Document:

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                                                                       Ex - 10.6

                         INNER CIRCLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

                             1994 STOCK OPTION-PLAN.

     1.   PURPOSE. This 1994 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is intended to
provide incentives: (a) to the officers and other employees of Inner Circle
Technologies, Inc. (the "Company"), its parent (if any) and any present or
future subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, "Related Corporations") by
providing them with opportunities to purchase stock in the Company pursuant to
options granted hereunder which qualify as "incentive stock options" ("ISO" or
"ISOs") under Section 422A(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
from time to time (the "Code"); (b) to directors, officers, employees and
consultants of the Company and Related Corporations by providing them with
opportunities to purchase stock in the Company pursuant to options granted
hereunder which do not qualify as ISOs ("Non-Qualified Option" or "Non-Qualified
Options"); (c) to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company
and Related Corporations by providing them with awards of stock in the Company
("Awards"); and (d) to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the
Company and Related Corporations by providing them with opportunities to make
direct purchases of stock in the Company ("Purchases"). Both ISOs and
Non-Qualified Options are referred to hereafter individually as an "Option" and
collectively as "Options". Options, Awards and authorization to make Purchases
are referred to hereinafter collectively as "Stock Rights". As used herein, the
terms "parent" and "subsidiary" mean "parent corporation" and "subsidiary
corporation", respectively, as those terms are defined in Section 425 of the
Code.

     2.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

     A.   BOARD OR COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATION. The Plan shall be administered by
the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Board may appoint a
Stock Plan Committee (the "Committee") of three or more of its members to
administer this Plan. If the Committee has been so appointed, no member of the
committee, while a member, shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
Hereinafter, all references in this Plan to the "Committee" shall mean the Board
if no Committee has been appointed. Subject to ratification of the grant or
authorization of each Stock Right by the Board (if so required by applicable
state law), and subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the
authority to (i) determine the employees of the Company and Related Corporations
(from among the class of employees eligible under paragraph 3 to receive ISOs)
to whom ISOs may be granted, and to determine (from among the class of
individuals and entities eligible under paragraph 3 to receive Non-Qualified
Options and Awards and to make Purchases) to whom Non-Qualified Options, Awards
and authorizations to make Purchases may be granted; (ii) determine the time or
times at which Options or Awards may be granted or Purchases made; (iii)
determine the option price of shares subject to each Option, which price shall
not be less than the minimum price specified in paragraph 6, and the purchase
price of shares subject to each Purchase; (iv) determine whether each Option
granted shall be an ISO or a Non-Qualified Option; (v) determine (subject to

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paragraph 7) the time or times when each option shall become exercisable and the
duration of the exercise period; (vi) determine whether restrictions such as
repurchase options are to be imposed on shares subject to Options, Awards and
Purchases and the nature of such restrictions, if any, and (vii) interpret the
Plan and prescribe and rescind rules and regulations relating to it. If the
Committee decides to issue a Non-Qualified Option, it shall take whatever
actions it deems necessary, under Section 422A of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, to ensure that such Option is not treated as an ISO. The
interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provisions of the Plan
or of any Stock Right granted under it shall be final unless otherwise
determined by the Board. The Committee may from time to time adopt such rules
and regulations for carrying out the Plan as it may deem best. No member of the
Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in
good faith with respect to the Plan or any Stock right granted under it.

     B.   COMMITTEE ACTIONS. The Committee may select one of its members as its
chairman, and shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine.
Acts by a majority of the Committee, or acts reduced to or approved in writing
by a majority of the members of the Committee, shall be the valid acts of the
Committee. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee
and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause)
and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies however caused,
or remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the
Plan.

     C.   GRANT OF STOCK RIGHTS TO BOARD MEMBERS. Stock Rights may be granted to
members of the Board, but any such grant shall be made and approved in
accordance with paragraph 2(D), if applicable. All grants of Stock Rights to
members of the Board shall in all other respects be made in accordance with the
provisions of the Plan applicable to other eligible persons. Members of the
Board who are either (i) eligible for Stock Rights pursuant to the Plan or (ii)
have been granted Stock Rights may vote on any matters affecting the
administration of the Plan or the grant of any Stock Rights pursuant to the
Plan, except that no such member shall act upon the granting to him or herself
of Stock Rights, but any such member may be counted in determining the existence
of a quorum at any meeting of the Board during which action is taken with
respect to the granting to him or her of Stock Rights.

     D.   COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. In the event the Company
registers any class of any equity security pursuant to Section 12 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), any grant of
Stock Rights to a member of the Board (made at any time from the effective date
of such registration until six months after the termination of such
registration) must be approved by a majority vote of the other members of the
Board; provided, however, that if a majority of the Board is eligible for
selection to participate in the Plan or in any other stock option or other stock
plan of the Company or any of its affiliates, or has been so eligible at any
time within the preceding year, any grant of Stock Rights to a member of the
Board must be made by, or only in accordance with the recommendation of, the
Committee or a committee consisting of three or more persons, who may but need
not be directors or employees of the Company, appointed by the Board but having
full authority to act in the matter, none of whom is eligible to participate in
the Plan or any other stock option or other stock plan of the

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Company or any of its affiliates, or has been so eligible at any time within the
preceding year. The requirements imposed by the preceding sentence shall also
apply with respect to grants to officers who are not also directors. Once
appointed, such committee shall continue to serve until otherwise directed by
the Board.

     3.   ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS. ISOs may be granted to any employee of
the Company or any Related Corporation. Those officers and directors of the
Company who are not employees may not be granted ISOs under the Plan.
Non-Qualified Options, Awards and authorizations to make Purchases may be
granted to any employee, officer or director (whether or not also an employee)
or consultant of the Company or any Related Corporation. The Committee may take
into consideration a recipient's individual circumstances in determining whether
to grant an ISO, a Non-Qualified option, an Award or an authorization to make a
Purchase. The grant of any Stock Right to any individual or entity shall neither
entitle that individual or entity to, nor disqualify that individual from,
participating in any other grant of Stock Rights.

     4.   STOCK. The stock subject to Options, Awards and Purchases shall be
authorized but unissued shares of the common stock of the Company, $.001 par
value per share (the "Common Stock"), or shares of Common Stock reacquired by
the Company in any manner. The aggregate number of shares which may be issued
pursuant to the Plan is 1,000,000, subject to adjustment as provided in
paragraph 13. Any such shares may be issued as ISOs, Non-Qualified Options or
Awards, or to persons or entities making Purchases, so long as the number of
shares so issued does not exceed such number, as adjusted. If any Option granted
under the Plan shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been
exercised in full or shall cease for any reason to be exercisable in whole or in
part, or if the Company shall reacquire any unvested shares issued pursuant to
Awards or Purchases, the unpurchased shares subject to such Options and any
unvested shares so reacquired by the Company shall again be available for grants
of Stock Rights under the Plan.

     5.   GRANTING OF STOCK RIGHTS. Stock Rights may be granted under the Plan
at any time after March 17, 1994 and prior to March 16, 2004. The date of grant
of a Stock Right under the Plan will be the date specified by the Committee at
the time it grants the Stock Right; provided, however, that such date shall not
be prior to the date on which the Committee acts to approve the grant. The
Committee shall have the right, with the consent of the optionee, to convert an
ISO granted under the Plan to a Non-Qualified Option pursuant to paragraph 16.

     6.   MINIMUM OPTION PRICE; ISO LIMITATIONS.

     A.   PRICE FOR NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS. The exercise price per share
specified in the agreement relating to each Non-Qualified Option granted under
the Plan shall in no event be less than the lesser of (i) the book value per
share of Common Stock as of the end of the fiscal year of the Company
immediately preceding the date of such grant, or (ii) fifty percent (50%) of the
f air market value per share of Common Stock on the date of such grant.

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

     C.   $100,000 ANNUAL LIMITATION ON ISOS. Each eligible employee may be
granted ISOs only to the extent that, in the aggregate under this Plan and all
incentive stock option plans of the Company And any Related Corporation, such
ISOs do not become exercisable for the first time by such employee during any
calendar year in a manner which would entitle the employee to purchase more than
$100,000 in fair market value (determined at the time the ISOs were granted) of
Common Stock in that year. Any options granted to an employee in excess of such
amount will be granted as Non-Qualified Options.

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

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

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

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

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

     D.   ACCELERATION OF VESTING. The Committee shall have the right to
accelerate the date of exercise of any installment of any Option; provided that
the Committee shall not, without the consent of an optionee, accelerate the
exercise date of any installment of any Option granted to any employee as an ISO
(and hot previously converted into a Non-Qualified option pursuant

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to paragraph 16) if such acceleration would violate the annual vesting
limitation contained in Section 422A(d) of the Code, as described in paragraph
6(c).

     9.   TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. If an ISO optionee ceases to be employed by
the Company and all Related Corporations other than by reason of death or
disability as defined in paragraph 10, no further installments of his ISOs shall
become exercisable, and his ISOs shall terminate after the passage of ninety
(90) days from the date of termination of his employment, but in no event later
than on their specified expiration dates, except to the extent that such ISOs
(or unexercised installments thereof) have been converted into Non-Qualified
Options pursuant to paragraph 16. Employment shall be considered as continuing
uninterrupted during any bona fide leave of absence (such as those attributable
to illness, military obligations or governmental service) provided that the
period of such leave does not exceed 90 days or, if longer, any period during
which such optionee's right to reemployment is guaranteed by statute. A bona
fide leave of absence with the written approval of the Committee shall not be
considered an interruption of employment under the Plan, provided that such
written approval contractually obligates the Company or any Related Corporation
to continue the employment of the optionee after the approved period of absence.
ISOs granted under the Plan shall not be affected by any change of employment
within or among the Company and Related Corporations, so long as the optionee
continues to be an employee of the Company or any Related Corporation. Nothing
in the Plan shall be deemed to give any grantee of any Stock Right the right to
be retained in employment or other service by the Company or any Related
Corporation for any period of time.

     10.  DEATH; DISABILITY.

     A.   DEATH. If an ISO optionee ceases to be employed by the Company and all
Related Corporations by reason of his death, any ISO of his may be exercised, to
the extent of the number of shares with respect to which he could have exercised
it on the date of his death, by his estate, personal representative or
beneficiary who has acquired the ISO by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, at any time prior to the earlier of the specified expiration date
of the ISO or 90 days from the date of the optionee's death.

     B.   DISABILITY. If an ISO optionee ceases to be employed by the Company
and all Related Corporations by reason of his disability, he shall have the
right to exercise any ISO held by him on the date of termination of employment,
to the extent of the number of shares with respect to which he could have
exercised it on the date, at any time prior to the earlier of the specified
expiration date of the ISO or 90 days from the date of termination of the
optionee's employment. For the purposes of the Plan, the term "disability" shall
mean "permanent and total disability" as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code
or successor statute.

     11.  ASSIGNABILITY. No Option shall be assignable or transferable by the
optionee except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during
the lifetime of the optionee each option shall be exercisable only by him.

     12.  TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OPTIONS. Options shall be evidenced by
instruments (which need not be identical) in such forms as the Committee may
from time to time

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approve. Such instruments shall conform to the terms and conditions set forth in
paragraphs 6 through 11 hereof and may contain such other provisions as the
Committee deems advisable which are not inconsistent with the Plan, including
restrictions applicable to shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
options. In granting any Non-Qualified Option, the Committee may specify that
such Non-Qualified Option shall be subject to the restrictions set forth herein
with respect to ISOs, or to such other termination and cancellation provisions
as the Committee may determine. The Committee may from time to time confer
authority and responsibility on one or more of its own members and/or one or
more officers of the Company to execute and deliver such instruments. The proper
officers of the Company are authorized and directed to take any and all action
necessary or advisable from time to time to carry out the terms of such
instruments.

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

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

     B.   CONSOLIDATION OR MERGERS. If the Company is to be consolidated with or
acquired by another entity in a merger, sale of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets or otherwise (an "Acquisition"), the Committee or the board of
directors of any entity assuming the obligations of the Company hereunder (the
"Successor Board"), shall, as to outstanding Options, either (i) make
appropriate provision for the continuation of such options by substituting on an
equitable basis for the shares then subject to such Options the consideration
payable with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock in connection
with the Acquisition; or (ii) upon written notice to the optionee, provide that
all Options must be exercised, to the extent then exercisable, within a
specified number of days of the date of such notice, at the end of which period
the Options shall terminate; or (iii) terminate all options in exchange for a
cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares
subject to such Options (to the extent then exercisable) over the exercise price
thereof.

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

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     D.   MODIFICATION OF ISOS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustments
made pursuant to subparagraphs A, B or C with respect to ISOs shall be made only
after the Committee, after consulting with counsel for the Company, determined
whether such adjustments would constitute a "modification" of such ISOs (as that
term is defined in Section 425 of the Code) or would cause any adverse tax
consequences for the holders of such ISOs. If the Committee determined that such
adjustments made with respect to ISOs would constitute a modification of such
ISOs, it may refrain from making such adjustments.

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

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

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

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

     If any person or entity owning restricted Common Stock obtained by exercise
of a Stock Right made hereunder receives shares or Securities or cash in
connection with a corporate transaction described in subparagraphs A, B or C
above as a result of owning such restricted Common Stock, such shares or
securities or cash shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions
applicable to the restricted Common Stock with respect to which such shares or
securities or cash were issued, unless otherwise determined by the Committee or
the Successor Board.

     14.  MEANS OF EXERCISING STOCK RIGHTS. A Stock Right or any part or
installment thereof) shall be exercised by giving written notice to the Company
at its principal office address. Such notice shall identify the Stock Right
being exercised and specify the number of shares as to which such Stock Right is
being exercised, accompanied by full payment of the purchase price therefor
either (a) in United States dollars in cash or by check or (b) at the discretion
of the Committee, through delivery of shares of Common Stock having a fair
market value equal as of the date of exercise to the cash exercise price of the
Stock Right, or (c) at the discretion of the

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Committee, by delivery of the grantee's personal recourse note bearing interest
payable not less than annually at no less than 100% of the lowest applicable
Federal rate, as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code, or (d) at the
discretion of the Committee, by any combination of (a), (b) and (c) above. If
the Committee exercises its discretion to permit payment of the exercise price
of an ISO by means of the methods set forth in clauses (b), (c) or (d) of the
preceding sentence, such discretion shall be exercised in writing at the time of
the grant of the ISO in question. The holder of a Stock Right shall not have the
rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares discovered by his Stock Right
until the date of issuance of a stock certificate to him for such shares. Except
as expressly provided above in paragraph 13 with respect to changes in
capitalization and stock dividends, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or
similar rights for which the record date is before the date such stock
certificate is issued.

     15.  TERM AND AMENDMENT OF PLAN. This Plan was adopted by the Board on
March 17, 1994. The Plan shall expire at the end of the day on March 16, 2004
(except as to Options outstanding on that date). Subject to the provisions of
paragraph 5 above, Stock Rights may be granted under the Plan prior to the date
of stockholder approval of the Plan. The Board may terminate or amend the Plan
in any respect at any time, except that, without the approval of the
stockholders obtained within 12 months before or after the Board adopts a
resolution authorizing any of the following actions: (a) the total number of
shares that may be issued under the Plan may not be increased (except by
adjustment pursuant to paragraph 13); (b) the provisions of paragraph 3
regarding eligibility for grants of ISOs may not be modified; (c) the provisions
of paragraph 6(B) regarding the exercise price at which shares may be offered
pursuant to ISOs may not be modified (except by adjustment pursuant to paragraph
13); and (d) the expiration date of the Plan may not be extended. Except as
otherwise provided in this paragraph 15, in no event may action of the Board or
stockholders alter or impair the rights of a grantee, without his consent, under
any Stock Right previously granted to him.

     16.  CONVERSION OF ISOS INTO NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS;

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

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

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

     19.  WITHHOLDING OF ADDITIONAL INCOME TAXES. Upon the exercise of a
Non-Qualified Option, the grant of an Award, the making of a Purchase of Common
Stock for less than its fair market value, the making of a Disqualifying
Disposition (as defined in paragraph 20) or the vesting of restricted Common
Stock acquired on the exercise of a Stock Right hereunder, the Company, in
accordance with Section 3402(a) of the Code, may require the optionee, Award
recipient or purchaser to pay additional withholding taxes in respect of the
amount that is considered compensation includable in such person's gross income.
The Committee in its discretion may condition (i) the exercise of an Option,
(ii) the grant of an Award, (iii) the making of a Purchase of Common stock for
less than its fair market value, or (iv) the vesting of restricted Common Stock
acquired by exercising a Stock Right, on the grantee's payment of such
additional withholding taxes.

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

     21.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSTRUCTION. The validity and construction of the Plan
and the instruments evidencing Stock rights shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Delaware, or the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Company or its
successor in interest may be organized. In construing this Plan, the singular
shall include the plural and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and
neuter, unless the context otherwise requires.

                                      -9-<PAGE>   1

                                                                       Ex - 10.8

                               JOSEPH A. FORGIONE

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, signed as of the 4th day of November, 1997 (this
"Agreement"), between NovaLink USA Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation,
having a place of business at 200 Friberg Parkway, Westborough, Massachusetts
01581 (the "Company"), and Joseph A. Forgione, an individual residing at 158
Langelier Lane, Marlboro, MA 01752 (the "Employee").

     In consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants herein contained,
the adequacy and the sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties
hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Effective Date. The effective date of this Agreement shall be November
19, 1997 (the "Effective Date").

     2.   Employment. The Company hereby engages the Employee as an employee of
the Company and the Employee hereby accepts such engagement upon the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.

     3.   Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date
and shall continue until otherwise terminated by either party at any time with
or without cause (the "Term").

     4.   Employment Duties. During the Term, the Employee will serve as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall perform such
duties as may be reasonably assigned to him from time to time by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Board"). During the term hereof, the Employee
shall be employed by the Company on a full-time basis and shall devote his full
business time and best efforts to the advancement of the business and interests
of the Company. It is expected that the Employee will be nominated and elected
to the Board and shall serve as a member of the Board so long as he is President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

     5.   Consideration.

          (a) In consideration of the services performed by the Employee under
this Agreement, the Company shall pay the Employee a base salary at the rate of
$225,000 per year payable bi-weekly, subject to increase from time to time by
the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") in its
sole discretion. Compensation under this Agreement shall be paid in arrears in
equal monthly installments, and will be reviewed annually.

          (b) The Company shall reimburse the Employee for all ordinary and
necessary business expenses paid or incurred by the Employee in connection with
the execution of his responsibilities under this Agreement in accordance with
its usual reimbursement policies, which policies are subject to change on no
less than thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Employee.

<PAGE>   2

Reimbursement shall be made not less frequently than once each month against
presentation by the Employee of written reports, in reasonable detail and in the
then standard format in use by the Company, of all amounts so expended.

          (c) The Employee shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to
$50,000. The amount and timing of payment of the annual bonus shall be
established by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall
award the bonus based upon Employees meeting or exceeding certain performance
objectives (the "Performance Objectives") to be established initially by the
Employee and the Board by not later than ninety (90) days after the Effective
Date and thereafter by the Compensation Committee. Any failure to establish such
Performance Objectives shall not affect the validity and enforceability of this
Agreement.

          (d)

               (i)  The Company shall grant to the Employee, within ninety (90)
days of the Effective Date, qualified stock options to purchase a number of
shares of the Company's Common Stock equal to five percent (5%) of the Company's
"Common Stock Equivalents" (as defined in Sections 5(d)(iv) after the Company's
first round of outside venture capital financing, for a price of $.25 per share.
The options shall vest ratably on a monthly basis over a four year (48 month)
period beginning on the Effective Date, provided that no stock options shall
vest until six (6) months after the Effective Date, at which time options shall
vest retroactively for the prior six (6) months (i.e., ________ options). The
options shall be exercisable for a period of ten years, subject to termination
ninety (90) days after termination of the Employee's employment hereunder.

               (ii) If the Employee shall meet or exceed the Performance
Objectives, the Company shall grant to the Employee on the first anniversary of
the Effective Date qualified stock options in addition to those described in
Section 5(d)(i) to purchase a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
equal to an additional one percent (1%) of the Company's Common Stock
Equivalents (as defined in Section 5(d)(iv) after the Company's first round of
outside venture capital financing, for a price of $.25 per share. These
additional options shall have the same terms and conditions as those granted
under Section 5(d)(i) above, except that the four year (48 month) vesting period
shall begin on the first anniversary of the Effective Date.

               (iii) All options granted to you pursuant to this Section 5(d)
shall fully vest upon a "Change of Control" of the Company. A "Change of
Control" will occur upon the acquisition by any individual, entity or group of
50 percent or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding
securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors; provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not
constitute a Change of Control: (A) any acquisition of voting securities
directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of
a conversion privilege); (B) any acquisition by the Company or by any
corporation controlled by the Company; (C) any acquisition by an employee
benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any
corporation controlled by the Company; or (D) any acquisition by any corporation
pursuant to a consolidation or merger, if, following such consolidation, the
holders of the capital stock of the Company hold a majority of the voting stock
of the consolidated entity or following such merger,

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

the Company is the surviving entity, or (E) any acquisition of additional shares
of capital stock of the Company by any person or entity who or which has
previously provided financing to the Company.

               (iv) "Common Stock Equivalents" for purposes of this Section 5(d)
means (A) outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, (B) shares of
common stock into which any outstanding preferred stock of the Company is
convertible, (C) shares of common stock which are issuable upon exercise of
outstanding warrants, options and the like and (D) all common stock reserved for
issuance under stock option, restricted stock or other similar employee benefit
plans.

          (e)  The Employee shall be entitled to participate in the Company's
standard employee welfare plans, including a PPO medical insurance plan, short
and long term disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The
Company will match the Employee's contribution to the 401(k) retirement plan in
an amount equal to one-half of the Employee's contribution up to the first five
percent (5%) of his income. The Employee will also receive fifteen (15) days of
paid vacation annually, one day of which will accrue each month commencing with
the third month of Employee's employment by the Company and five (5) days of
which will accrue at the completion of six (6) months of Employee's employment
with the Company.

          (f)  In the event of termination of the employment of the Employee
hereunder by reason of death or permanent disability (as determined in good
faith by the Board), the Employee shall be entitled to compensation hereunder
through the date of such termination and to those benefits to which the Employee
may be entitled pursuant to the Company's standard benefit plans referred to in
subparagraph (e) of this paragraph 5.

     6.   Related Agreements.

          (a)  Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition. As a material inducement to
the Company to employ the Employee, and in order to protect the Company's
proprietary information and good will, the Employee agrees to the following:

               (i)  For a period of twelve (12) months after termination of
          employment with the Company or its present or future affiliates for
          any reason, whether with or without cause, Employee will not directly
          or indirectly solicit or accept business relating to Competing
          Products from any of the customers or accounts of the Company with
          which Employee had any contact as a result of his employment.

               (ii) For a period of twelve (12) months after termination of
          employment with the Company or its present or future affiliates for
          any reason, whether with or without cause, the Employee will not
          render services, directly or indirectly, as an employee, consultant or
          otherwise, to any Competing Organization in connection with research
          on or the acquisition, development, production, distribution,
          marketing, or providing of any Competing Product.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

          (iii) For a period of twelve (12) months after termination of
     employment with the Company or its present or future affiliates for any
     reason, whether with or without cause, Employee will not recruit or
     otherwise solicit or induce employees or consultants of the Company or its
     present or future affiliates to terminate their employment with, or
     otherwise cease their relationships with, the Company or any such
     affiliates.

          (iv) For a period of twelve (12) months after termination of
     employment with the Company or its present or future affiliates for any
     reason, whether with or without cause, Employee will not directly or
     indirectly induce or attempt to induce a customer, prospective customer,
     supplier, agent, vendor, contractor, subcontractor, developer, employee or
     consultant to terminate or not enter into any contract with the Company or
     its present or future affiliates.

     Employee agrees that the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 are fair
and reasonable and are reasonably required for the protection of the interests
of the Company. However, should an arbitrator or court nonetheless determine at
a later date that such restrictions are unreasonable in light of the
circumstances as they then exist, then Employee agrees that this Section shall
be construed in such a manner as to impose on Employee such restrictions as may
then be reasonable and sufficient to assure Company of the intended benefits of
this Section.

     (b)  For the purposes of Section 6:

          (i)  "Competing Product" means any product, process, or service of any
     person or organization other than the Company, in existence or under
     development, (A) which is identical to, substantially the same as, or
     performs the same or a similar function as, any product, process, or
     service of the Company, in existence or under development, and (B) which is
     (or could reasonably be anticipated to be) marketed or distributed in such
     a manner and in such a geographic area as to actually compete with such
     product, process or service of the Company.

          (ii) "Competing Organization" means any person or organization,
     including Employee, engaged in, or about to become engaged in, research on
     or the acquisition, development, production, distribution, marketing, or
     providing of a Competing Product.

     (c)  Nondisclosure and Assignment of Inventions. The Employee shall execute
the Nondisclosure and Assignment of Inventions Agreement attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the "Nondisclosure Agreement"), the provisions of which are deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein.

     7.   Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either party at any
time with or without cause; provided, however, that, the provisions of Section 6
shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

     8.   Severance. Upon termination of Employee's employment by the Company
other than for "Cause", the Company shall pay to the Employee his base salary
and shall continue his employee welfare benefits set forth in Section 5(e) of
this Agreement for the six (6) month period

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

following termination. If at the end of such six (6) month period, Employee has
not obtained "Comparable Work" as an employee or consultant for any other firm
or entity, the Company shall pay to the Employee his base salary and provide his
employee welfare benefits until the earlier of (i) the Employee's obtaining
Comparable Work or (ii) twelve (12) months from the date of termination of his
employment by the Company. "Comparable Work" means full time work, providing
remuneration to the Employee on an annualized base of at least ninety percent
(90%) of Employee's base salary; provided, however, that full-time consultancy
shall constitute Comparable Work only if it can reasonably be expected to have a
duration of six (6) months or more. As used herein, "Cause" shall be defined as
the Employee having (a) engaged in gross negligence relative to the affairs of
the Company, or (b) been convicted of a felony. Prior to terminating the
Employee for cause, the Company shall first provide him with notice and the
opportunity to be heard. In addition to his rights to continuation of base
salary and employee welfare benefits as described above in this Section 8, the
Employee shall be entitled to any COBRA or other statutory benefits and to any
conversion rights or privileges that he may have under insurance policies.

     9.   Binding Effect. This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the successors, assigns and legal representatives of the parties
hereto.

     10.  Miscellaneous.

          (a)  Entire Agreement. This instrument contains the entire agreement
of the parties with respect to the employment of the Employee and may not be
changed orally but only by an agreement in writing signed by the party against
whom enforcement is sought. This Agreement supersedes any and all earlier
agreements concerning the provision of services to the Company by the Employee,
which, as of the Effective Date, shall be terminated and be of no further force
or effect, and Employee hereby acknowledges satisfaction by the Company of all
requirements thereunder, including without limitation any and all obligations to
pay salary, bonuses, benefits or severance payments.

          (b)  Employee Representation. Employee represents that his employment
by the Company hereunder will not violate any agreement between Employee and any
of his previous employers.

          (c)  Enforcement of Covenants. The Employee acknowledges that he has
carefully read and considered all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and
the Nondisclosure Agreement, including the restraints imposed on the Employee by
Section 6 hereof. The Employee agrees that said restraints are necessary for the
reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates and that each
and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter,
length of time and geographic area. The Employee further acknowledges that, were
he to breach any of the covenants contain in Section 6 hereof, the damage to the
Company would be irreparable. The Employee therefore agrees that the Company, in
addition to any other remedies available to it, shall be entitled to preliminary
and permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened breach by the
Employee of any of said covenants, without having to post bond. The parties
further agree that, in the event that any

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

provision of Section 6 hereof shall be determined by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great
a period of time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of
activities, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to permit its
enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

          (d)  Remedies.

               (i) Subject to subsection (d)(ii) below, any claim or controversy
arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including (without limitation) a
claim by the Company that the Employee has violated any one or more of the
restrictions set forth in Section 6, shall be settled by arbitration before a
single arbitrator (who shall be a lawyer) in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance
with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
If the arbitrator finds that a violation of the foregoing restrictions exists or
is threatened, he shall prescribe appropriate relief which may include an award
that the Employee desist from such violation, whether or not such an order would
issue, in the circumstances, under the equity powers of a court. Judgment upon
the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent
jurisdiction.

               (ii) The Company shall have the right, which may be exercised in
lieu of or in addition to the procedure set forth in subsection (d)(i) above, to
submit a claim that the Employee has violated any one or more of the
restrictions set forth in Section 6 to any court of competent jurisdiction and
the Company will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies available to it
from such court, to obtain injunctive relief from such court to enforce the
terms of this Agreement. The Employee, upon receipt of written notice of the
institution of proceedings in such court, hereby agrees to submit to the
jurisdiction of such court.

          (e)  Notice. Unless written designation of a different address is
filed with each of the other parties hereto, all notices, requests, demands or
other communications required by or otherwise issued with respect to this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given to any
party when delivered personally (by courier service or otherwise); when
delivered by facsimile, transmission confirmed; the next business day after
timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight courier guaranteeing next
day delivery; or five days after being mailed by first-class mail, postage
prepaid and return receipt requested, in each case to the applicable address set
forth at the beginning of this Agreement.

          (f)  Waiver. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision
of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any
subsequent breach thereof.

          (g)  Severability. If any portion or portions of this Agreement are
declared to be void for illegality, then the remaining portions of the Agreement
shall remain and be valid and binding.

          (h)  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to its
conflict of laws principles.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

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

          (j)  Captions. The captions of the sections of this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and are not intended to be a part of this
Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, or
caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, under seal,
as of the date first written above.

                                             NOVALINK USA CORPORATION

                                             By: /s/ J. Radoff
                                                 Jon Radoff, Chairman

                                             EMPLOYEE

                                             /s/ Joseph A. Forgione
                                             Joseph A. Forgione

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

EXHIBIT A

                                                  Joseph A. Forgione
                                                  ------------------
                                                      Employee

              NONDISCLOSURE AND ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

     In consideration of my employment or the continuation of my employment by
NovaLink USA Corporation (the "Company"), I hereby agree as follows:

     I.   Confidential Information. I understand that the Company's confidential
information includes matters not generally known outside the Company, such as
software and systems, methods, designs, processes and trade secrets relating to
existing and future projects involving internet website development products and
services marketed or used by the Company, any contracts and other data including
sales and customer information, relating to the business operations,
methodologies and techniques of the Company such as information relating to the
Company's e-prise software. I further understand that while I am employed by the
Company, I may obtain or hear of confidential information of the Company and of
other parties which has been provided to the Company in confidence. I agree not
to disclose, use or copy any confidential information of the Company (whether or
not produced by me) or of other parties which has been provided to the Company
in confidence, except as the Company may authorize or direct.

     II.  Business Opportunities and Discoveries. I agree to make full and
prompt disclosure to the Company of all business opportunities relating to
internet web site development (collectively, "Business Opportunities"), as well
as of all computer software systems, methods, designs, processes and trade
secrets whether patentable, copyrightable or not, made, conceived or reduced to
practice by me or under my direction or jointly with others during my employment
by the Company, whether or not made, conceived or reduced to practice during
normal working hours or on the premises of the Company (all of which are
collectively termed "Discoveries"). I hereby assign and transfer to the Company
without further compensation the entire worldwide right, title and interest in
and to all Discoveries and any patents, patent applications, copyrights,
copyright registrations, or trade secrets covering such Discoveries. I further
agree, both during and after my employment with the Company, to execute and
deliver such assignments, patents, copyrights and applications, and other
documents as the Company may direct, and agree to cooperate fully with the
Company to enable the Company to secure and patent, copyright and otherwise
perfect and protect such Discoveries in any and all countries. This paragraph
will not apply to Discoveries which do not relate to the actual, planned or
anticipated business or research and development of the Company or affiliated
business entities and which are made, conceived or reduced to practice by me
during other than normal working hours, not on the Company's premises and
without the use of any of the Company's tools, devices, equipment, resources or
confidential information.

     III. Intellectual Property Rights. I acknowledge and agree that ownership
of copyrights, patents and any other intellectual property rights in the
designs, drawings, and related documents and works of authorship created for the
Company or within the scope of my employment belong to the Company exclusively
throughout the world. There shall be no obligation of the Company or any of

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

its direct or indirect licensees to designate me as author of any such design,
drawing, related documentation or other work of authorship when distributed
publicly or otherwise, nor to make any such distribution. I hereby waive and
release all my rights, if any, to the foregoing and hereby assign and transfer
to the Company without further compensation any interest I may have in the
entire worldwide right, title and interest in and to the foregoing. I further
agree to execute any papers and to assist the Company in any manner deemed
necessary by the Company to permit the Company to apply for, obtain and defend
copyrights and other intellectual property rights related to the foregoing.

     IV.  Obligations to Other Parties. I hereby represent that I have no
present obligation to assign to any former employer or any other person,
corporation, business entity or firm, any items covered by paragraphs 2 and 3,
and I am not bound by any employment contracts or restrictive agreements which
would prevent full performance of my duties to the Company, including but not
limited to the duties set forth in this Agreement. I will not disclose and have
not disclosed to the Company, and I will not induce or cause and have not
induced or caused the Company to use, any confidential information of other
persons, corporations or firms, including former employers. In addition, I will
not bring or provide and have not brought or provided to the Company, any
documents or other tangible items containing confidential information of other
persons, corporations or firms, including any former employers.

     V.   Affiliates or Subsidiaries. If my employment is transferred to a
subsidiary or affiliated business entity of the Company, this agreement will
continue to apply as though I were still employed by the Company unless I sign
an agreement provided to me by such other company covering essentially the same
matters as this Agreement.

     VI.  Termination of Employment. Upon any termination of my employment by
the Company, I agree to leave with or return to the Company all records,
drawings, files, notebooks, software, including object and source code versions
thereof, and other documents, including such items in electronic or other
intangible format, pertaining to the Company's confidential information, whether
prepared by me or others, and any equipment, tools or devices owned by the
Company then in my possession or under my control however such items were
obtained.

     VII. Vesting of Rights. The rights, title and other interests granted by me
to the Company under this Agreement shall automatically vest in the Company as
each item to which a right, title or other interest applies comes into
existence.

     VIII. Photographs. I hereby give the Company and its assigns permission to
use photographs of me (whether or not I am identified by name) during and after
my employment by the Company in connection with the reasonable business purposes
of the Company or its assigns.

     IX.  Not a Contract of Employment. I understand that this Agreement does
not constitute a contract of employment or give me rights to employment or
continued employment by the Company.

     X.   Survival. My obligations under this Agreement shall survive any
termination of my employment with the Company, shall be binding upon my heirs,
executors and administrators and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and
its successors and assigns.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

     XI.  Enforcement of Covenants. I acknowledge that I have carefully read and
considered all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the
restraints imposed on me pursuant to Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 hereof. I agree that
said restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the
Company and its affiliates, and I further acknowledge that, were I to breach any
of the covenants contained in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 hereof, the damage to the
Company would be irreparable. I therefore agree that the Company, in addition to
any other remedies available to it, shall be entitled to preliminary and
permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened breach by me of any
of said covenants, without having to post bond.

     XII. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of
this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any
reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every
other respect and of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be in
any way impaired.

     XIII. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement covering the subject matter set forth herein and may be
modified only by agreement in writing signed by me and an officer of the
Company.

     14.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Date:  Nov. 4, 1997                                  /s/ Joseph A. Forgione
                                                     Signature of Employee

                                                     Joseph A. Forgione
                                                     Printed Name of Employee

Witness:

/s/ J. Radoff
Jon Radoff

                                       10

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