Document:

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                                                                           10.16

                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

     This LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is entered into as of January 28, 1998, by
and between SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California-chartered bank, with its principal
place of business at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, California 95054 and with a
loan production office located at Wellesley Office Park, 40 William Street,
Suite 350, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02181, doing business under the name
"Silicon Valley East" ("Bank") and EPRISE CORPORATION, formerly known as
NovaLink USA Corporation, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of
business at 1671 Worcester Road, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 ("Borrower").

                                    RECITALS

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

                                    AGREEMENT

     The parties agree as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

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

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

     "Advance" or "Advances" means a loan advance under the Committed Revolving
Line.

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

     "Agreement" means this Loan and Security Agreement.

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

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

     "Borrowing Base" means an amount equal to Seventy-Five percent (75.0%) of
Eligible Accounts, as determined by Bank with reference to the most recent
Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by

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Borrower.

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

     "Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement.

     "Code" means the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code.

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

     "Committed Revolving Line" means a credit extension of up to Eight Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00).

     "Committed Equipment Line" means a credit extension of up to Four Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00).

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

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

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

     "Eligible Accounts" means those Accounts that arise in the ordinary course
of Borrower's business that comply with all of Borrower's representations and
warranties to Bank set forth in Section 5.4. Unless otherwise agreed to by Bank
in writing, Eligible Accounts shall not include the following:

          (a)  Accounts that the account debtor has failed to pay within ninety
(90) days of invoice date;

          (b)  Accounts with respect to an account debtor, fifty percent (50%)
of whose Accounts the account debtor has failed to pay within ninety (90) days
of invoice date;

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          (c)  Accounts with respect to an account debtor, including Affiliates,
whose total obligations to Borrower exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of all
Accounts, to the extent such obligations exceed the aforementioned percentage,
except as approved in writing by Bank;

          (d)  Accounts with respect to which the account debtor does not have
its principal place of business in the United States except for Eligible Foreign
Accounts;

          (e)  Accounts with respect to which the account debtor is a federal,
state, or local governmental entity or any department, agency, or
instrumentality thereof, except for those Accounts of the United States or any
department, agency or instrumentality thereof as to which the payee has assigned
its rights to payment thereof to Bank and the assignment has been acknowledged,
pursuant to the Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. 3727);

          (f)  Accounts with respect to which Borrower is liable to the account
debtor, but only to the extent of any amounts owing to the account debtor
(sometimes referred to as "contra" accounts, e.g. accounts payable, customer
deposits, credit accounts etc.);

          (g)  Accounts generated by demonstration or promotional equipment, or
with respect to which goods are placed on consignment, guaranteed sale, sale or
return, sale on approval, bill and hold, or other terms by reason of which the
payment by the account debtor may be conditional;

          (h)  Accounts with respect to which the account debtor is an
Affiliate, officer, employee, or agent of Borrower;

          (i)  Accounts with respect to which the account debtor disputes
liability or makes any claim with respect thereto as to which Bank believes, in
its sole discretion, that there may be a basis for dispute (but only to the
extent of the amount subject to such dispute or claim), or is subject to any
Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out of business;

          (j)  Accounts the collection of which Bank reasonably determines to be
doubtful.

     "Eligible Foreign Accounts" means Accounts with respect to which the
account debtor does not have its principal place of business in the United
States and that are: (1) covered by credit insurance in form and amount, and by
an insurer satisfactory to Bank less the amount of any deductible(s) which may
be or become owing thereon; or (2) supported by one or more letters of credit
either advised or negotiated through Bank or in favor of Bank as beneficiary, in
an amount and of a tenor, and issued by a financial institution, acceptable to
Bank; or (3) that Bank approves on a case-by-case basis.

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

     "Equipment Advance" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.2.

     "Equipment Availability End Date" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.1.2.

     "Equipment Maturity Date" means the date which is thirty-six (36) months
from the Equipment Availability End Date.

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

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

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     "Indebtedness" means (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money or the
deferred purchase price of property or services, including without limitation
reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and letters of
credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar
instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations and (d) all Contingent
Obligations.

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

     "Inventory" means all present and future inventory in which Borrower has
any interest, including merchandise, raw materials, parts, supplies, packing and
shipping materials, work in process and finished products intended for sale or
lease or to be furnished under a contract of service, of every kind and
description now or at any time hereafter owned by or in the custody or
possession, actual or constructive, of Borrower, including such inventory as is
temporarily out of its custody or possession or in transit and including any
returns upon any accounts or other proceeds, including insurance proceeds,
resulting from the sale or disposition of any of the foregoing and any documents
of title representing any of the above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     "Obligations" means all debt, principal, interest, Bank Expenses and other
amounts owed to Bank by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or any other
agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or
hereafter arising, including any interest that accrues after the commencement of
an Insolvency Proceeding and including any debt, liability, or obligation owing
from Borrower to others that Bank may have obtained by assignment or otherwise.

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

     "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

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

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

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          (c)  Subordinated Debt;

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

          (e)  Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens.

     "Permitted Investment" means:

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

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

     "Permitted Liens" means the following:

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

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

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

          (d)  Leases or subleases and licenses or sublicenses granted to others
in the ordinary course of Borrower's business not interfering in any material
respect with the business of Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and
any interest or title of a lessor, licensor or under any lease or license
provided that such leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses do not prohibit
the grant of the security interest granted hereunder; and

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

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

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

     "Quick Assets" means, as of any applicable date, the consolidated cash and
accounts receivable of Borrower.

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

     "Revolving Maturity Date" means the date which is one day prior to one year
from the Closing Date.

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

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

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

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

     "Total Liabilities" means as of any date as of which the amount thereof
shall be determined, all obligations that should, in accordance with GAAP be
classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower,
including in any event all Indebtedness, but specifically excluding Subordinated
Debt.

     "Unrestricted Cash" means all cash or cash equivalents (determined in
accordance with GAAP) which are not subject to a lien other than to the Bank,
and arise out of the Borrower's Accounts. Unrestricted Cash shall exclude,
without limitation, any amounts due or allocated for taxes.

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

2.   LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

     2.1  CREDIT EXTENSIONS. Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in
lawful money of the United States of America, the aggregate unpaid principal
amount of all Credit Extensions made by Bank to Borrower hereunder. Borrower
shall also pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of such Credit Extensions
at rates in accordance with the terms hereof.

     2.1.1 (a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Bank agrees to make Advances to Borrower in an aggregate outstanding
amount not to exceed the Committed Revolving Line or the Borrowing Base,
whichever is less. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1 may be repaid and reborrowed at
any time during the term of this Agreement.

           (b) Whenever Borrower desires an Advance, Borrower will notify Bank
by facsimile transmission or telephone no later than 3:00 p.m. Pacific time, on
the Business Day that the Advance is to be made. Each such notification shall be
promptly confirmed by a Payment/Advance Form in substantially the form of
Exhibit B hereto. Bank is authorized to make Advances under this Agreement,
based upon instructions received from a Responsible Officer or a designee of a
Responsible Officer, or

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without instructions if in Bank's discretion such Advances are necessary to meet
Obligations which have become due and remain unpaid. Bank shall be entitled to
rely on any telephonic notice given by a person who Bank reasonably believes to
be a Responsible Officer or a designee thereof, and Borrower shall indemnify and
hold Bank harmless for any damages or loss suffered by Bank as a result of such
reliance. Bank will credit the amount of Advances made under this Section 2.1 to
Borrower's deposit account.

          (c)  The Committed Revolving Line shall terminate on the Revolving
Maturity Date, at which time all Advances under this Section 2.1 and other
amounts due under this Agreement (except as otherwise expressly specified
herein) shall be immediately due and payable.

     2.1.2 EQUIPMENT ADVANCES.

          (a)  Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
at any time from the date hereof through nine (9) months from the Closing Date
(the "Equipment Availability End Date"), Bank agrees to make advances (each an
"Equipment Advance" and collectively, the "Equipment Advances") to Borrower in
an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the Committed Equipment Line. To
evidence the Equipment Advance or Equipment Advances, Borrower shall deliver to
Bank, at the time of each Equipment Advance request, an invoice for the
equipment purchased or to be purchased. The Equipment Advances shall be used
only to purchase or refinance Equipment purchased on or after June 1, 1997 and
shall not exceed One Hundred Percent (100%) of the invoice amount of such
equipment approved from time to time by Bank, excluding taxes, shipping,
warranty charges, freight discounts and installation expense. Software may,
however, constitute only up to One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00)
of aggregate Equipment Advances.

          (b)  Interest shall accrue from the date of each Equipment Advance at
the per annum rate equal to One and One Half (1.5) percentage points above the
Prime Rate and shall be payable monthly for each month through the month in
which the Equipment Availability End Date falls. Any Equipment Advances that are
outstanding on the Equipment Availability End Date will be payable in Thirty-Six
(36) equal monthly installments of principal, plus all accrued interest,
beginning on the Payment Date of the month following the Equipment Availability
End Date and ending on the Equipment Maturity Date. Equipment Advances, once
repaid, may not be reborrowed.

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

     2.2  OVERADVANCES. If, at any time or for any reason, the amount of
Obligations owed by Borrower to Bank pursuant to Section 2.1.1 of this Agreement
is greater than the lesser of (i) the Committed Revolving Line or (ii) the
Borrowing Base, Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank, in cash, the amount of
such excess.

     2.3  INTEREST RATES, PAYMENTS AND CALCULATIONS.

          (a)  INTEREST RATE. Except as set forth in Section 2.3(b), any
Advances shall bear interest, on the average daily balance thereof, at a per
annum rate equal to One (1.0) percentage point above the Prime Rate.

          (b)  DEFAULT RATE. All Obligations shall bear interest, from and after
the occurrence of an Event of Default, at a rate equal to five (5) percentage
points above the interest rate applicable immediately prior to the occurrence of
the Event of Default.

          (c)  PAYMENTS. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable on each
Payment

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

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

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

     2.5  FEES. Borrower shall pay to Bank the following:

          (a)  COMMITTED REVOLVING LINE FACILITY FEE. A Committed Revolving Line
Facility Fee equal to Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00), which fee shall be due
on the Closing Date and shall be fully earned and non-refundable;

          (b)  COMMITTED EQUIPMENT LINE FACILITY FEE. A Committed Equipment Line
Facility Fee equal to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), which fee shall be due
on the Closing Date and shall be fully earned and non-refundable;

          (c)  FINANCIAL EXAMINATION AND APPRAISAL FEES. Bank's customary fees
and out-of-pocket expenses for Bank's audits of Borrower's Accounts, and for
each appraisal of Collateral and financial analysis and examination of Borrower
performed from time to time by Bank or its agents;

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

     2.6  ADDITIONAL COSTS. In case any change in any law, regulation, treaty or
official directive or the interpretation or application thereof by any court or
any governmental authority charged with the administration thereof or the
compliance with any guideline or request of any central bank or other
governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), in each case
after the Closing Date:

     (a)  subjects Bank to any tax with respect to payments of principal or
interest or any other amounts payable hereunder by Borrower or otherwise with
respect to the transactions contemplated

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hereby (except for taxes on the overall net income of Bank imposed by the United
States of America or any political subdivision thereof);

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

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

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

3.   CONDITIONS OF LOANS

     3.1  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO INITIAL CREDIT EXTENSION. The obligation of
Bank to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to the condition precedent
that Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, the
following:

          (a)  this Agreement;

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

          (c)  an Opinion of Borrower's Counsel;

          (d)  payment of the fees and Bank Expenses then due specified in
Section 2.5 hereof;

          (e)  Certificate of Good Standing and Foreign Qualification; and

          (f)  such other documents, and completion of such other matters, as
Bank may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate.

     3.2  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ALL CREDIT EXTENSIONS. The obligation of Bank
to make each Credit Extension, including the initial Credit Extension, is
further subject to the following conditions:

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

          (b)  the representations and warranties contained in Section 5 shall
be true and

<PAGE>   10

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

4.   CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

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

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

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

     4.4  NEGATIVE PLEDGE AGREEMENT. Borrower hereby ratifies the terms of a
certain Negative Pledge Agreement dated December 5, 1997 and confirms that it
shall remain in full force and effect until the payment in full of the
Obligations.

5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

     5.1  DUE ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. Borrower and each Subsidiary is a
corporation duly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation and qualified and licensed to do business in, and is in good
standing in, any state in which the failure to so qualify would be a Material
Adverse Effect.

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

     5.3  NO PRIOR ENCUMBRANCES. Borrower has good and indefeasible title to the
Collateral, free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens.

     5.4  BONA FIDE ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS. The Eligible Accounts are bona fide
existing

<PAGE>   11

obligations. The service or property giving rise to such Eligible Accounts has
been performed or delivered to the account debtor or to the account debtor's
agent for immediate shipment to and unconditional acceptance by the account
debtor. Borrower has not received notice of actual or imminent Insolvency
Proceeding of any account debtor whose accounts are included in any Borrowing
Base Certificate as an Eligible Account.

     5.5  MERCHANTABLE INVENTORY. All Inventory is in all material respects of
good and marketable quality, free from all material defects.

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

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

     5.8  NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. All consolidated
financial statements related to Borrower and any Subsidiary that have been
delivered by Borrower to Bank fairly present in all material respects Borrower's
consolidated financial condition as of the date thereof and Borrower's
consolidated results of operations for the period then ended. There has not been
a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition of Borrower
since the date of the most recent of such financial statements submitted to Bank
on or about the Closing Date.

     5.9  SOLVENCY. Borrower is able to pay its debts (including trade debts) as
they mature.

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

     5.11 Environmental Condition. None of Borrower's or any Subsidiary's
properties or assets has ever been used by Borrower or any Subsidiary or, to the
best of Borrower's knowledge, by previous owners or operators, in the disposal
of, or to produce, store, handle, treat, release, or transport, any hazardous
waste or hazardous substance other than in accordance with applicable law; to
the best of Borrower's knowledge, none of Borrower's properties or assets has
ever been designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental
protection statute as a hazardous waste or hazardous substance disposal site, or
a candidate for closure pursuant to any environmental protection statute; no
lien arising under any environmental protection statute has attached to any
revenues or to any real or personal property owned by Borrower or any
Subsidiary; and neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received a summons,
citation, notice, or directive from the Environmental Protection Agency or any
other federal, state or other governmental agency concerning any action or
omission by Borrower or any Subsidiary resulting in the release, or other
disposition of hazardous waste or hazardous substances into the environment.

     5.12 Taxes. Borrower and each Subsidiary has filed or caused to be filed
all tax returns

<PAGE>   12

required to be filed on a timely basis, and has paid, or has made adequate
provision for the payment of, all taxes reflected therein, except those being
contested in good faith by proper proceedings with adequate reserves under GAAP.

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

     5.14 Government Consents. Borrower and each Subsidiary has obtained all
consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings
with, and given all notices to, all governmental authorities that are necessary
for the continued operation of Borrower's business as currently conducted.

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

6.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

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

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

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

     6.3  Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Borrower shall deliver to
Bank: (a) as soon as available, but in any event within twenty-five (25) days
after the end of each month, a company prepared consolidated balance sheet and
income statement covering Borrower's consolidated operations during such period,
in a form and certified by an officer of Borrower reasonably acceptable to Bank;
(b) by February 28, 1998, audited consolidated financial statements of Borrower
for Borrower's fiscal year ending August 31, 1997 prepared in accordance with
GAAP, consistently applied, together with an unqualified opinion on such
financial statements of an independent certified public accounting firm
reasonably acceptable to Bank; (c) as soon as available, but in any event within
one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of Borrower's fiscal year ending
August 31, 1998 and each of Borrower's fiscal years thereafter, audited
consolidated financial statements of Borrower prepared in accordance with GAAP,
consistently applied, together with an unqualified opinion on such financial
statements of an independent certified public accounting firm reasonably
acceptable to Bank; (d) promptly upon receipt of notice thereof, a report of any
legal actions pending or threatened against Borrower or any Subsidiary that
could result in damages or costs to Borrower or any Subsidiary of One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or more; and (e) such budgets, sales projections,
operating plans or other financial information as Bank may reasonably request
from time to time.

<PAGE>   13

     Unless there are no amounts borrowed or outstanding under the Committed
Revolving Line, within fifteen (15) days after the last day of each month,
Borrower shall deliver to Bank a Borrowing Base Certificate signed by a
Responsible Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, together with
aged listings of accounts receivable.

     Within twenty-five (25) days after the last day of each month, Borrower
shall deliver to Bank with the monthly financial statements a Compliance
Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit
D hereto.

     Bank shall have a right from time to time hereafter to audit Borrower's
Accounts at Borrower's expense, provided that such audits will be conducted no
more often than every six (6) months unless an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing.

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

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

     6.6  Insurance.

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

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

     6.7  Principal Depository. Borrower shall maintain its principal depository
and operating accounts with Bank.

     6.8  Liquidity. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of each
calendar month,

<PAGE>   14

Unrestricted Cash plus amounts available to be borrowed under the Committed
Revolving Line in an amount not less than Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars
($700,000.00).

     6.9  Adjusted Quick Ratio. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of
each calendar month, a ratio of Quick Assets to Current Liabilities minus any
deferred maintenance revenue of at least 1.3 to 1.0.

     6.10 Net Income/Loss. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of each
fiscal quarter of the Borrower, a maximum net loss of: (i) One Million Nine
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,900,000.00) for the fiscal quarter ending February
28, 1998; (ii) One Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,400,000.00) for the
fiscal quarter ending May 31, 1998; (iii) Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($500,000.00) for the fiscal quarter ending August 31, 1998; and (iv) Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for the fiscal quarter ending November
30, 1998 and each fiscal quarter thereafter.

     6.11 Tangible Net Worth. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of
each calendar month, a Tangible Net Worth of not less than Seven Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($700,000.00).

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

7.   NEGATIVE COVENANTS

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

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

     7.2  Changes in Business, Ownership, or Management, Business Locations.
Engage in any business, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any
business, other than the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower and any
business substantially similar or related thereto (or incidental thereto), or
suffer a material change in Borrower's ownership or management. Borrower will
not, without at least thirty (30) days prior written notification to Bank,
relocate its chief executive office or add any new offices or business
locations.

     7.3  Mergers or Acquisitions. Merge or consolidate, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business
organization, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or
substantially all of the capital stock or property of another Person.

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

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

     7.6  Distributions. Pay any dividends or make any other distribution or
payment on account of or in redemption, retirement or purchase of any capital
stock.

<PAGE>   15

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

     7.8  Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly enter into or
permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower except
for transactions that are in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, upon
fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to Borrower than would be
obtained in an arm's length transaction with a nonaffiliated Person.

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

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

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

8.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT

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

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

     8.2  Covenant Default.

          (a)  If Borrower fails to perform any obligation under Sections 6.3,
6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10 or 6.11 or violates any of the covenants contained in
Article 7 of this Agreement; or

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

<PAGE>   16

     8.3  Material Adverse Change. If there (i) occurs a material adverse change
in the business, operations, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the
Borrower, or (ii) is a material impairment of the prospect of repayment of any
portion of the Obligations or (iii) is a material impairment of the value or
priority of Bank's security interests in the Collateral;

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

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

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

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

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

     8.9  Misrepresentations. If any material misrepresentation or material
misstatement exists now or hereafter in any warranty or representation set forth
herein or in any certificate or writing delivered to Bank by Borrower or any
Person acting on Borrower's behalf pursuant to this Agreement or to induce Bank
to enter into this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

9.   BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

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

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

          (b)  ease advancing money or extending credit to or for the benefit of
Borrower

<PAGE>   17

under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Borrower and Bank;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>   18

been fully repaid and performed and Bank's obligation to provide advances
hereunder is terminated.

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

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

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

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

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

10.  NOTICES

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

     If to Borrower:
               Eprise Corporation, formerly known as NovaLink USA Corporation
               1671 Worcester Road
               Framingham, Massachusetts 01701

<PAGE>   19

               Attn: Mr. Joseph Forgione
               FAX: (508) 935-2960

     with a copy to:
               Hill & Barlow
               One International Place
               Boston, Massachusetts 02110
               Attention: Dennis Townley, Esquire
               FAX: (617) 428-3500

     If to Bank:
               Silicon Valley Bank
               40 William Street
               Wellesley, Massachusetts 02181
               Attn: Mr. David E. Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President
               FAX: (781) 431-9906

     with a copy to:
               Riemer & Braunstein
               Three Center Plaza
               Boston, Massachusetts 02108
               Attn: David A. Ephraim, Esquire
               FAX: (617) 723-6831

     The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to receive
notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the
other.

11.  CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY WAIVER

     The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall apply to this
Agreement. BORROWER ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES,
UNCONDITIONALLY, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS IN ANY ACTION, SUIT,
OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND, AGAINST IT WHICH ARISES OUT OF OR BY REASON OF THIS
AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IF FOR ANY REASON BANK CANNOT AVAIL ITSELF OF
THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BORROWER ACCEPTS JURISDICTION
OF THE COURTS AND VENUE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

     BORROWER AND BANK EACH HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL
OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN
DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT
CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR
STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT THE FOREGOING WAIVER
CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR IT TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH
PARTY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL
COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS
FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

12.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

     12.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the
benefit of the respective successors and permitted assigns of each of the
parties; provided, however, that neither this

<PAGE>   20

Agreement nor any rights hereunder may be assigned by Borrower without Bank's
prior written consent, which consent may be granted or withheld in Bank's sole
discretion. Bank shall have the right without the consent of or notice to
Borrower to sell, transfer, negotiate, or grant participation in all or any part
of, or any interest in, Bank's obligations, rights and benefits hereunder.

     12.2 Indemnification. Borrower shall, indemnify, defend, protect and hold
harmless Bank and its officers, employees, and agents against: (a) all
obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities claimed or asserted by any other
party in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents;
and (b) all losses or Bank Expenses in any way suffered, incurred, or paid by
Bank as a result of or in any way arising out of, following, or consequential to
transactions between Bank and Borrower whether under the Loan Documents, or
otherwise (including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees and expenses),
except for losses caused by Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

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

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

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

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

     12.7 Survival. All covenants, representations and warranties made in this
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect so long as any Obligations
remain outstanding. The obligations of Borrower to indemnify Bank with respect
to the expenses, damages, losses, costs and liabilities described in Section
12.2 shall survive until all applicable statute of limitations periods with
respect to actions that may be brought against Bank have run; provided that so
long as the obligations referred to in the first sentence of this Section 12.7
have been satisfied, and Bank has no commitment to make any Credit Extensions or
to make any other loans to Borrower, Bank shall release all security interests
granted hereunder and redeliver all Collateral held by it in accordance with
applicable law.

     12.8 Confidentiality. In handling any confidential information Bank shall
exercise the same degree of care that it exercises with respect to its own
proprietary information of the same types to maintain the confidentiality of any
non-public information thereby received or received pursuant to this Agreement
except that disclosure of such information may be made (i) to the subsidiaries
or affiliates of Bank in connection with their present or prospective business
relations with Borrower, (ii) to prospective transferees or purchasers of any
interest in the Loans, provided that they have entered into a comparable
confidentiality agreement in favor of Borrower and have delivered a copy to
Borrower, (iii) as required by law, regulations, rule or order, subpoena,
judicial order or similar order, (iv) as may be required in connection with the
examination, audit or similar investigation of Bank, and (v) as Bank may deem
appropriate in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder.
Confidential information hereunder shall not include information that either:
(a) is in the public domain or in the knowledge or possession of Bank when
disclosed to Bank, or becomes part of the public domain after disclosure to Bank
through no fault of Bank; or (b) is disclosed to Bank by a third party, provided
Bank does not have actual knowledge that such third party is prohibited from
disclosing such information.

     12.9 Countersignature. This Agreement shall become effective only when it
shall have been

<PAGE>   21

executed by Borrower and Bank (provided, however, in no event shall this
Agreement become effective until signed by an officer of Bank in California).

<PAGE>   22

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

                                            EPRISE CORPORATION, formerly known
                                            as NovaLink USA Corporation, and
                                            formerly known as Inner Circle
                                            Technologies, Inc.

                                            By: /s/ J.A. Forgione
                                                -----------------

                                            Name: J.A. Forgione
                                                  -------------

                                            Title: President
                                                   ---------

                                            By:_________________________________

                                            Name:_______________________________

                                            Title:______________________________

                                            SILICON VALLEY BANK, d/b/a SILICON
                                            VALLEY EAST

                                            By: /s/ Dave Rodriguez
                                                ------------------

                                            Name: Dave Rodriguez
                                                  --------------

                                            Title: Assistant Vice President
                                                   ------------------------

                                            SILICON VALLEY BANK

                                            By: /s/ Amy Young
                                                -------------

                                            Name: Amy B. Young
                                                  ------------

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

<PAGE>   23

                                    EXHIBIT A

     The Collateral shall consist of all right, title and interest of Borrower
in and to the following:

     (a)  All goods and equipment now owned or hereafter acquired, including,
without limitation, all machinery, fixtures, vehicles (including motor vehicles
and trailers), and any interest in any of the foregoing, and all attachments,
accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions, additions, and
improvements to any of the foregoing, wherever located;

     (b)  All inventory, now owned or hereafter acquired, including, without
limitation, all merchandise, raw materials, parts, supplies, packing and
shipping materials, work in process and finished products including such
inventory as is temporarily out of Borrower's custody or possession or in
transit and including any returns upon any accounts or other proceeds, including
insurance proceeds, resulting from the sale or disposition of any of the
foregoing and any documents of title representing any of the above, and
Borrower's Books relating to any of the foregoing;

     (c)  All contract rights and general intangibles now owned or hereafter
acquired, including, without limitation, goodwill, leases, license agreements,
franchise agreements, blueprints, drawings, purchase orders, customer lists,
route lists, claims, literature, reports, catalogs, income tax refunds, payments
of insurance and rights to payment of any kind;

     (d)  All now existing and hereafter arising accounts, contract rights,
royalties, license rights and all other forms of obligations owing to Borrower
arising out of the sale or lease of goods, the licensing of technology or the
rendering of services by Borrower, whether or not earned by performance, and any
and all credit insurance, guaranties, and other security therefor, as well as
all merchandise returned to or reclaimed by Borrower and Borrower's Books
relating to any of the foregoing;

     (e)  All documents, cash, deposit accounts, securities, letters of credit,
certificates of deposit, instruments and chattel paper now owned or hereafter
acquired and Borrower's Books relating to the foregoing; and

     (f)  Any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and all
substitutions for, additions and accessions to and proceeds thereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral shall not be deemed to include any
copyright rights, copyright applications, copyright registrations and like
protections in each work of authorship and derivative work thereof, whether
published or unpublished, now owned or hereafter acquired; any patents,
trademarks, service marks and applications therefor; any trade secret rights,
including any rights to unpatented inventions, know-how, operating manuals,
license rights and agreements and confidential information, now owned or
hereafter acquired; or any claims for damages by way of any past, present and
future infringement of any of the foregoing.

<PAGE>   24

                                    EXHIBIT B

                   LOAN PAYMENT/ADVANCE TELEPHONE REQUEST FORM
              DEADLINE FOR SAME DAY PROCESSING IS 3:00 P.M., P.S.T.

TO:  CENTRAL CLIENT SERVICE DIVISION                          DATE: ___________

FAX#: (408) __________________________                             TIME: ______

FROM:     EPRISE CORPORATION
     -------------------------------------------------------------------
      BORROWER'S NAME

FROM:_________________________________________________________________
         AUTHORIZED SIGNER'S NAME

______________________________________________________________________
         AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

PHONE:________________________________________________________________

FROM ACCOUNT #___________________ TO ACCOUNT #________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         REQUESTED TRANSACTION TYPE          REQUEST DOLLAR AMOUNT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>
         PRINCIPAL INCREASE (ADVANCE)                $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         PRINCIPAL PAYMENT (ONLY)                    $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         INTEREST PAYMENT (ONLY)                     $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST (PAYMENT)            $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         OTHER INSTRUCTIONS:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     All representations and warranties of Borrower stated in the Loan and
Security Agreement are true, correct and complete in all material respects as of
the date of the telephone request for and Advance confirmed by this Advance
Request; provided, however, that those representations and warranties expressly
referring to another date shall be true, correct and complete in all material
respects as of such date.

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

                                 BANK USE ONLY:

                               TELEPHONE REQUEST:

The following person is authorized to request the loan payment transfer/loan
advance on the advance designated account and is known to me.

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

<PAGE>   25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________
Authorized Requester
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           _______________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Authorized Signature (Bank)
                                            Phone #____________________________

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

<PAGE>   26

                                    EXHIBIT C

                           BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

Borrower: Eprise Corporation                         Bank:  Silicon Valley Bank

Commitment Amount:       $800,000.00 Committed Revolving Line

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

<S>                                                                                <C>
         1.       Accounts Receivable Book Value as of                                  $___________
         2.       Additions (please explain on reverse)                                 $___________
         3.       TOTAL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE                                       $___________

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE DEDUCTIONS (without duplication)

         4.       Amounts over 90 days due                                              $___________
         5.       Balance of 50% over 90 day accounts                             $___________
         6.       Concentration Limits                                                  $___________
         7.       Ineligible Foreign Accounts                                           $___________
         8.       Governmental Accounts                                                 $___________
         9.       Contra Accounts                                                       $___________
         10.      Promotion or Demo Accounts                                            $___________
         11.      Intercompany/Employee Accounts                                        $___________
         12.      Other (please explain on reverse)                                     $___________
         13.      TOTAL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE DEDUCTIONS                                  $___________
         14.      Eligible Accounts (#3 minus #13)                                      $___________
         15.      LOAN VALUE OF ACCOUNTS (75% of #14)                             $___________

BALANCES

         16.      Maximum Loan Amount                                                   $ 800,000.00
                                                                                        ------------
         17.      Total Funds Available (Lesser of #16 or #15)                          $___________
         18.      Present balance owing on Line of Credit                               $___________
         19.      RESERVE POSITION (#17 minus #18)                                      $___________
</TABLE>

The undersigned represents and warrants that the foregoing is true, complete and
correct, and that the information reflected in this Borrowing Base Certificate
complies with the representations and warranties set forth in the Loan and
Security Agreement between the undersigned and Silicon Valley Bank.

COMMENTS:

                                        ========================================
                                                       BANK USE ONLY

                                         Received By: ________________________

                                         Date: _______________________________

                                         Reviewed By: ________________________

                                         Compliance Status:        Yes/No
                                        ========================================

EPRISE CORPORATION

By: _______________________
Authorized Signer

<PAGE>   27

                                    EXHIBIT D
                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

TO:                 SILICON VALLEY BANK
FROM:          EPRISE CORPORATION

The undersigned authorized officer of Eprise Corporation, formerly known as
NovaLink USA Corporation, hereby certifies that in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Loan and Security Agreement between Borrower and Bank (the
"Agreement"), (i) Borrower is in complete compliance for the period ending
with all required covenants except as noted below and (ii) all representations
and warranties of Borrower stated in the Agreement are true and correct in all
material respects as of the date hereof. Attached herewith are the required
documents supporting the above certification. The Officer further certifies that
these are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAAP) and are consistently applied from one period to the next except as
explained in an accompanying letter or footnotes. The Officer expressly
acknowledges that no borrowings may be requested by the Borrower at any time or
date of determination that Borrower is not in compliance with any of the terms
of the Agreement, and that such compliance is determined not just at the date
this certificate is delivered.

               Please indicate compliance status by circling Yes/No under
"Complies" column.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Reporting Covenant                            Required                              Complies

<S>                                                   <C>                                   <C>
        Monthly financial statements and CC           Monthly within 25 days                Yes/No
        Annual (CPA Audited)                          FY ending 8/31/97 by 2/28/98          Yes/No
        FYE thereafter within 120 days                Yes                                   No
        A/R Agings and BBC                            Monthly within 15 days                Yes/No
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Financial Covenant                              Required         Actual             Complies

<S>                                                <C>                   <C>                <C>
        Maintain on a Monthly Basis:

        Minimum Liquidity                          $700,000.00           _________          Yes/No
        Minimum Adjusted Quick Ratio               1.30 to 1.0           _____:1.0          Yes/No
        Minimum Tangible Net Worth                 $700,000.00           $________
        Net Income/Loss                            ___________*          _________
</TABLE>
*See Article 6 of Loan and Security Agreement

                                        ========================================
                                                       BANK USE ONLY

                                         Received By: ________________________

                                         Date: _______________________________

                                         Reviewed By: ________________________

                                         Compliance Status:        Yes/No
                                        ========================================

Comments Regarding Exceptions:

Sincerely,        Eprise Corporation, formerly known as
                  NovaLink USA Corporation

<PAGE>   28

_______________________    Date:_______________
Signature

_________________________________
Title

<PAGE>   29

                     DISBURSEMENT REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION

Borrower:      Eprise Corporation, formerly known as   Bank: Silicon Valley Bank
               NovaLink USA Corporation

LOAN TYPE.     A.   Revolving Line of Credit of a principal amount up to
                    $800,000.00

               B.   Equipment Line of Credit of a principal amount of
                    $400,000.00

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF LOAN.   The primary purpose of this loan is for business.

SPECIFIC PURPOSE.  The specific purpose of this loan is:  A.  Working Capital
                                                          B.  Equipment Purchase
                                                              and Refinance

DISBURSEMENT INSTRUCTIONS. Borrower understands that no loan proceeds will be
disbursed until all of Bank's conditions for making the loan have been
satisfied. Please disburse the loan proceeds as follows:

Revolving Line

         Amount paid to Borrower directly:                           $__________
         Undisbursed Funds:                                          $800,000.00
         Principal:                                                  $800,000.00

Equipment Line

         Amount paid to Borrower directly:                           $__________
         Undisbursed Funds:                                          $400,000.00
         Principal:                                                  $400,000.00

AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS. Borrower hereby authorizes Bank automatically to deduct from
Borrower's account numbered _________ the amount of any loan payment. If the
funds in the account are insufficient to cover any payment, Bank shall not be
obligated to advance funds to cover the payment.

FINANCIAL CONDITION. BY SIGNING THIS AUTHORIZATION, BORROWER REPRESENTS AND
WARRANTS TO BANK THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT AND
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO ADVERSE CHANGE IN BORROWER'S FINANCIAL CONDITION AS
DISCLOSED IN BORROWER'S MOST RECENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO BANK. THIS
AUTHORIZATION IS DATED AS OF _________,1998.

BORROWER:      EPRISE CORPORATION

_________________________________
Authorized Officer

<PAGE>   30

                         AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE INSURANCE

Grantor:  Eprise Corporation, formerly known as NovaLink USA Corporation

                                                      Bank:  Silicon Valley Bank

     INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. Eprise Corporation, formerly known as NovaLink USA
Corporation ("Borrower"), understands that insurance coverage is required in
connection with the extending of a loan or the providing of other financial
accommodations to Borrower by Bank. These requirements are set forth in the Loan
Documents. The following minimum insurance coverages must be provided on the
following described collateral (the "Collateral"):

         Collateral:       All Inventory, Equipment and Fixtures.
         Type:             All risks, including fire, theft and liability.
         Amount:           Full insurable value.
         Basis:            Replacement value.
         Endorsements:     Loss payable clause to Bank with stipulation that
                           coverage will not be canceled or diminished without a
                           minimum of twenty (20) days' prior written notice to
                           Bank.

     INSURANCE COMPANY. Borrower may obtain insurance from any insurance company
Borrower may choose that is reasonably acceptable to Bank. Borrower understands
that credit may not be denied solely because insurance was not purchased through
Bank.

     FAILURE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE. Borrower agrees to deliver to Bank, on or
before closing, evidence of the required insurance as provided above, with an
effective date of _________, 19___, or earlier. Borrower acknowledges and agrees
that if Borrower fails to provide any required insurance or fails to continue
such insurance in force, Bank may do so at Borrower's expense as provided in the
Loan and Security Agreement. The cost of such insurance, at the option of Bank,
shall be payable on demand or shall be added to the indebtedness as provided in
the security document. BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IF BANK SO PURCHASES ANY SUCH
INSURANCE, THE INSURANCE WILL PROVIDE LIMITED PROTECTION AGAINST PHYSICAL DAMAGE
TO THE COLLATERAL, UP TO THE BALANCE OF THE LOAN; HOWEVER, BORROWER'S EQUITY IN
THE COLLATERAL MAY NOT BE INSURED. IN ADDITION, THE INSURANCE MAY NOT PROVIDE
ANY PUBLIC LIABILITY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE INDEMNIFICATION AND MAY NOT MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAWS.

     AUTHORIZATION. For purposes of insurance coverage on the Collateral,
Borrower authorizes Bank to provide to any person (including any insurance agent
or company) all information Bank deems appropriate, whether regarding the
Collateral, the loan or other financial accommodations, or both.

     BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT TO
PROVIDE INSURANCE AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED       , 1998.

BORROWER:    EPRISE CORPORATION
x__________________________________
  Authorized Officer

================================================================================
FOR BANK USE ONLY

INSURANCE VERIFICATION

DATE:

PHONE:

AGENT'S NAME:

INSURANCE COMPANY:
================================================================================

<PAGE>   31

================================================================================
POLICY NUMBER:

EFFECTIVE DATES:

COMMENTS:
================================================================================<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Ex - 10.17

                            NEGATIVE PLEDGE AGREEMENT

     This Negative Pledge Agreement is made as of December 5, 1997, by and
between EPRISE CORPORATION, formerly known as NovaLink USA Corporation
("Borrower") and SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California-chartered bank, with its
principal place of business at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, California 95054
and with a loan production office located at Wellesley Office Park, 40 William
Street, Suite 350, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02181, doing business under the name
"Silicon Valley East" ("Bank").

In connection with, among other documents, the Loan and Security Agreement (the
"Loan Documents") being concurrently executed herewith between Borrower and
Bank, Borrower agrees as follows:

     1.   Except for the granting of licenses by Borrower in the ordinary course
          of business, Borrower shall not sell, transfer, assign, mortgage,
          pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of
          Borrower's Intellectual Property (as defined below):

     2.   It shall be an event of default under the Loan Documents between
          Borrower and Bank if there is a breach of any term of this Negative
          Pledge Agreement.

     3.   As used herein,
          (a)  "Intellectual Property" means:
               (i)   Any and all Copyright rights, Copyright applications,
                     copyright registrations and like protections in each work
                     or authorship and derivative work thereof, whether
                     published or unpublished and whether or not the same also
                     constitutes a trade secret, now or hereafter existing,
                     created, acquired or held;

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

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

               (iv)  All Mask Works or similar rights available for the
                     protection of semiconductor chips;

               (v)   All Patents, Patent applications and like protections
                     including, without limitation, improvements, divisions,
                     continuations, renewals, reissues, extensions and
                     continuations-in-part of the

<PAGE>   2

                      same, including without limitation the Patents and Patent
                      applications;

               (vi)   Any Trademark and servicemark rights, whether registered
                      or not, applications to register and registrations of the
                      same and like protections, and the entire goodwill of the
                      business of Borrower connected with and symbolized by such
                      Trademarks, including without limitation;

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

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

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

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

          (b)  "Copyrights" means any and all copyright rights, copyright
               applications, copyright registrations and like protections in
               each work or authorship and derivative work thereof, whether
               published or unpublished and whether or not the same also
               constitutes a trade secret, now or hereafter existing, created,
               acquired or held.

          (c)  "Mask Works" means all mask work or similar rights available for
               the protection of semiconductor chips, now owned or hereafter
               acquired;

          (d)  "Patents" means all patents, patent applications and like
               protections including without limitation improvements, divisions,
               continuations, renewals, reissues, extensions and
               continuations-in-part of the same.

          (e)  "Trademarks" means any trademark and servicemark rights, whether
               registered or not, applications to register and registrations of
               the same and like protections, and the entire goodwill of the
               business of Borrower connected with and symbolized by such
               trademarks.

<PAGE>   3

4.   Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the same
     meaning as in the Loan Documents.

5.   The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall apply to this
     Agreement. BORROWER ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS
     PROPERTIES, UNCONDITIONALLY, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR
     FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF
     MASSACHUSETTS IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND, AGAINST IT
     WHICH ARISES OUT OF OR BY REASON OF THIS AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
     IF FOR ANY REASON BANK CANNOT AVAIL ITSELF OF THE COURTS OF THE
     COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BORROWER ACCEPTS JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS
     AND VENUE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

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

                                    BORROWER:
                                    EPRISE CORPORATION, formerly known as
                                    NovaLink USA Corporation

                                    By: /s/ J.A.Forgione
                                        ----------------

                                    Name: Joseph A. Forgione
                                          ------------------

                                    Title: President
                                           ---------

                                    BANK:

                                    SILICON VALLEY BANK d/b/a SILICON VALLEY
                                    EAST

                                    By: /s/ Dave Rodriguez
                                        ------------------

                                    Name: Dave Rodriguez
                                          --------------

                                    Title: Assistant Vice President
                                           ------------------------

<PAGE>   4

                                    SILICON VALLEY BANK

                                    By: Michael Jordan
                                        --------------

                                    Name: Michael Jordan
                                          --------------

                                    Title: Loan Docs Officer
                                           -----------------

                                    (Signed in Santa Clara, California)

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00000-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00000-of-00352.parquet"}]]