Document:

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                                                                 Exhibit 10.4(b)

                               ALTERA CORPORATION

                        1987 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                        (Restated effective May 10, 2000)

        The following constitute the provisions of the 1987 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of Altera Corporation.

        1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions. It is the intention
of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan"
under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The
provisions of the Plan shall, accordingly, be construed so as to extend and
limit participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section
of the Code.

        2. Definitions.

               (a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

               (b) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

               (c) "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock, $0.001 par value,
of the Company.

               (d) "Company" shall mean Altera Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.

               (e) "Compensation" shall mean all regular straight-time gross
earnings, plus sales commissions and sales incentives, but exclusive of payments
for overtime, shift premium, other incentive compensation, other incentive
payments, bonuses, or other compensation.

               (f) "Continuous Status as an Employee" shall mean the absence of
any interruption or termination of service as an Employee. Continuous Status as
an Employee shall not be considered interrupted in the case of a leave of
absence agreed to in writing by the Company, provided that such leave is for a
period of not more than ninety (90) days or reemployment upon the expiration of
such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute.

               (g) "Designated Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries which
have been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as
eligible to participate in the Plan.

               (h) "Employee" shall mean any person, including an officer, who
is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than
five (5) months in a calendar year by the Company or one of its Designated
Subsidiaries.

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               (i) "Exercise Date" shall mean the last day of each offering
period of the Plan.

               (j) "Offering Date" shall mean the first day of each offering
period of the Plan.

               (k) "Plan" shall mean this Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

               (l) "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign,
of which not less than fifty percent (50%) of the voting shares are held by the
Company or a Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is
hereafter organized or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.

        3. Eligibility.

               (a) Any person who is an Employee as of the Offering Date of a
given offering period shall be eligible to participate in such offering period
under the Plan, subject to the requirements of paragraph 5(a) and the
limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.

               (b) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding,
no Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) if, immediately after
the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to
such Employee pursuant to Section 425(d) of the Code) would own stock and/or
hold outstanding options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more
of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the
Company or of any subsidiary of the Company; or (ii) which permits his rights to
purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (described in Section 423
of the Code) of the Company and its subsidiaries to accrue at a rate which
exceeds Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) of fair market value of such
stock (determined at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in
which such option is outstanding at any time.

        4. Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by one offering
during each six- (6) month period of the Plan, commencing on or about August 16,
1988, and continuing thereafter until terminated in accordance with paragraph 19
hereof. The Board shall have the power to change the duration of offering
periods with respect to future offerings without shareholder approval if such
change is announced at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled beginning
of the first offering period to be affected.

        5. Participation.

               (a) An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deduction, on the form
provided by the Company, and filing it with the Company's payroll office prior
to the applicable Offering Date, unless a later time for filing the subscription
agreement is set by the Board for all eligible Employees with respect to a given
offering.

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               (b) Payroll deductions for a participant shall commence on the
first payroll following the Offering Date and shall end on the Exercise Date of
the offering to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated
by the participant as provided in paragraph 6(c) or 10.

        6. Payroll Deductions.

               (a) At the time a participant files his subscription agreement,
he shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each payday during the
offering period in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the Compensation
which he receives on such payday, and the aggregate of such payroll deductions
during the offering period shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of his aggregate
Compensation during said offering period.

               (b) All payroll deductions made by a participant shall be
credited to his account under the Plan. A participant may not make any
additional payments into such account.

               (c) A participant may discontinue his participation in the Plan
as provided in paragraph 10. A participant may also lower to zero, but not
thereafter increase, the rate of his payroll deductions during the offering
period by notifying the Company in writing. The decrease shall be effective
fifteen (15) days following the Company's receipt of the notification. Should an
eligible Employee decided to again participate in the Plan for future offering
periods, he must complete and file with the Company a new authorization for
payroll deduction.

        7. Grant of Option.

               (a) On the Offering Date of each offering period, each eligible
Employee participating in the Plan shall be granted an option to purchase (at
the per-share option price) up to a number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock determined by dividing such Employee's payroll deductions accumulated
during such offering period (not to exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%)
of his Compensation during the applicable offering period) by the option price
as defined in Section 7(b) herein, subject to the limitations set forth in
Sections 3(b) and 12 hereof, and provided, however, that in no event shall such
option be exercisable for a number of shares in excess of Twelve Thousand Five
Hundred Dollars ($12,500) divided by eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair
market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date. Fair
market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock shall be determined as
provided in Section 7(b) herein.

               (b) The option price per share of the shares offered in a given
offering period shall be the lower of: (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair
market value of a share of the Common Stock of the Company on the Offering Date;
or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the
Common Stock of the Company on the Exercise Date. The fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock on a given date shall be determined by the Board in its
discretion; provided, however, that where there is a public market for the
Common Stock, the fair market value per share shall be the mean of the bid and
asked prices of the Common Stock for such date, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal (or, if not so reported, as otherwise

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reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
(NASDAQ) System) or, in the event the Common Stock is listed on a stock
exchange, the fair market value per share shall be the closing price on such
exchange on such date, as reported in The Wall Street Journal.

        8. Exercise of Option. Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as
provided in paragraph 10, his option for the purchase of shares will be
exercised automatically on the Exercise Date of the offering period, and the
maximum number of full shares subject to option will be purchased for him at the
applicable option price with the accumulated payroll deductions in his account.
The shares purchased upon exercise of an option hereunder shall be deemed to be
transferred to the participant on the Exercise Date. During his lifetime, a
participant's option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him.

        9. Delivery. As promptly as practicable after the Exercise Date of each
offering period, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each participant, as
appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares purchased upon exercise of
his option. Any cash remaining to the credit of a participant's account under
the Plan at the termination of each offering period which is insufficient to
purchase a full share of Common Stock of the Company shall be credited to the
participant's account for the next offering period, thereby reducing the maximum
amount which may be withheld from Compensation during such next offering period
if it would otherwise exceed the limits set forth in paragraphs 3(b) or 6(a),
or, if requested by the participant or if the participant has elected not to
participate for such following period, shall be returned to said participant.

        10. Withdrawal; Termination of Employment.

               (a) A participant may withdraw all, but not less than all, the
payroll deductions credited to his account under the Plan at any time prior to
the Exercise Date of the offering period by giving written notice to the
Company. All of the participant's payroll deductions credited to his account
will be paid to him promptly after receipt of his notice of withdrawal, and his
option for the current period will be automatically terminated, and no further
payroll deductions for the purchase of shares will be made during the offering
period.

               (b) Upon termination of the participant's Continuous Status as an
Employee prior to the Exercise Date of the offering period for any reason,
including retirement or death, the payroll deductions credited to his account
will be returned to him or, in the case of his death, to the person or persons
entitled thereto under paragraph 14, and his option will be automatically
terminated.

               (c) In the event an Employee fails to remain in Continuous Status
as an Employee of the Company for at least twenty (20) hours per week during the
offering period in which the employee is a participant, he will be deemed to
have elected to withdraw from the Plan, and the payroll deductions credited to
his account will be returned to him and his option terminated.

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               (d) A participant's withdrawal from an offering will not have any
effect upon his eligibility to participate in a succeeding offering or in any
similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company.

        11. Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a
participant in the Plan.

        12. Stock.

               (a) The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be six million eight
hundred fifty thousand (6,850,000) shares, subject to adjustment upon changes in
capitalization of the Company as provided in paragraph 18. If the total number
of shares which would otherwise be subject to options granted pursuant to
Section 7(a) hereof on the Offering Date of an offering period exceeds the
number of shares then available under the Plan (after deduction of all shares
for which options have been exercised or are then outstanding), the Company
shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares remaining available for option
grant in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine
to be equitable. In such event, the Company shall give written notice of such
reduction of the number of shares subject to the option to each Employee
affected thereby, and shall similarly reduce the rate of payroll deductions, if
necessary.

               (b) The participant will have no interest or voting right in
shares covered by his option until such option has been exercised.

               (c) Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan will
be registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant
and his spouse.

        13. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Board of the
Company or a committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board. The
administration, interpretation or application of the Plan by the Board or its
committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all participants. Members
of the Board who are eligible Employees are permitted to participate in the
Plan, provided that:

               (a) Members of the Board who are eligible to participate in the
Plan may not vote on any matter affecting the administration of the Plan or the
grant of any option pursuant to the Plan.

               (b) If a committee is established to administer the Plan, no
member of the Board who is eligible to participate in the Plan may be a member
of the committee.

        14. Designation of Beneficiary.

               (a) A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary
who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account
under the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end of
the offering period but prior to delivery to him

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of such shares and cash. In addition, a participant may file a written
designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's
account under the Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to the
Exercise Date of the offering period.

               (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the
participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a
participant, and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the
Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall
deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate
of the participant; or, if no such executor or administrator has been appointed
(to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver
such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or
relatives of the participant; or, if no spouse, dependent or relative is known
to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.

        15. Transferability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a
participant's account nor any rights, with regard to the exercise of an option
or to receive shares under the Plan, may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in paragraph 14 hereof) by the participant. Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw
funds in accordance with paragraph 10.

        16. Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

        17. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant
in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Employees
promptly following the Exercise Date, which statements will set forth the
amounts of payroll deductions, the per share purchase price, the number of
shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

        18. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required
action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised and the
number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under
the Plan but have not yet been placed under option (collectively, the
"Reserves"), as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issue by the Company of shares of stock
of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any

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class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with
respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option.

        In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company,
the offering period will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such
proposed action, unless otherwise provided by the Board. In the event of a
proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the
merger of the Company with or into another corporation, each option under the
Plan shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by such
successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation,
unless the Board determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu
of such assumption or substitution, that the participant shall have the right to
exercise the option as to all of the optioned stock, including shares as to
which the option would not otherwise be exercisable. If the Board makes an
option fully exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Board shall notify the participant that the option
shall be fully exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of
such notice, and the option will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

        The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole
discretion, also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the price
per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option, in the event that
the Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights
offerings or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common
Stock, and in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into
any other corporation.

        19. Amendment or Termination. The Board may at any time terminate or
amend the Plan. Except as provided in paragraph 18, no such termination can
affect options previously granted, nor may an amendment make any change in any
option theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of any
participant, nor may an amendment be made without prior approval of the
shareholders of the Company (obtained in the manner described in paragraph 21)
if such amendment would:

               (a) Increase the number of shares that may be issued under the
Plan;

               (b) Permit payroll deductions at a rate in excess of ten percent
(10%) of the participant's Compensation;

               (c) Change the designation of the employees (or class of
employees) eligible for participation in the Plan; or

               (d) If the Company has a class of equity securities registered
under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") at the time of such amendment, materially increase the benefits
which may accrue to participants under the Plan.

        If any amendment requiring shareholder approval under this paragraph 19
of the Plan is made subsequent to the first registration of any class of equity
securities by the Company under

<PAGE>   8

Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such shareholder approval shall be solicited as
described in paragraph 21 of the Plan.

        20. Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

        21. Shareholder Approval.

               (a) Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date
the Plan is adopted. If such shareholder approval is obtained at a duly held
shareholders' meeting, it must be obtained by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company, or if such
shareholder approval is obtained by written consent, it must be obtained by the
unanimous written consent of all shareholders of the Company; provided, however,
that approval at a meeting or by written consent may be obtained by a lesser
degree of shareholder approval if the Board determines, in its discretion after
consultation with the Company's legal counsel, that such a lesser degree of
shareholder approval will comply with all applicable laws and will not adversely
affect the qualification of the Plan under Section 423 of the Code.

               (b) If and in the event that the Company registers any class of
equity securities pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, any required
approval of the shareholders of the Company obtained after such registration
shall be solicited substantially in accordance with Section 14(a) of the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

               (c) If any required approval by the shareholders of the Plan
itself or of any amendment thereto is solicited at any time otherwise than in
the manner described in paragraph 21(b) hereof, then the Company shall, at or
prior to the first annual meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the later
of (i) the first registration of any class of equity securities of the Company
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act; or (ii) the granting of an option
hereunder to an officer or director after such registration, do the following:

                      (1) furnish in writing to the holders entitled to vote for
the Plan substantially the same information which would be required (if proxies
to be voted with respect to approval or disapproval of the Plan or amendment
were then being solicited) by the rules and regulations in effect under Section
14(a) of the Exchange Act at the time such information is furnished; and

                      (2) file with, or mail for filing to, the Securities and
Exchange Commission four (4) copies of the written information referred to in
subsection (1) hereof not later than the date on which such information is first
sent or given to shareholders.

        22. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued with
respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and
delivery of such shares pursuant

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thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign,
including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which
the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

        As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the
person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such
exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any
present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of
counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the
aforementioned applicable provisions of law.

        23. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the shareholders of the
Company as described in paragraph 21. It shall continue in effect for a term of
twenty (20) years unless sooner terminated under paragraph 19.

<PAGE>   10

                               ALTERA CORPORATION
                        1987 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                             SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

                          OFFERING DATE: APRIL 16, 2000

<TABLE>
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<S>                        <C>                                   <C>
___ ORIGINAL APPLICATION   ___CHANGE IN PAYROLL DEDUCTION RATE   ___CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY(ies)

==============================================================================================
</TABLE>

All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in the "Altera Corporation 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan".

1.  I, ______________________________________, employee # __________ hereby
    elect to participate in the Altera Corporation 1987 Employee Stock Purchase
    Plan, as amended (the "Stock Purchase Plan"), and subscribe to purchase
    shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, in
    accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Stock Purchase Plan.

2.  Employee Location (please check one): Corporate __ Domestic Field __
    International __ For domestic field and international employees, please list
    the state or country your office is located in. Office Location
    _______________________

3.  I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck in an amount equal
    to __________% (not to exceed 10%) of my Compensation on each payday during
    the Offering Period in accordance with the Stock Purchase Plan.

4.  I understand that said payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the
    purchase of shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at the
    applicable purchase price determined in accordance with the Stock Purchase
    Plan. I further understand that, except as otherwise set forth in the Stock
    Purchase Plan, shares will be purchased for me automatically on the Exercise
    Date of the Offering Period unless I otherwise withdraw from the Stock
    Purchase Plan by giving written notice to the Company for such purpose.

5.  I have received a copy of the Company's most recent prospectus, which
    describes the Stock Purchase Plan, and a copy of the complete "Altera
    Corporation 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan". I understand that my
    participation in the Stock Purchase Plan is in all respects subject to the
    terms of the Plan.

6.  I HAVE NOT elected the DIRECT DEPOSIT PROGRAM. Please issue my shares under
    the following
    name(s)_______________________________________________________.

7.  I HAVE elected the DIRECT DEPOSIT PROGRAM. My broker of choice is:

               __ Smith Barney     __ Charles Schwab

    My account number is ______________________________ (If selection of the
Direct Deposit Program is indicated, account number must be included)

8.  I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Stock Purchase Plan. The
    effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my
    eligibility to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan.

------------------------------------------                   -------------------
Employee Signature                                           Date

<PAGE>   11

              ALTERA CORPORATION 1987 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                             BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my
beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due me under the Stock
Purchase Plan:

PRIMARY (PLEASE PRINT)
================================================================================

NAME: (PLEASE PRINT)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (FIRST)       (MIDDLE)              (LAST)           (RELATIONSHIP)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, IF APPLICABLE)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (STREET ADDRESS)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (CITY)                      (STATE)                      (ZIP)

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

SECONDARY (PLEASE PRINT)
================================================================================

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (FIRST)       (MIDDLE)              (LAST)           (RELATIONSHIP)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, IF APPLICABLE)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (STREET ADDRESS)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (CITY)                      (STATE)                      (ZIP)

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

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

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (FIRST)       (MIDDLE)              (LAST)           (RELATIONSHIP)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, IF APPLICABLE)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (STREET ADDRESS)

        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        (CITY)                      (STATE)                      (ZIP)

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

------------------------------------------                   -------------------
Employee Signature                                           Date<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 10.45(a)

                               ALTERA CORPORATION

                             1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
          (As amended October 5,1999 and Restated as of May 10, 2000)

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

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

                -       to provide additional incentive to Employees and
                        Consultants, and

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

        Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant.

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

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

               (b) "Applicable Laws" means the legal requirements relating to
the administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code and the applicable laws of any
foreign country or jurisdiction where Options are, or will be, granted under the
Plan.

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

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

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

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

               (g) "Company" means Altera Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

               (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged
by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services and who is
compensated for such services. The term "Consultant" shall not include Directors
who are paid only a director's fee by the Company or who are not compensated by
the Company for their services as Directors.

               (i) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that
the employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any Parent, or
Subsidiary, is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee
or Consultant shall not be

                                       1
<PAGE>   2

considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the
Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the
Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. A leave of absence
approved by the Company shall include sick leave, military leave, or any other
personal leave approved by an authorized representative of the Company. For
purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

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

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

               (l) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

               (p) "Misconduct" means the commission of any act that is
inimical, contrary, or harmful to the interests of the Company (or any Parent or
Subsidiary), including but not limited to (1) conduct related to employment for
which either criminal or civil penalties may be sought, (2) willful violation of
the Company's written policies, (3) engaging in any activity that is in
competition with the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary), or (4) unauthorized
disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets of the Company (or any
Parent or Subsidiary). The foregoing definition shall not be deemed to be
inclusive of all acts or omissions that the Company (or any Parent or
Subsidiary) may consider as Misconduct for purposes of the Plan.

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

               (r) "Notice of Grant" means a written notice evidencing certain
terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Notice of Grant is part
of the Option Agreement.

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

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

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

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

               (w) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who holds an
outstanding Option.

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

               (y) "Plan" means this 1996 Stock Option Plan.

               (z) "Retirement" means:

                      (i) a termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an
Employee or Consultant, other than for Misconduct, after attaining age
fifty-five (55) with at least ten (10) years of service as an Employee of the
Company; or

                      (ii) a termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an
Employee or Consultant as a result of Disability, regardless of Optionee's age,
if Optionee has completed at least ten (10) years of service as an Employee of
the Company and if Optionee qualifies for Social Security disability benefits at
the time of such termination.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

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

               (bb) "Section 16" means Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended.

               (cc) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.

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

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 22,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.

If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in
full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available
for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated);
provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan
shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future
distribution under the Plan.

        4.      Administration of the Plan.

               (a) Procedure.

                      (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to
Directors, Officers who are not Directors, and Employees who are neither
Directors nor Officers.

                      (ii) Administration With Respect to Directors and Officers
Subject to Section 16. With respect to Option grants made to Employees who are
also Officers or Directors subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan
shall be administered by (A) the Board, if the Board may administer the Plan in
a manner complying with the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested
administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16 exempt
discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made, or (B) a
committee or committees designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which
committee shall be constituted to comply with the rules under Rule 16b-3
relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under
which Section 16 exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are
to be made. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its
designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the
Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members,
remove members (with or without cause) and substitute new members, fill
vacancies (however caused), and remove all members of the Committee and
thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the
rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee
benefit plans under which Section 16 exempt discretionary grants and awards of
equity securities are to be made.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                      (iii) Administration With Respect to Other Persons. With
respect to Option grants made to Employees or Consultants who are neither
Directors nor Officers of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the
Board or (B) a committee or committees designated by the Board, which committee
shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. Once appointed, such Committee
shall serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board.
The Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members,
remove members (with or without cause) and substitute new members, fill
vacancies (however caused), and remove all members of the Committee and
thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by
Applicable Laws.

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

                      (i) to grant options to Employees and Consultants
hereunder;

                      (ii) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common
Stock, in accordance with Section 2(n) of the Plan;

                      (iii) to determine the Consultants and Employees eligible
to be granted Options hereunder;

                      (iv) to determine whether and to what extent Options are
granted hereunder;

                      (v) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each Option granted hereunder;

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

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

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

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

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

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

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

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

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

        5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options may be granted to those
Employees and Consultants selected by the Administrator. Incentive Stock Options
may be granted only to those Employees selected by the Administrator. If
otherwise eligible, an Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option may
be granted additional Options.

        6. Limitations.

               (a) Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair
Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted.

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

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

                      (i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of
the Company, Options to purchase more than 500,000 Shares.

                      (ii) In connection with his or her initial employment, an
Employee may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 500,000 Shares
which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

                      (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 12.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

        7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 18 of the Plan, the Plan shall
become effective upon its approval by the shareholders of the Company as
described in Section 18 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect for a term of
ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 14 of the Plan.

        8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice
of Grant; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may
be provided in the Notice of Grant.

        9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

               (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares
to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be no less than 100% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

               (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised. In so doing, the Administrator may specify that an
Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service period.

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

                      (i) cash;

                      (ii) check;

                      (iii) promissory note;

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

                      (v) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice
together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price;

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

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

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

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

        10. Exercise of Option.

               (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement.

                      An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                      An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company
receives: (i) written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the stock certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by
the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any
other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock,
notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to
be issued) such stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 12 of the Plan. Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the
number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.

               (b) Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship.

                      (i) In General. Upon termination of an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, other than upon the Optionee's
death, Disability, or Retirement, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option
within such period of time as is specified in the Notice of Grant to the extent
that he or she is entitled to exercise it on the date of termination (but in no
event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Notice of Grant). In the absence of a specified time in the Notice of Grant, the
Option shall remain exercisable for thirty (30) days following the Optionee's
termination. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, such period of time for
exercise shall not exceed three (3) months from the date of termination. If, on
the date of termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her
entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option
shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise
his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option
shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

                      Notwithstanding the above, in the event of an Optionee's
change in status from Consultant to Employee or Employee to Consultant, the
Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not
automatically terminate solely as a result of such change in status. In the
event of an Optionee's change in status from Employee to Consultant, each

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an
Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory
Stock Option three months and one day following such change of status.

                      (ii) Retirement of Optionee. In the event of termination
of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of
his or her Retirement, such Optionee's Option shall, in the sole discretion of
the Administrator, accelerate vesting or continue to vest, continue to become
exercisable, and may be exercised during such period of time as is determined by
the Administrator and as provided in the Option Agreement (but in no event may
the Option be exercised after the expiration date of the term of such Option as
set forth in the Option Agreement). If, at the end of such period of time, the
Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares
covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If
the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by
the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall revert to the Plan.

                      (iii) Disability of Optionee. Upon termination of an
Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of the
Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option at any time
within three (3) months (or such other period of time not exceeding twelve (12)
months as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the
case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option)
from the date of termination, but only to the extent that the Optionee is
entitled to exercise it on the date of termination (and in no event later than
the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).
If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or
her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option
shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise
his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate,
and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

                      (iv) Death of Optionee. Upon the death of an Optionee:

                             (a) during the term of the Option who is at the
time of his or her death an Employee or Consultant of the Company and who shall
have been in Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant since the date of
grant of the Option, the Option may be exercised by the Optionee's estate or by
a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance
at any time within six (6) months (or, in the case of Retirement, such longer
period of time, not to exceed 12 months, as determined by the Administrator)
following the date of death, but in no event later than the date of expiration
of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement, and only to the
extent of the right to exercise the Option that would have accrued had the
Optionee continued living and remained in Continuous Status as an Employee or
Consultant six (6) months after the date of death, subject to the limitation set
forth in Section 6(a); or

                             (b) within thirty (30) days (or such other period
of time not exceeding three (3) months as is determined by the Administrator,
with such determination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at
the time of grant of the Option) after his or her termination of Continuous
Status as an Employee or Consultant, the Option may be exercised by

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the
Option by bequest or inheritance, at any time within six (6) months (or, in the
case of Retirement, such longer period of time, not to exceed 12 months, as
determined by the Administrator) following the date of death, but in no event
later than the date of expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Option Agreement, and only to the extent of the right to exercise the Option
that had accrued at the date of termination.

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

                             (d) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to individuals
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act ("Insiders") must comply with the
applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions
or restrictions as may, in the Administrator's sole discretion, be necessary and
desirable to qualify thereunder for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the
Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

        11. Non-Transferability of Options. An Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

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

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

               (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option prior to such transaction as to all
of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may
provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased
upon exercise of an Option shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the
proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner
contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Option will
terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

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

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

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

        14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

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

               (b) Shareholder Approval. The Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Rule 16b-3 or with Section 422 of the Code (or any successor rule or
statute or other applicable law, rule, or regulation, including the requirements
of any exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or
quoted). Such shareholder approval, if required, shall be obtained in such a
manner and to such a degree as is required by the applicable law, rule, or
regulation.

               (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
suspension, or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

        15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

               (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and
delivery of such Shares shall comply with all relevant provisions of law,
including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, Applicable Laws,
and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system upon which the
Shares may then be listed or quoted, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

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

        16. Liability of Company.

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

               (b) Grants Exceeding Allotted Shares. If the Optioned Stock
covered by an Option exceeds, as of the date of grant, the number of Shares
which may be issued under the Plan without additional shareholder approval, such
Option shall be void with respect to such excess Optioned Stock, unless
shareholder approval of an amendment sufficiently increasing the number of
Shares subject to the Plan is timely obtained in accordance with Section 14(b)
of the Plan.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

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

        18. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws and the rules of
any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed.

                                       13

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