Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                             STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                     among

                              ORACLE CORPORATION,

                       TORCH ENERGY ADVISORS INCORPORATED

                                      and

                                 NOVISTAR, INC.

                               February 18, 2000

<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                PAGE

 1.     Definitions...........................................    1
 2.     Registration Rights...................................    3
  2.1   Request for Registration..............................    3
  2.2   Novistar Registration.................................    5
  2.3   Form S-3 Registration.................................    6
  2.3   Registration Procedures...............................    7
  2.5   Furnish Information...................................    8
  2.6   Expenses of Demand Registration.......................    9
  2.7   Expenses of Company Registration......................    9
  2.8   Indemnification.......................................    9
  2.9   Reports...............................................   12
  2.10  Assignment of Registration Rights.....................   12
  2.11  "Market Stand-Off" Agreement..........................   13
  2.12  Termination of Registration Rights....................   13
 3.     Right of First Offer..................................   13
  3.1   Right.................................................   13
  3.2   Procedure.............................................   13
  3.3   Exempt Issuances......................................   14
  3.4   Assignment............................................   14
 4.     Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale....................   15
  4.1   Holder Notice.........................................   15
  4.2   Procedure.............................................   15
  4.3   Termination of Rights.................................   15
  4.4   Assignment............................................   15
 5.     Other Covenants and Agreements........................   16
  5.1   No Public Announcement................................   16
  5.2   Delivery of Financial Statements......................   16
  5.3   Inspection............................................   17
  5.4   Termination of Information and Inspection Covenants...   17
  5.5   Board of Directors of Novistar........................   17
 6.     General Provisions....................................   17
  6.1   Amendment and Waiver..................................   17
  6.2   No Assignment.........................................   17
  6.3   Severability..........................................   18
  6.4   Entire Agreement......................................   18
  6.5   Expenses..............................................   18
  6.6   Governing Law.........................................   18
  6.7   Notices...............................................   18
  6.8   Headings..............................................   19
  6.9   Counterparts..........................................   19
  6.10  Construction..........................................   19

                                       i
<PAGE>

  6.11  No Agency.............................................   19

                                      ii
<PAGE>

                             STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This Stockholders Agreement (the "Agreement") by and among Oracle Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Oracle"), Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated, a Delaware
corporation ("Torch"), and Novistar, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Novistar"),
is made to be effective as of February 18, 2000 (the "Effective Date").

                                    RECITALS

A.   Prior to the Effective Date, Oracle and Novistar entered into that certain
     Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Asset Agreement") pursuant to which Oracle
     is selling to Novistar certain of its assets (the "Assets").

B.   As part of the purchase price for the Assets, Novistar is issuing to Oracle
     2,484,395 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, pursuant to the Series A
     Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement in the form set forth in Exhibit A
     hereto (the "Oracle Agreement").

C.   Torch owns 9,076,675 shares of Novistar's Common Stock.

D.   Torch and Oracle wish to agree upon their rights and duties as stockholders
     of Novistar.

                                   AGREEMENT

In light of the foregoing recitals and in consideration of the mutual covenants
set forth below, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS.  In this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

     1.1.  "Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     1.2.  "Affiliates" shall mean a Person that directly, or indirectly through
           one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by, or is in
           common Control with, the Person specified.

     1.3.  "Agreement" shall mean this Stockholders Agreement together with all
           exhibits and schedules attached hereto, as amended from time to time
           as provided herein.

     1.4.  "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, $0.01 par value, of
           Novistar.

     1.5.  "Control" shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the
           power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies
           of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by
           contract, through members of a board of directors, or otherwise.

     1.6.  "Effective Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
           paragraph of this Agreement.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     1.7.  "Form S-3" shall mean such form under the Act as in effect on the
           date hereof or any registration form under the Act subsequently
           adopted by the SEC which permits inclusion or incorporation of
           substantial information by reference to other documents filed by
           Novistar with the SEC.

     1.8.  "GAAP" shall mean United States generally accepted accounting
           principles.

     1.9.  "Governmental Authority" shall mean any foreign, domestic, federal,
           territorial, state or local governmental authority, quasi-
           governmental authority, court, regulatory, administrative or other
           agency, or any political or other subdivision, department or branch
           of any of the foregoing.

     1.10. "Holder" means any Person owning or having the right to acquire
           Registrable Securities or any assignee or transferee thereof in
           accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

     1.11. "Novistar" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
           paragraph of this Agreement.

     1.12. "Novistar Securities" shall mean any capital stock of Novistar, any
           security convertible into capital stock of Novistar, or any security
           the holder of which is entitled to receive capital stock of Novistar
           upon exercise of the security.

     1.13. "Holder Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 of
           this Agreement.

     1.14. "Offer Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) of
           this Agreement.

     1.15. "Oracle" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
           paragraph of this Agreement.

     1.16. "Torch" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
           paragraph of this Agreement.

     1.17. "Person" shall mean an association, corporation, individual,
           partnership, trust or any other entity or organization, including a
           Governmental Authority.

     1.18. "Public Offering" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2
           of this Agreement.

     1.19. "Register", "registered" and "registration" refer to (a) a
           registration effected in the United States by the preparing and
           filing of a registration statement or similar document in compliance
           with the Act, or a registration effected in a country other than the
           United States resulting in a public trading market for the underlying

                                       2
<PAGE>

           securities by the preparing and filing of a registration statement or
           similar document in compliance with applicable securities laws, and
           (b) the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration
           statement or document.

     1.20. "Registrable Securities" means (i) the Common Stock owned by Torch as
           of the date of this Agreement (ii) the Common Stock of Novistar
           issuable or issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock of
           Novistar, and (ii) any Common Stock of Novistar issued as (or
           issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or
           other security which is issued as) a dividend or other distribution
           with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of the shares
           referenced in (i) and (ii) above, excluding in all cases, however,
           any Registrable Securities sold by a Person in a transaction in which
           such Person's rights are not assigned in accordance with the terms of
           this Agreement.

     1.21. "Oracle Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Recital B of
           this Agreement.

     1.22. "SEC" shall mean Securities and Exchange Commission.

     1.23. "Selling Holder" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 of
           this Agreement.

     1.24. "Violation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a) of
           this Agreement.

     1.25. "1934 Act" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
           amended.

2.   REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

     2.1.  REQUEST FOR REGISTRATION.

     (a)   If Novistar shall receive at any time after the earlier of: February
           28, 2003, or 180 days following the date Novistar is first required
           to register its securities under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the 1934
           Act, a written request from any Holder or Holders of five percent
           (5%) of Registrable Securities that Novistar file a registration
           statement under the Act, covering the registration of the Registrable
           Securities held by such Holder or Holders, then Novistar shall:

          (i)  within ten (10) days after the receipt thereof, give written
               notice of such request to all Holders; and

          (ii) use all reasonable efforts to effect, as soon as practicable, the
               registration under the Act or other applicable securities laws of
               (x) all Registrable Securities held by such Holders which the
               Holders request to be registered, subject to the limitations of
               subsection 2.1(b), within twenty (20) days after the mailing of
               such notice, referenced in (a)(i) above, by Novistar in

                                       3
<PAGE>

               accordance with Section 6.7 and (y) securities proposed to be
               issued and sold by Novistar.

     (b)  If the Holders requesting registration intend to distribute the
          Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of an
          underwriting, they shall so advise Novistar as a part of their request
          made pursuant to subsection 2.1(a) and Novistar shall include such
          information in the written notice referred to in subsection 2.1(a)(i).
          The underwriter will be selected by Novistar and shall be reasonably
          acceptable to a majority of the Holders requesting registration.  In
          such event, the right of any Holder to include such Holder's
          Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon
          such Holder's participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of
          such Holder's Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent
          provided herein.  All Holders proposing to distribute their securities
          through such underwriting shall (together with Novistar as provided in
          subsection 2.4(d)) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary
          form with the underwriter or underwriters selected for such
          underwriting.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section
          2.1, if the underwriter advises the Holders requesting registration in
          writing that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of
          shares to be underwritten, then such Holders shall so advise all
          Holders of Registrable Securities which would otherwise be
          underwritten pursuant hereto, and the number of shares of Registrable
          Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated
          among all Holders thereof in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to
          the amount of Registrable Securities of Novistar owned by each Holder;
          provided, however, that the number of shares of Registrable Securities
          to be included in such underwriting by persons or entities other than
          Novistar shall not be reduced unless all other securities are first
          entirely excluded from the underwriting.

     (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Novistar shall furnish to Holders
          requesting registration pursuant to this Section 2.1, a certificate
          signed by the Chief Executive Officer or President of Novistar stating
          that in the judgment of the Board of Directors of Novistar, it would
          be detrimental to Novistar and its business objectives due to a
          pending transaction for such registration to be effected, Novistar
          shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such
          registration for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after
          receipt of the request of the Holders; provided, however, that
          Novistar may not utilize this right more than once in any twelve-month
          period.

     (d)  In addition, Novistar shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any
          action to effect, any registration pursuant to this Section 2.1:

          (i)  After Novistar has effected two (2) registrations pursuant to
               this Section 2.1 and such registrations have been declared or
               ordered effective;

          (ii) If the registration statement to be filed by Novistar does not
               cover at least ten percent (10%) of the Registrable Securities;

                                       4
<PAGE>

          (iii)  During the period starting with the date thirty (30) days prior
                 to Novistar's good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and
                 ending on a date one hundred eighty (180) days after the
                 effective date of, a registration subject to Section 2.2
                 hereof; provided that Novistar is actively employing in good
                 faith all reasonable efforts to cause such registration
                 statement to become effective; or

          (iv)   If the Holders requesting registration propose to dispose of
                 shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately
                 registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request made pursuant to
                 Section 2.3 below.

     2.2.  NOVISTAR REGISTRATION.

           (a) If (but without any obligation to do so) Novistar proposes to
           register any of its Common Stock or any securities convertible into
           Common Stock under the Act, in connection with the public offering of
           such securities solely for cash (other than a registration on Form S-
           4 or Form S-8 or a registration relating solely to the sale of
           securities to participants in a Novistar stock plan, a registration
           on any form which does not include substantially the same information
           as would be required to be included in a registration statement
           covering the sale of the Registrable Securities or a registration in
           which the only Common Stock of Novistar being registered is Common
           Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities which are also
           being registered) (a "Public Offering"), Novistar shall, at such
           time, promptly give each Holder written notice of such registration.
           Upon the written request of each Holder given within twenty (20) days
           after mailing of such notice by Novistar in accordance with Section
           6.7, Novistar shall, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.2,
           cause to be registered in the Public Offering all of the Registrable
           Securities that each such Holder has requested to be registered;
           provided, however, that if the underwriter managing such registration
           delivers written notification to Novistar that market or economic
           conditions limit the amount of securities which may reasonably be
           expected to be sold, the underwriter may limit or exclude all
           Registrable Securities from the registration and underwriting, unless
           the registration is the second or any subsequent Novistar-initiated
           Public Offering, in which case the underwriter may not reduce the
           aggregate value of Registrable Securities to be included in such
           registration by Holders to less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the
           total value of all securities included in such registration. Novistar
           shall so advise all Holders of securities requesting registration,
           and the number of shares that are entitled to be included in the
           registration shall be allocated first to Novistar for all securities
           being sold for its own account and second to all Holders of
           Registrable Securities for which registration is requested. The
           number of shares of Registrable Securities that are included in such
           registration shall be allocated among all Holders thereof in
           proportion to the amount of Registrable Securities held by each
           Holder.

                                       5
<PAGE>

     (b)  If any Person does not agree to the proposed price range at which the
          Registrable Securities are proposed to be sold or the proposed terms
          of any underwriting agreement within ten (10) days of notice of such
          price range and the terms of such underwriting agreement, said Person
          shall be excluded from the underwriting upon written notice from
          Novistar or the underwriter.  If any shares of Registrable Securities
          are so excluded from the registration and if the number of shares of
          Registrable Securities to be included in such registration was
          previously reduced as a result of marketing factors, Novistar shall
          then offer to all Persons who have retained the right to include
          Registrable Securities in the registration the right to include
          additional Registrable Securities in an aggregate amount equal to the
          number of shares excluded, with such shares to be allocated among the
          Persons requesting additional inclusion on a pro rata basis.

     (c)  Novistar shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any
          registration initiated by it under this Section 2.2 prior to the
          effectiveness of such registration whether or not any Holder has
          elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration.  The
          registration expenses of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by
          Novistar in accordance with Section 2.7 hereof.

     2.3. FORM S-3 REGISTRATION.  In case Novistar shall receive from any
          Holder or Holders a written request or requests that Novistar effect a
          registration on Form S-3 and any related qualification or compliance
          with respect to all or a part of the Registrable Securities owned by
          such Holder or Holders, Novistar will:

     (a)  promptly give written notice of the proposed registration, and any
          related qualification or compliance, to all other Holders; and

     (b)  as soon as practicable, effect such registration and all such
          qualifications and compliances as may be so requested and as would
          permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion
          of such Holder's or Holders' Registrable Securities as are specified
          in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable
          Securities of any other Holder or Holders joining in such request as
          are specified in a written request given within fifteen (15) days
          after receipt of such written notice, referenced in (a) above, from
          Novistar; provided, however, that Novistar shall not be obligated to
          effect any such registration, qualification or compliance, pursuant to
          this Section 2.3:  (1) if Form S-3 is not available for such offering
          by the Holders; (2) if the Holders, together with the holders of any
          other securities of Novistar entitled to inclusion in such
          registration, propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other
          securities (if any) at an aggregate price to the public (net of any
          underwriters' discounts or commissions) of less than $1,000,000; (3)
          if Novistar shall furnish to the Holders a certificate signed by the
          Chief Executive Officer or President of Novistar stating that in the
          judgment of the Board of Directors of Novistar, it would be
          detrimental to Novistar and its business objectives due to a pending
          transaction for such Form S-3 registration to be effected at such
          time, in which event Novistar shall have the right to defer the filing
          of the Form S-3 registration statement for a period of not more than
          ninety

                                       6
<PAGE>

          (90) days after receipt of the request of the Holder or Holders
          under this Section 2.3; provided, however, that Novistar shall not
          utilize this right more than once in any twelve (12) month period; (4)
          if Novistar has, within the twelve 12 month period preceding the date
          of such request, already effected more than one (1) other registration
          on Form S-3 for the Holders pursuant to this Section 2.3; or (5)
          Novistar has filed a registration statement within the past one
          hundred eighty 180 days.

     (c)  Subject to the foregoing, Novistar shall file a registration statement
          covering the Registrable Securities and other securities so requested
          to be registered as soon as practicable after receipt of the request
          or requests of the Holders.  All expenses incurred in connection with
          two (2) registrations requested pursuant to this Section 2.3,
          including (without limitation) all registration, filing,
          qualification, printer's and accounting fees and the reasonable fees
          and disbursements of counsel for the selling Holder or Holders and
          counsel for Novistar, but excluding any underwriters' discounts or
          commissions associated with Registrable Securities, shall be borne by
          Novistar.  All expenses incurred in connection with subsequent
          registrations requested pursuant to this Section 2.3, including
          (without limitation) all registration, filing, qualification,
          printer's and accounting fees and the reasonable fees and
          disbursements of counsel for the selling Holder or Holders and counsel
          for Novistar, but excluding any underwriters' discounts or commissions
          associated with Registrable Securities, shall be borne pro rata by the
          Holder or Holders participating in the Form S-3 Registration.
          Registrations effected pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall not be
          counted as demands for registration or registrations effected pursuant
          to Sections 2.1 or 2.2.

     2.4. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  Whenever required under this Section 2 to
          effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, Novistar shall,
          as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

     (a)  Prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to
          such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts (i) to
          cause such registration statement to become effective and (ii) to keep
          such registration statement effective for a period of up to the
          earlier of one hundred twenty (120) days or until the distribution
          contemplated in the registration statement has been completed;
          provided, however, that such 120-day period shall be extended for a
          period of time equal to the period the Holder refrains from selling
          any securities included in such registration at the request of the
          underwriter in the Public Offering.

     (b)  Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such
          registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such
          registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the
          provisions of the Act and/or other applicable securities laws with
          respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such
          registration statement.

                                       7
<PAGE>

     (c)  Furnish to the Holders such numbers of copies of a prospectus,
          including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the
          requirements of the Act and/or other applicable securities laws, and
          such other documents as they may reasonably request in order to
          facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned by them.

     (d)  In the event of any underwritten Public Offering, enter into and
          perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and
          customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering.  Each
          Holder participating in such underwriting shall also enter into and
          perform its obligations under such an agreement.

     (e)  Notify each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such
          registration statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto
          is required to be delivered under the Act or other applicable
          securities laws of the happening of any event as a result of which the
          prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect,
          includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
          material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
          statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances
          then existing.

     (f)  Use its best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities
          registered pursuant hereunder to be listed on each securities exchange
          on which similar securities issued by Novistar are then listed.

     (g)  Provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities
          registered pursuant hereunder not later than the effective date of
          such registration.

     (h)  Furnish, at the request of any Holder requesting registration of
          Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2, on the date that
          such Registrable Securities are delivered to the underwriters for sale
          in connection with a registration pursuant to this Section 2, if such
          securities are being sold through underwriters, or, if such securities
          are not being sold through underwriters, on the date that the
          registration statement with respect to such securities becomes
          effective, (i) any opinions, dated such date, of the counsel
          representing Novistar for the purposes of such registration, in the
          form given to underwriters in the offering, addressed to the Holders
          requesting registration of Registrable Securities and (ii) a copy of
          any letters dated such date, from the independent certified public
          accountants of Novistar, in form given by independent certified public
          accountants to the underwriters and to the Holders requesting
          registration of Registrable Securities.

     2.5. FURNISH INFORMATION.  It shall be a condition precedent to the
          obligations of Novistar to take any action pursuant to this Section 2
          with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that
          such Holder shall furnish to Novistar such information regarding
          itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method
          of disposition of such securities as Novistar may

                                       8
<PAGE>

          reasonably request in writing and as shall be required to effect the
          registration of such Holder's Registrable Securities.

     2.6. EXPENSES OF DEMAND REGISTRATION.  Novistar shall bear all expenses
          other than underwriting discounts and commissions incurred in
          connection with one (1) demand registration, pursuant to Section 2.1,
          including (without limitation) all registration, filing and
          qualification fees, printers' and accounting fees, fees and
          disbursements of counsel for Novistar and the reasonable fees and
          disbursements of one (1) counsel for the selling Holders; provided,
          however that if the Holders bear all registration expenses for any
          registration begun pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof and subsequently
          withdrawn by the Holders, such registration shall not be counted as a
          requested registration pursuant to Section 2.1; and provided further,
          that if at the time of such withdrawal, the Holders have learned of a
          material adverse change in the condition, business, or prospects of
          Novistar from that known to the Holders at the time of their request
          and have withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness following
          disclosure by Novistar of such material adverse change, then the
          Holders shall not be required to pay any of such expenses and shall
          retain their rights pursuant to Section 2.1.

     2.7. EXPENSES OF COMPANY REGISTRATION.  Novistar shall bear and pay all
          expenses incurred in connection with any registration, filing or
          qualification of Registrable Securities with respect to the
          registrations pursuant to Section 2.2 for each Holder, including
          (without limitation) all registration, filing, and qualification fees,
          printers and accounting fees relating or apportionable thereto and the
          reasonable fees and disbursements of one (1) counsel for the selling
          Holders selected by them, but excluding underwriting discounts and
          commissions relating to Registrable Securities.

     2.8. INDEMNIFICATION.  In the event any Registrable Securities are
          included in a registration statement under this Section 2:

     (a)  To the extent permitted by law, Novistar will indemnify and hold
          harmless each Holder, any underwriter for such Holder and each Person,
          if any, who Controls such Holder or underwriter against any losses,
          claims, damages, or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may
          become subject under the Act, the 1934 Act or other applicable laws,
          insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in
          respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following
          statements, omissions or violations (collectively a "Violation"): (i)
          any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
          contained in such registration statement, including any preliminary
          prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or
          supplements thereto, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state
          therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to
          make the statements therein in light of the circumstances in which
          they were made not misleading, or (iii) any violation or alleged
          violation by Novistar of the Act, the 1934 Act, or any other
          applicable securities laws, rules, or regulations; and Novistar will
          pay to each such Holder, underwriter or controlling

                                       9
<PAGE>

          Person, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in
          connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim,
          damage, liability, or action; provided, however, that the indemnity
          agreement contained in this Section 2.8(a) shall not apply to amounts
          paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, or
          action if such settlement is effected without the consent of Novistar
          (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), provided further
          that Novistar shall not be liable in any such case for any such loss,
          claim, damage, liability, or action to the extent that it arises out
          of or is based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in
          conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in
          connection with such registration by any such Holder, underwriter or
          controlling Person; provided, further, that Novistar shall not be
          liable to any Person who participates as an underwriter in the
          offering or sale of Registrable Securities or any other person, if
          any, who controls such underwriter within the meaning of the Act, in
          any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage,
          liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense
          arises out of such Person's failure to send or give a copy of the
          final prospectus, as the same may be then supplemented or amended, to
          the Person asserting a violation, at or prior to the written
          confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities to such Person, if
          such statement or omission would have been corrected in such final
          prospectus.

     (b)  To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder will indemnify and
          hold harmless Novistar, each of its directors, each of its officers
          who has signed the registration statement, each Person, if any, who
          controls Novistar, any underwriter, any other Holder selling
          securities in such registration statement and any controlling Person
          of any such underwriter or other Holder, against any losses, claims,
          damages, or liabilities (joint or several) to which any of the
          foregoing Persons may become subject, under the Act, the 1934 Act or
          other applicable securities laws, insofar as such losses, claims,
          damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereto) arise out of
          or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent (and only
          to the extent) that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in
          conformity with written information furnished by such Holder expressly
          for use in connection with such registration; and each such Holder
          will pay, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any
          Person intended to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.8(b), in
          connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim,
          damage, liability, or action; provided, however, that the indemnity
          agreement contained in this Section 2.8(b) shall not apply to amounts
          paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
          action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the
          Holder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided,
          that, in no event shall any indemnity under this Section 2.8(b) exceed
          the gross proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.

     (c)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 2.8
          of notice of the commencement of any action (including any
          governmental action), such indemnified party will, if a claim in
          respect thereof is to be made against any

                                       10
<PAGE>

          indemnifying party under this Section 2.8, deliver to the indemnifying
          party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the
          indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the
          extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other
          indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof
          with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however,
          that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties
          which may be represented without conflict by one (1) counsel) shall
          have the right to retain one (1) separate counsel, with the fees and
          expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of
          such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying
          party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing
          interests between such indemnified party and any other party
          represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver
          written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of
          the commencement of any such action, if prejudicial to its ability to
          defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party of any
          liability to the indemnified party under this Section 2.8, but the
          omission so to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party will
          not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified
          party otherwise than under this Section 2.8.

     (d)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.8 is held by a
          court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator to be unavailable to
          an indemnified party with respect to any loss, liability, claim,
          damage, or expense referred to therein, then the indemnifying party,
          in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall
          contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as
          a result of such loss, liability, claim, damage, or expense in such
          proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the
          indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the
          other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in
          such loss, liability, claim, damage, or expense as well as any other
          relevant equitable considerations.  The relative fault of the
          indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by
          reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue
          statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact
          relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the
          indemnified party and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access
          to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement
          or omission.

     (e)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on
          indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting
          agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public
          offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions
          in the underwriting agreement shall control.

     (f)  The obligations of Novistar and Holders under this Section 2.8 shall
          survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a
          registration statement under this Section 2, and otherwise.

     2.9. REPORTS.  With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits
          of Rule 144 promulgated under the Act and any other rule or regulation
          of the SEC or other

                                       11
<PAGE>

          Governmental Authority that may at any time permit a Holder to sell
          securities of Novistar to the public without registration, Novistar
          agrees to:

     (a)  make and keep public information available, (i) as those terms are
          understood and defined in SEC Rule 144, at all times after ninety (90)
          days after the effective date of the first registration statement
          filed by Novistar with the SEC for the offering of its securities to
          the general public, and (ii) as is otherwise required under applicable
          securities laws which permit a Holder to sell Registrable Securities
          without registration;

     (b)  file with the SEC and other applicable Governmental Authorities in a
          timely manner all reports and other documents required of Novistar
          under the Act,  the 1934 Act and/or other applicable securities laws
          at all times after Novistar has become subject to such reporting
          requirements; and

     (c)  furnish to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any Registrable
          Securities, forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by Novistar
          that it has complied with the reporting requirements of SEC Rule 144
          (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the
          first registration statement filed by Novistar with the SEC), the Act
          and the 1934 Act (at any time after Novistar has become subject to
          such reporting requirements), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or
          quarterly report of Novistar and such other reports and documents so
          filed by Novistar with the SEC, and (iii) such other information as
          may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or
          regulation of the SEC or other Governmental Authority which permits
          the selling of any such securities without registration.

    2.10. ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  The rights to cause Novistar to
          register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2 may be
          assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a
          transferee or assignee of (a) any such securities where the transferee
          or assignee is an Affiliate of such Holder, or (b) all such securities
          ever held by Holder and its Affiliates, provided: (i) Novistar is,
          within thirty (30) days after such transfer, furnished with written
          notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the
          securities with respect to which such registration rights are being
          assigned; (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be
          bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
          and (iii) such assignment shall be effective only if immediately
          following such transfer the further disposition of such securities by
          the transferee or assignee is restricted under the Act or other
          applicable securities laws.

    2.11. "MARKET STAND-OFF" AGREEMENT.  Each Holder hereby agrees that,
          during the period of duration specified by Novistar and an underwriter
          of Common Stock or other securities of Novistar, following the date of
          the first sale to the public pursuant to the first registration
          statement of Novistar filed under the Act or other applicable
          securities laws, it shall not, to the extent requested by Novistar and
          such underwriter, directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, contract
          to sell

                                       12
<PAGE>

          (including, without limitation, any short sale), grant any option to
          purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of (other than to donees who
          agree to be similarly bound) any securities of Novistar held by it at
          any time during such period except Common Stock included in such
          registration; provided, however, that:

     (a)  such market stand-off time period shall not exceed the greater of (i)
          one hundred eighty (180) days or (ii) such other longer period of time
          as may be required under applicable securities laws; and

     (b)  all officers and directors of Novistar and all other Persons with
          registration rights (whether or not pursuant to this Agreement) enter
          into similar agreements.

     In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, Novistar may impose stop-
          transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities of
          each Holder until the end of such period. If requested to do so by
          Novistar, each Holder shall execute an underwriter's letter in the
          customary form prior to the registration of Novistar's initial public
          offering.

    2.12. TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  No Holder shall be entitled to
          exercise any right provided for in this Section 2 at such time as all
          Registrable Securities held by such Holder may be sold pursuant to
          Rule 144 or otherwise without restriction under comparable securities
          laws, rules or regulations.

3.   RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER.

     3.1. RIGHT.  Subject to the terms and conditions specified in this Section
          3, Novistar hereby grants to each Holder a right of first offer with
          respect to future sales by Novistar of Novistar Securities.  A Holder
          shall be entitled to apportion the right of first offer hereby granted
          to it among itself and its Affiliates in such proportions as it deems
          appropriate.

     3.2. PROCEDURE.  Each time Novistar proposes to offer any Novistar
          Securities, Novistar shall first make an offering of such Novistar
          Securities to each Holder in accordance with the following provisions:

     (a)  Novistar shall deliver a notice pursuant to Section 6.7 ("Novistar
          Notice") to the Holders stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer
          such Novistar Securities, (ii) the number of such Novistar Securities
          to be offered, and (iii) the price and terms, if any, upon which it
          proposes to offer such Novistar Securities.

     (b)  By written notification delivered to Novistar within twenty (20) days
          after receipt of the Novistar Notice, the Holder may elect to purchase
          or obtain, at the price and on the terms specified in the Novistar
          Notice, up to that portion of such Novistar Securities which equals
          the proportion that the number of shares of common stock of Novistar
          then held by such Holder or issuable upon conversion and exercise of
          all convertible and exercisable securities then held by such Holder
          bears to the

                                       13
<PAGE>

          total number shares of Common Stock of Novistar then outstanding
          (assuming full conversion and exercise of all convertible or
          exercisable securities).

     (c)  If all Novistar Securities referred to in the Novistar Notice are not
          elected to be obtained as provided in Section 3.2(b) hereof, Novistar
          may, during the one hundred twenty (120) day period following the
          expiration of the period provided in Section 3.2(b) hereof, offer the
          remaining unsubscribed portion of such Novistar Securities to any
          Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more
          favorable to the offeree than those specified in the Novistar Notice;
          provided that each purchaser of the Novistar Securities agrees in
          writing to be bound by and subject to the terms of this Agreement.  If
          Novistar does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the Novistar
          Securities within such period, or if such agreement is not consummated
          within thirty (30) days of the execution thereof, the right provided
          hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such Novistar Securities
          shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Holders in
          accordance herewith.

     3.3. EXEMPT ISSUANCES.  The right of first offer in this Section 3 shall
          not be applicable to (a) the issuance or sale of shares of Common
          Stock (or options therefor) to employees, consultants and directors
          for the primary purpose of soliciting or retaining their employment,
          (b) a Public Offering, (c) the issuance of securities pursuant to the
          conversion or exercise of convertible or exercisable securities, (d)
          the issuance of securities in connection with a bona fide business
          acquisition of or by Novistar, whether by merger, consolidation, sale
          of assets, sale or exchange of stock or otherwise, (e) the issuance of
          stock, warrants or other securities or rights to Persons in connection
          with a bank line of credit or equipment financing, or (f) the issuance
          of stock, warrants or other securities, other than for cash, to
          customers of Novistar.

     3.4. ASSIGNMENT.  The right of first offer set forth in this Section 3 may
          be assigned or transferred by a Holder to a transferee or assignee of
          (a) any Registrable Securities where the transferee or assignee is an
          Affiliate of such Holder, or (b) all Registrable Securities ever held
          by such Holder and its Affiliates, provided: (i) Novistar is, within
          thirty (30) days after such transfer, furnished with written notice of
          the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the securities
          with respect to which such right of first offer is being assigned, and
          (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and
          subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

4.   RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND CO-SALE.

     4.1. HOLDER NOTICE.  If any Holder proposes to sell or transfer any
          Novistar Securities (the "Selling Holder"), then the Selling Holder
          shall deliver a notice in accordance with Section 6.7 (the "Holder
          Notice") to Novistar and the other Holders stating (i) its bona fide
          intention to sell or transfer such Novistar Securities, (ii) the
          number of shares of Novistar Securities to be sold or transferred,
          (iii) the name

                                       14
<PAGE>

          and address of each prospective purchaser or transferee, and (iv) the
          price and terms upon which the Selling Holder proposes to sell or
          transfer such Novistar Securities.

     4.2. PROCEDURE. By written notification delivered to the Selling Holder
          and Novistar within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Holder
          Notice, the Holder may elect to:

     (a)  Purchase or obtain, at the price and upon the terms specified in the
          Holder Notice, up to that portion of such Novistar Securities which
          equals the proportion that the number of shares of Common Stock of
          Novistar then held by such Holder or issuable upon conversion and
          exercise of all convertible or exercisable securities then held by
          such Holder bears to the total number of shares of common stock of
          Novistar then outstanding (assuming full conversion and exercise of
          all convertible or exercisable securities), or

     (b)  Participate in such sale or transfer on the same terms and conditions
          as specified in the Holder Notice, by selling or transferring up to
          that portion of such Novistar Securities which equals the proportion
          that the number of shares of Common Stock of Novistar then held by
          such Holder or issuable upon conversion and exercise of all
          convertible or exercisable securities then held by such Holder bears
          to the total number of shares of common stock of Novistar then
          outstanding (assuming full conversion and exercise of all convertible
          or exercisable securities).  The proceeds of any sale made by the
          Selling Holder without compliance with this Section 4(b) shall be
          deemed to be held in constructive trust in such amount as would have
          been due the other Holders if the Selling Holder had complied with
          this Section 4(b).

     4.3. TERMINATION OF RIGHTS.  All rights of first refusal and co-sale
          granted under this Section 4 shall terminate upon the earliest to
          occur of (a) the closing of the Public Offering, (b) the dissolution
          of Novistar, or (c) the effective date of a consolidation or merger
          with or into another corporation as a result of which the stockholders
          of Novistar prior to such transaction own less than 50% of the
          outstanding stock of the surviving corporation.

     4.4. ASSIGNMENT.  The rights of first refusal and co-sale set forth in
          this Section 4 may be assigned or transferred by a Holder to a
          transferee or assignee of (a) any Registrable Securities where the
          assignee or transferee is an Affiliate of such Holder, or (b) all
          Registrable Securities ever held by such Holder and its Affiliates,
          provided (i) Novistar and the other Holders are, within thirty (30)
          days after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name
          and address of such transferee or assignee and the securities with
          respect to which such right of first refusal is being assigned, and
          (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and
          subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

                                       15
<PAGE>

5.   OTHER COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS.

     5.1. NO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. The parties shall make no public announcement
          concerning this Agreement, their discussions or any other memos,
          letters or agreements, between the parties relating to their ownership
          of or involvement in Novistar until such time as they agree to the
          contents of a mutually satisfactory press release. Any of the parties,
          but only after reasonable consultation with the others, may make
          disclosure to the extent required under applicable laws.

     5.2. DELIVERY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  So long as a Holder holds at least
          ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock,
          Novistar shall deliver to each such Holder:

          (a)  as soon as is practicable, but in any event within ninety (90)
               days after the end of each fiscal year of Novistar, financial
               statements for such fiscal year including, but not limited to, a
               balance sheet of Novistar as of the end of such year, and income
               and cash flow statements for such fiscal year period, with such
               year-end financial reports to be in reasonable detail, prepared
               in accordance with GAAP, and audited and certified by independent
               public accountants of internationally recognized standing
               selected by Novistar;

          (b)  within thirty (30) days of the end of each monthly account
               period, unaudited monthly reports including, but not limited to,
               a balance sheet, income and cash flow statements and comparison
               to year earlier results and to projected results on a monthly and
               year-to-date basis;

          (c)  as soon as practicable, but in any event thirty (30) days prior
               to the end of each fiscal year, a budget and business plan for
               the next fiscal year, and, as soon as prepared, any other
               budgets, revised budgets or, business plans or revised business
               plans prepared by Novistar;

          (d)  such other information relating to the financial condition,
               business, prospects or corporate affairs of Novistar as the
               Holder may from time to time reasonably request, provided,
               however, that Novistar shall not be obligated under this
               subsection (d) to provide information which it deems in good
               faith to be a trade secret, similar confidential information,
               unreasonably burdensome to provide, or would interfere with its
               business operations.

     5.3. INSPECTION.  Novistar shall permit each Holder, at such Holder's
          expense, to visit and inspect Novistar's properties, to examine its
          books of account and records and to discuss Novistar's affairs,
          finances and accounts with its officers, all at such reasonable times
          during normal business hours as may be requested by the Holder;
          provided, however, that Novistar shall not be obligated pursuant to
          this Section 5.3 to provide access to any information which it
          reasonably considers to be a trade secret or similar confidential
          information.

                                       16
<PAGE>

     5.4. TERMINATION OF INFORMATION AND INSPECTION COVENANTS.  The covenants
          set forth in Section 5.2 and Section 5.3 shall terminate as to Holders
          and be of no further force or effect when a Public Offering is
          consummated.

     5.5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NOVISTAR.  So long as Oracle and its Affiliates
          hold more than two percent (2%) of Common Stock or securities
          convertible into Common Stock on a fully-diluted basis, Oracle shall
          be entitled to nominate and have elected to the Board of Directors of
          Novistar the higher of: one (1) director, or the number of directors
          equal to its percentage of ownership of Common Stock or securities
          convertible into Common Stock on a fully-diluted basis, and the
          parties to this Agreement shall each vote such number of Novistar
          securities owned by them as may be necessary to elect the director or
          directors nominated by Oracle.

6.   GENERAL PROVISIONS.

     6.1. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and
          the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either
          generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or
          prospectively), only with the written consent of Novistar, Holders of
          at least fifty (50%) percent of the then outstanding Registrable
          Securities beneficially owned by Holders, and Oracle for as long as
          Oracle owns more than five percent (5%) of Registrable Securities
          originally issued to Oracle at the Closing as defined in the Asset
          Agreement.  Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this
          Section 6.1 shall be binding upon each holder of any Registrable
          Securities then outstanding, each future holder of all such
          Registrable Securities, and Novistar.

     6.2. NO ASSIGNMENT.  Except as expressly permitted in this Agreement, no
          party may assign or otherwise transfer any rights, interests or
          obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of
          the other parties, which consent may be withheld in the sole and
          absolute discretion of such parties for any reason whatsoever or for
          no reason, and any attempted assignment in violation of this provision
          shall be void and of no effect.

     6.3. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application
          thereof, shall for any reason and to any extent be invalid or
          unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and application of such
          provision to other Persons or circumstances shall be interpreted so as
          best to reasonably effect the intent of the parties hereto.  The
          parties further agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision
          of this Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision which will
          achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business  and other
          purposes of the void or unenforceable provision.

     6.4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement, the exhibits hereto, the documents
          and agreements referred to herein (as amended hereunder) and the
          exhibits thereto, constitute the entire understanding and agreement of
          the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
          thereof and supersede all prior and

                                       17
<PAGE>

          contemporaneous agreements or understandings, inducements or
          conditions, express or implied, written or oral, between the parties
          with respect hereto and thereto. To the extent that the terms of this
          Agreement conflict with the terms of any document or agreement
          referred to herein, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

     6.5. EXPENSES.  Except as provided to the contrary herein, each party
          shall pay all of its own costs and expenses with respect to the
          negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and exhibits
          hereto.

     6.6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
          all respects in accordance with, the laws of Delaware, without regard
          to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

     6.7. NOTICES.  All notices and other communications required or permitted
          hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by personal
          delivery, an internationally recognized courier such as DHL or Federal
          Express, facsimile or first class registered or certified mail,
          postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

     If to Torch to:        Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated
                            1221 Lamar, Suite 1600
                            Houston, Texas 77010
                            Attention: Roland E. Sledge, Esq.
                            Facsimile: (713) 655-1711

     If to Oracle to:       Oracle Corporation
                            500 Oracle Parkway 5op7
                            Redwood Shores, California 94065
                            Attention: General Counsel
                            Facsimile No.: (650) 506-7114

     If to Novistar to:

                            Novistar, Inc.
                            1331 Lamar, Suite 1650
                            Houston, Texas 77010
                            Attention: Roland E. Sledge, Esq.
                            Facsimile No.: (713) 655-1711

    or at such other address as the intended recipient previously shall have
          designated by written notice to the other party.  Notice by registered
          or certified mail shall be effective on the date it is officially
          recorded as delivered to the intended recipient by return receipt or
          equivalent, and in the absence of such record of delivery, the
          effective date shall by presumed to have been the fifth (5th) business
          day after it was deposited in the mail.  All notices and other
          communications required or contemplated by this Agreement delivered in
          person or sent by an internationally recognized courier shall be
          deemed to have been delivered to and received by the

                                       18
<PAGE>

          addressee and shall be effective on the date of personal delivery.
          Notices delivered by confirmed facsimile shall be deemed delivered to
          and received by the addressee and effective on the date sent. Notice
          not given in writing shall be effective only if acknowledged in
          writing by a duly authorized representative of the party to whom it
          was given.

    6.8.  HEADINGS.  The titles of the Sections of this Agreement are for
          convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in
          construing this Agreement.

    6.9.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
          counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which
          together shall constitute one instrument.  Execution and delivery of
          this Agreement by exchange of facsimile copies bearing the facsimile
          signature of a party hereto shall constitute a valid and binding
          execution and delivery of this Agreement by such party.  Such
          facsimile copies shall constitute enforceable original documents.

    6.10. CONSTRUCTION.  This Agreement has been negotiated by the respective
          parties hereto and their attorneys and the language hereof shall not
          be construed for or against any party.

    6.11. NO AGENCY.  No party is by virtue of this Agreement authorized as an
          agent, employee or legal representative of any other party.  No party
          shall have any power or authority to bind or commit any other.  No
          party shall hold itself out as having any authority or relationship in
          contravention of this Section 6.11.

                                       19
<PAGE>

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

ORACLE CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation

By: /s/ Matt Mosman
   -------------------------
Its: Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

TORCH ENERGY ADVISORS INCORPORATED
a Delaware corporation

By: /s/ Jean M. Gallagher
   -------------------------
Its: Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer

NOVISTAR, INC.
a Delaware corporation

By: /s/
   ----------------------

Its: President and CEO<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3

                           ORACLE ALLIANCE AGREEMENT

This Oracle Alliance Agreement (the "Agreement") is between Oracle Corporation
("Oracle") and the Alliance Member identified below.  The terms of this
Agreement shall apply to each Program license granted and to all services
provided by Oracle under this Agreement, which will be identified on one or more
Order Forms.

1.   DEFINITIONS
1.1  "COMMENCEMENT DATE" means the date on which the Programs are delivered by
     Oracle, or if no delivery is necessary, the Effective Date set forth on the
     relevant Order Form.

1.2  "DESIGNATED SYSTEM" shall mean the computer hardware and operating system
     designated on the relevant Order Form or Sublicense report for use in
     conjunction with a Sublicensed Program, Development License, or Marketing
     Support License.

1.3  "DOCUMENTATION" means the user guides and manuals for installation and use
     of the Program software. Documentation is provided in CD-ROM or bound form,
     whichever is generally available.

1.4  "ORDER FORM" shall mean the document in hard copy or electronic form by
     which the Alliance Member orders Program licenses, Sublicenses, and
     services, and which is agreed to by the parties. The Order Form shall
     reference the Effective Date of this Agreement.

1.5  "PROGRAM" shall mean the software in object code form distributed by Oracle
     for which the Alliance Member is granted a license or grants a Sublicense
     pursuant to this Agreement; and the media, Documentation, and Updates
     therefor.

1.6  "SUBLICENSE ADDENDA" shall mean the addenda to this Agreement specifying
     additional Sublicense terms and Sublicense rates and fees for the various
     types of Sublicenses which may be granted by the Alliance Member.

1.7  "SUBLICENSE" shall mean a nonexclusive, nontransferable right granted by or
     through the Alliance Member to an end user to use an object code copy of
     the Programs with the Value-Added Package under authority of a Sublicense
     Addendum. "Sublicensee" shall mean a third party who is granted a
     Sublicense of the Programs with the Value-Added Package for such party's
     own internal data processing purposes and not for purposes of any further
     distribution.

1.8  "TECHNICAL SUPPORT" means Program support provided under Oracle's policies
     in effect on the date Technical Support is ordered.

1.9  "UPDATE" shall mean a subsequent release of a Program which Oracle makes
     generally available for Program Licenses at no additional license fee other
     than media and handling charges, provided the Alliance Member has ordered
     Technical Support for such licenses for the relevant time period. Updates
     shall not include any release, option or future product which Oracle
     licenses separately.

1.10 "VALUE-ADDED PACKAGE" shall mean the hardware or software products or
     services having added value which are developed, sold, and/or licensed with
     the Programs to a Sublicensee by the Alliance Member, as provided under the
     applicable Sublicense Addenda.

2.   RIGHTS GRANTED
2.1  DEVELOPMENT LICENSES AND TRIAL LICENSES

     A. Oracle grants to the Alliance Member a nonexclusive license to use the
     Development Licenses the Alliance Member obtains under this Agreement and
     applicable Sublicense Addenda, as follows:

     1. to develop or prototype the Value-Added Package on the Designated System
     or on a back up system if the Designated System is unoperative, up to any
     applicable maximum number of designated Users or other such limitation as
     may be applicable;
     2. to demonstrate the Programs to potential Sublicensees solely in
     conjunction with the Value-Added Package;
     3. to provide training and technical support to employees and to customers
     solely in conjunction with the Value-Added Package;
     4. to use the Documentation provided with the Programs in support of the
     Alliance Member's authorized use of the Programs; and
     5. to copy the Programs for archival or backup purposes; no other copies
     shall be made without Oracle's prior written consent. All titles,
     trademarks, and copyright and restricted rights notices shall be reproduced
     in such copies. All archival and backup copies of the Programs are subject
     to the terms of this Agreement.

     B. The Alliance Member may order temporary trial licenses ("Trial
     Licenses") for its evaluation purposes only, and not for development or
     prototype purposes, for use during a period specified in the Order Form.
     Each Order Form for Trial Licenses shall clearly state the trial period and
     shall identify that the order is for a Trial License.

2.2  MARKETING SUPPORT LICENSES

       Oracle grants to the Alliance Member a nonexclusive license to use the
     Marketing Support Licenses the Alliance Member obtains under this Agreement
     and applicable Sublicense Addenda, as follows:

     A. to demonstrate the Programs to potential Sublicensees solely in
     conjunction with the Value-Added Package, up to any applicable maximum
     number of designated Users or other such limitation as may be applicable;

     B. to develop customized prototypes of the Value-Added Package for
     prospective Sublicensees on the Designated System if the Alliance Member
     does not receive any fees related to the development of such customized
     prototypes;

     C. to use the Documentation provided with the Programs in support of the
     Alliance Member's authorized use of the Programs; and

     D. to copy the Programs for archival or backup purposes; no other copies
     shall be made without Oracle's prior written consent. All titles,
     trademarks, and copyright and restricted rights notices shall be reproduced
     in such copies. All archival and backup copies of the Programs are subject
     to the terms of this Agreement.
<PAGE>

2.3  SUBLICENSING

     A. LICENSE TO SUBLICENSE PROGRAMS

        As further set forth in the applicable Sublicense Addenda, Oracle hereby
     grants the Alliance Member a nonexclusive, nontransferable license to
     market and grant Sublicenses as set forth in such Sublicense Addenda and at
     the rates and fees set forth in such Sublicense Addenda. The Alliance
     Member shall only have the right to Sublicense Programs pursuant to an
     effective Sublicense Addendum between the parties hereto.

        The Alliance Member shall Sublicense the Programs through a Sublicense
     agreement, which may include an on-line version, as provided under
     Section 2.3.B. Upon Oracle's request, the Alliance Member shall provide
     Oracle with a copy of the Alliance Member's standard Sublicense agreement.

     B. SUBLICENSE AGREEMENT

        Every Sublicense agreement shall include, at a minimum, contractual
     provisions which:

     1.  Restrict use of the Programs to object code, subject to the
     restrictions provided under the applicable Sublicense Addenda and
     consistent with the Sublicense fees payable to Oracle;

     2.  Prohibit (a) transfer of the Programs except for temporary transfer in
     the event of computer malfunction; (b) assignment, timesharing and rental
     of the Programs; and (c) title to the Programs from passing to the
     Sublicensee or any other party;

     3.  Prohibit the reverse engineering, disassembly or decompilation of the
     Programs, and prohibit duplication of the Programs except for a single
     backup or archival copies;

     4.  Disclaim, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Oracle's liability
     for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential,
     arising from the use of the Programs;

     5.  Require the Sublicensee, at the termination of the Sublicense, to
     discontinue use and destroy or return to the Alliance Member all copies of
     the Programs and Documentation;

     6.  Prohibit publication of any results of benchmark tests run on the
     Programs;

     7.  Require the Sublicensee to comply fully with all relevant export laws
     and regulations of the United States to assure that neither the Programs,
     nor any direct product thereof, are exported, directly or indirectly, in
     violation of United States law; and

     8.  Specify Oracle as a third party beneficiary of the Sublicense agreement
     to the extent permitted by applicable law.

     C. MARKETING/SUBLICENSING PRACTICES

         In marketing and Sublicensing the Programs, the Alliance Member shall:

     1.  Not engage in any deceptive, misleading, illegal, or unethical
     practices that may subject Oracle to liability;

     2.  Not make any representations, warranties, or guarantees to Sublicensees
     concerning the Programs that are inconsistent with or in addition to those
     made in this Agreement or by Oracle; and

     3.  Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and
     regulations in performing its duties with respect to the Programs.

2.4  LIMITATIONS ON USE

         The Alliance Member shall not use or duplicate the Programs (including
     the Documentation) for any purpose other than as specified in this
     Agreement or make the Programs available to unauthorized third parties. The
     Alliance Member shall not (a) use the Programs for its internal data
     processing or for processing customer data; (b) rent, electronically
     distribute, or timeshare the Programs or market the Programs by interactive
     cable or remote processing services or otherwise distribute the Programs
     other than as specified in this Agreement; or (c) cause or permit the
     reverse engineering, disassembly, or decompilation of the Programs, except
     to the extent required to obtain interoperability with other independently
     created software or as specified by law.

2.5  TITLE

         Oracle shall retain all title, copyright, and other proprietary
     rights in the Programs and any modifications or translations thereof. The
     Alliance Member and its Sublicensees do not acquire any rights in the
     Programs other than those specified in this Agreement.

2.6  TRANSFER OF PROGRAMS

         The Alliance Member may transfer a Development License or Marketing
     Support License within its organization upon notice to Oracle; transfers
     are subject to the terms and fees specified in Oracle's transfer policy in
     effect at the time of the transfer.

2.7  USE OF PROGRAMS BY THIRD PARTIES

         The Alliance Member and each Sublicensee (as the case may be) shall
     have the right to allow third parties to use each such party's licensed
     Programs for the licensee's operations so long as the applicable licensee
     ensures that use of the Programs is in accordance with the terms of this
     Agreement or the applicable Sublicense agreement.

3.   TECHNICAL SERVICES
3.1  TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

         Technical Support services ordered by the Alliance Member will be
     provided under Oracle's Technical Support policies in effect on the date
     Technical Support is ordered.

3.2  TRAINING SERVICES

         Oracle will provide training services agreed to by the parties under
     the terms of this Agreement. For any on-site services requested by the
     Alliance Member, the Alliance Member shall reimburse Oracle for actual,
     reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred.

4.   FEES AND PAYMENTS
4.1  LICENSE FEES AND SUBLICENSE FEES

         The Alliance Member may order Development Licenses or Marketing Support
     Licenses at the standard Program license fees set forth in the Price List
     or at the fees otherwise provided in a Sublicense Addendum. For each
     Sublicense granted by the Alliance Member, the Alliance Member agrees to
     pay Oracle a Sublicense fee as set forth in the applicable Sublicense
     Addenda. The Alliance Member shall not be relieved of its obligation to pay
     Sublicense fees owed to Oracle by the nonpayment of such fees by the
     Sublicensee.

         The Alliance Member is free to determine unilaterally its own license
     fees to its Sublicensees. If the Alliance Member or a Sublicensee upgrades
     the Programs to a larger computer, transfers the Programs outside the
     United States and/or to another operating system, or

                                       2
<PAGE>

     increases the licensed number of Users, the Alliance Member will pay
     additional Sublicense fees to Oracle as provided under Oracle's transfer
     policies and rates in effect at the time the Program is upgraded or
     transferred.

4.2  TECHNICAL SUPPORT FEES

         Technical Support services ordered by the Alliance Member for
     Development Licenses and Marketing Support Licenses will be provided under
     Oracle's Technical Support policies and rates in effect on the date
     Technical Support is ordered.

4.3  GENERAL PAYMENT TERMS

         Except as otherwise provided in a Sublicense Addendum, all fees shall
     be due and payable 30 days from the invoice date. Fees due by the Alliance
     Member shall not be subject to set off for any claims against Oracle. All
     payments made shall be in United States currency and shall be made without
     deductions based on any taxes or withholdings, except where such deduction
     is based on Oracle's gross income. Any amounts payable by the Alliance
     Member hereunder which remain unpaid after the due date shall be subject to
     a late charge equal to 1.5% per month from the due date until such amount
     is paid. The Alliance Member agrees to pay applicable media and shipping
     charges. The Alliance Member shall issue a purchase order, or alternative
     document acceptable to Oracle, on or before the Effective Date of the
     applicable Order Form.

4.4  TAXES

         The fees listed in this Agreement do not include taxes; if Oracle is
     required to pay sales, use, property, value-added, or other taxes based on
     the licenses, Sublicenses or services granted under this Agreement or on
     the Alliance Member's or a Sublicensee's use of Programs or services, then
     such taxes shall be billed to and paid by the Alliance Member. This shall
     not apply to taxes based on Oracle's income.

5.   RECORDS
5.1  RECORDS INSPECTION

         The Alliance Member shall maintain adequate books and records in
     connection with activity under this Agreement. Such records shall include,
     without limitation, executed Sublicense agreements, the information
     required in or related to the Sublicense reports required under a
     Sublicense Addendum, the number of copies of Programs used or Sublicensed
     by the Alliance Member, the computers on which the Programs are installed,
     and the number of Users using the Programs. Oracle may audit the relevant
     books and records of the Alliance Member and Alliance Member's use of the
     Programs. Any such audit shall be conducted during regular business hours
     at the Alliance Member's offices and shall not interfere unreasonably with
     the Alliance Member's business activities. If an audit reveals that the
     Alliance Member has underpaid fees to Oracle, the Alliance Member shall be
     invoiced for such underpaid fees. Audits shall be made no more than once
     annually.

5.2  NOTICE OF CLAIM

         The Alliance Member will notify the Oracle legal department promptly in
     writing of: (a) any claim or proceeding involving the Programs that comes
     to its attention; and (b) any material change in the management or control
     of the Alliance Member.

6.   TERM AND TERMINATION
6.1  TERM

         This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and shall
     be valid until the expiration or termination of all Sublicense Addenda
     hereunder, unless terminated earlier as set forth herein. If not otherwise
     specified on the Order Form, each Program license granted under this
     Agreement shall remain in effect perpetually under the terms of this
     Agreement unless the license or this Agreement is terminated as provided in
     Article 6. The term of each Sublicense Addendum hereunder shall be as set
     forth in each such Addendum.

6.2  TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE

         Each party may terminate any Program License or any Sublicense Addendum
     at any time; however, termination, shall not relieve the Alliance Member's
     obligations specified in Section 6.5.

6.3  TERMINATION FOR BREACH

         Each party may terminate any Program license, any Sublicense Addenda,
     or this Agreement upon written notice if the other party materially
     breaches this Agreement and fails to correct the breach within 30 days
     following written notice specifying the breach.

6.4  FORCE MAJEURE

         Neither party shall be liable to the other for failure or delay in the
     performance of a required obligation if such failure or delay is caused by
     strike, riot, fire, flood, natural disaster, or other similar cause beyond
     such party's control, provided that such party gives prompt written notice
     of such condition and resumes its performance as soon as possible, and
     provided further that the other party may terminate this Agreement if such
     condition continues for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days.

6.5  EFFECT OF TERMINATION

         Upon expiration or termination of a Sublicense Addendum or this
     Agreement, all of the Alliance Member's rights to market and Sublicense the
     Programs as set forth in such Sublicense Addendum or this Agreement shall
     cease.

         The termination of this Agreement, a Sublicense Addendum, or any
     license shall not limit either party from pursuing any other remedies
     available to it, including injunctive relief, nor shall such termination
     relieve the Alliance Member's obligation to pay all fees that have accrued
     or that are owed by the Alliance Member under a Sublicense Addendum or any
     Order Form, or that appear in a Sublicense report. The parties' rights and
     obligations under Sections 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and Articles 4, 5, 6, 7 and
     8 shall survive termination of this Agreement. Upon termination, the
     Alliance Member shall cease using, and shall return or destroy, all copies
     of the applicable Programs.

7.   INDEMNITY, WARRANTIES, REMEDIES
7.1  INFRINGEMENT INDEMNITY

         Oracle will defend and indemnify the Alliance Member against a claim
     that Programs infringe a copyright or patent or other intellectual property
     right, provided that: (a) the Alliance Member notifies Oracle in writing
     within 30 days of the claim; (b) Oracle has sole control of the defense and
     all related settlement negotiations; and (c) the Alliance Member provides
     Oracle with the assistance, information and authority necessary to perform
     Oracle's obligations under this Section. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
     incurred by the Alliance Member in providing such assistance will be
     reimbursed

                                       3
<PAGE>

     by Oracle. Oracle shall have no liability for any claim of infringement
     based on use of a superseded or altered release of Programs if the
     infringement would have been avoided by the use of a current unaltered
     release of the Programs which Oracle provides to the Alliance Member.

         In the event the Programs are held or are believed by Oracle to
     infringe, Oracle shall have the option, at its expense, to (a) modify the
     Programs to be noninfringing; or (b) obtain for the Alliance Member a
     license to continue using the Programs. If it is not commercially
     reasonable to perform either of the above options, then Oracle may
     terminate the license for the infringing Programs and refund the license
     fees paid for those Programs. This Section 7.1 states Oracle's entire
     liability and the Alliance Member's exclusive remedy for infringement.

7.2  WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS

     A.  PROGRAM WARRANTY

         Oracle warrants for a period of one year from the Commencement Date
     that each unmodified Program will perform the functions described in the
     Documentation.

     B.  MEDIA WARRANTY

         Oracle warrants the tapes, diskettes or other media to be free of
     defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for 90 days from the
     Commencement Date.

     C.  SERVICES WARRANTY

         Oracle warrants that its Technical Support and training services will
     be performed consistent with generally accepted industry standards. This
     warranty shall be valid for 90 days from performance of service.

     D.  DISCLAIMERS

         THE WARRANTIES ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
     WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
     MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

         ORACLE DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PROGRAMS WILL OPERATE IN COMBINATIONS
     OTHER THAN AS SPECIFIED IN THE DOCUMENTATION OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE
     PROGRAMS WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. PRE-PRODUCTION RELEASES OF
     PROGRAMS AND COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING ARE DISTRIBUTED "AS IS."

         The Alliance Member shall not make any warranty on Oracle's behalf.

7.3  EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES

         For any breach of the warranties contained in Section 7.2 above, the
     Alliance Member's exclusive remedy, and Oracle's entire liability, shall
     be:

     A.  FOR PROGRAMS

         The correction of Program errors that cause breach of the warranty,
     or if Oracle is unable to make the Program operate as warranted, the
     Alliance Member shall be entitled to recover the fees paid to Oracle for
     the Program license.

     B.  FOR MEDIA

         The replacement of defective media returned within 90 days of the
     Commencement Date.

     C.  FOR SERVICES

         The reperformance of the services, or if Oracle is unable to perform
     the services as warranted, the Alliance Member shall be entitled to recover
     the fees paid to Oracle for the unsatisfactory services.

7.4  INDEMNIFICATION OF ORACLE

         The Alliance Member agrees to enforce the terms of its Sublicense
     agreements required by this Agreement so as to effect a timely cure of any
     material Sublicense breach, and to notify Oracle of any known breach of
     such terms. The Alliance Member will defend and indemnify Oracle against:

     A.  All claims and damages to Oracle arising from any use by the Alliance
     Member or its Sublicensees of any product not provided by Oracle but used
     in combination with the Programs if such claim would have been avoided by
     the exclusive use of the Programs; and

     B.  All claims and damages to Oracle caused by the Alliance Member's
     failure to include the required contractual terms set forth in
     Section 2.3.B hereof in each Sublicense agreement.

7.5  EQUITABLE RELIEF

         The Alliance Member acknowledges that any breach of its obligations
     with respect to proprietary rights of Oracle will cause Oracle irreparable
     injury for which there are inadequate remedies at law and that Oracle shall
     be entitled to equitable relief in addition to all other remedies available
     to it.

8.   GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
8.1  NONDISCLOSURE

         By virtue of this Agreement, the parties may have access to information
     that is confidential to one another ("Confidential Information").
     Confidential Information shall be limited to the programs, the terms and
     pricing under this Agreement, and all information clearly identified as
     confidential.

         A party's Confidential Information shall not include information that:
     (a) is or becomes a part of the public domain through no act or omission of
     the other party; (b) was in the other party's lawful possession prior to
     the disclosure and had not been obtained by the other party either directly
     or indirectly from the disclosing party; (c) is lawfully disclosed to the
     other party by a third party without restriction on disclosure; or (d) is
     independently developed by the other party. The Alliance Member shall not
     disclose the results of any benchmark tests of the Programs to any third
     party without Oracle's prior written approval.

         The parties agree to hold each other's Confidential Information in
     confidence during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two years
     after termination of this Agreement. The parties agree, unless required by
     law, not to make each other's Confidential Information available in any
     form to any third party for any purpose other than the implementation of
     this Agreement. Each party agrees to take all reasonable steps to ensure
     that Confidential Information is not disclosed or distributed by its
     employees or agents in violation of the terms of this Agreement.

8.2  COPYRIGHTS

         The Programs are copyrighted by Oracle. The Alliance Member shall
     retain all Oracle copyright notices on the Programs used by the Alliance
     Member under its Development Licenses or Marketing Support Licenses. The
     Alliance Member shall include the following on all copies of the Programs
     in software Value-Added Packages incorporating the Programs distributed by
     the Alliance Member:

     A. A reproduction of Oracle's copyright notice; or

     B. A copyright notice indicating that the copyright is vested in the
     Alliance Member containing the following

     1. A "c" in a circle and the word "copyright";
     2. The Alliance Member's name;
     3. The date of copyright; and
     4. The words "All Rights Reserved."

                                       4
<PAGE>

         Such notices shall be placed on the Documentation, the sign-on screen
     for any software Value-Added Package incorporating the Programs, and the
     diskette or tape labels. Notwithstanding any copyright notice by the
     Alliance Member to the contrary, the copyright to the Program included in
     any such application package shall remain in Oracle. Other than as
     specified above, on any reproduction or translation of any Programs,
     Documentation, or promotional material, the Alliance Member agrees to
     reproduce Oracle's copyright notices intact.

8.3  TRADEMARKS

         "Oracle" and any other trademarks and service marks adopted by Oracle
     to identify the Programs and other Oracle; the Alliance Member will have no
     rights in such marks except as expressly set forth herein and as specified
     in writing from time to time. The Alliance Member's use of Oracle's
     trademarks shall be under Oracle's trademark policies and procedures in
     effect from time-to-time. The Alliance Member agrees not to use the
     trademark "ORACLE," or any mark beginning with the letters "Ora," or any
     other mark likely to cause confusion with the trademark "ORACLE" as any
     portion of the Alliance Member's tradename, trademark for the Alliance
     Member's Value-Added Package, trademark for any other products of the
     Alliance Member, or trademark for any portion of the Alliance Member's
     internet addresses or domain names. The Alliance Member shall have the
     right to use the trademark "ORACLE" and other Oracle trademarks solely to
     refer to Oracle's Programs, products and services.

         The Alliance Member agrees with respect to each registered trademark of
     Oracle of which Oracle has notified Alliance Member in writing, to include
     in each advertisement, brochure, or other such use of the trademark, the
     trademark symbol "circle R" and the following statement:

     ______is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood City,
     California

         Unless otherwise notified in writing by Oracle, the Alliance Member
     agrees, with respect to every other trademark of Oracle, to include in each
     advertisement, brochure, or other such use of the trademark, the symbol
     "TM" and the following statement:

     ______is a trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood City, California

         The Alliance Member shall not market the Oracle Programs in any way
     which implies that the Oracle Programs are the proprietary product of the
     Alliance Member or of any party other than Oracle. Oracle shall not have
     any liability to the Alliance Member for any claims made by third parties
     relating to the Alliance Member's use of Oracle's trademarks.

8.4  RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PARTIES

         In all matters relating to this Agreement, the Alliance Member will act
     as an independent contractor. The relationship between Oracle and the
     Alliance Member is that of licensor/licensee. Neither party will represent
     that it has any authority to assume or create any obligation, express or
     implied, on behalf of the other party, nor to represent the other party as
     agent, employee, franchisee, or in any other capacity. Nothing in this
     Agreement shall be construed to limit either party's right to independently
     develop or distribute software which is functionally similar to the other
     party's product, so long as proprietary information of the other party is
     not included in such software.

8.5  ASSIGNMENT

         The Alliance Member may not assign or otherwise transfer any rights
     under this Agreement without Oracle's prior written consent.

8.6  NOTICE

         All notices, including notices of address change, required to be sent
     hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when
     mailed by first class mail to the first address listed in the relevant
     Order Form (if to the Alliance Member) or to the Oracle address on the
     Order Form (if to Oracle).

         To expedite order processing, the Alliance Member agrees that Oracle
     may treat documents faxed by the Alliance Member to Oracle as original
     documents; nevertheless, either party may require the other to exchange
     original signed documents.

8.7  GOVERNING LAW/JURISDICTION

         This Agreement, and all matters arising out of or relating to this
     Agreement, shall be governed by the substantive and procedural laws of the
     State of California and shall be deemed to be executed in Redwood City,
     California. The parties agree that any legal action or proceeding relating
     to this Agreement shall be instituted in any state or federal court in San
     Francisco or San Mateo County, California. Oracle and the Alliance Member
     agree to submit to the jurisdiction of, and agree that venue is proper in,
     these courts in any such legal action or proceeding.

8.8  SEVERABILITY

         In the event any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or
     unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in
     full force and effect.

8.9  EXPORT

         The Alliance Member agrees to comply fully with all relevant export
     laws and regulations of the United States ("Export Law") to assure that
     neither the Programs, nor any direct product thereof, are (a) exported,
     directly or indirectly, in violation of Export Laws; or (b) are intended to
     be used for any purposes prohibited by the Export Laws, including, without
     limitation, nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons proliferation.

8.10 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

         IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
     SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE,
     DATA OR USE, INCURRED BY EITHER PARTY OR ANY THIRD PARTY, WHETHER IN AN
     ACTION IN CONTRACT OR TORT, EVEN IF THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS
     BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. ORACLE'S LIABILITY FOR
     DAMAGES HEREUNDER SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF FEES PAID BY THE
     ALLIANCE MEMBER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, AND IF SUCH DAMAGES RESULT FROM THE
     ALLIANCE MEMBER'S OR SUBLICENSEE'S USE OF THE PROGRAM OR SERVICES, SUCH
     LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO FEES PAID FOR THE RELEVANT PROGRAM OR
     SERVICES GIVING RISE TO THE LIABILITY.

         The provisions of this Agreement allocate the risks between Oracle and
     the Alliance Member. Oracle's pricing reflects this allocation of risk and
     the limitation of liability specified herein.

                                       5
<PAGE>

8.11 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUBLICENSES

         If the Alliance Member grants a Sublicense to the United States
     government, the Programs, including documentation, shall be considered
     commercial computer software and the Alliance Member will place a legend,
     in addition to applicable copyright notices, on the documentation, and on
     the media label, substantially similar to the following:

                           NOTICE OF RESTRICTED RIGHTS

     "Programs delivered subject to the DOD FAR Supplement are `commercial
     computer software' and use, duplication, and disclosure of the Programs,
     including documentation, shall be subject to the licensing restrictions set
     forth in the applicable Oracle license agreement. Otherwise, Programs
     delivered subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations are `restricted
     computer software' and use, duplication, and disclosure of the Programs,
     including documentation, shall be subject to the restrictions in
     FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights (June 1987).
     Oracle Corporation, 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood City, CA 94065."

8.12 GPL PROGRAMS

        Oracle and Alliance Member each acknowledge that distribution and use of
     certain programs ("GPL Programs") are subject to the terms of the GNU
     General Public License ("GPL"). Under this Agreement, Oracle grants
     Alliance Member the right to market and grant sublicenses of the Oracle
     Programs only as an "independent and separate work" and not as "part of a
     whole" with any GPL Program as such terms are used in the GPL. Alliance
     Member shall not modify or combine the Oracle Programs and/or the GPL
     programs in any manner that could cause, or could be interpreted or
     asserted to cause, the Oracle Programs or any modifications thereto to
     become subject to the terms of the GPL.

8.13 WAIVER

         The waiver by either party of any default or breach of this Agreement
     shall not constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent default or breach.
     Except for actions for nonpayment or breach of Oracle's proprietary rights
     in the Programs, no action, regardless of form, arising out of this
     Agreement may be brought by either party more than two years after the
     cause of action has accrued.

8.14 ENTIRE AGREEMENT

         This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement between the parties
     and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements or representations,
     written or oral, concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. This
     Agreement may not be modified or amended except in a writing signed by a
     duly authorized representative of each party; no other act, document, usage
     or custom shall be deemed to amend or modify this Agreement.

         It is expressly agreed that the terms of this Agreement and any Order
     Form shall supersede the terms in any Alliance Member purchase order or
     other ordering document.

                                       6
<PAGE>

The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be _________________________________
_______________________.

EXECUTED BY THE ALLIANCE MEMBER:

--------------------------------       EXECUTED BY ORACLE CORPORATION:

Authorized Signature:                  Authorized Signature:

   /s/ Michael B. Smith                  /s/ Shelley S. Curtis
--------------------------------       --------------------------------

Name:   Michael B. Smith               Name:  Shelley S. Curtis
--------------------------------       --------------------------------

Title:  Vice President                 Title: Assistant General Counsel
--------------------------------       --------------------------------

Oracle Corporation
500 Oracle Parkway
Redwood Shores, CA  94065
(650) 506-7000
Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation.
6-98

                                       7
<PAGE>

                                 AMENDMENT ONE
                                     to the
                           ORACLE ALLIANCE AGREEMENT
                                    between
                                 NOVISTAR, INC.
                                      and
                               ORACLE CORPORATION

This document ("Amendment One") shall serve to amend the Oracle Alliance
Agreement and any amendments and addenda thereto between Novistar, Inc. (the
"Alliance Member") and Oracle Corporation ("Oracle") dated February 18, 2000
(the "Agreement").

The Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

1.   The following shall be inserted at the end of the introductory paragraph of
     the Addendum:

     "The term `Alliance Member' for purposes of this Addendum shall include the
     Alliance Member and the Alliance Member's wholly and majority owned
     subsidiaries as of the Effective Date which agree in writing to be bound by
     the terms of the Agreement. Alliance Member may add additional wholly or
     majority owned subsidiaries with Oracle's prior written consent not to be
     unreasonably withheld. Any such additional wholly or majority owned
     subsidiaries must agree in writing to be bound by the terms of the
     Agreement."

2.   Replace Section 2.2(A) with the following:

     "A. to demonstrate the Programs to potential Sublicensees solely in
     conjunction with the Value-Added Package;"

3.   In Section 2.2(C) after "to use" in the first line, add "and copy for use".

4.   In Section 2.3(C)(1) after "unethical practices" add ", or any other
     practices".

5.   In Section 2.4 add the following as a new second paragraph:

          "However, nothing provided in this Paragraph 2.4 shall prevent the
     Alliance Member from remotely accessing a Value-Added Package, installed on
     another CPU pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, solely for the purpose
     of demonstrating the functionality of the Value-Added Package to a
     prospective Sublicensee. Any such demonstration shall be conducted and
     controlled by the Alliance Member's employees."

6.   In Section 2.5 add the following to the end of the paragraph:

                                       1
<PAGE>

     "The Alliance Member shall retain all title, copyrights, and other
     intellectual property rights in the Value-Added Package, and in any
     translations thereof."

7.   In Section 4.4, at the end of the last sentence, after "Oracle's income",
     add ", real estate, or capital stock".

8.   The following shall be added to the end of the first paragraph of Section
     6.5:

     "Expiration or termination of a Sublicense Addendum or this Agreement shall
     not affect any sublicense rights granted by Alliance Member to
     Sublicensees."

9.   In Section 7.4 after "Alliance Member agrees" add "to use all commercially
     reasonable means available".

10.  In Section 7.4(B) add the following to the end of the paragraph:

     "The Alliance Member's obligations to defend and indemnify Oracle hereunder
     shall apply provided that: (a) Oracle notifies the Alliance Member in
     writing within thirty (30) days of the claim; (b) the Alliance Member has
     sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations; and
     (c) Oracle provides the Alliance Member with assistance, information and
     authority necessary to perform Alliance Member's obligations under this
     Section. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Oracle in providing
     such assistance will be reimbursed by the Alliance Member."

11.  In Section 8.3, at the end of the second sentence of the first paragraph
     add the following:

     ", provided that, upon request by Alliance Member, Oracle shall make
     available to the Alliance Member a copy of Oracle's then-current trademark
     policies and procedures."

12.  In Section 8.10, at the beginning of the first and second sentences of the
     first paragraph, add the phrase "Except as provided in Section 7.1,".

13.  Add the following new Section 8.15:

     "8.15 SOURCE CODE ESCROW
           Oracle shall retain in escrow a copy of the source code necessary to
     support the Programs. The current escrow agent is Data Securities
     International. The escrowed material shall be maintained under an
     agreement which provides that if Oracle ceases to be in the business of
     supporting the Programs, the escrow agent shall furnish the Customer with a
     copy of the escrowed material that has become unsupported. Customer shall
     pay the escrow agent a nominal fee

                                       2
<PAGE>

     sufficient to cover the cost of reasonable administrative expenses,
     including reproduction and distribution. Any escrowed material furnished
     under this provision shall be considered subject to the terms and
     conditions of this Agreement, and shall be used solely to maintian the
     Programs."

Other than the modifications set forth above, the terms and conditions of the
Agreement remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

The Effective Date of this Amendment One is February 18, 2000.

NOVISTAR, INC.                         ORACLE CORPORATION

By: /s/ Michael B. Smith               By: /s/ Shelley S. Curtis
    -----------------------                ----------------------------
Name:  Michael B. Smith                Name:  Shelley S. Curtis
Title: Vice President                  Title: Assistant General Counsel

                                       3

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00015-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00015-of-00352.parquet"}]]