Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 10.7.6

                 SIXTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

         THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this "Agreement")

is entered into as of November 5, 1999, but effective as of October 15, 1999 by

and among SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California-chartered bank ("Bank") with its

principal place of business at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, California 95054

and doing business in Virginia as "Silicon Valley East" with a loan production

office located at 11600 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 400, Reston, Virginia 20191

and SKY ALLAND RESEARCH, INC., a Maryland corporation ("Sky Alland") and THE

DATA GROUP II, INC., a Maryland corporation (each a "Borrower" and collectively,

the "Borrowers").

                                    RECITALS.

         A. The Borrowers and the Bank have entered into that certain Loan and

Security Agreement dated May 28, 1998 (as amended from time to time, the "Loan

Agreement"), pursuant to which the Bank has agreed to establish a line of credit

in the maximum principal amount of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars

($3,500,000) (the "Committed Revolving Line") and a committed equipment line in

favor of Borrowers (the "Committed Equipment Line") in the maximum principal

amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

         B. The Borrowers have requested that the Bank (i) increase the maximum

principal amount and extend the maturity of the Committed Revolving Line, and

(ii) amend and restated the Committed Equipment Line, and the Bank has agreed,

on the condition, among others, that this Agreement be executed and delivered by

the Borrowers to the Bank.

         C. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall

have the respective meanings set forth in the Loan Agreement.

<PAGE>

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good

and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby

acknowledged, the Borrowers and the Bank do hereby agree as follows:

         1. RECITALS. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the above

Recitals are true and correct in all material respects and that the same are

incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference.

         2. DEFINED TERMS. From and after the date hereof, the definitions of

"Committed Equipment Line", "Committed Revolving Line", "Equipment Note",

"Revolving Maturity Date" and "Revolving Promissory Note" set forth in Section

1.1 of the Loan Agreement are hereby amended and restated in its entirety as

follows:

                           "Committed Equipment Line" means a credit extension
                  of up to One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

                           "Committed Revolving Line" means a credit extension
                  of up to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000).

                           "Equipment Note" means each of the Second Amended and
                  Restated Equipment Term Note No. 1 and the Second Amended and
                  Restated Equipment Term Note No. 2, each dated November 5,
                  1999 in substantially the form of EXHIBIT F attached hereto in
                  the maximum principal amount of One Million Dollars
                  ($1,000,000) from the Borrowers in favor of the Bank, and
                  "Equipment Notes" means collectively the Second Amended and
                  Restated Equipment Term Note No. 1 and the Second Amended and
                  Restated Equipment Term Note No. 2, together with all
                  renewals, amendments, modifications and substitutions
                  therefor.

                           "Revolving Maturity Date" means October 13, 2000.

                           "Revolving Promissory Note" means that certain Fifth
                  Amended and Restated Revolving Promissory Note dated November
                  5, 1999 in substantially the form of EXHIBIT E attached hereto
                  in the maximum principal amount of Five Million Dollars
                  ($5,000,000) from the Borrowers in favor of the Bank, together
                  with all renewals, amendments, modifications and substitutions
                  therefore.

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>

         From and after the date hereof, the definition of "Eligible Equipment"

is added to Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement as set forth below:

                           "Eligible Equipment" means general purpose computer
                  equipment, office equipment, test and laboratory equipment,
                  furnishings, and, subject to the limitations set forth below,
                  which complies with all of Borrower's representations and
                  warranties to Bank and which is acceptable to Bank in all
                  respects.

         3. LETTERS OF CREDIT. Section 2.1.1 of the Loan Agreement is amended

and restated in its entirety as follows:

                           (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this
                  Agreement, Bank agrees to issue or cause to be issued Letters
                  of Credit for the account of one or more of Borrowers in an
                  aggregate outstanding face amount not to exceed (i) the lesser
                  of the Committed Revolving Line or the Borrowing Base,
                  whichever is less, minus (ii) the then outstanding principal
                  balance of the Advances; PROVIDED that the face amount of
                  outstanding Letters of Credit (including drawn but
                  unreimbursed Letters of Credit and any Letter of Credit
                  Reserve) shall not in any case exceed One Million Dollars
                  ($1,000,000). Each Letter of Credit shall have an expiration
                  date no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the
                  Revolving Maturity Date, provided, that Borrowers' Letter of
                  Credit reimbursement obligations shall be secured by cash on
                  terms acceptable to bank at any time after the Revolving
                  Maturity Date, if the term of this Agreement is note extended
                  by Bank. All Letters of Credit shall be, in form and
                  substance, acceptable to Bank in its sole discretion and shall
                  be subject to the terms and conditions of Bank's form of
                  standard Application and Letter of Credit Agreement.

                           (b) The joint and several obligation of Borrowers to
                  immediately reimburse Bank for drawings made under Letters of
                  Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and
                  shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of
                  this Agreement and such Letters of Credit, under all
                  circumstances whatsoever. Borrowers shall indemnify, defend,
                  protect, and hold Bank harmless from any loss, cost, expense
                  or liability, including, without limitation, reasonable
                  attorneys' fees, arising out of or in connection with any
                  Letters of Credit.

                           (c) Borrowers may request that Bank issue a Letter of
                  Credit payable in a currency other than United States Dollars.
                  If a demand for payment is made under any such Letter of
                  Credit, Bank shall treat such demand as an Advance to
                  Borrowers of the equivalent of the amount thereof (plus cable
                  charges) in United States currency at the then prevailing rate
                  of exchange in San Francisco, California, for sales of that
                  other currency for cable transfer to the country of which it
                  is the currency.

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>

                           (d) Upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit payable
                  in a currency other than United States Dollars, Bank shall
                  create a reserve under the Committed Revolving Line for
                  Letters of Credit against fluctuations in currency exchange
                  rates, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the face
                  amount of such letter of credit. The amount of such reserve
                  may be amended by Bank from time to time to account for
                  fluctuations in the exchange rate. The availability of funds
                  under the Committed Revolving Line shall be reduced by the
                  amount of such reserve for so long as such Letter of Credit
                  remains outstanding.

         4. EQUIPMENT ADVANCES. Section 2.2 of the Loan Agreement is hereby

amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

                           (a) At any time from the date hereof through February
                  28, 2000 (the "Tranche One End Date"), Borrowers may from time
                  to time request advances to be used solely to reimburse
                  Borrowers for the purchase of equipment purchased after August
                  30, 1999 (each, together with the advances described in
                  subsection (b) below, an "Equipment Advance" and collectively,
                  the "Equipment Advances") from Bank in an aggregate amount not
                  to exceed the Committed Equipment Line. Amounts borrowed
                  pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) may not be readvanced.

                           All Equipment Advances made prior to the Tranche One
                  End Date shall be evidenced by an Equipment Term Note
                  ("Equipment Term Note No. 1") to be executed and delivered by
                  Borrowers to Bank as of the date hereof. All Equipment
                  Advances prior to the Tranche One End Date shall be repaid in
                  accordance with the terms of Equipment Term Note No. 1.

                           (b) At any time from March 1, 2000 through August 31,
                  2000 (the "Tranche Two End Date"), Borrowers may from time to
                  time request advances to be used solely to reimburse Borrowers
                  for the purchase of equipment purchased after January 31, 2000
                  from Bank in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Committed
                  Equipment Line. Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section
                  2.2(b) may not be readvanced.

                           All Equipment Advances made after the Tranche One End
                  Date, but prior to the Tranche Two End Date Two shall be
                  evidenced by an Equipment Term Note ("Equipment Term Note No.
                  2") to be executed and delivered by Borrowers to Bank as of
                  the date hereof. All Equipment Advances shall be repaid in
                  accordance with the terms of Equipment Term Note No. 2.

                           (c) Borrowers shall deliver to Bank, at the time of
                  each Equipment Advance an invoice for the Eligible Equipment
                  to be purchased. The Equipment Advances shall be used by
                  Borrowers only to purchase Eligible Equipment and

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>

                  shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the invoice amount of
                  such Eligible Equipment approved from time to time by Bank,
                  excluding taxes, shipping, and installation expense. Software
                  may, however, constitute up to Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
                  Dollars ($250,000) of the aggregate Equipment Advances.

                           (d) Interest shall accrue from the date of each
                  Equipment Advance at the rate specified in the applicable
                  Equipment Term Note and shall be payable monthly as provided
                  therein. Any Equipment Advances that are outstanding on the
                  Tranche One End Date will be payable in Thirty-Six (36) equal
                  monthly installments of principal, and accrued interest,
                  beginning on the first Payment Date of each month following
                  the Tranche One End Date. Any Equipment Advances that are
                  outstanding on the Tranche Two End Date will be payable in
                  Thirty-Six (36) equal monthly installments of principal, and
                  accrued interest, beginning on the first Payment Date of each
                  month following the Tranche Two End Date.

                           (e) When Borrowers desire to obtain an Equipment
                  Advance, Borrowers shall notify Bank (which notice shall be
                  irrevocable) by facsimile transmission to be received no later
                  than 1:00 p.m. Washington, D.C. 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 and
                  include a copy of the invoice for the Equipment to be
                  financed.

         5.       FINANCIAL  COVENANTS.  Sections 6.8 through 6.11 of the Loan

Agreement are amended and restated in their entirety as follows:

                  6.8. QUICK RATIO. Borrowers shall maintain, as of the last day
         of each calendar month, a ratio of (i) Quick Assets to (ii) Current
         Liabilities less deferred revenue of at least 1.50 to 1.

                  6.9.     [OMITTED]

                  6.10. TANGIBLE NET WORTH. Borrowers shall maintain as of the
         last day of each calendar month, a minimum Tangible Net Worth of not
         less than $8,500,000, plus ninety percent (90%) of all earnings of
         Borrower for the prior fiscal quarter, plus one hundred percent (100%)
         of all equity raised by either Borrower.

                  6.11 DEBT SERVICE. The Borrowers shall maintain a ratio of (a)
         cash, plus Eligible Accounts, less Advances under the Committed
         Revolving Line, to (b) the outstanding Equipment Advances of not less
         than 1.5 to 1.0 until such time as the Borrowers can maintain a Debt
         Service Coverage Ratio of greater than 1.50 to 1.0 for two

                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>

         (2) consecutive fiscal quarters whereupon the Borrowers shall at all
         times thereafter maintain a Debt Service Coverage Ration equal to
         greater than 1.50 to 1.0.

         6. EXHIBITS. From and after the date hereof, EXHIBITS C and D to the.

Loan Agreement are placed in their entirety with EXHIBITS C and D attached

hereto.

         7. FEES. In consideration of the Bank's agreement to enter into this

Agreement, Borrowers have agreed to pay Bank a non-refundable fee in connection

with the Committed Revolving Line equal to $12,500 and a non-refundable fee in

connection with the Committed Equipment Line equal to $2,500.

         8. REPLACEMENT PROMISSORY NOTE. The Revolving Promissory Note

referenced in the Loan Agreement is being replaced in its entirety with EXHIBIT

E attached hereto. The Borrowers shall execute and deliver to the Bank on the

date hereof their Fifth Amended and Restated Revolving Promissory Note in the

form of EXHIBIT E attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference (the

"Replacement Promissory Note"), in substitution for and not satisfaction of, the

issued and outstanding revolving promissory note, and the Replacement Promissory

Note shall be the "Revolving Promissory Note" for all purposes of the Loan

Documents. The promissory note being substituted pursuant to this Agreement

shall be marked "Replaced" and returned to the Borrowers promptly after the

execution and delivery of the Replacement Promissory Note.

         9. REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT NOTES. The Equipment Notes referenced in the

Loan Agreement are being replaced in their entirety with EXHIBIT F attached

hereto. The Borrowers shall execute and deliver to the Bank on the date hereof

their Second Amended and Restated Equipment Term Note No. 1 and their Second

Amended and Restated Equipment Term Note No. 2 in the form of EXHIBIT F attached

hereto and incorporated herein by reference (the "Replacement Equipment Notes"),

in substitution for and not satisfaction of, the issued and

                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>

outstanding equipment term notes, and the Replacement Equipment Notes shall be

the "Equipment Notes" for all purposes of the Loan Documents. The equipment

notes being substituted pursuant to this Agreement shall be marked "Replaced"

and returned to the Borrowers promptly after the execution and delivery of the

Replacement Equipment Notes.

         10. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. This Agreement shall become effective on the

date Bank receives the following documents, each of which shall be satisfactory

in form and substance to Bank:

                  (a) The fully executed Replacement Promissory Note;

                  (b) The fully executed Replacement Equipment Notes;

                  (c) Proof that Borrowers have paid all costs and expenses to

Bank in connection with this Agreement, including but not limited to, Bank's

reasonable attorneys fees; and

                  (d) Such other information, instruments, opinions, documents,

certificates and reports as Bank may deem necessary.

         11. REPRESENTATIONS. Borrowers hereby confirms that the representations

set forth in Section 5 of the Loan Agreement, are true and correct as of the

date hereof, and that no Event of Default has occurred or is continuing

immediately prior to or upon the execution of this Agreement.

         12. ADDITIONAL DEFAULTS. In addition to those Events of Default

specifically enumerated in the Loan Agreement if the Borrowers shall fail to

comply with the terms of any covenant or agreement contained herein, such

failure shall constitute an Event of Default and shall entitle the Bank to

exercise all rights and remedies provided in the Notes and the Loan

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>

Agreement, as well as all other rights and remedies provided to the Bank under

the terms of any of the other Loan Documents.

         13. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of

duplicate originals or counterparts, each of which duplicate original or

counterpart shall be deemed to be an original and all taken together shall

constitute one and the same instrument.

         14. LOAN DOCUMENTS; GOVERNING LAW; ETC. This Agreement is one of the

Loan Documents defined in the Loan Agreement and shall be governed and construed

in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. The headings and captions

in this Agreement are for the convenience of the parties only and are not a part

of this Agreement.

         15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The Borrowers hereby confirm to Bank the

enforceability and validity of each of the Loan Documents. In addition, the

Borrowers hereby agree that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the

terms and provisions, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement shall

not in any manner release, impair, lessen, modify, waive or otherwise limit the

liability and obligations of Borrowers under the terms of any of the Loan

Documents, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement.

Borrowers issue, ratify and confirm the representations, warranties and

covenants contained in the Loan Documents.

         16. MODIFICATIONS. This Agreement may not be supplemented, changed,

waived, discharged, terminated, modified or amended, except by written

instrument executed by the parties.

                            [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]

                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be

executed as of the date first above written.

WITNESS/ATTEST:                             SKY ALLAND RESEARCH, INC.

/s/ Karen M. Dozier                By: /s/ Richard T. Hebert     (SEAL)
------------------------------         --------------------------
                                      Name: Richard T. Hebert
                                      Title: Chief Executive Officer

WITNESS OR ATTEST:                          THE DATA GROUP, II, INC.

/s/ Karen M. Dozier                By: /s/ Richard T. Hebert     (SEAL)
------------------------------         --------------------------
                                      Name: Richard T. Hebert
                                      Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                            SILICON VALLEY BANK

                                    By: /s/ Pete McDonald
                                       --------------------------
                                       Name: Pete McDonald
                                       Title: Vice President

                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT C
                           BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

Borrower: Sky Alland Research, Inc.                  Bank:  Silicon Valley Bank

Commitment Amount: $5,000,000
<TABLE>

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.                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.               Maximum Loan Amount                                          $5,000,000
         16.               Total Funds Available [Lesser of #15 or 14]                  $
                                                                                         ----------------------
         17.               Present balance owing on Line of Credit                      $
                                                                                         ----------------------
         18.               Outstanding under Sublimits (____ )                          $
                                                                                         ----------------------
         19.               RESERVE POSITION (#16 minus #17 and #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

___________________________________

By: _______________________
         Authorized Signer

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT D
                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

TO:      SILICON VALLEY BANK

FROM:    SKY ALLAND RESEARCH, INC.

         The undersigned authorized officer of SKY ALLAND RESEARCH, INC.
hereby certifies that in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan
and Security Agreement between Borrowers and Bank (the "Agreement"), (i)
Borrowers are in complete compliance for the period ending          with all
required covenants except as noted below and (ii) all representations and
warranties of Borrowers 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 Borrowers
at any time or date of determination that Borrowers are 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         Monthly within 30 days                             Yes   No
Quarterly financial statements       Quarterly within 30 days                           Yes   No
Annual (CPA Audited)                 FYE within 90 days                                 Yes   No
A/R Agings                           Monthly within 30 days                             Yes   No
Compliance Certificate               Monthly within 30 days                             Yes   No
Borrowing Base Certificate           Monthly within 30 days                             Yes   No
Collateral Audit                     Annual                                             Yes   No
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

FINANCIAL COVENANT                   REQUIRED                 ACTUAL                    COMPLIES
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                       <C>
Maintain on a Monthly Basis:

Minimum Quick Ratio:                 1.50:1.0                 _______                   Yes   No

Minimum Tangible Net Worth:          $8,500,000                                         Yes   No
                                     (plus 90% of all quarterly earnings
                                     and 100% of all equity raised)

Debt Service Coverage:               1.50:1.0                 __:1.0                    Yes   No
</TABLE>

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>

                          ======================================================

                                       BANK USE ONLY
                           Received By:____________________
                           Date:________________
                           Reviewed By:____________________
                           Compliance Status:  Yes / No

                          ======================================================

Comments Regarding Exceptions:

Sincerely,

_______________________                Date:_______________
SIGNATURE

_______________________

TITLE

                                     - 12 -<PAGE>

                           FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
                            REVOLVING PROMISSORY NOTE

$5,000,000                                                      Reston, Virginia
                                                               November 5, 1999,
                                            but effective as of October 13, 1999

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, SKY ALLAND RESEARCH, INC., a
Maryland corporation and THE DATA GROUP II, INC., a Maryland corporation
(collectively, the "Borrowers" and each a "Borrower"), jointly and severally,
promise to pay to the order of SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California-chartered bank,
doing business in Virginia as "Silicon Valley East" ("Bank"), at such place as
the holder hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of
America, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all advances ("Advances") made
by Bank to Borrowers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan and
Security Agreement among Borrowers and Bank dated as of May 28, 1998 (as amended
from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"), up to a maximum principal amount of
Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the "Principal Sum"), or so much thereof as
may be advanced or readvanced and remains unpaid. Borrowers shall also pay
interest on the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Advances, as follows:

         Commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until repayment in full
of all sums due hereunder, the unpaid Principal Sum shall bear interest at 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 (the "Prime Rate"). The rate of interest charged under this Note shall
change immediately and contemporaneously with any change in the Prime Rate. All
interest payable under the terms of this Note shall be calculated on the basis
of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.

         The unpaid Principal Sum, together with interest thereon at the rate or
rates provided above, shall be due and payable as follows:

                  (a) Interest only on the unpaid principal amount shall be due
and payable monthly in arrears, commencing December 5, 1999, and continuing on
the same day of each calendar month thereafter to maturity; and

                  (b) Unless sooner paid, the unpaid Principal Sum, together
with interest accrued and unpaid thereon, shall be due and payable in full on
October 13, 2000.

<PAGE>

         The fact that the balance hereunder may be reduced to zero from time to
time pursuant to the Loan Agreement will not affect the continuing validity of
this Note or the Loan Agreement, and the balance may be increased to the
Principal Sum after any such reduction to zero.

         This Note increases, amends and restates in its entirety that certain
Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Promissory Note (the "Restated Note") in
the maximum principal amount of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($3,500,000) dated as of September 13, 1999 from the Borrowers in favor of the
Bank. It is expressly agreed that the indebtedness evidenced by the Restated
Note has not been extinguished or discharged hereby. The Borrowers agree that
the execution of this Agreement is not intended to and shall not cause or result
in a novation with respect to the Restated Note. This Note is secured as
provided in the Loan Agreement. All capitalized terms used herein and not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Loan
Agreement.

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

         Bank is hereby authorized by Borrowers to endorse on Bank's books and
records each Advance made by Bank under this Note and the amount of each payment
or prepayment of principal of each such Advance received by Bank; it being
understood, however, that failure to make any such endorsement (or any error in
notation) shall not affect the obligations of Borrowers with respect to Advances
made hereunder, and payments of principal by Borrowers shall be credited to
Borrowers notwithstanding the failure to make a notation (or any errors in
notation) thereof on such books and records.

         The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall
constitute an event of default (individually, an "Event of Default" and
collectively, the "Events of Default") under the terms of this Note:

                  (a) The failure of Borrowers to pay to Bank when due any and
all amounts payable by Borrowers to Bank under the terms of this Note; or

                  (b) The occurrence of an event of default (as defined therein)
under the terms and conditions of any of the other Loan Documents.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

         Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, at the option of Bank, all
amounts payable by Borrowers to Bank under the terms of this Note shall
immediately become due and payable by Borrowers to Bank without notice to
Borrowers or any other person, and Bank shall have all of the rights, powers,
and remedies available under the terms of this Note, any of the other Loan
Documents and all applicable laws. Borrowers and all endorsers, guarantors, and
other parties who may now or in the future be primarily or secondarily liable
for the payment of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note hereby severally
waive presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, notice of demand and
of dishonor and non-payment of this Note and expressly agree that this Note or
any payment hereunder may be extended from time to time without in any way
affecting the liability of Borrowers, guarantors and endorsers.

         Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Borrowers hereby authorize
any attorney designated by Bank or any clerk of any court of record to appear
for Borrowers in any court of record and confess judgment without prior hearing
against Borrowers in favor of Bank for and in the amount of the unpaid Principal
Sum, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, all other amounts payable by
Borrowers to Bank under the terms of this Note or any of the other Loan
Documents, costs of suit, and attorneys' fees of fifteen percent (15%) of the
unpaid Principal Sum and interest then due hereunder. Borrowers hereby release,
to the extent permitted by applicable law, all errors and all rights of
exemption, appeal, stay of execution, inquisition, and other rights to which
Borrowers may otherwise be entitled under the laws of the United States of
America or of any state or possession of the United States of America now in
force and which may hereafter be enacted. The authority and power to appear for
and enter judgment against Borrowers shall not be exhausted by one or more
exercises thereof or by any imperfect exercise thereof and shall not be
extinguished by any judgment entered pursuant thereto. Such authority may be
exercised on one or more occasions or from time to time in the same or different
jurisdictions as often as Bank shall deem necessary or desirable, for all of
which this Note shall be a sufficient warrant.

         Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise to pay all costs and expense
of collection of this Note and to pay all reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in
such collection, whether or not there is a suit or action, or in any suit or
action to collect this Note or in any appeal thereof. Borrowers waive
presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, notice of dishonor, notice of
nonpayment, and any and all other notices and demands in connection with the
delivery, acceptance, performance default or enforcement of this Note, as well
as any applicable statutes of limitations. No delay by Bank in exercising any
power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any power or right. Time
is of the essence as to all obligations hereunder.

         This Note is issued pursuant to the Loan Agreement, which shall govern
the rights and obligations of Borrowers with respect to all obligations
hereunder.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

         Borrowers acknowledge and agree that this Note shall be governed by the
laws of the State of Maryland, excluding conflicts of laws principles, even
though for the convenience and at the request of Borrowers, this Note may be
executed elsewhere.

         EACH 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 STATE OF MARYLAND 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 MARYLAND, EACH BORROWER ACCEPTS JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS AND
VENUE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. EACH 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.

         Until such time as the Bank is not committed to extend further credit
to the Borrowers and all Obligations of the Borrowers to the Bank have been
indefeasibly paid in full in cash, and subject to and not in limitation of the
provisions set forth in the next following paragraph below, no Borrower shall
have any right of subrogation (whether contractual, arising under the Bankruptcy
Code or otherwise), reimbursement or contribution from any Borrower or any
guarantor, nor any right of recourse to its security for any of the debts and
obligations of any Borrower which are the subject of this Note. Except as
otherwise expressly permitted by the Financing Agreement, any and all present
and future debts and obligations of any Borrower to any other Borrower are
hereby subordinated to the full payment and performance of all present and
future debts and obligations to the Bank under this Note and the Financing
Agreement and the Loan Documents, provided, however, notwithstanding anything
set forth in this Note to the contrary, prior to the occurrence of a payment
Default, the Borrowers shall be permitted to make payments on account of any of
such present and future debts and obligations from time to time in accordance
with the terms thereof.

         Each Borrower further agrees that, if any payment made by any Borrower
or any other person is applied to this Note and is at any time annulled, set
aside, rescinded, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential or
otherwise required to be refunded or repaid, or the

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

proceeds of any property hereafter securing this Note is required to be returned
by the Bank to any Borrower, its estate, trustee, receiver or any other party,
including, without limitation, such Borrower, under any bankruptcy law, state or
federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment
or repayment, such Borrower's liability hereunder (and any lien, security
interest or other collateral securing such liability) shall be and remain in
full force and effect, as fully as if such payment had never been made, or, if
prior thereto any such lien, security interest or other collateral hereafter
securing such Borrower's liability hereunder shall have been released or
terminated by virtue of such cancellation or surrender, this Note (and such
lien, security interest or other collateral) shall be reinstated in full force
and effect, and such prior cancellation or surrender shall not diminish,
release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of such Borrower
in respect of the amount of such payment (or any lien, security interest or
other collateral securing such obligation).

         The JOINT AND SEVERAL obligations of each Borrower under this Note
shall be absolute, irrevocable and unconditional and shall remain in full force
and effect until the outstanding principal of and interest on this Note and all
other Obligations or amounts due hereunder and under the Loan Agreement and the
Loan Documents shall have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash in accordance
with the terms thereof and this Note shall have been canceled.

                        (SIGNATURES ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE)

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrowers have caused this Note to be executed
under seal by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.

WITNESS/ATTEST:                             SKY ALLAND RESEARCH, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Richard T. Hebert     (SEAL)
------------------------------         --------------------------
                                      Name: Richard T. Hebert
                                      Title: Chief Executive Officer

WITNESS/ATTEST:                             THE DATA GROUP II, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Richard T. Hebert     (SEAL)
------------------------------         --------------------------
                                      Name: Richard T. Hebert
                                      Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                      -6-

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