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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.1

                              PETROCHEM NET, INC.

            1997 EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR AND CONSULTANT STOCK OPTION PLAN

          1.      DEFINITIONS.

                  Unless otherwise specified or unless the context otherwise
                  requires, the following terms, as used in this PETROCHEM
                  NET, INC. 1997 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option
                  Plan, have the following meanings:

                         Administrator means the Board of Directors, unless it
                         has delegated power to act on its behalf to the
                         Committee, in which case the Administrator means the
                         Committee.

                         Affiliate means a corporation which, for purposes of
                         Section 424 of the Code, is a parent or subsidiary of
                         the Company, direct or indirect.

                         Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of the
                         Company.

                         Code means the United States Internal Revenue Code of
                         1986, as amended.

                         Committee means the committee of the Board of
                         Directors to which the Board of Directors has
                         delegated power to act under or pursuant to the
                         provisions of the Plan.

                         Common Stock means shares of the Company's common
                         stock, no par value per share.

                         Company means PETROCHEM NET, INC., a Connecticut
                         corporation.

                         Disability or Disabled means permanent and total
                         disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

                         Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock means:

                         (1) If the Common Stock is listed on a national
                         securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter
                         market and sales prices are regularly reported for the
                         Common Stock, the closing or last price of the Common
                         Stock on the Composite Tape or other comparable
                         reporting system for the trading day immediately
                         preceding the applicable date;

                         (2) If the Common Stock is not traded on a national
                         securities exchange but is traded on the
                         over-the-counter market, if sales prices are not
                         regularly reported for

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                         the Common Stock for the trading day referred to in
                         clause (1), and if bid and asked prices for the Common
                         Stock are regularly reported, the mean between the bid
                         and the asked price for the Common Stock at the close
                         of trading in the over-the-counter market for the
                         trading day on which Common Stock was traded
                         immediately preceding the applicable date; and

                         (3) If the Common Stock is neither listed on a
                         national securities exchange nor traded in the
                         over-the-counter market, such value as the
                         Administrator, in good faith, shall determine.

                         ISO means an option meant to qualify as an incentive
                         stock option under Section 422 of the Code.

                         Key Employee means an employee of the Company or of an
                         Affiliate (including, without limitation, an employee
                         who is also serving as an officer or director of the
                         Company or of an Affiliate), designated by the
                         Administrator to be eligible to be granted one or more
                         Options under the Plan.

                         Non-Qualified Option means an option which is not
                         intended to qualify as an ISO.

                         Option means an ISO or Non-Qualified Option granted
                         under the Plan.

                         Option Agreement means an agreement between the
                         Company and a Participant delivered pursuant to the
                         Plan, in such form as the Administrator shall approve.

                         Participant means a Key Employee, director or
                         consultant to whom one or more Options are granted
                         under the Plan. As used herein, "Participant" shall
                         include "Participant's Survivors" where the context
                         requires.

                         Plan means this PETROCHEM NET, INC. 1997 Employee,
                         Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan.

                         Shares means shares of the Common Stock as to which
                         Options have been or may be granted under the Plan or
                         any shares of capital stock into which the Shares are
                         changed or for which they are exchanged within the
                         provisions of Paragraph 3 of the Plan. The Shares
                         issued upon exercise of Options granted under the Plan
                         may be authorized and unissued shares or shares held
                         by the Company in its treasury, or both.

                         Survivors means a deceased Participant's legal
                         representatives and/or any person or persons who
                         acquired the Participant's rights to an Option by will
                         or by the laws of descent and distribution.

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          2.      PURPOSES OF THE PLAN.

                  The Plan is intended to encourage ownership of Shares by Key
          Employees and directors of and certain consultants to the Company in
          order to attract such people, to induce them to work for the benefit
          of the Company or of an Affiliate and to provide additional incentive
          for them to promote the success of the Company or of an Affiliate.
          The Plan provides for the granting of ISOs and Non-Qualified Options.

          3.      SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

                  The number of Shares which may be issued from time to time
          pursuant to this Plan shall be 2,000 or the equivalent of such number
          of Shares after the Administrator, in its sole discretion, has
          interpreted the effect of any stock split, stock dividend,
          combination, recapitalization or similar transaction in accordance
          with Paragraph 16 of the Plan.

                  If an Option ceases to be "outstanding", in whole or in part,
          the Shares which were subject to such Option shall be available for
          the granting of other Options under the Plan. Any Option shall be
          treated as "outstanding" until such Option is exercised in full, or
          terminates or expires under the provisions of the Plan, or by
          agreement of the parties to the pertinent Option Agreement.

          4.      ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

                  The Administrator of the Plan will be the Board of Directors,
          except to the extent the Board of Directors delegates its authority
          to the Committee, in which case the Committee shall be the
          Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the
          Administrator is authorized to:

                  a.       Interpret the provisions of the Plan or of any
                           Option or Option Agreement and to make all rules and
                           determinations which it deems necessary or advisable
                           for the administration of the Plan;

                  b.       Determine which employees of the Company or of an
                           Affiliate shall be designated as Key Employees and
                           which of the Key Employees, directors and
                           consultants shall be granted Options;

                  c.       Determine the number of Shares for which an Option
                           or Options shall be granted; and

                  d.       Specify the terms and conditions upon which an
                           Option or Options may be granted;

          provided, however, that all such interpretations, rules,
          determinations, terms and conditions shall be made and prescribed in
          the context of preserving the tax status under Section 422 of the
          Code

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          of those Options which are designated as ISOs. Subject to the
          foregoing, the interpretation and construction by the Administrator
          of any provisions of the Plan or of any Option granted under it shall
          be final, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, if
          the Administrator is the Committee.

          5.      ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION.

                  The Administrator will, in its sole discretion, name the
          Participants in the Plan, provided, however, that each Participant
          must be a Key Employee, director or consultant of the Company or of
          an Affiliate at the time an Option is granted. Notwithstanding the
          foregoing, the Administrator may authorize the grant of an Option to
          a person not then an employee, director or consultant of the Company
          or of an Affiliate; provided, however, that the actual grant of such
          Option shall be conditioned upon such person becoming eligible to
          become a Participant at or prior to the time of the delivery of the
          Option Agreement evidencing such Option. ISOs may be granted only to
          Key Employees. Non-Qualified Options may be granted to any Key
          Employee, director or consultant of the Company or an Affiliate. The
          granting of any Option to any individual shall neither entitle that
          individual to, nor disqualify him or her from, participation in any
          other grant of Options.

          6.      TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.

                  Each Option shall be set forth in writing in an Option
          Agreement, duly executed by the Company and, to the extent required
          by law or requested by the Company, by the Participant. The
          Administrator may provide that Options be granted subject to such
          terms and conditions, consistent with the terms and conditions
          specifically required under this Plan, as the Administrator may deem
          appropriate including, without limitation, subsequent approval by the
          shareholders of the Company of this Plan or any amendments thereto.

                  A.      Non-Qualified Options: Each Option intended to be a
                          Non-Qualified Option shall be subject to the terms
                          and conditions which the Administrator determines to
                          be appropriate and in the best interest of the
                          Company, subject to the following minimum standards
                          for any such Non-Qualified Option:

                          a.      Option Price: Each Option Agreement shall
                                  state the option price (per share) of the
                                  Shares covered by each Option, which option
                                  price shall be determined by the
                                  Administrator but shall not be less than the
                                  par value per share of Common Stock;

                          b.      Each Option Agreement shall state the
                                  number of Shares to which it pertains;

                          c.      Each Option Agreement shall state the date
                                  or dates on which it first is exercisable
                                  and the date after which it may no longer
                                  be exercised, and

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                                  may provide that the Option rights accrue or
                                  become exercisable in installments over a
                                  period of months or years, or upon the
                                  occurrence of certain conditions or the
                                  attainment of stated goals or events; and

                          d.      Exercise of any Option may be conditioned
                                  upon the Participant's execution of a Share
                                  purchase agreement in form satisfactory to
                                  the Administrator providing for certain
                                  protections for the Company and its other
                                  shareholders, including requirements that:

                                  i.      The Participant's or the Participant's
                                          Survivors' right to sell or transfer
                                          the Shares may be restricted; and

                                  ii.     The Participant or the Participant's
                                          Survivors may be required to execute
                                          letters of investment intent and must
                                          also acknowledge that the Shares will
                                          bear legends noting any applicable
                                          restrictions.

                  B.      ISOs: Each Option intended to be an ISO shall be
                          issued only to a Key Employee and be subject to the
                          following terms and conditions, with such additional
                          restrictions or changes as the Administrator
                          determines are appropriate but not in conflict with
                          Section 422 of the Code and relevant regulations and
                          rulings of the Internal Revenue Service:

                          a.        Minimum standards: The ISO shall meet the
                                    minimum standards required of Non-Qualified
                                    Options, as described in Paragraph 6(A)
                                    above, except clauses (a) thereunder.

                          b.        Option Price: Immediately before the Option
                                    is granted, if the Participant owns,
                                    directly or by reason of the applicable
                                    attribution rules in Section 424(d) of the
                                    Code:

                                    i.  Ten percent (10%) or less of the total
                                        combined voting power of all classes of
                                        share capital of the Company or an
                                        Affiliate, the Option price per share of
                                        the Shares covered by each Option shall
                                        not be less than one hundred percent
                                        (100%) of the Fair Market Value per
                                        share of the Shares on the date of the
                                        grant of the Option.

                                    ii. More than ten percent (10%) of the
                                        total combined voting power of all
                                        classes of stock of the Company or an
                                        Affiliate, the Option price per share of
                                        the Shares covered by each Option shall
                                        not be less than one hundred ten percent
                                        (110%) of the said Fair Market Value on
                                        the date of grant.

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                           c.      Term of Option: For Participants who own

                                   i.     Ten percent (10%) or less of the total
                                          combined voting power of all classes
                                          of share capital of the Company or an
                                          Affiliate, each Option shall
                                          terminate not more than ten (10)
                                          years from the date of the grant or
                                          at such earlier time as the Option
                                          Agreement may provide.

                                   ii.    More than ten percent (10%) of the
                                          total combined voting power of all
                                          classes of stock of the Company or an
                                          Affiliate, each Option shall
                                          terminate not more than five (5)
                                          years from the date of the grant or
                                          at such earlier time as the Option
                                          Agreement may provide.

                           d.      Limitation on Yearly Exercise: The Option
                                   Agreements shall restrict the amount of
                                   Options which may be exercisable in any
                                   calendar year (under this or any other ISO
                                   plan of the Company or an Affiliate) so that
                                   the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined
                                   at the time each ISO is granted) of the
                                   stock with respect to which ISOs are
                                   exercisable for the first time by the
                                   Participant in any calendar year does not
                                   exceed one hundred thousand dollars
                                   ($100,000), provided that this subparagraph
                                   (d) shall have no force or effect if its
                                   inclusion in the Plan is not necessary for
                                   Options issued as ISOs to qualify as ISOs
                                   pursuant to Section 422(d) of the Code.

          7.      EXERCISE OF OPTIONS AND ISSUE OF SHARES.

                  An Option (or any part or installment thereof) shall be
          exercised by giving written notice to the Company at its principal
          executive office address, together with provision for payment of the
          full purchase price in accordance with this Paragraph for the Shares
          as to which the Option is being exercised, and upon compliance with
          any other condition(s) set forth in the Option Agreement. Such
          written notice shall be signed by the person exercising the Option,
          shall state the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is
          being exercised and shall contain any representation required by the
          Plan or the Option Agreement. Payment of the purchase price for the
          Shares as to which such Option is being exercised shall be made (a)
          in United States dollars in cash or by check, or (b) at the
          discretion of the Administrator, through delivery of shares of Common
          Stock having a Fair Market Value equal as of the date of the exercise
          to the cash exercise price of the Option, or (c) at the discretion of
          the Administrator, by having the Company retain from the shares
          otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Option, a number of shares
          having a Fair Market Value equal as of the date of exercise to the
          exercised price of the Option, or (d) at the discretion of the
          Administrator, by delivery of the grantee's personal recourse note
          bearing interest payable not less than annually at no less than 100%
          of the applicable Federal rate, as defined in Section 1274(d) of the
          Code, or (e) at the discretion of the Administrator, in accordance
          with a cashless exercise program established with a securities
          brokerage firm, and approved by the Administrator, or (f) at the
          discretion of the Administrator, by any combination

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          of (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
          the Administrator shall accept only such payment on exercise of an
          ISO as is permitted by Section 422 of the Code.

                  The Company shall then reasonably promptly deliver the Shares
          as to which such Option was exercised to the Participant (or to the
          Participant's Survivors, as the case may be). In determining what
          constitutes "reasonably promptly," it is expressly understood that
          the delivery of the Shares may be delayed by the Company in order to
          comply with any law or regulation (including, without limitation,
          state securities or "blue sky" laws) which requires the Company to
          take any action with respect to the Shares prior to their issuance.
          The Shares shall, upon delivery, be evidenced by an appropriate
          certificate or certificates for fully paid, non-assessable Shares.

                  The Administrator shall have the right to accelerate the date
          of exercise of any installment of any Option; provided that the
          Administrator shall not accelerate the exercise date of any
          installment of any Option granted to any Key Employee as an ISO (and
          not previously converted into a Non-Qualified Option pursuant to
          Paragraph 19) if such acceleration would violate the annual vesting
          limitation contained in Section 422(d) of the Code, as described in
          Paragraph 6.B.d.

                  The Administrator may, in its discretion, amend any term or
          condition of an outstanding Option provided (i) such term or
          condition as amended is permitted by the Plan, (ii) any such
          amendment shall be made only with the consent of the Participant to
          whom the Option was granted, or in the event of the death of the
          Participant, the Participant's Survivors, if the amendment is adverse
          to the Participant, and (iii) any such amendment of any ISO shall be
          made only after the Administrator, after consulting the counsel for
          the Company, determines whether such amendment would constitute a
          "modification" of any Option which is an ISO (as that term is defined
          in Section 424(h) of the Code) or would cause any adverse tax
          consequences for the holder of such ISO.

          8.      RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER.

                  No Participant to whom an Option has been granted shall have
          rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares covered by such
          Option, except after due exercise of the Option and tender of the
          full purchase price for the Shares being purchased pursuant to such
          exercise and registration of the Shares in the Company's share
          register in the name of the Participant.

          9.      ASSIGNABILITY AND TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.

                  By its terms, an Option granted to a Participant shall not be
          transferable by the Participant other than (i) by will or by the laws
          of descent and distribution, or (ii) as otherwise determined by the
          Administrator and set forth in the applicable Option Agreement. The
          designation of a beneficiary of an Option by a Participant shall not
          be deemed a transfer prohibited by this Paragraph. Except as provided
          above, an Option shall be exercisable, during the Participant's

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          lifetime, only by such Participant (or by his or her legal
          representative) and shall not be assigned, pledged or hypothecated in
          any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and shall not be
          subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Any attempted
          transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of
          any Option or of any rights granted thereunder contrary to the
          provisions of this Plan, or the levy of any attachment or similar
          process upon an Option, shall be null and void.

          10.     EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE OTHER THAN "FOR CAUSE" OR
                  DEATH OR DISABILITY.

                  Except as otherwise provided in the pertinent Option
          Agreement, in the event of a termination of service (whether as an
          employee, director or consultant) with the Company or an Affiliate
          before the Participant has exercised all Options, the following rules
          apply:

                  a.      A Participant who ceases to be an employee, director
                          or consultant of the Company or of an Affiliate (for
                          any reason other than termination "for cause",
                          Disability, or death for which events there are
                          special rules in Paragraphs 11, 12, and 13,
                          respectively), may exercise any Option granted to him
                          or her to the extent that the Option is exercisable
                          on the date of such termination of service, but only
                          within such term as the Administrator has designated
                          in the pertinent Option Agreement.

                  b.      Except as provided in Subparagraph (c) below, or
                          Paragraph 12 or 13, in no event may an Option
                          Agreement provide, if the Option is intended to be an
                          ISO, that the time for exercise be later than three
                          (3) months after the Participant's termination of
                          employment.

                  c.      The provisions of this Paragraph, and not the
                          provisions of Paragraph 12 or 13, shall apply to a
                          Participant who subsequently becomes Disabled or dies
                          after the termination of employment, director status
                          or consultancy, provided, however, in the case of a
                          Participant's Disability or death within three (3)
                          months after the termination of employment, director
                          status or consultancy, the Participant or the
                          Participant's Survivors may exercise the Option
                          within one (1) year after the date of the
                          Participant's termination of employment, but in no
                          event after the date of expiration of the term of the
                          Option.

                   d.     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if
                          subsequent to a Participant's termination of
                          employment, termination of director status or
                          termination of consultancy, but prior to the exercise
                          of an Option, the Board of Directors determines that,
                          either prior or subsequent to the Participant's
                          termination, the Participant engaged in conduct which
                          would constitute "cause", then such Participant shall
                          forthwith cease to have any right to exercise any
                          Option.

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                   e.     A Participant to whom an Option has been granted
                          under the Plan who is absent from work with the
                          Company or with an Affiliate because of temporary
                          disability (any disability other than a permanent and
                          total Disability as defined in Paragraph 1 hereof),
                          or who is on leave of absence for any purpose, shall
                          not, during the period of any such absence, be
                          deemed, by virtue of such absence alone, to have
                          terminated such Participant's employment, director
                          status or consultancy with the Company or with an
                          Affiliate, except as the Administrator may otherwise
                          expressly provide.

                   f.     Except as required by law or as set forth in the
                          pertinent Option Agreement, Options granted under the
                          Plan shall not be affected by any change of a
                          Participant's status within or among the Company and
                          any Affiliates, so long as the Participant continues
                          to be an employee, director or consultant of the
                          Company or any Affiliate.

           11.     EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE "FOR CAUSE".

                   Except as otherwise provided in the pertinent Option
           Agreement, the following rules apply if the Participant's service
           (whether as an employee, director or consultant) with the Company or
           an Affiliate is terminated "for cause" prior to the time that all
           his or her outstanding Options have been exercised:

                   a.      All outstanding and unexercised Options as of the
                           time the Participant is notified his or her service
                           is terminated "for cause" will immediately be
                           forfeited.

                   b.      For purposes of this Plan, "cause" shall include
                           (and is not limited to) dishonesty with respect to
                           the Company or any Affiliate, insubordination,
                           substantial malfeasance or non-feasance of duty,
                           unauthorized disclosure of confidential information,
                           and conduct substantially prejudicial to the
                           business of the Company or any Affiliate. The
                           determination of the Administrator as to the
                           existence of "cause" will be conclusive on the
                           Participant and the Company.

                   c.      "Cause" is not limited to events which have occurred
                           prior to a Participant's termination of service, nor
                           is it necessary that the Administrator's finding of
                           "cause" occur prior to termination. If the
                           Administrator determines, subsequent to a
                           Participant's termination of service but prior to
                           the exercise of an Option, that either prior or
                           subsequent to the Participant's termination the
                           Participant engaged in conduct which would
                           constitute "cause," then the right to exercise any
                           Option is forfeited.

                  d.       Any definition in an agreement between the
                           Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, which
                           contains a conflicting definition of "cause" for
                           termination and which is in effect at the time of
                           such termination, shall supersede the definition in
                           this Plan with respect to such Participant.

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          12. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE FOR DISABILITY.

                  Except as otherwise provided in the pertinent Option
          Agreement, a Participant who ceases to be an employee, director or
          consultant of the Company or of an Affiliate by reason of Disability
          may exercise any Option granted to such Participant:

                  a.      To the extent exercisable but not exercised on the
                          date of Disability; and

                  b.      In the event rights to exercise the Option accrue
                          periodically, to the extent of a pro rata portion of
                          any additional rights as would have accrued had the
                          Participant not become Disabled prior to the end of
                          the accrual period which next ends following the date
                          of Disability. The proration shall be based upon the
                          number of days of such accrual period prior to the
                          date of Disability.

                  A Disabled Participant may exercise such rights only within
          the period ending one (1) year after the date of the Participant's
          termination of employment, directorship or consultancy, as the case
          may be, notwithstanding that the Participant might have been able to
          exercise the Option as to some or all of the Shares on a later date
          if the Participant had not become disabled and had continued to be an
          employee, director or consultant or, if earlier, within the
          originally prescribed term of the Option.

                  The Administrator shall make the determination both of
          whether Disability has occurred and the date of its occurrence
          (unless a procedure for such determination is set forth in another
          agreement between the Company and such Participant, in which case
          such procedure shall be used for such determination). If requested,
          the Participant shall be examined by a physician selected or approved
          by the Administrator, the cost of which examination shall be paid for
          by the Company.

          13. EFFECT OF DEATH WHILE AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR OR CONSULTANT.

                  Except as otherwise provided in the pertinent Option
          Agreement, in the event of the death of a Participant while the
          Participant is an employee, director or consultant of the Company or
          of an Affiliate, such Option may be exercised by the Participant's
          Survivors:

                  a.      To the extent exercisable but not exercised on the
                          date of death; and

                  b.      In the event rights to exercise the Option accrue
                          periodically, to the extent of a pro rata portion of
                          any additional rights which would have accrued had
                          the Participant not died prior to the end of the
                          accrual period which next ends following the date of
                          death. The proration shall be based upon the number
                          of days of such accrual period prior to the
                          Participant's death.

                  If the Participant's Survivors wish to exercise the Option,
          they must take all necessary steps to exercise the Option within one
          (1) year after the date of death of such Participant,

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          notwithstanding that the decedent might have been able to exercise
          the Option as to some or all of the Shares on a later date if he or
          she had not died and had continued to be an employee, director or
          consultant or, if earlier, within the originally prescribed term of
          the Option.

          14.     PURCHASE FOR INVESTMENT.

                  Unless the offering and sale of the Shares to be issued upon
          the particular exercise of an Option shall have been effectively
          registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as now in force or
          hereafter amended (the "1933 Act"), the Company shall be under no
          obligation to issue the Shares covered by such exercise unless and
          until the following conditions have been fulfilled:

                  a.      The person(s) who exercise(s) such Option shall
                          warrant to the Company, prior to the receipt of such
                          Shares, that such person(s) are acquiring such Shares
                          for their own respective accounts, for investment,
                          and not with a view to, or for sale in connection
                          with, the distribution of any such Shares, in which
                          event the person(s) acquiring such Shares shall be
                          bound by the provisions of the following legend which
                          shall be endorsed upon the certificate(s) evidencing
                          their Shares issued pursuant to such exercise or such
                          grant:

                                   "The shares represented by this certificate
                                   have been taken for investment and they may
                                   not be sold or otherwise transferred by any
                                   person, including a pledgee, unless (1)
                                   either (a) a Registration Statement with
                                   respect to such shares shall be effective
                                   under the Securities Act of 1933, as
                                   amended, or (b) the Company shall have
                                   received an opinion of counsel satisfactory
                                   to it that an exemption from registration
                                   under such Act is then available, and (2)
                                   there shall have been compliance with all
                                   applicable state securities laws."

                  b.      At the discretion of the Administrator, the Company
                          shall have received an opinion of its counsel that
                          the Shares may be issued upon such particular
                          exercise in compliance with the 1933 Act without
                          registration thereunder.

          15.     DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY.

                  Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all
          Options granted under this Plan which as of such date shall not have
          been exercised will terminate and become null and void; provided,
          however, that if the rights of a Participant or a Participant's
          Survivors have not otherwise terminated and expired, the Participant
          or the Participant's Survivors will have the right immediately prior
          to such dissolution or liquidation to exercise any Option to the
          extent that the Option is exercisable as of the date immediately
          prior to such dissolution or liquidation.

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          16.     ADJUSTMENTS.

                  Upon the occurrence of any of the following events, a
          Participant's rights with respect to any Option granted to him or her
          hereunder which has not previously been exercised in full shall be
          adjusted as hereinafter provided, unless otherwise specifically
          provided in the pertinent Option Agreement:

                  A. Stock Dividends and Stock Splits. If (i) the shares of
          Common Stock shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or
          smaller number of shares or if the Company shall issue any shares of
          Common Stock as a stock dividend on its outstanding Common Stock, or
          (ii) additional shares or new or different shares or other securities
          of the Company or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect
          to such shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock
          deliverable upon the exercise of such Option may be appropriately
          increased or decreased proportionately, and appropriate adjustments
          may be made in the purchase price per share to reflect such events.

                  B. Consolidations or Mergers. If the Company is to be
          consolidated with or acquired by another entity in a merger, sale of
          all or substantially all of the Company's assets or otherwise (an
          "Acquisition"), the Administrator or the board of directors of any
          entity assuming the obligations of the Company hereunder (the
          "Successor Board"), shall, as to outstanding Options, either (i) make
          appropriate provision for the continuation of such Options by
          substituting on an equitable basis for the Shares then subject to
          such Options either the consideration payable with respect to the
          outstanding shares of Common Stock in connection with the Acquisition
          or securities of any successor or acquiring entity; or (ii) upon
          written notice to the Participants, provide that all Options must be
          exercised (either to the extent then exercisable or, at the
          discretion of the Administrator, all Options being made fully
          exercisable for purposes of this Subparagraph), within a specified
          number of days of the date of such notice, at the end of which period
          the Options shall terminate; or (iii) terminate all Options in
          exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess of the Fair Market
          Value of the shares subject to such Options (either to the extent
          then exercisable or, at the discretion of the Administrator, all
          Options being made fully exercisable for purposes of this
          Subparagraph) over the exercise price thereof.

                  C. Recapitalization or Reorganization. In the event of a
          recapitalization or reorganization of the Company (other than a
          transaction described in Subparagraph B above) pursuant to which
          securities of the Company or of another corporation are issued with
          respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Participant upon
          exercising an Option shall be entitled to receive for the purchase
          price paid upon such exercise the securities which would have been
          received if such Option had been exercised prior to such
          recapitalization or reorganization.

                  D. Modification of ISOs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
          adjustments made pursuant to Subparagraph A, B or C with respect to
          ISOs shall be made only after the Administrator, after consulting
          with counsel for the Company, determines whether such adjustments
          would constitute a "modification" of such ISOs (as that term is
          defined in Section 424(h) of the Code) or would cause any adverse tax
          consequences for the holders of such ISOs. If the Administrator
          determines that such adjustments made with respect to ISOs would

                                       12

<PAGE>   13
constitute a modification of such ISOs, it may refrain from making such
adjustments, unless the holder of an ISO specifically requests in writing that
such adjustment be made and such writing indicates that the holder has full
knowledge of the consequences of such "modification" on his or her income tax
treatment with respect to the ISO.

17.  ISSUANCES OF SECURITIES.

     Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares
of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any
class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with
respect to, the number or price of shares subject to Options. Except as
expressly provided herein, no adjustments shall be made for dividends paid in
cash or in property (including without limitation, securities) of the Company.

18.  FRACTIONAL SHARES.

     No fractional shares shall be issued under the Plan and the person
exercising such right shall receive from the Company cash in lieu of such
fractional shares equal to the Fair Market Value thereof.

19.  CONVERSION OF ISOs INTO NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS; TERMINATION OF ISOs.

     The Administrator, at the written request of any Participant, may in its
discretion take such actions as may be necessary to convert such Participant's
ISOs (or any portions thereof) that have not been exercised on the date of
conversion into Non-Qualified Options at any time prior to the expiration of
such ISOs, regardless of whether the Participant is an employee of the Company
or an Affiliate at the time of such conversion. Such actions may include, but
not be limited to, extending the exercise period or reducing the exercise price
of the appropriate installments of such Options. At the time of such conversion,
the Administrator (with the consent of the Participant) may impose such
conditions on the exercise of the resulting Non-Qualified Options as the
Administrator in its discretion may determine, provided that such conditions
shall not be inconsistent with this Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to
give any Participant the right to have such Participant's ISOs converted into
Non-Qualified Options, and no such conversion shall occur until and unless the
Administrator takes appropriate action. The Administrator, with the consent of
the Participant, may also terminate any portion of any ISO that has not been
exercised at the time of such conversion.

20.  WITHHOLDING.

     In the event that any federal, state, or local income taxes, employment
taxes, Federal Insurance Contributions Act ("F.I.C.A.") withholdings or other
amounts are required by

                                       13

<PAGE>   14

applicable law or governmental regulation to be withheld from the Participant's
salary, wages or other remuneration in connection with the exercise of an Option
or a Disqualifying Disposition (as defined in Paragraph 21), the Company may
withhold from the Participant's compensation, if any, or may require that the
Participant advance in cash to the Company, or to any Affiliate of the Company
which employs or employed the Participant, the amount of such withholdings
unless a different withholding arrangement, including the use of shares of the
Company's Common Stock or a promissory note, is authorized by the Administrator
(and permitted by law). For purposes hereof, the fair market value of the
shares withheld for purposes of payroll withholding shall be determined in the
manner provided in Paragraph 1 above, as of the most recent practicable date
prior to the date of exercise. If the fair market value of the shares withheld
is less than the amount of payroll withholdings required, the Participant may be
required to advance the difference in cash to the Company or the Affiliate
employer. The Administrator in its discretion may condition the exercise of an
Option for less than the then Fair Market Value on the Participant's payment of
such additional withholding.

21.  NOTICE TO COMPANY OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION.

     Each Key Employee who receives an ISO must agree to notify the Company in
writing immediately after the Key Employee makes a Disqualifying Disposition of
any shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO. A Disqualifying
Disposition is any disposition (including any sale) of such shares before the
later of (a) two years after the date the Key Employee was granted the ISO, or
(b) one year after the date the Key Employee acquired Shares by exercising the
ISO. If the Key Employee has died before such stock is sold, these holding
period requirements do not apply and no Disqualifying Disposition can occur
thereafter.

22.  TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

     The Plan will terminate on October 27, 2007, the date which is ten (10)
years from the earlier of the date of its adoption and the date of its approval
by the shareholders of the Company. The Plan may be terminated at an earlier
date by vote of the shareholders of the Company; provided, however, that any
such earlier termination shall not affect any Option Agreements executed prior
to the effective date of such termination.

23.  AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN AND AGREEMENTS.

     The Plan may be amended by the shareholders of the Company. The Plan may
also be amended by the Administrator, including, without limitation, to the
extent necessary to qualify any or all outstanding Options granted under the
Plan or Options to be granted under the Plan for favorable federal income tax
treatment (including deferral of taxation upon exercise) as may be afforded
incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code, and to the extent
necessary to qualify the shares issuable upon exercise of any outstanding
Options granted, or Options to be granted, under the Plan for listing on any
national securities exchange or quotation in any

                                       14

<PAGE>   15
national automated quotation system of securities dealers. Any amendment
approved by the Administrator which the Administrator determines is of a scope
that requires shareholder approval shall be subject to obtaining such
shareholder approval. Any modification or amendment of the Plan shall not,
without the consent of a Participant, adversely affect his or her rights under
an Option previously granted to him or her. With the consent of the Participant
affected, the Administrator may amend outstanding Option Agreements in a manner
which may be adverse to the Participant but which is not inconsistent with the
Plan. In the discretion of the Administrator, outstanding Option Agreements may
be amended by the Administrator in a manner which is not adverse to the
Participant.

24.  EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP.

     Nothing in this Plan or any Option Agreement shall be deemed to prevent the
Company or an Affiliate from terminating the employment, consultancy or director
status of a Participant, nor to prevent a Participant from terminating his or
her own employment, consultancy or director status or to give any Participant a
right to be retained in employment or other service by the Company or any
Affiliate for any period of time.

25.  GOVERNING LAW.

     This Plan shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the law of the
State of Connecticut.

                                       15<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                           PETROCHEMNET HOLDINGS, INC.

                                 1999 STOCK PLAN

         1. PURPOSE. The purpose of the PetroChemNet Holdings, Inc. 1999 Stock
Plan (the "Plan") is to encourage key employees of PetroChemNet Holdings, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and of any present or future parent or
subsidiary of the Company (collectively, "Related Corporations") and other
individuals who render services to the Company or a Related Corporation, by
providing opportunities to participate in the ownership of the Company and its
future growth through (a) the grant of options which qualify as "incentive stock
options" ("ISOs") under Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"); (b) the grant of options which do not qualify as ISOs
("Non-Qualified Options"); (c) awards of stock in the Company ("Awards"); and
(d) opportunities to make direct purchases of stock in the Company
("Purchases"). Both ISOs and Non-Qualified Options are referred to hereafter
individually as an "Option" and collectively as "Options." Options, Awards and
authorizations to make Purchases are referred to hereafter collectively as
"Stock Rights." As used herein, the terms "parent" and "subsidiary" mean "parent
corporation" and "subsidiary corporation," respectively, as those terms are
defined in Section 424 of the Code.

         2. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

                           A. BOARD OR COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATION. The Plan shall
                  (be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the
                  "Board") or, subject to paragraph 2(D) (relating to compliance
                  with Section 162(m) of the Code), by a committee appointed by
                  the Board (the "Committee"). Hereinafter, all references in
                  this Plan to the "Committee" shall mean the Board if no
                  Committee has been appointed. Subject to ratification of the
                  grant or authorization of each Stock Right by the Board (if so
                  required by applicable state law), and subject to the terms of
                  the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to (i)
                  determine to whom (from among the class of employees eligible
                  under paragraph 3 to receive ISOs) ISOs shall be granted, and
                  to whom (from among the class of individuals and entities
                  eligible under paragraph 3 to receive Non-Qualified Options
                  and Awards and to make Purchases) Non-Qualified Options,
                  Awards and authorizations to make Purchases may be granted;
                  (ii) determine the time or times at which Options or Awards
                  shall be granted or Purchases made; (iii) determine the
                  purchase price of shares subject to each Option or Purchase,
                  which prices shall not be less than the minimum price
                  specified in paragraph 6; (iv) determine whether each Option
                  granted shall be an ISO or a Non-Qualified Option; (v)
                  determine (subject to paragraph 7) the time or times when each
                  Option shall become exercisable and the duration of the
                  exercise period; (vi) extend the period during which
                  outstanding Options may be exercised; (vii) determine whether
                  restrictions such as repurchase options are to be imposed on
                  shares subject to Options, Awards and Purchases and the nature
                  of such restrictions, if any, and (viii) interpret the Plan
                  and prescribe and rescind rules and regulations relating to
                  it. If the Committee determines to issue a Non-Qualified
                  Option, it shall take whatever actions it deems necessary,
                  under Section 422 of the Code and the

<PAGE>   2
                                      -2-

                  regulations promulgated thereunder, to ensure that such Option
                  is not treated as an ISO. The interpretation and construction
                  by the Committee of any provisions of the Plan or of any Stock
                  Right granted under it shall be final unless otherwise
                  determined by the Board. The Committee may from time to time
                  adopt such rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan as
                  it may deem advisable. No member of the Board or the Committee
                  shall be liable for any action or determination made in good
                  faith with respect to the Plan or any Stock Right granted
                  under it.

                           B. COMMITTEE ACTIONS. The Committee may select one of
                  its members as its chairman, and shall hold meetings at such
                  time and places as it may determine. A majority of the
                  Committee shall constitute a quorum and acts of a majority of
                  the members of the Committee at a meeting at which a quorum is
                  present, or acts reduced to or approved in writing by all the
                  members of the Committee (if consistent with applicable state
                  law), shall be the valid acts of the Committee. From time to
                  time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and
                  appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or
                  without cause) and appoint new members in substitution
                  therefor, fill vacancies however caused, or remove all members
                  of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan.
                  The provisions of this Section 2(B) shall be subject to the
                  provisions of the Company's By-Laws.

                           C. GRANT OF STOCK RIGHTS TO BOARD MEMBERS. Stock
                  Rights may be granted to members of the Board. All grants of
                  Stock Rights to members of the Board shall in all respects be
                  made in accordance with the provisions of this Plan applicable
                  to other eligible persons. Members of the Board who either (i)
                  are eligible to receive grants of Stock Rights pursuant to the
                  Plan or (ii) have been granted Stock Rights may vote on any
                  matters affecting the administration of the Plan or the grant
                  of any Stock Rights pursuant to the Plan, except that no such
                  member shall act upon the granting to himself or herself of
                  Stock Rights, but any such member may be counted in
                  determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting of the
                  Board during which action is taken with respect to the
                  granting to such member of Stock Rights.

                           D. PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION. The Board, in its
                  discretion, may take such action as may be necessary to ensure
                  that Stock Rights granted under the Plan qualify as "qualified
                  performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section
                  162(m) of the Code and applicable regulations promulgated
                  thereunder ("Performance-Based Compensation"). Such action may
                  include, in the Board's discretion, some or all of the
                  following (i) if the Board determines that Stock Rights
                  granted under the Plan generally shall constitute
                  Performance-Based Compensation, the Plan shall be
                  administered, to the extent required for such Stock Rights to
                  constitute Performance-Based Compensation, by a Committee
                  consisting solely of two or more "outside directors" (as
                  defined in applicable regulations promulgated under Section
                  162(m) of the Code), (ii) if any Non-Qualified Options with an
                  exercise price less than the fair market value per share of
                  Common Stock are granted under the Plan and the Board
                  determines that

<PAGE>   3
                                      -3-

                  such Options should constitute Performance-Based Compensation,
                  such options shall be made exercisable only upon the
                  attainment of a pre-established, objective performance goal
                  established by the Committee, and such grant shall be
                  submitted for, and shall be contingent upon shareholder
                  approval and (iii) Stock Rights granted under the Plan may be
                  subject to such other terms and conditions as are necessary
                  for compensation recognized in connection with the exercise or
                  disposition of such Stock Right or the disposition of Common
                  Stock acquired pursuant to such Stock Right, to constitute
                  Performance-Based Compensation.

         3. ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS. ISOs may be granted only to employees
of the Company or any Related Corporation. Non-Qualified Options, Awards and
authorizations to make Purchases may be granted to any employee, officer or
director (whether or not also an employee) or consultant of the Company or any
Related Corporation. The Committee may take into consideration a recipient's
individual circumstances in determining whether to grant a Stock Right. The
granting of any Stock Right to any individual or entity shall neither entitle
that individual or entity to, nor disqualify such individual or entity from,
participation in any other grant of Stock Rights.

         4. STOCK. The stock subject to Stock Rights shall be authorized but
unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), or shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company in any
manner. The aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to the Plan
is 2,095,275, subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph 13. If any Option
granted under the Plan shall expire or terminate for any reason without having
been exercised in full or shall cease for any reason to be exercisable in whole
or in part or shall be repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased shares of
Common Stock subject to such Option shall again be available for grants of Stock
Rights under the Plan.

         No employee of the Company or any Related Corporation may be granted
Options to acquire, in the aggregate, more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock
under the Plan during any fiscal year of the Company. If any Option granted
under the Plan shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been
exercised in full or shall cease for any reason to be exercisable in whole or in
part or shall be repurchased by the Company, the shares subject to such Option
shall be included in the determination of the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock deemed to have been granted to such employee under the Plan.

         5. GRANTING OF STOCK RIGHTS. Stock Rights may be granted under the Plan
at any time on or after June 21, 1999 and prior to June 20, 2009. The date of
grant of a Stock Right under the Plan will be the date specified by the
Committee at the time it grants the Stock Right; provided, however, that such
date shall not be prior to the date on which the Committee acts to approve the
grant.

         6. MINIMUM OPTION PRICE; ISO LIMITATIONS.

                           A. PRICE FOR NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS, AWARDS AND
                  PURCHASES. Subject to paragraph 2(D) (relating to compliance
                  with Section 162(m) of the Code), the exercise price per share
                  specified in the agreement relating to each

<PAGE>   4
                                      -4-

                  Non-Qualified Option granted, and the purchase price per share
                  of stock granted in any Award or authorized as a Purchase,
                  under the Plan may be less than the fair market value of the
                  Common Stock of the Company on the date of grant; provided
                  that, in no event shall such exercise price or such purchase
                  price be less than the minimum legal consideration required
                  therefor under the laws of any jurisdiction in which the
                  Company or its successors in interest may be organized.

                           B. PRICE FOR ISOs. The exercise price per share
                  specified in the agreement relating to each ISO granted under
                  the Plan shall not be less than the fair market value per
                  share of Common Stock on the date of such grant. In the case
                  of an ISO to be granted to an employee owning stock possessing
                  more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power
                  of all classes of stock of the Company or any Related
                  Corporation, the price per share specified in the agreement
                  relating to such ISO shall not be less than one hundred ten
                  percent (110%) of the fair market value per share of Common
                  Stock on the date of grant. For purposes of determining stock
                  ownership under this paragraph, the rules of Section 424(d) of
                  the Code shall apply.

                           C. $100,000 ANNUAL LIMITATION ON ISO VESTING. Each
                  eligible employee may be granted Options treated as ISOs only
                  to the extent that, in the aggregate under this Plan and all
                  incentive stock option plans of the Company and any Related
                  Corporation, ISOs do not become exercisable for the first time
                  by such employee during any calendar year with respect to
                  stock having a fair market value (determined at the time the
                  ISOs were granted) in excess of $100,000. The Company intends
                  to designate any Options granted in excess of such limitation
                  as Non-Qualified Options, and the Company shall issue separate
                  certificates to the optionee with respect to Options that are
                  Non-Qualified Options and Options that are ISOs.

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

<PAGE>   5
                                      -5-

                  the Common Stock in private transactions negotiated at arm's
                  length.

         7. OPTION DURATION. Subject to earlier termination as provided in
paragraphs 9 and 10 or in the agreement relating to such Option, each Option
shall expire on the date specified by the Committee, but not more than (i) ten
years from the date of grant in the case of Options generally and (ii) five
years from the date of grant in the case of ISOs granted to an employee owning
stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company or any Related Corporation, as determined
under paragraph 6(B). Subject to earlier termination as provided in paragraphs 9
and 10, the term of each ISO shall be the term set forth in the original
instrument granting such ISO, except with respect to any part of such ISO that
is converted into a Non-Qualified Option pursuant to paragraph 16.

         8. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 9
through 12, each Option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable as follows:

                           A. VESTING. The Option shall either be fully
                  exercisable on the date of grant or shall become exercisable
                  thereafter in such installments as the Committee may specify.

                           B. FULL VESTING OF INSTALLMENTS. Once an installment
                  becomes exercisable, it shall remain exercisable until
                  expiration or termination of the Option, unless otherwise
                  specified by the Committee.

                           C. PARTIAL EXERCISE. Each Option or installment may
                  be exercised at any time or from time to time, in whole or in
                  part, for up to the total number of shares with respect to
                  which it is then exercisable.

                           D. ACCELERATION OF VESTING. The Committee shall have
                  the right to accelerate the date that any installment of any
                  Option becomes exercisable; provided that the Committee shall
                  not, without the consent of an optionee, accelerate the
                  permitted exercise date of any installment of any Option
                  granted to any employee as an ISO (and not previously
                  converted into a Non-Qualified Option pursuant to paragraph
                  16) if such acceleration would violate the annual vesting
                  limitation contained in Section 422(d) of the Code, as
                  described in paragraph 6(C).

         9. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Unless otherwise specified in the
agreement relating to such ISO or the employee's employment agreement, if any,
if an ISO optionee ceases to be employed by the Company and all Related
Corporations other than by reason of death or disability as defined in paragraph
10, no further installments of his or her ISOs shall become exercisable, and his
or her ISOs shall terminate on the earlier of (a) three months after the date of
termination of his or her employment, or (b) their specified expiration dates,
except to the extent that such ISOs (or unexercised installments thereof) have
been converted into Non-Qualified Options pursuant to paragraph 16. For purposes
of this paragraph 9, employment shall be considered as continuing uninterrupted
during any bona fide leave of absence (such as those

<PAGE>   6
                                      -6-

attributable to illness, military obligations or governmental service) provided
that the period of such leave does not exceed 90 days or, if longer, any period
during which such optionee's right to reemployment is guaranteed by statute or
by contract. A bona fide leave of absence with the written approval of the
Committee shall not be considered an interruption of employment under this
paragraph 9, provided that such written approval contractually obligates the
Company or any Related Corporation to continue the employment of the optionee
after the approved period of absence. ISOs granted under the Plan shall not be
affected by any change of employment within or among the Company and Related
Corporations, so long as the optionee continues to be an employee of the Company
or any Related Corporation. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give any
grantee of any Stock Right the right to be retained in employment or other
service by the Company or any Related Corporation for any period of time.

         10. DEATH; DISABILITY.

                           A. DEATH. Unless otherwise specified in the agreement
                  relating to such ISO or the employee's employment agreement,
                  if any, if an ISO optionee ceases to be employed by the
                  Company and all Related Corporations by reason of his or her
                  death, any ISO owned by such optionee may be exercised, to the
                  extent otherwise exercisable on the date of death, by the
                  estate, personal representative or beneficiary who has
                  acquired the ISO by will or by the laws of descent and
                  distribution, until the earlier of (i) the specified
                  expiration date of the ISO or (ii) the one year anniversary of
                  the date of the optionee's death.

                           B. DISABILITY. Unless otherwise specified in the
                  agreement relating to such ISO or the employee's employment
                  agreement, if any, if an ISO optionee ceases to be employed by
                  the Company and all Related Corporations by reason of his or
                  her disability, such optionee shall have the right to exercise
                  any ISO held by him or her on the date of termination of
                  employment, for the number of shares for which he or she could
                  have exercised it on that date, until the earlier of (i) the
                  specified expiration date of the ISO or (ii) the one year
                  anniversary of the date of the termination of the optionee's
                  employment. For the purposes of the Plan, the term
                  "disability" shall mean "permanent and total disability" as
                  defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or any successor
                  statute.

         11. ASSIGNABILITY. No ISO shall be assignable or transferable by the
optionee except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during
the lifetime of the optionee shall be exercisable only by such optionee. Stock
Rights other than ISOs shall be transferable to the extent set forth in the
agreement relating to such Stock Right.

         12. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS. Options shall be evidenced by
instruments (which need not be identical) in such forms as the Committee may
from time to time approve. Such instruments shall conform to the terms and
conditions set forth in paragraphs 6 through 11 hereof and may contain such
other provisions as the Committee deems advisable which are not inconsistent
with the Plan, including restrictions applicable to shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of Options. The Committee may specify that any
Non-Qualified Option shall be subject to the restrictions set forth herein with
respect to ISOs, or to such other termination and

<PAGE>   7
                                      -7-

cancellation provisions as the Committee may determine. The Committee may from
time to time confer authority and responsibility on one or more of its own
members and/or one or more officers of the Company to execute and deliver such
instruments. The proper officers of the Company are authorized and directed to
take any and all action necessary or advisable from time to time to carry out
the terms of such instruments. No optionee to whom an Option has been granted
shall have rights as a shareholder with respect to any shares covered by such
Option, except after due exercise of the Option and tender of the full purchase
price for the shares being purchased pursuant to such exercise and registration
of the shares in the Company's share register in the name of the optionee.

         13. ADJUSTMENTS. Upon the occurrence of any of the following events, an
optionee's rights with respect to Options granted to such optionee hereunder
shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided, unless otherwise specifically
provided in the written agreement between the optionee and the Company relating
to such Option:

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

                           B. CONSOLIDATIONS OR MERGERS. If the Company is to be
                  consolidated with or acquired by another entity in a merger or
                  other reorganization in which the holders of the outstanding
                  voting stock of the Company immediately preceding the
                  consummation of such event, shall, immediately following such
                  event, hold, as a group, less than a majority of the voting
                  securities of the surviving or successor entity, or in the
                  event of a sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
                  assets or otherwise (each, an "Acquisition"), the Committee or
                  the board of directors of any entity assuming the obligations
                  of the Company hereunder (the "Successor Board"), shall, as to
                  outstanding Options, either (i) make appropriate provision for
                  the continuation of such Options by substituting on an
                  equitable basis for the shares then subject to such Options
                  either (a) the consideration payable with respect to the
                  outstanding shares of Common Stock in connection with the
                  Acquisition, (b) shares of stock of the surviving or successor
                  corporation or (c) such other securities as the Successor
                  Board deems appropriate, the fair market value of which shall
                  not materially exceed the fair market value of the shares of
                  Common Stock subject to such Options immediately preceding the
                  Acquisition; or (ii) upon written notice to the optionees,
                  provide that all Options must be exercised, to the extent then
                  exercisable or to be exercisable as a result of the
                  Acquisition, within a specified number of days of the date of
                  such notice, at the end of which period the Options shall
                  terminate; or (iii) terminate all Options in exchange for a
                  cash payment equal to the excess of the fair market value of
                  the shares subject to such Options

<PAGE>   8
                                      -8-

                  (to the extent then exercisable or to be exercisable as a
                  result of the Acquisition) over the exercise price thereof.

                           C. RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION. In the event
                  of a recapitalization or reorganization of the Company (other
                  than a transaction described in subparagraph B above) pursuant
                  to which securities of the Company or of another corporation
                  are issued with respect to the outstanding shares of Common
                  Stock, an optionee upon exercising an Option shall be entitled
                  to receive for the purchase price paid upon such exercise the
                  securities he or she would have received if he or she had
                  exercised such Option prior to such recapitalization or
                  reorganization.

                           D. MODIFICATION OF ISOS. Notwithstanding the
                  foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to subparagraphs A, B
                  or C with respect to ISOs shall be made only after the
                  Committee, after consulting with counsel for the Company,
                  determines whether such adjustments would constitute a
                  "modification" of such ISOs (as that term is defined in
                  Section 424 of the Code) or would cause any adverse tax
                  consequences for the holders of such ISOs. If the Committee
                  determines that such adjustments made with respect to ISOs
                  would constitute a modification of such ISOs or would cause
                  adverse tax consequences to the holders, it may refrain from
                  making such adjustments.

                           E. DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the
                  proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, each
                  Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of
                  such proposed action or at such other time and subject to such
                  other conditions as shall be determined by the Committee.

                           F. ISSUANCES OF SECURITIES. Except as expressly
                  provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock
                  of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock
                  of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason
                  thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of
                  shares subject to Options. No adjustments shall be made for
                  dividends paid in cash or in property other than securities of
                  the Company.

                           G. FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional shares shall be
                  issued under the Plan and the optionee shall receive from the
                  Company cash in lieu of such fractional shares.

                           H. ADJUSTMENTS. Upon the happening of any of the
                  events described in subparagraphs A, B or C above, the class
                  and aggregate number of shares set forth in paragraph 4 hereof
                  that are subject to Stock Rights which previously have been or
                  subsequently may be granted under the Plan shall also be
                  appropriately adjusted to reflect the events described in such
                  subparagraphs. The Committee or the Successor Board shall
                  determine the specific adjustments to be made under this
                  paragraph 13 and, subject to paragraph 2, its determination
                  shall be conclusive.

<PAGE>   9
                                      -9-

         14. MEANS OF EXERCISING OPTIONS. An Option (or any part or installment
thereof) shall be exercised by giving written notice to the Company at its
principal office address, or to such transfer agent as the Company shall
designate. Such notice shall identify the Option being exercised and specify the
number of shares as to which such Option is being exercised, accompanied by full
payment of the purchase price therefor either (a) in United States dollars in
cash or by check, (b) at the discretion of the Committee, through delivery of
shares of Common Stock having a fair market value equal as of the date of the
exercise to the cash exercise price of the Option, (c) at the discretion of the
Committee, by delivery of the grantee's personal note with a recourse amount
determined by the Administrator (but in no case with a recourse amount less than
twenty-five percent (25%) of the fair market value of the stock) and bearing
non-refundable, fully recourse interest payable not less than annually at no
less than 100% of the lowest applicable Federal rate, as defined in Section
1274(d) of the Code, (d) at the discretion of the Committee and consistent with
applicable law, through the delivery of an assignment to the Company of a
sufficient amount of the proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock acquired
upon exercise of the Option and an authorization to the broker or selling agent
to pay that amount to the Company, which sale shall be at the participant's
direction at the time of exercise, or (e) at the discretion of the Committee, by
any combination of (a), (b), (c) and (d) above. If the Committee exercises its
discretion to permit payment of the exercise price of an ISO by means of the
methods set forth in clauses (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the preceding sentence,
such discretion shall be exercised in writing at the time of the grant of the
ISO in question. The holder of an Option shall not have the rights of a
shareholder with respect to the shares covered by such Option until the date of
issuance of a stock certificate to such holder for such shares. Except as
expressly provided above in paragraph 13 with respect to changes in
capitalization and stock dividends, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or
similar rights for which the record date is before the date such stock
certificate is issued.

         15. TERM AND AMENDMENT OF PLAN. This Plan was adopted by the Board on
June 21, 1999, subject, with respect to the validation of ISOs granted under the
Plan, to approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company at the next
Meeting of Stockholders or, in lieu thereof, by written consent. The Plan shall
expire at the end of the day on June 20, 2009 (except as to Options outstanding
on that date). Subject to the provisions of paragraph 5 above, Options may be
granted under the Plan prior to the date of stockholder approval of the Plan.
The Board may terminate or amend the Plan in any respect at any time, except
that, without the approval of the stockholders obtained within 12 months before
or after the Board adopts a resolution authorizing any of the following actions:
(a) the total number of shares that may be issued under the Plan may not be
increased (except by adjustment pursuant to paragraph 13); (b) the provisions of
paragraph 3 regarding eligibility for grants of ISOs may not be modified; (c)
the provisions of paragraph 6(B) regarding the exercise price at which shares
may be offered pursuant to ISOs may not be modified (except by adjustment
pursuant to paragraph 13); and (d) the expiration date of the Plan may not be
extended. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph 15, in no event may
action of the Board or stockholders alter or impair the rights of a grantee,
without such grantee's consent, under any Stock Right previously granted to such
grantee.

<PAGE>   10
                                      -10-

         16. MODIFICATIONS OF ISOs; CONVERSION OF ISOs INTO NON-QUALIFIED
OPTIONS. Subject to paragraph 13(D), without the prior written consent of the
holder of an ISO, the Committee shall not alter the terms of such ISO (including
the means of exercising such ISO) if such alteration would constitute a
modification (within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code). The
Committee, at the written request or with the written consent of any optionee,
may in its discretion take such actions as may be necessary to convert such
optionee's ISOs (or any installments or portions of installments thereof) that
have not been exercised on the date of conversion into Non-Qualified Options at
any time prior to the expiration of such ISOs, regardless of whether the
optionee is an employee of the Company or a Related Corporation at the time of
such conversion. Such actions may include, but shall not be limited to,
extending the exercise period or reducing the exercise price of the appropriate
installments of such ISOs. At the time of such conversion, the Committee (with
the consent of the optionee) may impose such conditions on the exercise of the
resulting Non-Qualified Options as the Committee in its discretion may
determine, provided that such conditions shall not be inconsistent with this
Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give any optionee the right to have
such optionee's ISOs converted into Non-Qualified Options, and no such
conversion shall occur until and unless the Committee takes appropriate action.
Upon the taking of such action, the Company shall issue separate certificates to
the optionee with respect to Options that are Non-Qualified Options and Options
that are ISOs.

         17. APPLICATION OF FUNDS. The proceeds received by the Company from the
sale of shares pursuant to Options granted and Purchases authorized under the
Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.

         18. NOTICE TO COMPANY OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION. By accepting an ISO
granted under the Plan, each optionee agrees to notify the Company in writing
immediately after such optionee makes a Disqualifying Disposition (as described
in Sections 421, 422 and 424 of the Code and regulations thereunder) of any
stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of ISOs granted under the Plan. A
Disqualifying Disposition is generally any disposition occurring on or before
the later of (a) the date two years following the date the ISO was granted or
(b) the date one year following the date the ISO was exercised.

         19. WITHHOLDING OF ADDITIONAL INCOME TAXES. Upon the exercise of a
Non-Qualified Option, the transfer of a Non-Qualified Stock Option pursuant to
an arm's-length transaction, the grant of an Award, the making of a Purchase of
Common Stock for less than its fair market value, the making of a Disqualifying
Disposition (as defined in paragraph 18), the vesting or transfer of restricted
stock or securities acquired on the exercise of an Option hereunder, or the
making of a distribution or other payment with respect to such stock or
securities, the Company may withhold taxes in respect of amounts that constitute
compensation includible in gross income. The Committee in its discretion may
condition (i) the exercise of an Option, (ii) the transfer of a Non-Qualified
Stock Option, (iii) the grant of an Award, (iv) the making of a Purchase of
Common Stock for less than its fair market value, or (v) the vesting or
transferability of restricted stock or securities acquired by exercising an
Option, on the grantee's making satisfactory arrangement for such withholding.
Such arrangement may include payment by the grantee in cash or by check of the
amount of the withholding taxes or, at the discretion of the Committee, by the
grantee's delivery of previously held shares of Common Stock or the

<PAGE>   11
                                      -11-

withholding from the shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise
of a Option shares having an aggregate fair market value equal to the amount of
such withholding taxes.

         20. PURCHASE FOR INVESTMENT.

         Unless the offering and sale of the shares to be issued upon the
particular exercise of a Stock Right shall have been effectively registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as now in force or hereafter amended (the
"1933 Act"), the Company shall be under no obligation to issue the shares
covered by such exercise unless and until the following conditions have been
fulfilled:

         a.       The person(s) who exercise(s) such Stock Right shall warrant
                  to the Company, prior to the receipt of such shares, that such
                  person(s) are acquiring such shares for their own respective
                  accounts, for investment, and not with a view to, or for sale
                  in connection with, the distribution of any such shares, in
                  which event the person(s) acquiring such shares shall be bound
                  by the provisions of the following legend which shall be
                  endorsed upon the certificate(s) evidencing their shares
                  issued pursuant to such exercise or such grant:

                           "The shares represented by this certificate have been
                           taken for investment and they may not be sold or
                           otherwise transferred by any person, including a
                           pledgee, unless (1) either (a) a Registration
                           Statement with respect to such shares shall be
                           effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as
                           amended, or (b) the Company shall have received an
                           opinion of counsel satisfactory to it that an
                           exemption from registration under such Act is then
                           available, and (2) there shall have been compliance
                           with all applicable state securities laws."

         b.       At the discretion of the Committee, the Company shall have
                  received an opinion of its counsel that the shares may be
                  issued upon such particular exercise in compliance with the
                  1933 Act without registration thereunder.

         21. DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY.

         Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all Options granted
under this Plan which as of such date shall not have been exercised will
terminate and become null and void; provided, however, that if the rights of a
grantee of such Stock Right or such grantee's survivors have not otherwise
terminated and expired, the grantee of such Stock Right or such grantee's
survivors will have the right immediately prior to such dissolution or
liquidation to exercise any Stock Right to the extent that the Stock Right is
exercisable as of the date immediately prior to such dissolution or liquidation.

         22. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION. The Company's obligation to sell and
deliver shares of the Common Stock under this Plan is subject to the approval of
any governmental authority required in connection with the authorization,
issuance or sale of such shares.

<PAGE>   12
                                      -12-

         Government regulations may impose reporting or other obligations on the
Company with respect to the Plan. For example, the Company may be required to
send tax information statements to employees and former employees that exercise
ISOs under the Plan, and the Company may be required to file tax information
returns reporting the income received by grantees of Options in connection with
the Plan.

         23. GOVERNING LAW. The validity and construction of the Plan and the
instruments evidencing Stock Rights shall be governed by the laws of Delaware,
or the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Company or its successors in
interest may be organized.

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