Document:

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                                                             Exhibit 4.2

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

         This Registration Rights Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into
as of April 6, 2001, by and among Aperian, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company") and the parties named on the signature pages hereto ("Sellers").

                                    RECITALS:

         A. The Company and FOURTHSTAGE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., an Arizona
corporation ("Fourthstage") are parties to that certain Merger Agreement dated
the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Fourthstage is being
merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

         B. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the consideration
that the shareholders of Fourthstage are to receive in the Merger is in the form
of (i) certain cash amounts, (ii) shares of the Company's Series A, 18%
cumulative convertible redeemable preferred stock, par value $.01 per share
("Preferred Stock"), and (iii) shares of the Company's common stock, par value
$.01 per share ("Common Stock").

         C. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company has
agreed to register the shares of Common Stock together with any other Common
Stock issued if and when the Preferred Stock is converted into Common Stock in
accordance with applicable laws and not otherwise received by the Seller
thereunder pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein (collectively,
"Merger Shares").

                                   AGREEMENTS:

         NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration received and to be received
pursuant to this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

         Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated.

         "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Company Securities" means, collectively, the Common Stock and the
Preferred Stock received by the Sellers in the Merger.

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

         "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "Seller" shall mean each of the holders of record of share of common
stock of Fourthstage immediately prior to the Merger or any holder of such
shares who may obtain beneficial interest in and to such shares following the
Merger.

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 1
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         Other terms used in this Agreement shall have the definitions for such
terms set forth in the Merger Agreement unless otherwise defined herein.

         1. Registration of Common Stock. The Company shall use its best efforts
to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 (or
if Form S-3 or a successor form is not then available to the Company, on such
form of registration statement as is then available) to effect a registration of
the Common Stock (the "Registration Statement") to register all of the Merger
Shares together with any other shares of Common Stock held by the Sellers after
the Closing, ("Registrable Securities") for resale by the Sellers in
non-underwritten, market transactions within forty-five (45) days following the
Closing, and shall also use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement
to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing but in no event
later than one-hundred twenty (120) days of the Closing. The number of shares of
Common Stock initially included in such Registration Statement shall equal the
number of shares of Common Stock issued to the Sellers at the Closing plus the
number of shares of Common Stock that are then issuable upon conversion of the
Preferred Stock. The Registration Statement, to the extent allowable under the
1933 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including Rule
416), shall state that such Registration Statement also covers such
indeterminate number of additional shares of Common Stock as may become issuable
upon conversion of the Preferred Stock to prevent dilution resulting from stock
splits, stock dividends or similar transactions, and to the extent necessary
such Registration Statement shall be amended from time to time to cover
additional Registrable Securities of the Sellers. The Company shall amend the
Registration Statement after the Closing, as necessary, to include Common Stock
acquired by Sellers that are affiliates of the Company. If circumstances or
causes beyond the reasonable control of the Company should arise, then there
shall be no liability assessed against the Company for the failure to either
file or make effective the Registration Statement within such time frame as
specified above. The Company shall, at least ten (10) business days before
filing such Registration Statement, provide a draft to the Shareholder Agent and
any counsel designated in writing by the Shareholder Agent for review and
comment.

         2. Continuation of Registration. The Company shall use its best efforts
to keep the Registration Statement effective including promptly preparing and
filing with the Commission such amendments and supplements to the Registration
Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to
keep the Registration Statement effective until such date when either all of the
Registrable Securities have been sold by the Sellers pursuant thereto or, by
reason of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar
effect, the Registrable Securities are no longer required to be registered for
the resale thereof by the Sellers in ordinary market transactions without
imposition of any volume limitations (the "Registration Period") and the Company
shall furnish the Sellers copies of any such supplement or amendment promptly
after its being used or filed with the Commission. The Company shall promptly
furnish to Seller and its agent such number of copies of prospectuses and
preliminary prospectuses in conformity with the requirements of the Securities
Act as such Seller or its agent may reasonably request, in order to facilitate
the public sale or other disposition of all or any of the Registrable Securities
by such Seller.

         3. Blue Sky Clearance. The Company shall use its best efforts to
register or qualify the Registrable Securities under such other securities or
blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as

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any Seller reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which
may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Seller to consummate the
disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owed by such
Seller; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify
to do business or consent to service of process in any jurisdiction in which it
is not now so qualified or has not so consented, (ii) subject itself to general
taxation in any such jurisdiction, (iii) provide any undertakings that cause the
Company undue burden or expense or (iv) make any change in its charter or
bylaws.

         4. Additional Agreements of the Company. (a) The Company shall promptly
inform each Seller when any stop order has been issued with respect to the
Registration Statement including a Registration Statement under Section 7 hereof
and use its best efforts to promptly cause such stop order to be withdrawn; and
(b) cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed or authorized for
quotation on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which
similar securities issued by the Company are then listed on or quoted.

         5. Prospectus Requirement. The Company shall notify each Seller whose
shares are registered on a Registration Statement including a Registration
Statement under Section 7 hereof at any time when a prospectus relating to any
Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement is required to be
delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of
which the prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect,
includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing and promptly file
such amendments and supplements as may be necessary so that, as thereafter
delivered to such Sellers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall
not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing and use its best
efforts to cause each such amendment and supplement to become effective.

         6. Registration Expenses. The Company shall bear all expenses in
connection with its performance of or compliance with this Agreement and the
registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration
Statement, other than (i) fees and expenses, if any, of counsel of other
advisers to the Sellers or any of them, or (ii) broker's commissions and
discounts or fees of any nature relating to such sales.

         7.       Piggyback Registration.

                  (a) Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, if the
Company proposes to file a registration statement under the Securities Act,
including a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 1, with respect to an
underwritten offering of any equity securities by the Company for its own
account or for the account of any of its equity holders (other than a
registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or any substitute form that may be
adopted by the Commission or any registration statement filed in connection with
an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company's existing
security holders), then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed
filing to the holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable (but in
no event less than thirty (30) days before the anticipated initial filing date
of such registration

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 3
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statement), and such notice shall offer such holders the opportunity to register
such number of Registrable Securities as each such holder may request (a
"Piggyback Registration"). Subject to Subsection 7(b) hereof, the Company shall
include in each such Piggyback Registration all Registrable Securities requested
to be included in the registration for such offering; provided; however, that
such request shall be received by the Company within fifteen (15) days after the
receipt of the Company's notice of such Piggyback Registration. The Company may
at any time withdraw or cease proceeding with such registration. Each holder of
Registrable Securities shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such
holder's Registrable Securities from a Piggyback Registration at any time prior
to the effective date thereof.

                  (b) The Company shall use all commercially reasonable efforts
to cause the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten
offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested to be included in the
registration statement for such offering under Subsection 7(a) ("Piggyback
Securities"), to be included on the same terms and conditions as any similar
securities included therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall
not be required to include any holder's Piggyback Securities in such offering
unless such holder accepts the terms of the underwriting agreement between the
Company and the managing underwriter or underwriters and otherwise complies with
the provision of Section 13 below. In all other offerings that are underwritten,
if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such proposed underwritten
offering advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the total amount of
securities, including Piggyback Securities, to be included in such offering is
sufficiently large to cause a material adverse effect to the price or success of
the offering (a "Registration Material Adverse Effect"), then in such event the
securities to be included in such offering shall be allocated first to the
Company, second, to the selling equity holders originally demanding such
registration pursuant to registration rights that they acquired prior to the
Closing, and then, to the extent that any additional securities can, in the
opinion of such managing underwriter or underwriters, be sold without such
Registration Material Adverse Effect, pro rata among the holders of Piggyback
Securities and other selling equity holders holding piggyback registration
rights that they acquired prior to the Closing, on the basis of the number of
outstanding shares of Common Stock requested to be included in such registration
by each such holder.

         8. Transfer of Registrable Securities. Each Seller agrees that it will
not effect any disposition of Registrable Securities except as contemplated in
the Registration Statement or as otherwise in compliance with applicable
securities laws, and that it will promptly notify the Company of any material
changes in the information set forth in the Registration Statement regarding the
Seller or its plan of distribution. Without limitation, the Seller understands
that (i) it may not use Registrable Securities to cover a short position in
shares of the Company's Common Stock created prior to the effective date of the
Registration Statement, and (ii) it must deliver a prospectus in connection with
any short sale of the Registrable Securities unless it is exempt from such
requirement.

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         9.       Indemnification.  For the purpose of this Section 9:

                  (a) the term "Selling Stockholder" shall include the Seller,
         its officers, directors, agent and/or trustees and any affiliate or
         controlling person of such Seller or any permitted assign hereunder;

                  (b) the term "Registration Statement" shall include any final
         prospectus, exhibit, supplement or amendment included in or relating to
         the Registration Statement referred to in Sections 1 or 7; and

                  (c) The term "untrue statement" shall include any untrue
         statement or alleged untrue statement, or any omission or alleged
         omission to state in the Registration Statement a material fact
         required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
         therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made,
         not misleading.

         The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Selling
Stockholder from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which
such Selling Stockholder may become subject (under the Securities Act or
otherwise) insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or
proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any
omission or alleged omission of a material fact, or arise out of any failure by
the Company to fulfill any agreement, covenant or undertaking contained herein
and the Company will reimburse such Selling Stockholder for any reasonable legal
or other documented expense reasonably incurred, as such expenses are incurred
in investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action, proceeding
or claim; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such
case to the extent that such loss, claim damage or liability arises out of, or
is based upon, (i) an untrue statement made in the Registration Statement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder specifically for use in the
Registration Statement (which shall be deemed to include in the Registration
Statement Questionnaire (as hereinafter defined and the information set forth in
the plan of distribution section of the prospectus to the extent that it relates
to the distribution of such Selling Shareholder's Registrable Securities), (ii)
the failure of such Selling Stockholder to comply with the covenants and
agreements contained herein respecting transfer of sale of Registrable
Securities or to which such Selling Stockholder may otherwise be subject, or
(iii) any statement or omission in any prospectus of which such Selling
Stockholder is notified or that is corrected in any subsequent prospectus that
was delivered to such Selling Stockholder prior to the pertinent sale or sales
by such Selling Stockholder. The Company shall also not be liable for amounts
paid in settlement of any loss, claim, damage or liability if such settlement is
effected without the prior written consent of the Company.

         Each Selling Stockholder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company (and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act, each officer of the Company who signs the
Registration Statement and each director of the Company) from and against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company (or any such
officer, director or controlling person) may become subject (under the
Securities Act or otherwise), insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions or proceedings in

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respect thereof) arise out of, or are based upon, or any failure by such Selling
Stockholder to comply with the covenants and agreements contained herein, or any
untrue statement of a material fact or any omission or alleged omission of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement if such untrue statement
or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder specifically for use in
the Registration Statement. Each Selling Stockholder will reimburse the Company
(or such officer, director or controlling person, as the case may be), for any
legal or other documented expenses reasonably incurred in investigating,
defending or preparing to defend any such action proceeding or claim. Each
Selling Stockholder agrees that the information regarding such Selling
Stockholder or its officers, directors and affiliates and its intended plan of
distribution of the Registrable Securities set forth in the Registration
Statement questionnaire (as completed by each Seller, the "Registration
Statement Questionnaire"), or included from time to time in the Registration
Statement (including without limitation the plan of distribution section of the
Registration Statement) shall be deemed to be written information furnished to
the Company by or on behalf of the Seller specifically for use in the
Registration Statement. The foregoing indemnification shall be limited in amount
as to each Selling Stockholder to the proceeds received by such Selling
Stockholder upon the sale of Registrable Securities.

         Promptly after receipt by any indemnified person of a notice of a claim
or the beginning of any action in respect of which indemnity is to be sought
against an indemnifying person pursuant to this Section 9, such indemnified
person shall notify the indemnifying person in writing of such claim or of the
commencement of such action; provided, however, that any failure by an
indemnified person to notify an indemnifying person shall not relieve the
indemnifying person from its obligations hereunder except to the extent that the
indemnifying person is materially prejudiced thereby. Subject to the provisions
hereinafter stated, in case any such action shall be brought against an
indemnified person and such indemnifying person shall have been notified
thereof, such indemnifying person shall be entitled to participate therein, and,
to the extent it shall wish, to assume and control the defense thereof, with
counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified person. After notice from
the indemnifying person to such indemnified person of its election to assume the
defense thereof, such indemnifying person shall not be liable to such
indemnified person for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by such
indemnified person in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however,
that if there exists a conflict of interest that would make it inappropriate, in
the opinion of counsel to the indemnified person, for the same counsel to
represent both the indemnified person and such indemnifying person or any
affiliate or associate thereof, the indemnified person shall be entitled to
retain its own counsel at the expense of such indemnifying person; provided,
further, however, that no indemnifying person shall be responsible for the fees
and expenses of more than one separate counsel for all indemnified parties
hereunder.

         If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 from the
indemnifying person would be applicable by its terms but is otherwise
unavailable, as determined by a court of applicable jurisdiction, to an
indemnified person hereunder in respect of any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying person, in
lieu of indemnifying such indemnified person, shall contribute to the amount
paid or payable by such indemnified person as a result of such losses, claims,
damages and liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying person and indemnified persons

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in connection with the actions which resulted in such losses claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative fault of such indemnifying person and indemnified person shall be
determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question,
including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact, has been
made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying person or
indemnified person, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid
or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities
and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the
limitations set forth in this Section 9, any reasonable legal or other fees or
expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation
or proceeding.

         The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation
or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, no Selling Stockholder shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the dollar amount of the
proceeds received by such Selling Stockholder upon the sale of such Selling
Stockholder's Registrable Securities. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.

         10. Termination of Conditions and Obligations. Any conditions imposed
by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement upon the transferability of
Registrable Securities shall cease and terminate as to any particular number of
Registrable Securities when such Registrable Securities shall have been
effectively registered under the Securities Act and sold or otherwise disposed
of in accordance with the intended method of disposition set forth in the
Registration Statement, or at such time as an opinion of counsel satisfactory to
the Company shall have been rendered to the effect that such conditions are not
necessary in order to comply with the Securities Act.

         11. Continued Availability of Information. So long as the Registration
Statement is effective covering the resale of Registrable Securities owned by
the Sellers, the Company will furnish to each Seller:

                  (a) as soon as practicable after available (but in the case of
         the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, within 120 days after the
         end of each fiscal year of the Company), one copy of (i) its Annual
         Report to Stockholders (which Annual Report shall contain financial
         statements audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles by a firm of certified public accounts), (ii) if not
         included in substance in the Annual Report to Stockholders, its Annual
         Report on Form 10-KSB or Form 10-K, as applicable, (iii) any quarterly
         reports to stockholders, and if not included in substance in its
         quarterly reports to stockholders, its quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB
         or Form 10-Q, as applicable, and (iv) a full copy of the Registration
         Statement (the foregoing, in each case, excluding exhibits);

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                  (b) upon the reasonable request of a Seller or its agent, all
         exhibits excluded by the parenthetical to subparagraph (a)(iv) of this
         Section 11 and all other information that is made available to
         shareholders generally; and

                  (c) upon the reasonable request of a Seller or its agent, an
         adequate number of copies of the prospectuses to supply to any other
         party requiring such prospectuses; and the Company, upon the reasonable
         request of a Seller or its agent, will meet with the Seller or a
         representative thereof at the Company's headquarters to discuss all
         information relevant for disclosure in the Registration Statement and
         will otherwise cooperate with any Seller conducting an investigation
         for the purpose of reducing or eliminating such Seller's exposure to
         liability under the Securities Act, including the reasonable production
         at the Company's headquarters of non-confidential information (and,
         upon execution of a confidentiality agreement satisfactory to the
         Company, confidential information).

         12. Reports under Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the
Sellers the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and any
other rule or regulation of the Commission that may at any time permit a Seller
to sell Registrable Securities to the public without registration, and with a
view to making it possible to register the Registrable Securities pursuant to a
registration on Form S-3, the Company agrees to:

                  (a) make and keep available public information, as understood
         and defined in Rule 144, at all times;

                  (b) file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports
         and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act
         and the Exchange Act; and

                  (c) furnish to a Seller owning any Registrable Securities or
its agent upon reasonable request (i) a written statement by the Company that it
has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, the Securities Act and
the Exchange Act, or that it qualifies as a registrant whose Registrable
Securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after it so
qualifies), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the
Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company and (iii)
such other information as may be reasonably required in availing any Seller of
Registrable Securities of any rule or regulation of the Commission which permits
the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration or pursuant
to such form.

         13. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No holder of
Registrable Securities may participate in any underwritten registration
hereunder unless such holder (i) agrees to sell such holder's Registrable
Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by
the person entitled to approve such arrangements, and (ii) completes and
executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting
agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such
underwriting arrangements and this Agreement.

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 8
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         14.      Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement
may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to
departures from the provisions hereof may not be given other than as initially
agreed upon in writing by the Company and Sellers holding at least a majority of
the Registrable Securities.

                  (b) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for
or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, registered
first-class mail, telex, telecopier or air courier guaranteeing overnight
delivery:

                     If to any Seller to:      c/o Kevin P. Craig
                                               3030 North 3rd Street, Suite 910
                                               Phoenix, Arizona 85012
                                               Facsimile: (602) 776-0885

                     If to the Company to:     Aperian, Inc.
                                               1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 400
                                               Dallas, Texas 75234
                                               Attn:  Peter Lorenzen
                                               Facsimile: (469) 522-6062

                  (c) Successors and Assigns. No Seller shall assign any rights
or benefits under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Company.

                  (d) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in a number
of identical counterparts and it shall not be necessary for the Company and the
Sellers to execute each of such counterparts, but when each has executed and
delivered one or more of such counterparts, the several parts, when taken
together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument, enforceable
against each in accordance with the terms. In making proof of this Agreement, it
shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart
executed by the party against whom enforcement of this Agreement is sought.

                  (e) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the
meaning hereof.

                  (f) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD
TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW.

                  (g) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held
to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective
during the term of this Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; this
Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of this Agreement; and the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 9
<PAGE>   10
and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or
by its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of each such illegal,
invalid and unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a
part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid
or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and
enforceable.

                  (h) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the
Company and the Sellers as a final expression of their agreement and is intended
to be a complete and exclusive statement of their agreement and understanding in
respect of the subject matter contained herein. This Agreement supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings between the Company and the Sellers with
respect to such subject matter.

                  (i) Third Party Beneficiaries. Other than indemnified parties
not a party hereto, this Agreement is intended for the benefit of the Company
and the Sellers and their respective successors and assigns and is not for the
benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other person or
entity.

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

                            [Signature Page Follows]

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 10
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                                 SIGNATURE PAGE

APERIAN, INC.

By: __________________________________
Printed Name:_________________________
Title:________________________________

SELLER:

______________________________________

By: __________________________________
Printed Name:_________________________
Title:_______________________________

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 11
<PAGE>   12

--------------------------------------
Name: Chris Donahue

--------------------------------------
Name: Kevin P. Craig

--------------------------------------
Name: Lee Collins

--------------------------------------
Name: Dave Drabo

--------------------------------------
Name: Mark Weiss

--------------------------------------
Name: Harry Weiss

--------------------------------------
Name: Farley Weiss

--------------------------------------
Name: Jeff Weiss

--------------------------------------
Name: Craig Weiss

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 12
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VAN DE VREDE FAMILY TRUST

By:
   -----------------------------------
Name:
Title:

TRIPLE FIVE INVESTMENTS

By:
   -----------------------------------
Name:
Title:

REGENT NET LLC

By:
   -----------------------------------
Name:
Title:

Registration of Rights Agreement - Page 13<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), effective as of April 6, 2001
(the "Effective Date"), is between APERIAN, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and KEVIN CRAIG ("Craig"). The Company and Craig are collectively
referred to in this Agreement as the "Parties."

                                   BACKGROUND

The Company wishes to employ Craig as its President and Co-Chief Executive
Officer. The Company and Craig wish to set the terms and conditions of the
employment of Craig commencing on the Effective Date in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement.

                               TERMS OF AGREEMENT

The Parties agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company hereby employs Craig to devote his personal services
to the business and affairs of the Company, and Craig hereby accepts such
employment, on the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement.

         1.1. DUTIES. Craig's title and position shall be Vice Chairman and
Co-Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. Craig's duties will be
corporate operations and services, sales, technology development, professional
services, business development, accounting/finance, legal, human resources and
the internal (inside) management of the Company, it being understood that each
Co-Chief Executive Officer shall have the same authority levels, be involved in
and be responsible for all major policy decisions and each shall have general
oversight over business and affairs of the Company. Craig shall report directly
to the Board of Directors of the Company. Craig shall also serve, upon request
and without additional compensation, as a director of the Company or as an
officer or a director, or both, of any subsidiary, division, or affiliate of the
Company or any other entity in which the Company holds an equity interest or
which it sponsors. Throughout the Term (as defined below), the Company shall
cause Craig to be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors and will use
reasonable efforts to secure Craig's election to the Board of Directors. It is
the intention of the parties that Craig will be elected to and will serve on the
Board of Directors while serving hereunder as Chairman and Co-Chief Executive
Officer of Company.

         1.2. FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE. Craig shall devote his full time (except for
reasonable vacation time and absence for any disability), attention, and best
efforts to the performance of his duties described in Article 1.1.

2. TERM. The term of Craig's employment under this Agreement (the "Term") shall
be as follows:

         2.1. INITIAL TERM. The initial term shall commence on the date of this
Agreement and shall expire at 11:59:59 p.m., Central Time, on the day preceding
the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, unless terminated earlier
pursuant to Article 5.

         2.2. EXTENDED TERMS. Beginning with the third anniversary of the date
of this Agreement, the Term shall be extended automatically for an additional
successive one-year

<PAGE>   2

period as of each anniversary date of the date of this Agreement that occurs
while this Agreement is in effect; provided, however, that if either party shall
give written notice to the other not less than ninety days' prior any such
anniversary the that no such automatic extension shall occur, then Craig's
employment shall terminate on the anniversary date of the date of this Agreement
that next occurs after such notice is given.

3. COMPENSATION. As compensation for the services rendered by Craig under this
Agreement, the Company shall, during the Term, pay or provide Craig during the
Term the following:

         3.1. BASE SALARY. The Company shall pay Craig during the Term an annual
base salary equal to at least Three Hundred Thousand ($300,000), including any
extension of the Term described in Article 2.2, unless the Parties otherwise
agree. The annual amount of base salary in effect at the time is referred to in
this Agreement as "Base Salary." The Base Salary shall be paid in equal
installments semi-monthly, in arrears, at the Company's regular and routine
payroll dates, or at such intervals as may otherwise be agreed upon by the
Parties, and in accordance with any other payroll procedures of the Company. The
Base Salary shall be prorated (on a daily basis) for any partial payroll period
of employment under this Agreement.

         3.2. ANNUAL BONUS OPPORTUNITY. Craig shall be eligible to earn and
receive from the Company an incentive bonus as provided in a bonus plan for
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to be adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Company or the Compensation Committee thereof.

         3.3. INCENTIVE PLANS AND RESTRICTED STOCK. Craig shall participate in
any stock option, performance share, phantom stock, or similar long-term
stock-based incentive plan adopted by the Company for its executive employees in
effect during the Term, including the Company's 2000 Stock Option Plan (the
"Option Plan"). Except as described in the remainder of this paragraph, the
extent to which Craig shall participate in any such plan will be determined by
the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board, but in no event shall
Craig's participation be less than that of any other officer of the Company.

         3.4. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLANS. Craig shall be eligible to
participate in any long-term bonus, savings, deferred compensation, retirement
or pension, or death benefit plan adopted by the Company for its executive
employees generally in effect during the Term.

         3.5. WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS. Craig shall be eligible to participate in
any life insurance, medical, dental, and hospitalization insurance, disability
insurance benefit, or other similar employee welfare benefit plan or program
adopted by the Company covering its executive employees generally in effect
during the Term.

         3.6. VACATION. Craig shall be entitled to twenty (20) days of paid
vacation per fiscal year. Such vacation time shall, however, be prorated in any
fiscal year during which Craig is employed by the Company for less than the
entire fiscal year, in accordance with the number of days in that fiscal year
during which Craig is so employed. Such vacation time shall be in addition to
any paid time off ("PTO") to which Craig may be entitled under the Company's PTO
policy in effect during the Term.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

         3.7. TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may deduct from any compensation or
other amount payable to Craig under this Agreement (including under Article 5)
social security (FICA) taxes and all federal, state, municipal, and other taxes
or governmental charges as may, in the Company's judgment, be required. The
Company will consult with Craig as to amounts to be withheld in this regard.

         3.8. PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS. Craig's
participation during the Term in any or all of the plans or programs adopted by
the Company described in Articles 3.3 through 3.6 ("Compensation and Benefit
Plans") will be subject to the terms and conditions of those Compensation and
Benefit Plans as they now exist or may hereafter be adopted, amended, restated,
or discontinued by the Company, including the satisfaction of all applicable
eligibility requirements and vesting provisions of those Compensation and
Benefit Plans. The Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to
continue any or all of the Compensation and Benefit Plans that now exist or are
hereafter adopted. To the extent that Craig is eligible to participate in any
Compensation and Benefit Plan existing on the date of this Agreement for which a
plan description or plan materials are available, the Company has provided to
Craig.

4. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. During the Term, Craig may incur, and shall be
reimbursed by the Company for, reasonable, ordinary and necessary, and
documented business expenses to the extent that Craig complies with, and
reimbursement is permitted by, the Company's policies, practices, and
procedures.

5. EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION. Either Party may terminate Craig's employment under
this Agreement by giving written notice of termination to the other Party. If
the Company is terminating, it shall include in that notice a statement whether
the termination is because of Disability or for Cause or without Cause. The
Parties' respective rights and obligations upon the termination of Craig's
employment under this Agreement include the sums, if any, due under paragraph
5.3 and the following::

         5.1. TERMINATION GENERALLY. Upon any termination of Craig's employment
under this Agreement, the Company shall pay or provide Craig the following:

                  5.1.a. Any amount of Base Salary earned by, but not yet paid
         to, Craig through the effective date of termination of employment, as
         further described below (the "Termination Date");

                  5.1.b. All benefits that have been earned by or vested in, and
         are payable to, Craig under, and subject to the terms (including all
         eligibility requirements) of, the Compensation and Benefit Plans in
         which Craig participated through the Termination Date;

                  5.1.c. All reimbursable expenses due, but not yet paid, to
         Craig as of the Termination Date under Article 4; and

                  5.1.d. An amount equal to all accrued and unused PTO,
         calculated in accordance with the Company's PTO policies, practices,
         and procedures (including authorized deductions and the deductions
         required by law), through the Termination Date.

         The amount of Base Salary due under Section 5.1.a shall be paid no
later than thirty (30) business days after the Termination Date; the amounts or
benefits due under Section 5.1.b shall be paid or provided in accordance with
the terms of the Compensation and Benefit Plans under

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

which such amounts or benefits are due to Craig; and the amounts due under
Sections 5.1.c and 5.1.d shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the
Company's policies, practices, and procedures regarding reimbursable expenses
and PTO, respectively. Except as expressly provided below in this Article 5,
upon paying or providing Craig the preceding amounts or benefits, the Company
shall have no further obligation or liability under this Agreement for Base
Salary or any other cash compensation or for any benefits under any of the
Compensation and Benefit Plans. Upon termination of Craig's employment, Craig
shall be deemed to have resigned from any position as a director of the Company
or as an officer or director, or both, of any subsidiary, division, or affiliate
of the Company or any other entity in which the Company holds an equity interest
or which it sponsors that Craig then holds; no written resignation need be given
or delivered to the Company.

         In this Agreement, the Termination Date shall be (i) the date of
Craig's death, (ii) the third business day after the date on which the Company
gives notice of termination because of Disability, or (iii) the date of
termination specified in any other notice of termination, or if not specified in
the notice of termination, the date that notice of termination is given.

         In this Agreement, "Disability" means Craig's permanent and total
disability, which shall be deemed to exist if he is unable reasonably to perform
his duties under this Agreement because of any medically determinable physical
or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has
lasted or can be expected to last for at least ninety (90) consecutive days. Any
Disability shall be determined by the Board or an authorized committee or
representative thereof ("Representative"), in its sole and absolute discretion,
upon receipt of competent medical advice from a qualified physician selected by
or acceptable to the Board or its Representative. Craig shall, if there is any
question about his Disability, submit to a physical examination by a qualified
physician selected by the Board or its Representative.

         In this Agreement, "Cause" means any of the following: (i) Craig's
willful failure to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement without
legal cause, other than any such failure resulting from his incapacity due to
physical or mental illness or Disability; (ii) Craig's engaging willfully in any
action which, or omitting to engage in any action the omission of which, he
knows or should know is, or is reasonably expected to be substantially injurious
(monetarily or otherwise) to the Company or its business or reputation; (iii)
Craig's performance of any illegal conduct or act or omission constituting
serious dishonesty that results, directly or indirectly, in significant gain or
enrichment of Craig or his family or affiliates at the expense of the Company or
which adversely affects, or reasonably could in the future adversely affect,
Craig's value, reliability, or performance in a material manner; or (iv) any
deliberate breach by Craig of any material obligation under any of Articles 6, 7
or 8. Whether an event or circumstance constituting Cause exists will be
determined in good faith the Board of Directors but only if such termination is
approved by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors after
Craig has been given written notice by Company of the specific reason for such
termination and an opportunity, together with his counsel, to be heard before
the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors may participate in any
hearing that is required pursuant to this paragraph by means of conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the hearing can hear and speak to each other; provided,
however, that at least one-half of the members of the Board of Directors (in
addition to Craig) shall attend the hearing in person. If the Company determines
that Cause for termination exists under clause (i) above in this paragraph, the
Company shall notify Craig of that belief, and that notice shall describe the
event or circumstance believed to constitute Cause for termination. If that
event or circumstance may reasonably be remedied or corrected, Craig shall have
thirty (30) days to effect that correction or remedy. If not corrected or
remedied within that

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

thirty (30) day period (as determined by at least two-thirds the members of the
Board after opportunity for a hearing as described above), Cause for termination
shall immediately be deemed to exist, and Craig's employment shall be deemed
terminated. If the Company determines, as provided above, that Cause for
termination exists under any of clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) above in this
paragraph, the Company shall notify Craig of that belief, and that notice shall
constitute immediate termination of Craig's employment.

         In this Agreement, "Good Reason" means any of the following: (i) a
significant reduction in the nature or scope of Craig authorities or duties from
those set forth in Section 1.1, (ii) a change in Craig's reporting relationship
so that Craig reports to anyone other than the Board of Directors of the
Company, (iii) a reduction in Craig's annual base salary or target opportunity
under any applicable bonus or incentive compensation plan or arrangement, (iv) a
diminution in Craig's eligibility to participate in bonus, stock option,
incentive award and other compensation plans which provide opportunities for
compensation which are at least equivalent to the opportunities afforded by the
Company (including its subsidiaries) to its most senior executives; (v) a
diminution in employee benefits (including but not limited to medical, dental,
life insurance, and long-term disability plans) and perquisites applicable to
Craig from the employee benefits and perquisites provided by the Company
(including its subsidiaries) to its most senior executives; or (ii) a change,
without Craig's consent, in the location of Craig's principal place of
employment by the Company by more than 50 miles from the location where Craig
was principally employed prior to such change. If Craig determines that an event
constituting Good Reason has occurred, Craig shall notify the Company and the
Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of that belief,
which notice shall set forth the bases for that belief. The Company shall have
30 days after receipt of such notice in which to either (a) rectify such event
to Craig's reasonable satisfaction or (b) determine, in accordance with the
standards and procedures described in the preceding sentence that an event
constituting Cause exists. If the Company does not take either of such actions
within such 30-day period, Craig may terminate his employment for Good Reason
immediately by giving written notice to the Company. Any termination by Craig
under this paragraph shall for all purposes of this Agreement be deemed a
termination of Craig's employment by the Company without Cause.

         In this Agreement "Change of Control" means the first to occur of the
following events: (i) any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one
transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company to any person or group of related persons for purposes
of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, (ii) a majority of the Board of Directors
of the Company shall consist of persons who are not Continuing Directors (as
defined below); (iii) the acquisition after the date of this Agreement by any
person or group of related persons of the power, directly or indirectly, to vote
or direct the voting of securities having more than 50% of the ordinary voting
power for the election of directors of the Company, or (iv) the approval by the
stockholders of the Company of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any
other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto
continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted
into voting securities of the surviving entity or such surviving entity's
parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by
the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or such surviving
entity's parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation. A
"Continuing Director" means, as of the date of determination, any person who (i)
was a member of the Board of Directors of the Company on the date of this
Agreement or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to the Board of
Directors of the Company with the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of
such nomination or election.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

         Craig may voluntarily terminate his employment under this Agreement
only by giving at least ten (10) days' prior written notice to the Company.
Craig shall not be liable to the Company for breach of this Agreement because of
his termination of employment in accordance with the preceding sentence.

         5.2. TERMINATION UPON DEATH OR DISABILITY. If Craig's employment is
terminated by death or by the Company because of Disability, Craig (or his legal
representative, estate, or heirs) shall be entitled to receive from the Company:

                  5.2.a. The payment of a total Three Hundred Thousand Dollars
         ($300,000.00), in a lump sum (the "Termination Payment"); and

                  5.2.b. if Craig elects and maintains continued coverage under
         the Consolidated Omnibus Benefits Reconciliation Act of 1985 and
         corresponding regulations ("COBRA"), then for up to the twelve (12)
         consecutive months immediately after the Termination Date, payments in
         an amount equal to the difference between (i) the premiums paid or
         payable by Craig for coverage under COBRA for himself and his
         dependents (if any) and (ii) the premiums that he would have paid for
         comparable coverage under the Company's then current group insurance
         plan or plans if his employment under this Agreement had not ceased
         (the "Insurance Payments"); except that the Insurance Payments shall
         expire or terminate immediately upon Craig's becoming eligible for
         coverage under another employer's plan or policy.

         In addition, subject to and upon the release executed and delivered
pursuant to Article 5.4 becoming irrevocable, (a) all shares of restricted stock
granted to Craig as described in Section 3.4 will vest and become
non-forfeitable and (b) each stock option granted to Craig, whether now
outstanding or granted in the future, shall vest and shall be exercisable until
the earlier of (x) two years from the date of such termination or (y) the
expiration of the option in accordance with its terms .

         The Company will make the Termination Payment and commence the
Insurance Payments within ten (10) business days after the first business day on
which the release executed and delivered in accordance with Section 5.4.a
becomes irrevocable by Craig (or his legal representative, estate, or heirs).
The Company's obligations for the Insurance Payments are not intended to negate
or impair any obligation of the Company or right of Craig under COBRA. The
Severance Payment and the Insurance Payments shall be in addition to the amounts
or benefits to which Craig is entitled under Article 5.1. Any Severance Payment
or Insurance Payments (or both) under this Article 5.2 shall not be deemed the
continuation of Craig's employment for any purpose.

         5.3 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. If Craig's employment is terminated by
the Company without Cause or by Craig for Good Reason, Craig (or his legal
representative, estate, or heirs) shall be entitled to receive from the Company
(except if and to the extent waived by Craig in accordance with Article 7), as
liquidated damages:

                  5.3.a. The payment equivalent to one year's base salary
         payable as a lump sum as provided below (the "Severance Payment"); and

                  5.3.b. if Craig elects and maintains continued coverage under
         the Consolidated Omnibus Benefits Reconciliation Act of 1985 and
         corresponding regulations

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

         ("COBRA"), then for up to the twenty-four (24) consecutive months
         immediately after the Termination Date, payments in an amount equal to
         the difference between (i) the premiums paid or payable by Craig for
         coverage under COBRA for himself and his dependents (if any) and (ii)
         the premiums that he would have paid for comparable coverage under the
         Company's then current group insurance plan or plans if his employment
         under this Agreement had not ceased (the "Insurance Payments"); except
         that the Insurance Payments shall expire or terminate immediately upon
         Craig's becoming eligible for coverage under another employer's plan or
         policy.

         In addition, subject to and upon the release executed and delivered
pursuant to Article 5.4 becoming irrevocable, (a) all shares of restricted stock
granted to Craig as described in Section 3.4 will vest and become
non-forfeitable and (b) each stock option granted to Craig, whether now
outstanding or granted in the future, shall vest and shall be exercisable until
the earlier of (x) two years from the date of such termination or (y) the
expiration of the option in accordance with its terms.

         The Company will pay the Severance Payment and commence the Insurance
Payments within ten (10) business days after the first business day on which the
release executed and delivered in accordance with Section 5.4.a becomes
irrevocable by Craig (or his legal representative, estate, or heirs). The
Company's obligations for the Insurance Payments are not intended to negate or
impair any obligation of the Company or right of Craig under COBRA. The
Severance Payment and the Insurance Payments shall be in addition to the amounts
or benefits to which Craig is entitled under Article 5.1. Any Severance Payment
or Insurance Payments (or both) under this Article 5.3 shall not be deemed the
continuation of Craig's employment for any purpose.

         5.4. CONDITIONS TO SEVERANCE BENEFITS. Except as provided in Section
5.2.b or 5.3.b, none of the Termination Payment, Severance Payment or the
Insurance Payments under Articles 5.2 and 5.3 will be subject to reduction as
the result of future compensation earned or received by Craig (including by
self-employment), and Craig shall have no duty to mitigate his damages. The
Severance Payment and the Insurance Payments and the vesting of restricted
stock, shall, however, be conditioned upon the Company's receipt of a Settlement
Agreement, General Release, and Covenant Not to Sue executed by Craig (or his
legal representative, estate, or heirs) in substantially the form of Exhibit A
to this Agreement (the "Release Agreement").

         5.5. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE OR BY CRAIG. If Craig's employment is
terminated by the Company for Cause or is voluntarily terminated by Craig, then
Craig shall not be entitled to any payments under this Agreement other than the
amounts or benefits to which he is entitled under Article 5.1.

         5.6 FAILURE TO EXTEND. If at any time, the Company elects not to extend
the Term as described in Article 2.1, then Craig shall continue to perform under
this Agreement until the expiration of the Term and shall then be entitled to
continued payment of the Base Salary then in effect for an additional six (6)
months after the expiration date. The obligation of the Company to make such
payments under this Article 5.6 shall be subject to the same conditions, and
shall have the same effect, as Severance Payment under this Agreement.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

         5.7. POST-TERMINATION SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Article 5 shall
survive the termination of Craig's employment by the Company and its
subsidiaries to the extent necessary to effect the post-termination payments or
benefits to which Craig is entitled under the terms of this Article 5.

6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Company shall provide to Craig, during the
Term, access to various trade secrets, confidential information, and proprietary
information of the Company (which, in this Article 6 as well as in Articles 7
and 8, shall include the Company's subsidiaries and affiliates) which are
valuable and unique to the Company ("Confidential Information"). Confidential
Information includes the Company's plans, policies, and procedures relating to
its BBN Certification as well as the terms of, and the Company's plans,
policies, and procedures relating to, the Company's relationships with any
supplier of telecommunications services, network services or other services, and
other persons having relationships that are material to the Company's business
and affairs. Craig shall not, either while in the employ of the Company or at
any time thereafter, (i) use any of the Confidential Information, or (ii)
disclose any of the Confidential Information to any person not an employee of
the Company or not engaged to render services to the Company, except (in either
case) to perform his duties under this Agreement or otherwise with the Company's
prior written consent. Nothing in this Article 6 shall preclude Craig from the
use or disclosure of information generally known to the public or not considered
confidential by the Company or from any disclosure to the extent required by law
or court order (though Craig must give the Company prior notice of any such
required disclosure and must cooperate with any reasonable requests of the
Company to obtain a protective order regarding, or to narrow the scope of, the
Confidential Information required to be disclosed). All files, records,
documents, information, data, and similar items relating to the business or
affairs of the Company, whether prepared by Craig or otherwise coming into his
possession, shall remain the exclusive property of the Company and shall not be
removed from the premises from the Company, except in the ordinary course of
business as part of Craig's performance of his duties under this Agreement, and
(in any event) shall be promptly returned or delivered to the Company (without
Craig's retaining any copies) upon the termination of employment under this
Agreement.

7. NONSOLICITATION. Craig shall not, at any time within the twelve (12)
consecutive months immediately after the Termination Date, either directly or
indirectly:

         7.1. DISCLOSE CONTACT INFORMATION. Make known to any person the names
and addresses, or other contact information, of any of the customers, suppliers,
or other persons having significant business relationships with the Company
within the information technology industry, so that such person could affect, or
attempt to affect, any of those relationships to the detriment of the Company;
or

         7.2. SOLICIT EMPLOYEES. Solicit, recruit, or hire, or attempt to
solicit, recruit, or hire, any employee or consultant of the Company, or in any
other manner attempt to induce any employee or consultant of the Company to
leave the employ of the Company or cease his or her consulting or similar
business relationship with the Company. References in this Article 7.2 to "any
employee or consultant" shall include any person who was an employee or
consultant of the Company at any time within the six (6) consecutive months
preceding, and including, the Termination Date.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

8. DEVELOPMENTS. Craig shall promptly disclose to the Company all inventions,
discoveries, improvements, processes, formulas, ideas, know-how, methods,
research, compositions, and other developments, whether or not patentable or
copyrightable, that Craig, by himself or in conjunction with any other person,
conceives, makes, develops, or acquires during the Term which (i) are or relate
to the properties, assets, or existing or contemplated business or research
activities of the Company, (ii) are suggested by, arise out of, or result from,
directly or indirectly, Craig's association with the Company, or (iii) arise out
of or result from, directly or indirectly, the use of the Company's time, labor,
materials, facilities, or other resources ("Developments").

Craig hereby assigns, transfers, and conveys to the Company, and hereby agrees
to assign, transfer, and convey to the Company during or after the Term, all of
his right and title to and interest in all Developments. Craig shall, from time
to time upon the request of the Company during or after the Term, execute and
deliver any and all instruments and documents and take any and all other actions
which, in the judgment of the Company or its counsel, are or may be necessary or
desirable to document any such assignment, transfer, and conveyance to the
Company or to enable the Company to file and process applications for, and to
acquire, maintain, and enforce, any and all patents, trademarks, registrations,
or copyrights with respect to any of the Developments, or to obtain any
extension, validation, re-issue, continuance, or renewal of any such patent,
trademark, registration, or copyright. The Company will be responsible for the
preparation of any such instrument or document and for the implementation of any
such proceedings and will reimburse Craig for all reasonable expenses incurred
by him in complying with this Article 8.

9. INDEMNIFICATION. To the extent Craig is an officer or director of the
Company, the Company shall include Craig under any existing or future (i)
directors' and officers' liability insurance policy that the Company obtains and
maintains or (ii) indemnification agreements between the Company and other
executives of the Company. Subject to the foregoing sentence, the Company will
indemnify Craig to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the Company's
state of incorporation in effect at that time or by the articles or certificate
of incorporation and by-laws of the Company, whichever affords the greater
protection to Craig.

10. CERTAIN REMEDIES. Any breach or violation by Craig of any of Articles 6 7
and 8 shall entitle the Company, as a matter of right, to an injunction issued
by any court of competent jurisdiction, restraining any further or continued
breach or violation, or to specific performance requiring the compliance with
Craig's covenants. This right to an injunction or other equitable relief shall
be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies to which the Company
may be entitled. The existence of any claim or cause of action of Craig against
the Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, whether based on
this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement
by the Company of Craig's covenants in any of Articles 6, 7 and 8. The covenants
in Articles 6, 7 and 8 and in this Article 10 shall survive the termination of
Craig's employment under this Agreement.

11. BINDING AGREEMENT; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding
upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and Craig and their
respective legal representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, and
successors and assigns (as permitted by this Article 11), including any
successor to the Company by merger, consolidation, or reorganization and any
other person that acquires all or substantially all of the business and assets
of the Company. The rights, benefits, remedies, and obligations of Craig under
this Agreement are personal to Craig and may not be assigned or delegated by
him; except that this shall not preclude (i) Craig from designating one or more
beneficiaries to receive any amount or benefit that may be paid or provided
after Craig's death or (ii) the legal representative of Craig's estate from

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

assigning any right or benefit under this Agreement to the person or persons
entitled thereto under Craig's will or the laws of intestacy applicable to
Craig's estate, as the case may be.

12. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or
unenforceable for any reason, then (i) that provision shall be severed from this
Agreement, (ii) this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if that
invalid or unenforceable provision never constituted a part of this Agreement,
and (iii) the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby
and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law. Further, in lieu of that invalid or unenforceable provision,
there shall be added to this Agreement a provision as similar in its terms to
that invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and
enforceable.

13. NOTICES. Any notice, request, or other communication to be given by either
Party under this Agreement by to the other shall be in writing and either (i)
delivered in person, (ii) delivered by prepaid same-day or overnight courier
service, (iii) sent by certified mail, postage prepaid with return receipt
requested, or (iv) transmitted by facsimile, in any case addressed to the other
Party as follows:

                  To the Company:
                  Aperian, Inc.
                  1121 East 7th  Street
                  Austin, Texas 78702
                  Facsimile: (512) 473-2371
                  Attention: Chairman of the Compensation Committee

                  with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
                  Aperian, Inc.
                  1800 Valley View Lane, Suite 400
                  Dallas, Texas 75234
                  Facsimile: (469) 522-6062
                  Attention: Corporate Secretary

                  To Craig:
                  Kevin Craig

                  10645 North Tatum Boulevard, No. 200-602
                  Phoenix, Arizona 85028

or to such other address or facsimile number as the Party to be notified may
have designated by notice previously given in accordance with this Article 13.
Communications delivered in person or by courier service or transmitted by
facsimile shall be deemed given and received as of actual receipt (or refusal)
by the addressee. Communications mailed as described above in this Article 14
shall be deemed given and received three (3) business days after mailing or upon
actual receipt, whichever is earlier.

14. CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS. In this Agreement, (i) "person" means an individual
or any corporation, partnership, trust, unincorporated association, limited
liability company, or other legal entity, whether acting in an individual,
fiduciary, or other capacity, and any government, court, or governmental agency,
(ii) "include" and "including" do not signify any limitation, (iii) "Article"
and "Section" means any Article and any Section, respectively, of this
Agreement, unless otherwise indicated, (iv) an "affiliate" of a person means any
other person controlling,

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

controlled by, or under common control with that person, and (v) "business day"
means any Monday through Friday, other than any such weekday on which the
executive offices of the Company are closed. In addition, the use in this
Agreement of "year," "annual," "month," or "monthly" (or similar terms) to
indicate a measurement period shall not itself be deemed to grant rights to
Craig for employment or compensation for that period.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, with Exhibit "A," constitutes the entire
agreement between the Company and Craig with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes any prior agreement between the Company and Craig with
respect to the same subject matter.

16. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. No amendment to or modification of this Agreement,
or waiver of any term, provision, or condition of this Agreement, will be
binding upon a Party unless the amendment, modification, or waiver is in writing
and signed by the Party to be bound. Any waiver by a Party of a breach or
violation of any provision of this Agreement by the other Party shall not be
deemed a waiver of any other provision or of any subsequent breach or violation.

17. GENDER. Whenever the context requires in this Agreement, words denoting
gender in this Agreement include the masculine, feminine, and neuter.

18. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE. This Agreement, and the rights, remedies, obligations,
and duties of the Parties under this Agreement, shall be governed by, construed
in accordance with, and enforced under the laws of the State of Texas. The
exclusive venue of any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or its
subject matter shall be in Dallas County, Texas.

19. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
constitutes an original, but all of which constitute one and the same document.

The Parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date stated
in the first paragraph.

APERIAN, INC.

By: /s/ Peter E. Lorenzen
    -------------------------------------
       Peter E. Lorenzen, Vice President,
       General Counsel and Secretary

KEVIN CRAIG

   /s/ Kevin Craig
-----------------------------------------

                                       11

<PAGE>   12
                                    EXHIBIT A

                      SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, GENERAL RELEASE
                             AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE

         This Settlement Agreement, General Release, and Covenant Not to Sue
("Agreement") is made and entered into as of the ___day of _____________ , ____
 .by and between Kevin Craig ("Employee") and Aperian, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), both of which are hereinafter collectively referred
to as the "parties".

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Employee was employed by the Company as its Vice Chairman,
President and Co-Chief Operating Officer under the terms of an Employment
Agreement dated as of April 6, 2001 (the "Employment Agreement"); WHEREAS,
Employee's employment under the Employment Agreement [shall terminate/has
terminated] effective ____________________ .(the "Termination Date"); and

         WHEREAS, the parties desire to settle fully and finally, in the manner
set forth herein, all differences between them which have arisen, or which may
arise, prior to, or at the time of, the execution of this Agreement, including,
but in no way limited to, any and all claims and controversies arising out of
the Employment Agreement, the employment relationship between Employee and the
Company, and the cessation or termination thereof;

                                   AGREEMENT

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals and the mutual
promises, covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties covenant and
agree as follows:

          1. Employee, for himself or herself and on behalf of his attorneys,
heirs, legatees, assigns, successors, executors, and administrators, IRREVOCABLY
AND UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASES, ACQUITS, AND FOREVER DISCHARGES the Company, its
current and former parent, subsidiary, affiliated, and related corporations,
firms, associations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and other
entities, their successors and assigns, and the current and former owners,
members, shareholders, managers, directors, officers, partners, employees,
agents, attorneys, representatives, and insurers of said corporations, firms,
associations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and other entities, and
their guardians, successors, assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators
(hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Releasees"), from any and all
claims, complaints, grievances, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements,
damages, causes of action, rights, debts, demands, controversies, costs, losses,
damages, and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and
expenses) whatsoever (collectively, ".claims") under any municipal, local,
state, or federal law, common or statutory including, but in no way limited to,
Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. Section
621, et seq. for any actions or omissions whatsoever, whether known or unknown,
that are connected with or related to the Employment Agreement, the employment
of Employee by the Company, or the cessation or termination thereof, which
existed or may have existed prior to, or contemporaneously with, the execution
of this Agreement. Employee does not, however, release, acquit, or discharge the
Releasees from any Claim arising out of any nonperformance or failure to perform
by the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement or any Claim not
connected with or related to the Employment Agreement, the employment of
Employee by the Company, or the cessation or termination thereof

<PAGE>   13
         2. Employee, for himself or herself and on behalf of his or her
attorneys, heirs, legatees, assigns, successors, executors, and administrators,
COVENANTS NOT TO SUE OR OTHERWISE CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTION AGAINST,
any of the Releasees based upon any of the Claims released in paragraph 1 of
this Agreement.

         3. Employee agrees that he will keep the terms, amount, and fact of
this Agreement STRICTLY AND COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL and that he will not
communicate or otherwise disclose to any employee (past, present, or future) of
the Company or any of the other Releasees or to a member of the general public
the terms, amount, or fact of this Agreement, except as may be required by law
or compulsory process.

         4. Employee waives and releases forever any right or rights he might
have to employment, reemployment, or reinstatement with the Company or any of
the other Releasees, except as may be provided under the terms of this Agreement

         5. Upon the expiration of seven (7) days after Employee's execution of
this Agreement, the Company agrees to begin to payor provide Employee the
Severance Payments and, if applicable, the Insurance Payments (as those terms
are defined in the Employment Agreement) in accordance with the surviving terms
of the Employment Agreement

         6. The parties hereto recognize that, by entering into this Agreement,
the Company and each other Releasee does not admit, and does specifically deny,
any violation of any local, state, or federal law, common or statutory. The
parties further recognize that this Agreement has been entered into in release
and compromise of any claims which might be asserted by Employee in connection
with his employment by the Company, or the termination thereof, and to avoid the
expense and burden of any litigation related thereto.

         7. The parties acknowledge and agree that in the event Employee
materially breaches any provision of this Agreement, (a) Employee will indemnify
and hold the Company harmless from and against any and all resulting damages,
expense, or loss incurred by the Company (including, without limitation,
attorneys' fees and expenses), (b) Employee will immediately repay to the
Company in full any payments made to him under the provisions (including,
without limitation, paragraph 5) of this Agreement, and (c) the Company will be
entitled to file counterclaims against Employee for breach of the covenant not
to sue and may recover from Employee any payment not repaid to the Company, as
required by clause (b) of this paragraph 7, as well as any and all other
resulting actual or consequential damages.

         8. One or more waivers of a breach of any covenant, term, or provision
of this Agreement by either party shall not be construed as a waiver of a
subsequent breach of the same covenant, term, or provision, nor shall it be
considered a waiver of any other then existing or subsequent breach of a
different covenant, term, or provision.

         9. If any provision or term of this Agreement is held to be illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable, (a) such provision or term shall be fully severable,
(b) this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid,
or unenforceable provision had never constituted part of this Agreement, and (c)
the

                                        2
<PAGE>   14

remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and
shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by
its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of each such illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable provision or term there shall be added automatically
as a part of this Agreement another provision or term as similar to the illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and that is legal, valid,
and enforceable.

         10. The parties agree that should one party sue the other party for a
breach of any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover its attorneys' fees and costs of court. Each party shall
have the right to sue for specific performance of this Agreement, and for
declaratory and injunctive relief.

         11. Employee may revoke this Agreement, within seven (7) days of the
date of its execution by Employee (the "Revocation Period"), by written notice
to the Company. Employee agrees that if he revokes this Agreement, he shall
receive none of the benefits provided for under its terms or the surviving terms
of the Employment Agreement Employee further understands and agrees that, unless
the Company receives from Employee, prior to the expiration of the Revocation
Period, written notice of his revocation of this Agreement, this Agreement and
all of its terms shall have full force and effect, and Employee shall have
forever waived his right to revoke this Agreement.

         12. This Agreement and the terms of the Employment Agreement that
survive the cessation or termination of Employee's employment thereunder
constitute the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes all prior and
contemporaneous negotiations and agreements, oral or written, between the
parties. All prior and contemporaneous negotiations and agreements are deemed
incorporated and merged into this Agreement and are deemed to have been
abandoned if not so incorporated. No representations, oral or written, are being
relied upon by either party in executing this Agreement other than the express
representations of this Agreement and the terms of the Employment Agreement that
survive the cessation or termination of Employee's employment thereunder. This
Agreement cannot be changed or terminated without the express written consent of
the parties.

         13. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Texas, except where preempted by federal law.

         14. By executing this Agreement, Employee acknowledges that (a) this
Agreement has been reviewed with him by a representative of the Company (see
Attachment "A", which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference),
(b) he has had at least twenty-one (21) days to consider the terms of the
Agreement (see Attachment "A"), and has considered its terms for that period of
time or has knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to do so, (c) he has been
advised by the Company in writing to consult with an attorney regarding the
terms of the Agreement (see Attachment "A"), (d) he has consulted with, or has
had sufficient opportunity to consult with, an attorney of his own choosing
regarding the terms of this Agreement, (e) any and all questions regarding the
terms of this Agreement have been asked and answered to his complete
satisfaction, (f) he has read this Agreement and fully understands its terms and
their import, (g) except as provided by this Agreement, he has no contractual
right or claim to the benefits described herein, (h) the consideration provided
for herein is good and valuable, and (i) he is entering into this Agreement
voluntarily, of his own free will, and without any coercion, undue influence,
threat, or intimidation of any kind or type whatsoever.

<PAGE>   15

EXECUTED in _________________ ,___________, this ____day of ___________, ______.

                             EMPLOYEE:

                             _______________________________

THE STATE OF      )
                  )
COUNTY OF         )

         BEFORE ME, the undersigned, a Notary Public, on this day personally
appeared ______________________, known to me to be the person whose name is
subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that he or she
executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.

         GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this  ______day of ___________,
______

                             __________________________________________
                             Notary Public, State of
[SEAL]

                                       4
<PAGE>   16

EXECUTED in ________________, Texas, this _____day of ____________, ______.

                        APERIAN, INC.

                        By: ___________________________________

                        Its:_____________________________________

THE STATE OF      )
                  )
COUNTY OF         )

              BEFORE ME, the undersigned, a Notary Public, on this day
personally appeared __________________________________________________________of
APERIAN, INC., known to me to be the person Whose name is subscribed to the
foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that he or she executed the same as
the act of that company for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.

              GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this _____day of ________ ,
_____

                             __________________________________________
                             Notary Public, State of
[SEAL]

                                       5
<PAGE>   17

                                  ATTACHMENT A

                                NOTICE OF RIGHTS

          Attached hereto you will find a proposed Settlement Agreement, General
Release, and Covenant Not to Sue ("Agreement") with respect to the cessation or
termination of your employment. It is required by law that you be given at least
21 days from the date of receipt of the proposed Agreement within which to
consider its terms. During this period, please feel free to contact the person
listed below to ask any questions regarding the Agreement including. but not
limited to, the definitions of words which you do not know and the meanings of
phrases, sentences, or paragraphs which you do not understand. It is recommended
that you consult with an attorney regarding your legal rights with respect to
the Agreement during this 21-day period.

                            ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

          I acknowledge that I received a copy of APERIAN, INC.'s proposed
Settlement Agreement, General Release, and Covenant Not to Sue at __:__ _.m.
this ________ day of _________________, _____, and that the Agreement and the
Notice of Rights above have been reviewed with me by the person signing below on
behalf of APERIAN, INC.

                                           EMPLOYEE:

                                           ____________________________________

______________________
(Date)

APERIAN, INC.

By: ______________________________

Its: _____________________________

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