Document:

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                            BELL MICROPRODUCTS, INC.

                         MANAGEMENT RETENTION AGREEMENT

This Management Retention Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into
by and between Dick Borsboom (the "Employee") and Bell Microproducts, Inc. (the
"Company"), effective as of the latest date set forth by the signatures of the
parties hereto below (the "Effective Date").

                                 R E C I T A L S

A. It is expected that the Company from time to time will consider the
possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control. The
Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") recognizes that such
consideration can be a distraction to the Employee and can cause the Employee to
consider alternative employment opportunities. The Board has determined that it
is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the
Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of the Employee,
notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as
defined below) of the Company.

B. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders to provide the Employee with an incentive to continue his
employment and to motivate the Employee to maximize the value of the Company
upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its stockholders.

C. The Board believes that it is imperative to provide the Employee with certain
severance benefits upon Employee's termination of employment following a Change
of Control which provides the Employee with enhanced financial security and
provides incentive and encouragement to the Employee to remain with the Company
notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.

D. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 4
below.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate three years following the
Effective Date, unless a Change of Control has occurred as of such time, in
which case this Agreement shall terminate upon the date that all obligations of
the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. This
Agreement may be extended unilaterally by the Company by written resolutions
adopted by the Board prior to the termination of this Agreement.

2. At-Will Employment. The Company and the Employee acknowledge that the
Employee's employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as defined under
applicable law. If the Employee's employment terminates for any reason,
including (without limitation) any termination prior to a Change of Control, the
Employee shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or
compensation other than as provided by this Agreement, or as may otherwise be
available in

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accordance with the Company's written employee plans or pursuant to other
written agreements with the Company.

3. Severance Benefits.

      (a) Termination Following A Change of Control. If the Employee's
employment terminates at any time within twelve (12) months following a Change
of Control, then, subject to Section 4, the Employee shall be entitled to
receive the following severance benefits:

            (i)Involuntary Termination. If the Employee's employment is
terminated as a result of Involuntary Termination other than for Cause, then the
Employee shall receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

            (1) Severance Payment. A cash payment in an amount equal to one
hundred percent (100%) of the Employee's Base Salary.

            (2) Continued Employee Benefits. One hundred percent (100%)
Company-paid health, dental and life insurance coverage at the same level of
coverage as was provided to such employee immediately prior to the Change of
Control (the "Company-Paid Coverage") under the Company's plans. Such coverage
shall be provided under either (at the Company's discretion) (i) the Company's
plans, or (ii) no less favorable plans or arrangements secured by the Company.
If such coverage included the Employee's dependents immediately prior to the
Change of Control, such dependents shall also be covered at Company expense.
Company-Paid Coverage shall continue until the earlier of (i) one year from the
date of the Change of Control, or (ii) the date that the Employee and his
dependents become covered under another employer's group health, dental or life
insurance plans that provide Employee and his dependents with comparable
benefits and levels of coverage. For purposes of Title X of the Consolidated
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA"), the date of the "qualifying event"
for Employee and his dependents shall be the date upon which the Company-Paid
Coverage terminates.

            (3) Stock Option Accelerated Vesting. One hundred percent (100%) of
the unvested portion of any stock option held by the Employee shall
automatically be accelerated in full so as to become completely vested;
provided, however, that if such potential vesting acceleration would cause a
contemplated Change of Control transaction that was intended to be accounted for
as a "pooling-of-interests" transaction to become ineligible for such accounting
treatment under generally accepted accounting principles, as determined by the
Company's independent public accountants (the "Accountants") prior to the Change
of Control, Employee's stock options and restricted stock shall not have their
vesting so accelerated.

      (b) Timing of Severance Payments. Any severance payment to which Employee
is entitled under Section 4(a)(i) shall be paid by the Company to the Employee
(or to the Employee's successors in interest, pursuant to Section 7(b)) in cash
and in full, not later than thirty (30) calendar days following the Termination
Date.

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      (c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination For Cause. If the Employee's
employment terminates by reason of the Employee's voluntary resignation (and is
not an Involuntary Termination), or if the Employee is terminated for Cause,
then the Employee shall not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits
except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company's then
existing written employee plans or pursuant to other written agreements with the
Company.

      (d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates the Employee's employment
as a result of the Employee's Disability, or such Employee's employment is
terminated due to the death of the Employee, then the Employee shall not be
entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may
then be established under the Company's then existing written employee plans or
pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

      (e) Termination Apart from Change of Control. In the event the Employee's
employment is terminated for any reason, either prior to the occurrence of a
Change of Control or after the twelve (12)-month period following a Change of
Control, then the Employee shall be entitled to receive severance and any other
benefits only as may then be established under the Company's existing severance
and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other agreements with the
Company.

4. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits
provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to the Employee (i)
constitute "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and (ii) but for this
Section 4, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code, then the Employee's severance benefits under Section 3(a)(i) shall be
reduced as to such lesser extent as would result in no portion of such severance
benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the
Company and the Employee otherwise agree in writing, any determination required
under this Section 4 shall be made in writing by the Company's independent
public accountants immediately prior to Change of Control (the "Accountants"),
whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Employee and the
Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by
this Section 4, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and
approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good
faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of
the Code. The Company and the Employee shall furnish to the Accountants such
information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to
make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the
Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations
contemplated by this Section 4.

5. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall
have the following meanings:

      (a) Base Salary. "Base Salary" means an amount equal to twelve (12) times
Employee's monthly Company salary for the last full month preceding the Change
of Control.

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      (b) Cause. "Cause" shall mean (i) any act of personal dishonesty taken by
the Employee in connection with his responsibilities as an employee and intended
to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Employee, (ii) the
conviction of a felony, (iii) a willful act by the Employee which constitutes
gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company, and (iv) following
delivery to the Employee of a written demand for performance from the Company
which describes the basis for the Company's belief that the Employee has not
substantially performed his duties, continued violations by the Employee of the
Employee's obligations to the Company which are demonstrably willful and
deliberate on the Employee's part.

      (c) Change of Control. "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of
the following events:

            (i) Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) is or becomes the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total
voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities; or

            (ii) A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a
two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority
of the directors  are  Incumbent  Directors.  "Incumbent  Directors"  shall mean
directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of the date hereof,  or
(B) are elected,  or nominated for election,  to the Board with the  affirmative
votes of at least a  majority  of the  Incumbent  Directors  at the time of such
election or nomination  (but shall not include an individual  whose  election or
nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened  proxy contest relating
to the election of directors to the Company); or

            (iii) The stockholders of the Company approve a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or
consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders
of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an
agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
the Company's assets.

      (d) Disability. "Disability" shall mean that the Employee has been unable
to perform his Company duties as the result of his incapacity due to physical or
mental illness, and such inability, at least 26 weeks after its commencement, is
determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or
its insurers and acceptable to the Employee or the Employee's legal
representative (such Agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably
withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at
least 30 days' written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the
Employee's employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of
substantially all of his duties hereunder before the termination of his
employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall
automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

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      (e) Involuntary Termination. "Involuntary Termination" shall mean (i)
without the Employee's express written consent, the significant reduction of the
Employee's duties, authority or responsibilities, relative to the Employee's
duties, authority or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such
reduction, or the assignment to Employee of such reduced duties, authority or
responsibilities; (ii) without the Employee's express written consent, a
substantial reduction, without good business reasons, of the facilities and
perquisites (including office space and location) available to the Employee
immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a reduction by the Company in the
base salary of the Employee as in effect immediately prior to such reduction;
(iv) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of employee
benefits, including bonuses, to which the Employee was entitled immediately
prior to such reduction with the result that the Employee's overall benefits
package is significantly reduced; (v) the relocation of the Employee to a
facility or a location more than thirty-five (35) miles from the Employee's then
present location, without the Employee's express written consent; (vi) any
purported termination of the Employee by the Company which is not effected for
Disability or for Cause, or any purported termination for which the grounds
relied upon are not valid; (vii) the failure of the Company to obtain the
assumption of this agreement by any successors contemplated in Section 6(a)
below; or (viii) any act or set of facts or circumstances which would, under
California case law or statute constitute a constructive termination of the
Employee.

      (f) Termination Date. "Termination Date" shall mean (i) if this Agreement
is terminated by the Company for Disability, thirty (30) days after notice of
termination is given to the Employee (provided that the Employee shall not have
returned to the performance of the Employee's duties on a full-time basis during
such thirty (30)-day period), (ii) if the Employee's employment is terminated by
the Company for any other reason, the date on which a notice of termination is
given, provided that if within thirty (30) days after the Company gives the
Employee notice of termination, the Employee notifies the Company that a dispute
exists concerning the termination or the benefits due pursuant to this
Agreement, then the Termination Date shall be the date on which such dispute is
finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, or a by
final judgment, order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction (the time
for appeal therefrom having expired and no appeal having been perfected), or
(iii) if the Agreement is terminated by the Employee, the date on which the
Employee delivers the notice of termination to the Company.

6. Successors.

      (a) Company's Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or
indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or
otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company's business and/or assets
shall assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform
the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent
as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a
succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term "Company" shall
include any successor to the Company's business and/or assets which executes and
delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 6(a) or which
becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law.

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      (b) Employee's Successors. The terms of this Agreement and all rights of
the Employee hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the
Employee's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

7. Notice.

      (a) General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Employee, mailed
notices shall be addressed to him at the home address which he most recently
communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed
notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall
be directed to the attention of its Secretary.

      (b) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by
the Employee as a result of a voluntary resignation or an Involuntary
Termination shall be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party
hereto given in accordance with Section 7(a) of this Agreement. Such notice
shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon,
shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to
provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and shall
specify the termination date (which shall be not more than 30 days after the
giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee to include in the notice any
fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Involuntary Termination
shall not waive any right of the Employee hereunder or preclude the Employee
from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder.

8. Miscellaneous Provisions.

      (a) No Duty to Mitigate. The Employee shall not be required to mitigate
the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any such
payment be reduced by any earnings that the Employee may receive from any other
source.

      (b) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or
discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing
and signed by the Employee and by an authorized officer of the Company (other
than the Employee). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance
with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be
considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition
or provision at another time.

      (c) Whole Agreement. No agreements, representations or understandings
(whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which are not expressly
set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes in their
entirety any prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written, oral, express
or implied, relating to the subject matter hereof.

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      (d) Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California.

      (e) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or
provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

      (f) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be
subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes.

      (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one
and the same instrument.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in
the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year
set forth below.

COMPANY                             BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                    By:
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       W. Donald Bell,
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer

                                    Date:    5/7/01
                                         ---------------------------------------

EMPLOYEE
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                     Dick Borsboom

                                    Date:    5/7/01
                                         ---------------------------------------

                                      -7-<PAGE>
                             BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN
               (AS AMENDED AND RESTATED THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2002)

      1.    Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

            -     to attract and retain the best available personnel for
                  positions of substantial responsibility,

            -     to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and
                  Consultants, and

            -     to promote the success of the Company's business.

      Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan. The Plan also
provides for automatic grants of Nonstatutory Stock Options to Outside
Directors.

      2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

            (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as
shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

            (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are,
or will be, granted under the Plan.

            (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            (e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

            (f) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

            (g) "Company" means Bell Microproducts Inc., a California
corporation.

            (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

<PAGE>

            (i) "Director" means a member of the Board.

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

            (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

            (m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

                  (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in
The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

                  (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable; or

                  (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

            (n) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

            (o) "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.
<PAGE>

            (p) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

            (q) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice
evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock
Purchase Right grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

            (r) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within
the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

            (s) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (t) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an
Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The
Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

            (u) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
Options are surrendered in exchange for Options with a lower exercise price.

            (v) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
Stock Purchase Right.

            (w) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

            (x) "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee.

            (y) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

            (z) "Plan" means this 1998 Stock Plan..

            (aa) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock awarded or
acquired pursuant to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 of the
Plan.

            (bb) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to Common Stock purchased or awarded under a Stock Purchase Right. The
Restricted Stock Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan
and the Notice of Grant.

            (cc) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

            (dd) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

            (ee) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

            (ff) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

            (gg) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase or an award
of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by
a Notice of Grant.

            (hh) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

      3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 1,075,008 Shares, plus an annual increase to be added on the
first day of the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 1999, equal to the
lesser of (i) 600,000 Shares, (ii) 4% of the outstanding Shares on such date or
(iii) a lesser amount determined by the Board. The Shares may be authorized, but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

            If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant
to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto
shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan
has terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued
under the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the
Company at their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for
future grant under the Plan.

      4. Administration of the Plan.

            (a) Procedure.

                  (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be
administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service
Providers.

                  (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator
determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as
"performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more "outside
directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

                  (iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify
transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated
hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under
Rule 16b-3.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                  (iv) Grants to Outside Directors. All grants of Options to
Outside Directors made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan shall be automatic and
nondiscretionary.

                  (v) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the
Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee
shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

                  (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties
delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the
authority, in its discretion:

                  (i) to determine the Fair Market Value;

                  (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

                  (iii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

                  (iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

                  (v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the terms of the Plan, of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted
hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the
exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be
exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration
or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation
regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock
relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine;

                  (vi) to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have
declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;

                  (vii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;

                  (viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

                  (ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

                  (x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 16(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to
extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is
otherwise provided for in the Plan;

                  (xi) to withhold and deduct from future wages of the Service
Provider all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all
withholding and employment-related taxes attributable to the Service Provider's
exercise of an Option or to the Stock Purchase Right. In the event the Service
Provider is required under the Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement to
pay the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company respecting
payment of, such withholding and employment-related taxes, the Administrator
may, in its discretion and pursuant to such rules as it may adopt, permit the
Service Provider to satisfy such obligations, in whole or in part, by electing
to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the
Service Provider, having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum required tax
withholding based on the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and
state tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to the
supplemental income resulting from the exercise of the Option or from the Stock
Purchase Right. In no event may the Company withhold shares having a Fair Market
Value in excess of such statutory minimum required tax withholding. The Service
Provider's election to have shares withheld for this purpose shall be made on or
before the date the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is determined
under applicable tax law. Such election shall be approved by the Administrator
and otherwise comply with such rules as the Administrator may adopt to assure
compliance with Rule 16b-3, or any successor provision, as then in effect, of
the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                  (xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator;

                  (xii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.

            (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

      5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

      6. Limitations.

            (a) Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as
either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock
Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The
Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option
with respect to such Shares is granted.

            (b) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in
any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.

            (c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options:

                  (i) No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal year
of the Company, Options to purchase more than 300,000 Shares.

                  (ii) In connection with his or her initial service, a Service
Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 300,000 Shares
which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

                  (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 14.

                  (iv) If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the
Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction
described in Section 14), the cancelled Option will be counted against the
limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this purpose, if the
exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.

      7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, the Plan shall become
effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for a term
of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 16 of the Plan.

      8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term shall be ten (10)
years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the
Option Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of
all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the
Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such
shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

      9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

            (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

                  (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                        (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent
(10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent
or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                        (B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall
be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                  (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

                  (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted
with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

            (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.

            (c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

                  (i) cash;

                  (ii) check;

                  (iii) promissory note;

                  (iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

                  (v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless
exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                  (vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation
in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

                  (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

                  (viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

      10. Exercise of Option.

            (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise,
vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of
absence. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                  An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

                  Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number
of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under
the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

            (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an
Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death
or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of
time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of
a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable
for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If,

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the
time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares
covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

            (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to
his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not
exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

            (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a
person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death. In the
absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain
exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, at
the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option,
the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately
revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the executor or administrator
of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the
Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent or distribution. If the
Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

            (e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

      11. Stock Purchase Rights. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan.

            (a) Stock Purchase. After the Administrator determines that it will
offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in
writing or electronically, by means of a Notice of Grant, of the terms,
conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares
that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the
time within which the offeree must accept such offer.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

                  (i) The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted
Stock Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.

                  (ii) Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the
Restricted Stock Agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option
exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's
services with the Company for any reason (including death or Disability). The
purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement
shall be the original purchase price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by
cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase
option shall lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator.

                  (iii) Once the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, the
purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a shareholder, and shall
be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records of the
duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment will be made for a
dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Stock
Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

            (b) Stock Awards. The Administrator shall determine those Service
Providers who shall be eligible for an award of Restricted Stock. Each award of
Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Agreement, which shall
be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Administrator and
may vary among Service Providers.

                  (i) The Restricted Stock Agreement shall state the total
number of shares of Stock covered by the award of Restricted Stock, shall set
forth the risks of forfeiture, if any, which shall apply to the shares of
Restricted Stock covered by the award, and shall specify the manner in which
such risks of forfeiture shall lapse. The Administrator may, in its sole
discretion, modify the manner in which such risks of forfeiture shall lapse but
only with respect to those shares of Restricted Stock which are restricted as of
the effective date of the modification.

                  (ii) The Administrator shall enter the award of Restricted
Stock upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company,
shall cause to be issued one or more stock certificates representing such shares
of Restricted Stock in the Service Provider's name, and shall hold each such
certificate until such time as the risk of forfeiture and other transfer
restrictions set forth in the Service Provider's Restricted Stock Agreement have
lapsed with respect to the shares represented by the certificate.

                  (iii) Until the risks of forfeiture have lapsed or the shares
of Restricted Stock have been forfeited, the Service Provider shall be entitled
to vote the shares of Restricted Stock represented by such stock certificates
and shall receive all dividends attributable to such shares, but the Service
Provider shall not have any other rights as a shareholder with respect to such
shares.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

            (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Agreement authorized
under this Section 11 shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions
not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its
sole discretion.

      12. Automatic Option Grants to Outside Directors. All grants of Options to
Outside Directors pursuant to this Section shall be automatic and
nondiscretionary and shall be made strictly in accordance with the following
provisions:

            (a) All Options granted pursuant to this Section shall be
Nonstatutory Stock Options and, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be
subject to the other terms and conditions of the Plan.

            (b) No person shall have any discretion to select which Outside
Directors shall be granted Options under this Section or to determine the number
of Shares to be covered by such Options.

            (c) Each person who first becomes an Outside Director following the
effective date of this Plan, as determined in accordance with Section 7 hereof,
shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase 22,500 Shares (the "First
Option") on the date on which such person first becomes an Outside Director,
whether through election by the shareholders of the Company or appointment by
the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside Director who
ceases to be an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall not receive a
First Option.

            (d) Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted, subject to
such Outside Director's right to decline such grant in his/her discretion, an
Option to purchase 7,500 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") on the date of the
Company's annual meeting of the shareholders each year; provided, such Outside
Director continues to serve as a Director on such dates and, if as of such date,
he or she shall have served on the Board for at least the preceding six (6)
months.

            (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (c) and (d)
hereof, any exercise of an Option granted before the Company has obtained
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 20 hereof shall be
conditioned upon obtaining such shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance
with Section 20 hereof.

            (f) The terms of each Option granted pursuant to this Section shall
be as follows:

                  (i) the term of the Option shall be ten (10) years.

                  (ii) the Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside
Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in Section 10
hereof.

                  (iii) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Option.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

                  (iv) effective August 5, 1999, the First Option shall be
exercisable as to 100% of the Shares subject to the First Option on the date of
grant.

                  (v) effective August 5, 1999, each Subsequent Option shall be
exercisable as to 100% of the Shares subject to the Subsequent Option on the
date of grant.

      13. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the
Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

      14. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
Asset Sale.

            (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
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 of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock
Purchase Right.

            (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to such
transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as
to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the
Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any
Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right or any risks
of forfeiture on an award of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to Section 11(b)
shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or
liquidation takes place at the time and in

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an
Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

            (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event
that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or
Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to
exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock,
including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable,
and all risks of forfeiture on awards of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to
Section 11(b) shall lapse. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully
vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing
or electronically that the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully vested.
Except with respect to awards of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to Section
11(b), such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall remain exercisable for a period
of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice but shall terminate upon the
expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or
Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or
sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive,
for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right
immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether
stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of
assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of
the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type
of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares);
provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of
assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent,
the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide
for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock
Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock
Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by
holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

      15. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other later
date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be
provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

      16. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

            (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

            (b) Shareholder Approval. The Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

            (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.

      17. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

            (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

            (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising
such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

      18. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect
of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority
shall not have been obtained.

      19. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will
at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

      20. Shareholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the
degree required under Applicable Laws.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

                             BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

      Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.  NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

[Optionee's Name and Address]

      You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
        Grant Number                        _________________________

        Date of Grant                       _________________________

        Vesting Commencement Date           _________________________

        Exercise Price per Share            $________________________

        Total Number of Shares Granted      _________________________

        Total Exercise Price                $_________________________

        Type of Option:                     ___      Incentive Stock Option

                                            ___      Nonstatutory Stock Option

        Term/Expiration Date:               _________________________
</TABLE>

Vesting Schedule:

      This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:

      [25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve months after
the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option
shall vest each month thereafter, subject to the Optionee continuing to be a
Service Provider on such dates].

<PAGE>

      Termination Period:

      This Option may be exercised for thirty (30) days after Optionee ceases to
be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option
may be exercised for one year after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. In
no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as
provided above.

II. AGREEMENT

      1 Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants to
the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this Agreement
(the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of Shares, as
set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in
the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and conditions
of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 16(c)
of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the
Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and
conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

      If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO"),
this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section
422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock
Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d)
it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

      2 Exercise of Option.

            (a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

            (b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed
by the Optionee and delivered to the Secretary of the Company. The Exercise
Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all
Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by
the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate
Exercise Price.

            No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered
transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to
such Exercised Shares.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      3 Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by
any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

            (a) cash; or

            (b) check; or

            (c) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or

            (d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised
Shares][; OR

            (e) WITH THE ADMINISTRATOR'S CONSENT, DELIVERY OF OPTIONEE'S
PROMISSORY NOTE (THE "NOTE") IN THE FORM ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT C, IN THE
AMOUNT OF THE AGGREGATE EXERCISE PRICE OF THE EXERCISED SHARES TOGETHER WITH THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY BY THE OPTIONEE OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT ATTACHED HERETO
AS EXHIBIT B. THE NOTE SHALL BEAR INTEREST AT THE "APPLICABLE FEDERAL RATE"
PRESCRIBED UNDER THE CODE AND ITS REGULATIONS AT TIME OF PURCHASE, AND SHALL BE
SECURED BY A PLEDGE OF THE SHARES PURCHASED BY THE NOTE PURSUANT TO THE SECURITY
AGREEMENT].

      4 Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any
manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may
be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of
the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

      5 Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

      6 Tax Consequences. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to this
Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

      (a) Exercising the Option.

                  (i) Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Optionee may incur regular
federal income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO. The Optionee will be
treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax
rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required
to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the
applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this
compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the
exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not
delivered at the time of exercise.

                  (ii) Incentive Stock Option. If this Option qualifies as an
ISO, the Optionee will have no regular federal income tax liability upon its
exercise, although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price will be
treated as an adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income for federal tax
purposes and may subject the Optionee to alternative minimum tax in the year of
exercise. In the event that the Optionee ceases to be an Employee but remains a
Service Provider, any Incentive Stock Option of the Optionee that remains
unexercised shall cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and will be
treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3)
months and one (1) day following such change of status.

            (b) Disposition of Shares.

                  (i) NSO. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one
year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as
long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

                  (ii) ISO. If the Optionee holds ISO Shares for at least one
year after exercise and two years after the grant date, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
income tax purposes. If the Optionee disposes of ISO Shares within one year
after exercise or two years after the grant date, any gain realized on such
disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the lesser of (A) the difference
between the Fair Market Value of the Shares acquired on the date of exercise and
the aggregate Exercise Price, or (B) the difference between the sale price of
such Shares and the aggregate Exercise Price. Any additional gain will be taxed
as capital gain, short-term or long-term depending on the period that the ISO
Shares were held.

            (c) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the
Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to
an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one
year after the exercise date, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company
in writing of such disposition. The Optionee agrees that he or she may be
subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income
recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out
of the current earnings paid to the Optionee.

      7 Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company
and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but
not the choice of law rules, of California.

      8 NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY
CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE
ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER).
OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT
CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT
INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S
RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

      By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below,
you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE:                                 BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

-----------------------------------       --------------------------------------
Signature                                 By

-----------------------------------       --------------------------------------
Print Name                                Title

-----------------------------------
Residence Address

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

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

Bell Microproducts Inc.
1941 Ringwood Avenue
San Jose, CA 95131

Attention:  Secretary

      1 Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, 199__, the
undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares (the
"Shares") of the Common Stock of Bell Microproducts Inc. (the "Company") under
and pursuant to the 1998 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement
dated ____, 19___ (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares
shall be $______, as required by the Option Agreement.

      2 Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full
purchase price for the Shares.

      3 Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser has
received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to
abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

      4 Rights as Shareholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 14 of the
Plan.

      5 Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

<PAGE>

      6 Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is
governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of
California.

Submitted by:                             Accepted by:
PURCHASER:                                BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

----------------------------------        -------------------------------------
Signature                                 By

----------------------------------        -------------------------------------
Print Name                                Its

Address:                                  Address:

----------------------------------        1941 Ringwood Avenue
                                          San Jose, CA 95131
----------------------------------

                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Date Received

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B

                               SECURITY AGREEMENT

      This Security Agreement is made as of __________, 19___ between Bell
Microproducts Inc., a California corporation ("Pledgee"), and
_________________________ ("Pledgor").

                                    Recitals

      Pursuant to Pledgor's election to purchase Shares under the Option
Agreement dated ________ (the "Option"), between Pledgor and Pledgee under
Pledgee's 1998 Stock Plan, and Pledgor's election under the terms of the Option
to pay for such shares with his promissory note (the "Note"), Pledgor has
purchased _________ shares of Pledgee's Common Stock (the "Shares") at a price
of $________ per share, for a total purchase price of $__________. The Note and
the obligations thereunder are as set forth in Exhibit C to the Option.

      NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

      1 Creation and Description of Security Interest. In consideration of the
transfer of the Shares to Pledgor under the Option Agreement, Pledgor, pursuant
to the California Commercial Code, hereby pledges all of such Shares (herein
sometimes referred to as the "Collateral") represented by certificate number
______, duly endorsed in blank or with executed stock powers, and herewith
delivers said certificate to the Secretary of Pledgee ("Pledgeholder"), who
shall hold said certificate subject to the terms and conditions of this Security
Agreement.

      The pledged stock (together with an executed blank stock assignment for
use in transferring all or a portion of the Shares to Pledgee if, as and when
required pursuant to this Security Agreement) shall be held by the Pledgeholder
as security for the repayment of the Note, and any extensions or renewals
thereof, to be executed by Pledgor pursuant to the terms of the Option, and the
Pledgeholder shall not encumber or dispose of such Shares except in accordance
with the provisions of this Security Agreement.

      2 Pledgor's Representations and Covenants. To induce Pledgee to enter into
this Security Agreement, Pledgor represents and covenants to Pledgee, its
successors and assigns, as follows:

            a Payment of Indebtedness. Pledgor will pay the principal sum of the
Note secured hereby, together with interest thereon, at the time and in the
manner provided in the Note.

            b Encumbrances. The Shares are free of all other encumbrances,
defenses and liens, and Pledgor will not further encumber the Shares without the
prior written consent of Pledgee.

            c Margin Regulations. In the event that Pledgee's Common Stock is
now or later becomes margin-listed by the Federal Reserve Board and Pledgee is
classified as a "lender" within

<PAGE>

the meaning of the regulations under Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal
Regulations ("Regulation G"), Pledgor agrees to cooperate with Pledgee in making
any amendments to the Note or providing any additional collateral as may be
necessary to comply with such regulations.

      3 Voting Rights. During the term of this pledge and so long as all
payments of principal and interest are made as they become due under the terms
of the Note, Pledgor shall have the right to vote all of the Shares pledged
hereunder.

      4 Stock Adjustments. In the event that during the term of the pledge any
stock dividend, reclassification, readjustment or other changes are declared or
made in the capital structure of Pledgee, all new, substituted and additional
shares or other securities issued by reason of any such change shall be
delivered to and held by the Pledgee under the terms of this Security Agreement
in the same manner as the Shares originally pledged hereunder. In the event of
substitution of such securities, Pledgor, Pledgee and Pledgeholder shall
cooperate and execute such documents as are reasonable so as to provide for the
substitution of such Collateral and, upon such substitution, references to
"Shares" in this Security Agreement shall include the substituted shares of
capital stock of Pledgor as a result thereof.

      5 Options and Rights. In the event that, during the term of this pledge,
subscription Options or other rights or options shall be issued in connection
with the pledged Shares, such rights, Options and options shall be the property
of Pledgor and, if exercised by Pledgor, all new stock or other securities so
acquired by Pledgor as it relates to the pledged Shares then held by
Pledgeholder shall be immediately delivered to Pledgeholder, to be held under
the terms of this Security Agreement in the same manner as the Shares pledged.

      6 Default. Pledgor shall be deemed to be in default of the Note and of
this Security Agreement in the event:

            a Payment of principal or interest on the Note shall be delinquent
for a period of 10 days or more; or

            b Pledgor fails to perform any of the covenants set forth in the
Option or contained in this Security Agreement for a period of 10 days after
written notice thereof from Pledgee.

      In the case of an event of Default, as set forth above, Pledgee shall have
the right to accelerate payment of the Note upon notice to Pledgor, and Pledgee
shall thereafter be entitled to pursue its remedies under the California
Commercial Code.

            7. Release of Collateral. Subject to any applicable contrary rules
under Regulation G, there shall be released from this pledge a portion of the
pledged Shares held by Pledgeholder hereunder upon payments of the principal of
the Note. The number of the pledged Shares which shall be released shall be that
number of full Shares which bears the same proportion to the initial number of
Shares pledged hereunder as the payment of principal bears to the initial full
principal amount of the Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      8. Withdrawal or Substitution of Collateral. Pledgor shall not sell,
withdraw, pledge, substitute or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the
Collateral without the prior written consent of Pledgee.

      9. Term. The within pledge of Shares shall continue until the payment of
all indebtedness secured hereby, at which time the remaining pledged stock shall
be promptly delivered to Pledgor, subject to the provisions for prior release of
a portion of the Collateral as provided in paragraph 7 above.

      10 Insolvency. Pledgor agrees that if a bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding is instituted by or against it, or if a receiver is appointed for the
property of Pledgor, or if Pledgor makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, the entire amount unpaid on the Note shall become immediately due and
payable, and Pledgee may proceed as provided in the case of default.

      11 Pledgeholder Liability. In the absence of willful or gross negligence,
Pledgeholder shall not be liable to any party for any of his acts, or omissions
to act, as Pledgeholder.

      12 Invalidity of Particular Provisions. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that the
enforceability or invalidity of any provision or provisions of this Security
Agreement shall not render any other provision or provisions herein contained
unenforceable or invalid.

      13 Successors or Assigns. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that all of the terms
of this Security Agreement shall be binding on their respective successors and
assigns, and that the term "Pledgor" and the term "Pledgee" as used herein shall
be deemed to include, for all purposes, the respective designees, successors,
assigns, heirs, executors and administrators.

      14 Governing Law. This Security Agreement shall be interpreted and
governed under the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules,
of California.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

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

        "PLEDGOR"                              ---------------------------------
                                               Signature

                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Print Name

                              Address:         ---------------------------------

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

        "PLEDGEE"                              Bell Microproducts Inc.,
                                               a California corporation

                                               --------------------------------
                                               Signature

                                               --------------------------------
                                               Print Name

                                               --------------------------------
                                               Title

        "PLEDGEHOLDER"                         --------------------------------
                                               Secretary of
                                               Bell Microproducts Inc.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT C

                                      NOTE

$_______________                                                  [City, State]

                                                           ______________, 19___

      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _______________ promises to pay to Bell Microproducts
Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), or order, the principal sum of
_______________________ ($_____________), together with interest on the unpaid
principal hereof from the date hereof at the rate of _______________ percent
(____%) per annum, compounded semiannually.

      Principal and interest shall be due and payable on __________, 19___.
Payment of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United
States of America.

      The undersigned may at any time prepay all or any portion of the principal
or interest owing hereunder.

      This Note is subject to the terms of the Option, dated as of
________________. This Note is secured in part by a pledge of the Company's
Common Stock under the terms of a Security Agreement of even date herewith and
is subject to all the provisions thereof.

      The holder of this Note shall have full recourse against the undersigned,
and shall not be required to proceed against the collateral securing this Note
in the event of default.

      In the event the undersigned shall cease to be an employee, director or
consultant of the Company for any reason, this Note shall, at the option of the
Company, be accelerated, and the whole unpaid balance on this Note of principal
and accrued interest shall be immediately due and payable.

      Should any action be instituted for the collection of this Note, the
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees therein of the holder shall be paid by the
undersigned.

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

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

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