Transfer"), or permit any of its Subsidiaries to Transfer,
all or any part of its business or property, other than Transfers: (i) of
inventory in the ordinary course of business, (ii) of non-exclusive licenses and
similar arrangements for the use of the property of Borrower or its Subsidiaries
in the ordinary course of business, (iii) that constitute payment of normal and
usual operating expenses in the ordinary course of business, or (iv) of worn-out
or obsolete Equipment.

            7.2 Changes in Business, Ownership, or Management, Business
Locations. Engage in any business, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage
in any business, other than the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower and
any business substantially similar or related thereto (or incidental thereto),
or if any two of Rubin Gruber, Michael G. Hluchyj or Kwok Wong cease to be
executive officers of Borrower and replacements reasonably satisfactory to Bank
are not made within ninety (90) days. Borrower will not, without at least thirty
(30) days prior written notification to Bank, relocate its chief executive
office or add any new offices or business locations.

            7.3 Mergers or Acquisitions. Merge or consolidate, or permit any of
its Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business
organization, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or
substantially all of the capital stock or property of another Person if an event
of default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such action.

            7.4 Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or be or remain liable with
respect to any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary so to do, other than
Permitted Indebtedness.

            7.5 Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien
with respect to any of its property, or assign or otherwise convey any right to
receive income, including the sale of any Accounts, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries so to do, except for Permitted Liens.

            7.6 Distributions. Pay any dividends or make any other distribution
or payment on account of or in redemption, retirement or purchase of any capital
stock other than (i) cash dividends on preferred stock issued after the date of
this Agreement, as required by Borrower's charter, at an annual rate not in
excess of five percent (5%) of original issue price of such stock, and (ii)
payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000 in any fiscal year of
Borrower made for the repurchase of stock effected in connection with the
termination of employees of Borrower.

            7.7 Investments. Directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any
Investment in or to any Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries so to do,
other than Permitted Investments,

            7.8 Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly enter into
or permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower
except for transactions that are in the ordinary course of

                                       12
<PAGE>

Borrower's business, upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable
to Borrower than would be obtained in an arm's length transaction with a
non-affiliated Person.

            7.9 Subordinated Debt. Make any payment in respect of any
Subordinated Debt, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any such payment,
except in compliance with the terms of such Subordinated Debt, or amend any
provision contained in any documentation relating to the Subordinated Debt
without Bank's prior written consent.

            7.10 Collateral. Store the Collateral with a bailee, warehouseman,
or similar party unless Bank has received a pledge of any warehouse receipt
covering such Collateral. Except for Collateral sold in the ordinary course of
business and except for such other locations as Bank may approve in writing,
Borrower shall keep the Collateral only at the location set forth in Section 10
hereof and such other locations of which Borrower gives Bank prior written
notice and as to which Borrower signs and files a financing statement where
needed to perfect Bank's security interest.

            7.11 Compliance. Become an "investment company" or a company
controlled by an "investment company," within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, or become principally engaged in, or undertake as one of
its important activities, the business of extending credit for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying margin stock, or use the proceeds of any Credit Extension
for such purpose; fail to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA; permit
a Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, as defined in ERISA, to occur;
fail to comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or violate any other
law or regulation, which violation could have a Material Adverse Effect or a
material adverse effect on the Collateral or the priority of Banks Lien on the
Collateral; or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do any of the foregoing.

            7.12 Negative Pledge of Intellectual Property. Without Bank's prior
written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, sell,
transfer, assign, mortgage, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or
encumber any of Borrower's intellectual property, including, without limitation,
the following:

                  (a) Any and all copyright rights, copyright applications,
copyright registrations and the like protections in each work of authorship and
derivative work thereof, whether published or unpublished and whether or not the
same also constitutes a trade secret, now or hereafter existing, created,
acquired or held;

                  (b) Any and all blueprints, drawings, trade secrets, and any
and all intellectual property rights in computer software and computer software
products now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held;

                  (c) Any and all design rights which may be available to
Borrower now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held;

                  (d) All patents, patent applications and like protections
including, without limitation, improvements, divisions, continuations, renewals,
reissues, extensions and continuations-in-part of the same, including without
limitation the patents and patent applications;

                  (e) Any trademark and service mark rights, whether registered
or not, applications to register and registrations of the same and like
protections, and the entire good will of the business of Borrower connected with
and symbolized by such trademarks;

                  (f) Any and all claims for damages by way of past, present and
future infringements of any of the rights included above, with the right, but
not the obligation, to sue for and collect such damages for said use or
infringement of the intellectual property rights identified above;

                  (g) All licenses or other right to use any of the Copyrights,
Patents or Trademarks, and all license fees and royalties arising from such use
to the extent permitted by such license or rights;

                  (h) All amendments, extensions, renewals and extensions of any
of the Copyrights, Trademarks or Patents; and

                                       13
<PAGE>

                  (i) All proceeds and products of the foregoing, including
without limitation all payments under insurance or any indemnity or warranty
payable in respect of any of the foregoing.

      8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

            Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of
Default by Borrower under this Agreement:

            8.1 Payment Default. If Borrower fails to pay, when due, any of the
Obligations.

            8.2 Covenant Default.

                  (a) If Borrower fails to perform any obligation under Sections
6.3, 6.6, 6.7 or 6.8 or violates any of the covenants contained in Article 7 of
this Agreement, or

                  (b) If Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe
any other material term, provision, condition, covenant, or agreement contained
in this Agreement, in any of the Loan Documents, or in any other present or
future agreement between Borrower and Bank and as to any default under such
other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement that can be cured, has
failed to cure such default within ten (10) days after the occurrence thereof;
provided, however, that if the default cannot by its nature be cured within the
ten (10) day period or cannot after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured
within such ten (10) day period, and such default is likely to be cured within a
reasonable time, then Borrower shall have an additional reasonable period (which
shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such default,
and within such reasonable time period the failure to have cured such default
shall not be deemed an Event of Default (provided that no Credit Extensions will
be required to be made during such cure period):

            8.3 Material Adverse Change. If there occurs (i) a material
impairment of the perfection or priority of Bank's security interests in the
Collateral or of the value of such Collateral which is not covered by adequate
insurance, or (ii) a material adverse change in the business, operations or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower;

            8.4 Attachment. If any material portion of Borrower's assets is
attached, seized, subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or is levied upon, or
comes into the possession of any trustee, receiver or person acting in a similar
capacity and such attachment, seizure, writ or distress warrant or levy has not
been removed, discharged or rescinded within ten (10) days, or if Borrower is
enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to
conduct all or any material part of its business affairs, or if a judgment or
other claim becomes a lien or encumbrance upon any material portion of
Borrower's assets, or if a notice of lien, levy, or assessment is filed of
record with respect to any of Borrower's assets by the United States Government,
or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county,
municipal, or governmental agency, and the same is not paid within ten (10) days
after Borrower receives notice thereof, provided that none of the foregoing
shall constitute an Event of Default where such action or event is stayed or an
adequate bond has been posted pending a good faith contest by Borrower (provided
that no Credit Extensions will be required to be made during such cure period);

            8.5 Insolvency. If Borrower becomes insolvent, or if an Insolvency
Proceeding is commenced by Borrower, or if an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced
against Borrower and is not dismissed or stayed within 30 days (provided that no
Credit Extensions will be made prior to the dismissal of such Insolvency
Proceeding);

            8.6 Other Agreements. If there is a default in any agreement to
which Borrower is a party with a third party or parties resulting in a right by
such third party or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the
maturity of any Indebtedness in an amount in excess of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000) or that could have a Material Adverse Effect;

            8.7 Subordinated Debt. If Borrower makes any payment on account of
Subordinated Debt, except to the extent such payment is allowed under any
subordination agreement entered into with Bank;

                                       14
<PAGE>

            8.8 Judgments. If a judgment or judgments for the payment of money
in an amount, individually or in the aggregate, of at least Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($50,000) shall be rendered against Borrower and shall remain
unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of ten (10) days (provided that no Credit
Extensions will be made prior to the satisfaction or stay of such judgment); or

            8.9 Misrepresentations. If any misrepresentation or misstatement
with respect to a circumstance which could have a Material Adverse Effect
exists now or hereafter in any warranty or representation set forth herein or in
any certificate or writing delivered to Bank by Borrower or any Person acting on
Borrower's behalf pursuant to this Agreement or to induce Bank to enter into
this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

      9. BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

            9.1 Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, Bank may, at its election, without notice of
its election and without demand, do any one or more of the following, all of
which are authorized by Borrower:

                  (a) Declare all Obligations, whether evidenced by this
Agreement, by any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise, immediately due and
payable (provided that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in
Section 8.5 all Obligations shall become immediately due and payable without any
action by Bank);

                  (b) Cease advancing money or extending credit to or for the
benefit of Borrower under this Agreement or under any other agreement between
Borrower and Bank;

                  (c) Settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with account
debtors for amounts, upon terms and in whatever order that Bank reasonably
considers advisable;

                  (d) Without notice to or demand upon Borrower, make such
payments and do such acts as Bank considers necessary or reasonable to protect
its security interest in the Collateral. Borrower agrees to assemble the
Collateral if Bank so requires, and to make the Collateral available to Bank as
Bank may designate. Borrower authorizes Bank to enter the premises where the
Collateral is located, to take and maintain possession of the Collateral, or any
part of it, and to pay, purchase, contest, or compromise any encumbrance,
charge, or lien which in Bank's determination appears to be prior or superior to
its security interest and to pay all expenses incurred in connection therewith.
With respect to any of Borrower's premises, Borrower hereby grants Bank a
license to enter such premises and to occupy the same, without charge in order
to exercise any of Bank's rights or remedies provided herein, at law, in equity,
or otherwise;

                  (e) Without notice to Borrower set off and apply to the
Obligations any and all (i) balances and deposits of Borrower held by Bank, or
(ii) indebtedness at any time owing to or for the credit or the account of
Borrower held by Bank;

                  (f) Ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain, repair,
prepare for sale, advertise for sale, and sell (in the manner provided for
herein) the Collateral. Bank is hereby granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free
license or other right, solely pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9.1,
to use, without charge, Borrower's labels, patents, copyrights, mask works,
rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, service
marks, and advertising matter, or any property of a similar nature, as it
pertains to the Collateral, in completing production of, advertising for sale,
and selling any Collateral and, in connection with Bank's exercise of its rights
under this Section 9.1, Borrower's rights under all licenses and all franchise
agreements shall inure to Bank's benefit;

                  (g) Sell the Collateral at either a public or private sale, or
both, by way of one or more contracts or transactions, for cash or on terms, in
such manner and at such places (including Borrower's premises) as Bank
determines is commercially reasonable, and apply the proceeds thereof to the
Obligations in whatever manner or order it deems appropriate;

                                       15
<PAGE>

                  (h) Bank may credit bid and purchase at any public sale, or at
any private sale as permitted by law; and

                  (i) Any deficiency that exists after disposition of the
Collateral as provided above will be paid immediately by Borrower.

            9.2 Power of Attorney. Effective only upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default, Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints
Bank (and any of Bank's designated officers, or employees) as Borrower's true
and lawful attorney to: (a) send requests for verification of Accounts or notify
account debtors of Bank's security interest in the Accounts; (b) endorse
Borrower's name on any checks or other forms of payment or security that may
come into Bank's possession; (c) sign Borrower's name on any invoice or bill of
lading relating to any Account, drafts against account debtors, schedules and
assignments of Accounts, verifications of Accounts, and notices to account
debtors; (d) make, settle, and adjust all claims under and decisions with
respect to Borrower's policies of insurance; and (e) settle and adjust disputes
and claims respecting the accounts directly with account debtors, for amounts
and upon terms which Bank determines to be reasonable; and (f) to file, in its
sole discretion, one or more financing or continuation statements and amendments
thereto, relative to any of the Collateral without the signature of Borrower
where permitted by law; provided Bank may exercise such power of attorney to
sign the name of Borrower on any of the documents described in Section 4.2
regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred. The appointment of Bank
as Borrower's attorney in fact, and each and every one of Bank's rights and
powers, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable until all of the
Obligations have been fully repaid and performed and Bank's obligation to
provide Credit Extensions hereunder is terminated.

            9.3 Accounts Collection. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, Bank may notify any Person owing funds to
Borrower of Bank's security interest in such funds and verify the amount of such
Account. Borrower shall collect all amounts owing to Borrower for Bank, receive
in trust all payments as Bank's trustee, and if requested or required by Bank,
immediately deliver such payments to Bank in their original form as received
from the account debtor, with proper endorsements for deposit.

            9.4 Bank Expenses. If Borrower fails to pay any amounts or furnish
any required proof of payment due to third persons or entities, as required
under the terms of this Agreement, then Bank may do any or all of the following:
(a) make payment of the same or any part thereof; or (b) obtain and maintain
insurance policies of the type discussed in Section 6.6 of this Agreement, and
take any action with respect to such policies as Bank deems prudent. Any amounts
so paid or deposited by Bank shall constitute Bank Expenses, shall be
immediately due and payable, and shall bear interest at the then applicable rate
hereinabove provided, and shall be secured by the Collateral. Any payments made
by Bank shall not constitute an agreement by Bank to make similar payments in
the future or a waiver by Bank of any Event of Default under this Agreement.

            9.5 Bank's Liability for Collateral. So long as Bank complies with
reasonable banking practices, Bank shall not in any way or manner be liable or
responsible for: (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any loss or damage
thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause; (c) any
diminution in the value thereof; or (d) any act or default of any carrier,
warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other person whomsoever. All risk of
loss, damage or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by Borrower.

            9.6 Remedies Cumulative. Bank's rights and remedies under this
Agreement, the Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative.
Bank shall have all other rights and remedies not expressly set forth herein as
provided under the Code, by law, or in equity. No exercise by Bank of one right
or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Bank of any Event of
Default on Borrowers part shall be deemed a continuing waiver. No delay by Bank
shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it. No waiver by Bank
shall be effective unless made in a written document signed on behalf of Bank
and then shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which it was given.

            9.7 Demand; Protest. Borrower waives demand, protest, notice of
protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, notice
of any default, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement,
extension, or renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and
guarantees at any time held by Bank on which Borrower may in any way be liable.

                                       16
<PAGE>

      10. NOTICES

            Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands
by any party relating to this Agreement or any other agreement entered into in
connection herewith shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and
other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage
prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by a recognized overnight
delivery service, by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested,
or by telefacsimile to Borrower or to Bank, as the case may be, at its addresses
set forth below:

      If to Borrower        Sonus Networks, Inc.
                            5 Carlisle Road
                            Westford, MA 01886
                            Attn: Rubin Gruber, President
                            FAX: 978-392-9118

      If to Bank            Silicon Valley Bank
                            40 William Street
                            Wellesley, MA 02181
                            Attn: Joan S. Parsons
                            FAX: 617-431-9906

Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of personal
delivery or telefacsimile, one (1) day after the date of sending by overnight
delivery as aforesaid or two (2) days after the date of mailing as aforesaid.
The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to receive notices
hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the other.

      11. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

      The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall apply to this
Agreement. BORROWER ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES,
UNCONDITlONALLY, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS IN ANY ACTION, SUIT,
OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND AGAINST IT WHICH ARISES OUT OF OR BY REASON OF THIS
AGREEMENT PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IF FOR ANY REASON BANK CANNOT AVAIL ITSELF OF
THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BORROWER ACCEPTS JURISDICTION
OF THE COURTS AND VENUE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. BORROWER AND BANK
EACH HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE
OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS,
BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY
RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT THE FOREGOING WAIVER CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL
INDUCEMENT FOR IT TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY REPRESENTS AND
WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT
KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

      12. GENERAL PROVISIONS

            12.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to
the benefit of the respective successors and permitted assigns of each of the
parties; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder
may be assigned by Borrower without Bank's prior written consent, which consent
may be granted or withheld in Bank's sole discretion. Bank shall have the right
without the consent of or notice to Borrower to sell, transfer, negotiate, or
grant participation in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's
obligations, rights and benefits hereunder.

            12.2 Indemnification. Borrower shall indemnify, defend, protect and
hold harmless Bank and its officers, employees, and agents against: (a) all
obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities claimed or

                                       17
<PAGE>

asserted by any other party in connection with the transactions contemplated by
the Loan Documents; and (b) all losses or Bank Expenses in any way suffered,
incurred, or paid by Bank as a result of or in any way arising out of,
following, or consequential to transactions between Bank and Borrower whether
under the Loan Documents, or otherwise (including without limitation reasonable
attorneys fees and expenses), except for losses caused by Bank's gross
negligence or willful misconduct.

            12.3 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for the performance of
all obligations set forth in this Agreement.

            12.4 Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement
shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose
of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

            12.5 Amendments in Writing, Integration. This Agreement cannot be
amended or terminated except by a writing signed by Borrower and Bank. All prior
agreements, understandings, representations warranties, and negotiations between
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement if any,
are merged into this Agreement and the Loan Documents.

            12.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which,
when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.

            12.7 Survival. All covenants, representations and warranties made in
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect so long as any
Obligations remain outstanding. The obligations of Borrower to indemnify Bank
with respect to the expenses, damages, losses, costs and liabilities described
in Section 12.2 shall survive until all applicable statute of limitations
periods with respect to actions that may be brought against Bank have run.

            12.8 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective only when
it shall have been executed by Borrower and Bank (provided, however, in no event
shall this Agreement become effective until signed by an officer of Bank in
California).

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.

"Borrower"                            "Bank"

SONUS NETWORKS, INC.                  SILICON VALLEY BANK, doing business
                                      as SILICON VALLEY EAST

By: /s/ Rubin Gruber                  By: /s/ Mark J. Pasculano, VP
   --------------------------------       ------------------------------------
   Rubin Gruber, President                Mark J. Pasculano, VP

                                      SILICON VALLEY BANK

                                      By: /s/ Michelle Gianneni
                                         -------------------------------------

                                      Title:         AVP
                                            ----------------------------------
                                      (Signed in Santa Clara County, California)

                                       18

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