Document:

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EXHIBIT 10.6

                                  [BARRA LOGO]

                                   BARRA, INC.

                       1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN*

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* As amended by Amendment Number One To The Barra, Inc. 1996 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, effective as of August 1, 1996, and by Amendment Number Two to
The Barra, Inc. 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective as of August 27,
1997.
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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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                                                                            PAGE
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<S>   <C>                                                                   <C>
1.    PURPOSE.............................................................     1

2.    DEFINITIONS.........................................................     1

3.    ELIGIBILITY.........................................................     2

4.    PARTICIPATION.......................................................     2

5.    OFFERING............................................................     3

6.    PURCHASE OF STOCK...................................................     4

7.    PAYMENT AND DELIVERY................................................     4

8.    RECAPITALIZATION....................................................     4

9.    MERGER, LIQUIDATION, OTHER CORPORATION TRANSACTIONS.................     4

10.   TRANSFERABILITY.....................................................     4

11.   AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN................................     5

12.   ADMINISTRATION......................................................     5

13.   COMMITTEE RULES FOR FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS...........................     5

14.   SECURITIES LAWS REQUIREMENTS........................................     5

15.   GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS..............................................     6

16.   NO ENLARGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS...................................     6

17.   GOVERNING LAW.......................................................     6

18.   EFFECTIVE DATE......................................................     6
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                                   BARRA, INC.

                       1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN*

1.    PURPOSE.

      The purpose of this Plan is to provide an opportunity for Employees of
Barra, Inc. (the "Corporation") and its Designated Subsidiaries, to purchase
Common Stock of the Corporation and thereby to have an additional incentive to
contribute to the prosperity of the Corporation. It is the intention of the
Corporation that the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under
Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Plan shall
be construed in accordance with this intention.

2.    DEFINITIONS.

      (a) "BOARD" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

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

      (c) "COMMITTEE" shall mean the committee appointed by the Board in
accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.

      (d) "COMMON STOCK" shall mean the Common Stock of the Corporation, or any
stock into which such Common Stock may be converted.

      (e) "COMPENSATION" shall mean an Employee's wages or salary and other
amounts payable to an Employee on account of personal services rendered by the
Employee to the Corporation or a Designated Subsidiary and which are reportable
as wages or other compensation on the Employee's Form W-2, plus pre-tax
contributions of the Employee under a cash or deferred arrangement (401(k) plan)
or cafeteria plan maintained by the Corporation or a Designated Subsidiary, but
excluding, however, (1) non-cash fringe benefits, (2) special payments as
determined by the Committee (e.g., moving expenses, unused vacation, severance
pay), (3) income from the exercise of stock options or other stock purchases and
(4) any other items of Compensation as determined by the Committee.

      (f) "CORPORATION" shall mean Barra, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

      (g) "DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY" shall mean a Subsidiary which has been
designated by the Board as eligible to participate in the Plan.

      (h) "EMPLOYEE" shall mean an individual employed (within the meaning of
Code Section 3401(c) and the regulations thereunder) by the Corporation or a
Designated Subsidiary.

      (i) "ENTRY DATE" shall mean the first day of each Option Period.

      (j) "EXERCISE DATE" shall mean the last business day of each Exercise
Period.

      (k) "EXERCISE PERIOD" shall mean a three-month, six-month or other period
as determined by the Board. The first Exercise Period during an Option Period
shall commence on the first day of such Option Period. Subsequent Exercise
Periods, if any, shall run consecutively after the termination of the preceding
Exercise Period. The last Exercise Period in an Option Period shall terminate on
the last day of such Option Period.

      (l) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" shall mean the value of one (1) share of Common
Stock on the relevant date, determined as follows:

            (1) If the shares are traded on an exchange, the reported "closing
price" on the preceding trading day;

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* As amended by Amendment Number One To The Barra, Inc. 1996 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, effective as of August 1, 1996, and by Amendment Number Two to
The Barra, Inc. 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective as of August 27,
1997.

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            (2) If the shares are traded over-the-counter on the NASDAQ System
or on the NASDAQ National Market System, the closing price of the Common Stock
on said System on the preceding trading day in U.S. dollars; and

            (3) If neither (1) nor (2) applies, the fair market value as
determined by the Committee in good faith. Such determination shall be
conclusive and binding on all persons.

      (m) "OPTION PERIOD" shall mean a period of up to twenty-seven (27) months
as determined by the Committee. The Board may determine that the Option Period
and the Exercise Period are the same.

      (n) "PARTICIPANT" shall mean a participant in the Plan as described in
Section 4 of the Plan.

      (o) "PLAN" shall mean this employee stock purchase plan.

      (p) "SHAREHOLDER" shall mean a record holder of shares entitled to vote
shares of Common Stock under the Corporation's by-laws.

      (q) "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any corporation (other than the Corporation)
in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Corporation, as
described in Code Section 424(f).

3.    ELIGIBILITY.

      Any Employee regularly employed on a full-time basis by the Corporation or
by any Designated Subsidiary on an Entry Date shall be eligible to participate
in the Plan with respect to the Option Period commencing on such Entry Date,
provided that the Committee may establish administrative rules requiring that
employment commence some minimum period (e.g., one pay period) prior to an Entry
Date to be eligible to participate with respect to that Entry Date and provided
further that (1) the Board may extend eligibility to part-time Employees
pursuant to criteria and procedures established by the Committee and (2) the
Board may impose an eligibility period on participation of up to two years with
respect to participation on any prospective Entry Date. The Board may also
determine that a designated group of highly compensated Employees (e.g.,
Employees subject to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) are ineligible to participate in the Plan. An Employee shall be considered
employed on a full-time basis unless his or her customary employment is less
than 20 hours per week or five months per year. No Employee may participate in
the Plan if immediately after an option is granted the Employee owns or is
considered to own (within the meaning of Code Section 424(d)), shares of stock,
including stock which the Employee may purchase by conversion of convertible
securities or under outstanding options granted by the Corporation, possessing
five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all
classes of stock of the Corporation or of any of its Subsidiaries. All Employees
who participate in the Plan shall have the same rights and privileges under the
Plan except for differences which may be mandated by local law and which are
consistent with Code Section 423(b)(5). The Board may impose restrictions on
eligibility and participation of Employees who are officers and directors to
facilitate compliance with federal or state securities laws or foreign laws.

4.    PARTICIPATION.

      4.1 An Employee who is eligible to participate in the Plan in accordance
with Section 3 may become a Participant by filing, on a date prescribed by the
Committee prior to an applicable Entry Date, a completed payroll deduction
authorization and Plan enrollment form provided by the Corporation. An eligible
Employee may authorize payroll deductions at the rate of any whole percentage of
the Employee's Compensation, not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the
Employee's Compensation, or such lesser percentage as specified by the Committee
as applied to an Entry Date or Option Period. All payroll deductions may be held
by the Corporation and commingled with its other corporate funds. No interest
shall be paid or credited to the Participant with respect to such payroll
deductions except where required by local law as determined by the Committee. A
separate bookkeeping account for each Participant shall be maintained by the
Corporation under the Plan and the amount of each Participant's payroll
deductions shall be credited to such account. A Participant may not make any
additional payments into such account.

      4.2 Under procedures established by the Committee, a Participant may
suspend or discontinue participation in the Plan at any time during an Exercise
Period by completing and filing a new payroll deduction authorization and Plan
enrollment form with the Corporation. A Participant may increase or decrease his
or her rate of payroll deductions only effective on an Entry Date by filing a
new payroll deduction authorization and Plan enrollment form. If a new payroll
deduction authorization and Plan enrollment form is not filed with the
Corporation, the rate of payroll deductions shall

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continue at the originally elected rate throughout the Option Period unless the
Board determines to change the permissible rate.

      If a Participant suspends participation during an Exercise Period, his or
her accumulated payroll deductions will remain in the Plan for purchase of
shares as specified in Section 6 on the following Exercise Date, but the
Participant will not again participate until he or she completes a new payroll
deduction authorization and Plan enrollment form. The Committee may establish
rules limiting the frequency with which Participants may suspend and resume
payroll deductions under the Plan and may impose a waiting period on
Participants wishing to resume suspended payroll deductions. If a Participant
discontinues participation in the Plan, the amount credited to the Participant's
individual account shall be paid to the Participant without interest (except
where required by local law). In the event any Participant terminates employment
with the Corporation or any Subsidiary for any reason (including death) prior to
the expiration of an Option Period, the Participant's participation in the Plan
shall terminate and all amounts credited to the Participant's account shall be
paid to the Participant or the Participant's estate without interest (except
where required by local law). Whether a termination of employment has occurred
shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee may also establish rules
regarding when leaves of absence or change of employment status (e.g., from
full-time to part-time) will be considered to be a termination of employment,
and the Committee may establish termination of employment procedures for this
Plan which are independent of similar rules established under other benefit
plans of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries.

      In the event of a Participant's death, any accumulated payroll deductions
will be paid, without interest, to the estate of the Participant.

5.    OFFERING.

      5.1 The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued
pursuant to the Plan shall be 1,125,000 shares. The Board may designate any
amount of available shares for offering for any Option Period determined
pursuant to Section 5.2.

      5.2 Each Option Period, Entry Date and Exercise Period shall be determined
by the Board. The Board shall have the power to change the duration of future
Option Periods or future Exercise Periods, and to determine whether or not to
have overlapping Option Periods, with respect to any prospective offering,
without shareholder approval, and without regard to the expectations of any
Participants.

      5.3 With respect to each Option Period, each eligible Employee who has
elected to participate as provided in Section 4.1 shall be granted an option to
purchase that number of shares of Common Stock which may be purchased with the
payroll deductions accumulated on behalf of such Employee (assuming payroll
deductions at a rate of 15% of Compensation) during each Exercise Period within
such Option Period at the purchase price specified in Section 5.4 below;
provided, however, (1) in no event shall the Employee be entitled to accrue
rights to purchase shares under the Plan (and all other employee stock purchase
plans, as defined in Code Section 423, of the Corporation and its subsidiaries)
at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of the Fair Market Value of such stock
(determined at the time the option is granted) for any calendar year in which
such option is outstanding at any time, and (2) the maximum shares subject to
any option shall in no event exceed 500.

      5.4 The option price under each option shall be the lower of: (i) a
percentage (not less than eighty-five percent (85%)) established by the Board
("Designated Percentage") of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the
Entry Date on which an option is granted, or (ii) the Designated Percentage of
the Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date on which the Common Stock is
purchased. The Board may change the Designated Percentage with respect to any
future Option Period, but not below eighty-five percent (85%).

      5.5 If the total number of shares of Common Stock for which options
granted under the Plan are exercisable exceeds the maximum number of shares
offered on any Entry Date, the number of shares which may be purchased under
options granted on the Entry Date shall be reduced on a pro rata basis in as
nearly a uniform manner as shall be practicable and equitable. In this event,
payroll deductions shall also be reduced or refunded accordingly.

      5.6 In the event that the Fair Market Value of the Corporation's Common
Stock is lower on the first day of an Exercise Period within an Option Period
(subsequent "Reassessment Date") than it was on the Entry Date for such Option
Period, all Employees participating in the Plan on the Reassessment Date shall
be deemed to have relinquished the unexercised portion of the option granted on
the Entry Date and to have enrolled in and received a new option commencing

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on such Reassessment Date, unless the Board has determined not to permit
overlapping Option Periods or to restrict such transfers to lower price Option
Periods.

6.    PURCHASE OF STOCK.

      Upon the expiration of each Exercise Period, a Participant's option shall
be exercised automatically for the purchase of whole shares of Common Stock
which the accumulated payroll deductions credited to the Participant's account
at that time shall purchase at the applicable price specified in Section 5.4.
Any amount not applied to the purchase of common stock by reason of the limit on
the maximum number of purchasable shares or by reason that such amount would be
insufficient to purchase an additional whole share will be refunded to the
participant.

7.    PAYMENT AND DELIVERY.

      Upon the exercise of an option, the Corporation shall deliver to the
Participant the whole and fractional shares of Common Stock purchased on the
Participant's behalf. The Board may permit or require that shares be deposited
directly with a broker designated by the Participant (or a broker selected by
the Committee) or to a designated agent of the Company, and the Committee may
utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Board may require
that shares be retained with such broker or agent for a designated period of
time (and may restrict dispositions during that period) and/or may establish
other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions of such shares
and/or to restrict transfer of such shares. The Corporation shall retain the
amount of payroll deductions used to purchase Common Stock as full payment for
the Common Stock and the Common Stock shall then be fully paid and
non-assessable. No Participant shall have any voting, dividend, or other
stockholder rights with respect to shares subject to any option granted under
the Plan until the option has been exercised and shares issued.

8.    RECAPITALIZATION.

      If after the grant of an option, but prior to the purchase of Common Stock
under the option, there is any increase or decrease in the number of outstanding
shares of Common Stock because of a stock split, stock dividend, combination or
recapitalization of shares subject to options, the number of shares to be
purchased pursuant to an option, the share limit of Section 5.3 and the maximum
number of shares specified in Section 5.1 shall be proportionately increased or
decreased, the terms relating to the purchase price with respect to the option
shall be appropriately adjusted by the Board, and the Board shall take any
further actions which, in the exercise of its discretion, may be necessary or
appropriate under the circumstances.

      The Board, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole discretion,
also may adjust the number of shares specified in Section 5.1, as well as the
price per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option and the
maximum number of shares subject to any individual option, in the event the
Corporation effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, spin-offs,
split-ups, rights offerings or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common
Stock.

      The Board's determinations under this Section 8 shall be conclusive and
binding on all parties.

9.    MERGER, LIQUIDATION, OTHER CORPORATION TRANSACTIONS.

      In the event of the proposed liquidation or dissolution of the
Corporation, the Option Period will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed transaction, unless otherwise provided by the
Board in its sole discretion, and all outstanding options shall automatically
terminate and the amounts of all payroll deductions will be refunded without
interest to the Participants.

      In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Corporation, or the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or
into another corporation, then in the sole discretion of the Board, (1) each
option shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by the
successor corporation or parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation, (2)
a date established by the Board on or before the date of consummation of such
merger, consolidation or sale shall be treated as an Exercise Date, and all
outstanding options shall be deemed exercisable on such date or (3) all
outstanding options shall terminate and the accumulated payroll deductions shall
be returned to the Participants.

10.   TRANSFERABILITY.

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      Options granted to Participants may not be voluntarily or involuntarily
assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of in any way, and any
attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, or other disposition shall be null and
void and without effect. If a Participant in any manner attempts to transfer,
assign or otherwise encumber his or her rights or interest under the Plan, other
than as permitted by the Code, such act shall be treated as an election by the
participant to discontinue participation in the Plan pursuant to Section 4.2.

11.   AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

      11.1 The Plan shall continue until May 16, 2006, unless previously
terminated in accordance with Section 11.2.

      11.2 The Board may, in its sole discretion, insofar as permitted by law,
terminate or suspend the Plan, or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever,
except that, without approval of the shareholders, no such revision or amendment
shall:

            (a) materially increase the number of shares subject to the Plan,
other than an adjustment under Section 8 of the Plan;

            (b) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for
participation in the Plan, except as otherwise specified in this Plan;

            (c) materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants;

            (d) reduce the purchase price specified in Section 5.4, except as
specified in Section 8;

            (e) extend the term of the Plan beyond the date specified in Section
11.1; or

            (f) amend this Section 11.2 to defeat its purpose.

12.   ADMINISTRATION.

      The Board shall appoint a Committee consisting of at least two members who
will serve for such period of time as the Board may specify and who may be
removed by the Board at any time. The Committee will have the authority and
responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the Plan, the authority and
responsibility specifically provided in this Plan and any additional duties,
responsibility and authority delegated to the Committee by the Board, which may
include any of the functions assigned to the Board in this Plan. The Committee
shall have full power and authority to promulgate any rules and regulations
which it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, to interpret
the provisions and supervise the administration of the Plan, and to take all
action in connection with administration of the Plan as it deems necessary or
advisable, consistent with the delegation from the Board. Decisions of the Board
and the Committee shall be final and binding upon all participants. Any decision
reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the members of the Committee
shall be fully effective as if it had been made at a meeting of the Committee
duly held. The Corporation shall pay all expenses incurred in the administration
of the Plan. No Board or Committee member shall be liable for any action or
determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any option granted
thereunder.

13.   COMMITTEE RULES FOR FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS.

      The Committee may adopt rules or procedures relating to the operation and
administration of the Plan in non-United States jurisdictions to accommodate the
specific requirements of local laws and procedures. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Committee is specifically authorized to adopt
rules and procedures regarding handling of payroll deductions, payment of
interest, conversion of local currency, withholding procedures and handling of
stock certificates which vary with local requirements.

14.   SECURITIES LAWS REQUIREMENTS.

      The Corporation shall not be under any obligation to issue Common Stock
upon the exercise of any option unless and until the Corporation has determined
that: (i) it and the Participant have taken all actions required to register the
Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, or to perfect an exemption from
the registration requirements thereof; (ii)

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any applicable listing requirement of any stock exchange on which the Common
Stock is listed has been satisfied; and (iii) all other applicable provisions of
state, federal and applicable foreign law have been satisfied.

15.   GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS.

      This Plan and the Corporation's obligation to sell and deliver shares of
its stock under the Plan shall be subject to the approval of any governmental
authority required in connection with the Plan or the authorization, issuance,
sale, or delivery of stock hereunder.

16.   NO ENLARGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS.

      Nothing contained in this Plan shall be deemed to give any Employee the
right to be retained in the employ of the Corporation or any Designated
Subsidiary or to interfere with the right of the Corporation or Designated
Subsidiary to discharge any Employee at any time.

17.   GOVERNING LAW.

      This Plan shall be governed by California law, but shall be interpreted to
be consistent with the requirements of any employee stock purchase plan under
Code Section 423.

18.   EFFECTIVE DATE.

      This Plan shall be effective May 16, 1996, subject to approval of the
shareholders of the Corporation within 12 months of its adoption by the Board of
Directors.

                                       6<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.9

                                   BARRA, INC.
                              DIRECTORS OPTION PLAN

                               SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of the Barra, Inc. Directors Option Plan is to provide a means
whereby Barra, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), may attract and
retain able persons as members of the Board (as defined below) and to provide a
means whereby those Board members can acquire and maintain stock ownership,
thereby strengthening their concern for the long-term welfare of the
Corporation. A further purpose of the Plan (as defined below) is to provide such
Board members with additional incentive and reward opportunities designed to
enhance the profitable growth of the Corporation over the long term.
Accordingly, the Plan provides for granting Incentive Stock Options (as defined
below), options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options, or any
combination of the foregoing, as is best suited to the circumstances of the
particular Board member as provided herein.

                             SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall be applicable during the term of the Plan unless
specifically modified by any paragraph:

(a)   Award means, individually or collectively, any Option granted pursuant
to the Plan.

(b)   Board means the board of directors of Barra, Inc.

(c)   Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the
Plan to any Section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or
successor provisions to such Section and any regulations under such Section.

(d)   Common Stock means the common stock of Barra, Inc.

(e)   Corporation means Barra, Inc.

(f)   Corporate Change means one of the following events: (i) the merger,
consolidation or other reorganization of the Corporation in which the
outstanding Common Stock is converted into or exchanged for a different class of
securities of the Corporation, a class of securities of any other issuer (except
a Subsidiary or Parent Corporation), cash or other property other than (a) a
merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Corporation which would result in
the voting stock of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior thereto
continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted
into voting securities of the surviving entity), in combination with the
ownership of any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee
benefit plan of the Corporation, at least sixty percent (60%) of the combined
voting power of the voting stock of the Corporation or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization of
the Corporation, or (b) merger, consolidation or reorganization of the
Corporation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Corporation (or
similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than forty-nine percent
(49%) of the combined voting power of the Corporation's then outstanding stock;
(ii) the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Corporation to any other corporation or entity (except a Subsidiary or
Parent Corporation); (iii) the adoption by the stockholders of the Corporation
of a plan of liquidation and dissolution; (iv) the acquisition (other than
acquisition pursuant to any other clause of this definition) by any person or
entity, including without limitation a "group" as contemplated by Section
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, as contemplated by such
Section, of more than twenty-five percent (25%) (based on voting power) of the
Corporation's outstanding capital stock or acquisition by a person or entity who
currently has beneficial ownership which increases such person's or entity's
beneficial ownership to fifty percent (50%) or more (based on voting power) of
the Corporation's outstanding capital stock; or (v) as a result of or in
connection with a contested election of directors, the persons who were
directors of the Corporation before such election shall cease to constitute a
majority of the Board. Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (iv) above, a
Corporate Change shall not be considered to have occurred upon the acquisition
(other than acquisition pursuant to any other clause of the preceding sentence)
by any person or entity, including without limitation a "group" as contemplated
by Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of beneficial ownership, as
contemplated by such Section, of more than twenty-five percent (25%) (based on
voting power) of the Corporation's outstanding capital stock or the requisite
percentage to increase their ownership to fifty percent (50%) resulting from a
public offering of securities of the Corporation under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.

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

(h)   Fair Market Value means, as of any specified date, the average of the last
best reported bid and asked prices of the Common Stock on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ) system (or, if
the Common Stock is not listed on such exchange, such other national securities
exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed) on that date, or if no prices
are reported on that date, on the last preceding date on which such prices of
the Common Stock are so reported. If the Common Stock is not then listed on any
national securities exchange but is traded over the counter at the time
determination of its Fair Market Value is required to be made hereunder, its
Fair Market Value shall be deemed to be equal to the average between the
reported high and low sales prices of Common Stock on the most recent date on
which Common Stock was publicly traded. If the Common Stock is not publicly
traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made
hereunder, the determination of its Fair Market Value shall be made by the Board
in such manner as it deems appropriate (such determination will be made in
good-faith as required by Section 422(c)(1) of the Code and may be based on the
advice of an independent investment banker or appraiser recognized to be expert
in making such valuations).

(i)   Holder means an individual who has been granted an Award.

(j)   Incentive Stock Option means an Option within the meaning of Section 422
of the Code.

(k)   Non-Employee Director means a member of the Board who is not an employee
of the Corporation, its Parent Corporation or its Subsidiary.

(l)   Option means an Award granted under Section 7 of the Plan and includes
both Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock and Options which do not
constitute Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock.

(m)   Option Agreement means a written agreement between the Corporation and an
employee or director with respect to an Option.

(n)   Optionee means an employee, director or individual who has been granted
an Option.

(o)   Outside Director refers to a member of the Board who qualifies as an
"outside director" as such term is used in Section 162(m) of the Code and
defined in any applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, including
Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3).

(p)   Parent Corporation shall have the meaning set forth in Section 424(e)
of the Code.

(q)   Plan means the Barra, Inc. Directors Option Plan.

(r)   Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 of the General Rules and Regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, as such rule is
currently in effect or as hereafter modified or amended.

(s)   Subsidiary means a company (whether a corporation, partnership, joint
venture or other form of entity) in which the Corporation, or a corporation in
which the Corporation owns a majority of the shares of capital stock, directly
or indirectly, owns an equity interest of fifty percent (50%) or more, except
solely with respect to the issuance of Incentive Stock Options the term
"Subsidiary" shall have the same meaning as the term "subsidiary corporation" as
defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

               SECTION 3 - EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN

The Plan shall be effective as of April 24, 1997 the date of its adoption by the
Board, provided that the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Corporation
within twelve (12) months before or thereafter and on or prior to the date of
the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation held subsequent to
the acquisition of an equity security by a Holder hereunder for which exemption
is claimed under Rule 16b-3. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or of any
Option Agreement, no Option shall be exercisable prior to such stockholder
approval. No further Awards may be granted under the Plan after ten (10) years
from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or the date the Plan is approved
by the Corporation's shareholders, whichever is earlier. Subject to the
provisions of Section 9, the Plan shall remain in effect until all Options
granted under the Plan have been exercised or have expired by reason of lapse of
time and all restrictions imposed upon restricted stock awards have lapsed. Any
option exercised before shareholder approval is obtained must be rescinded if

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shareholder approval is not obtained within twelve (12) months before or after
the Plan is adopted. Such shares shall not be counted in determining whether
such approval is granted.

                           SECTION 4 - ADMINISTRATION

(a)   The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be composed
as hereinafter set forth in Section 4(b).

(b)   The Committee shall consist solely
of not less than two Outside Directors elected by the Board. The Board may from
time to time increase (and thereafter may decrease) the size of the Committee,
elect or remove members thereto (with or without cause) and fill any vacancies
however created; provided, however, that the minimum number of members on the
Committee must be two.

(c)   The Committee shall meet at such times and places and upon such notice as
the Committee's Chair determines. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a
quorum. Any acts by the Committee may be taken at any meeting at which a quorum
is present and shall be by majority vote of those members entitled to vote.

(d)   The Committee shall determine which directors of Barra shall be granted
Awards under the Plan, the timing of such Awards, the terms thereof and the
number of shares of Common Stock subject to each Award.

(e)   The Committee shall have the sole authority, in its absolute discretion,
to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations as, in its opinion, may
be advisable in the administration of the Plan, to construe and interpret the
Plan, its rules and regulations, and the instruments evidencing Awards granted
under the Plan, and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for the administration of the Plan. All decisions, determinations and
interpretations of the Committee shall be binding on all Optionees.

                SECTION 5 - GRANT OF OPTIONS SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

(a)   Award Limits.

      (i) The Committee shall grant Options which do not constitute Incentive
Stock Options for 5,000 shares of Common Stock to all current Non-Employee
Directors on April 24, 1997, pursuant to the terms of the Plan. In the event
that a new Non-Employee Director is appointed to the Board or that a current
member of the Board becomes a Non-Employee Director, the Committee shall grant
Options which do not constitute Incentive Stock Options for 15,000 shares of
Common Stock to such Non-Employee Director on the date such person becomes a
Non-Employee Director, pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

      (ii) On each anniversary of the date of the initial Option grant in
Section 5(a)(i) of the Plan, the Committee shall grant Options which do not
constitute Incentive Stock Options for 4,000 shares of Common Stock to all
current Non-Employee Directors, pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

      (iii) The Committee shall also have the discretion to grant Options to all
members of the Board, whether or not they are Non-Employee Directors, pursuant
to the terms of the Plan. In addition, in and to the extent that the Code so
permits, any Option granted under this Section 5(iii) of the Plan may be an
Incentive Stock Option.

(b)   Shares Subject to the Plan. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
that may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed 250,000 shares. Any of such
shares which remain unissued and which are not subject to outstanding Options at
the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan but, until
termination of the Plan, the Corporation shall at all times reserve a sufficient
number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan. Shares shall be deemed to
have been issued under the Plan only to the extent actually issued and delivered
pursuant to an Award. To the extent that an Award lapses or the rights of its
Holder terminate, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award shall again
be available for the grant of an Award. The aggregate number of shares which may
be issued under the Plan shall be subject to adjustment in the same manner as
provided in Section 8 of the Plan with respect to shares of Common Stock subject
to Options then outstanding. Separate stock certificates shall be issued by the
Corporation for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive
Stock Option and for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of any
Option that does not constitute an Incentive Stock Option. The maximum number of
Shares of Common Stock with respect to which Options may be granted during any
calendar year to any Optionee shall not exceed 20,000 shares.

(c)   Stock Offered. The stock to be offered pursuant to the grant of an Award
may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock previously issued
and outstanding and reacquired by the Corporation.

                                       3
<PAGE>
                             SECTION 6 - ELIGIBILITY

An Incentive Stock Option Award made pursuant to the Plan may be granted only to
an individual who, at the time of grant, is a director of the Corporation who is
also an employee of the Corporation, a Parent or a Subsidiary. An Award of an
Option, which is not an Incentive Stock Option, may be granted only to an
individual who, at the time of grant, is a director of the Corporation. An Award
made pursuant to the Plan may be granted on more than one occasion to the same
person, and such Award may include an Incentive Stock Option, an Option which is
not an Incentive Stock Option, or any combination thereof. Each Award shall be
evidenced by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the
Corporation.

                            SECTION 7 - STOCK OPTIONS

(a)   Stock Option Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option
Agreement between the Corporation and the Optionee which shall contain such
terms and conditions as may be approved by the Committee and agreed upon by the
Holder. The terms and conditions of the respective option Agreements need not be
identical. Under each Option Agreement, a Holder shall have the right to appoint
any individual or legal entity in writing as his or her beneficiary under the
Plan in the event of his death. Such designation may be revoked in writing by
the Holder at any time and a new beneficiary may be appointed in writing on the
form provided by the Committee for such purpose. In the absence of such
appointment, the beneficiary shall be the legal representative of the Holder's
estate.

(b)   Option Period. The term of each Option shall be as specified by the
Committee at the date of grant and shall be stated in the Option Agreement;
provided, however, that an option may not be exercised more than one hundred
twenty (120) months from the date it is granted.

(c)   Limitations on Exercise of Option. Any Option granted pursuant to Section
5(a)(i) of the Plan shall be vested and exercisable at the rate of twenty
percent (20%) per year over the five (5) years from the date it is granted so
long as the Optionee is continuously a director of the Corporation. Any Option
granted pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii) shall be automatically vested and
exercisable on the date it is granted. Any Option granted pursuant to Section
5(a)(iii) of the Plan shall be vested and exercisable at the discretion of the
Committee; provided, however, that the rate of vesting shall be not longer than
twenty percent (20%) per year over the five (5) years from the date it is
granted.

(d)   Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that the
aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the respective Incentive
Stock Option is granted) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock
Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar
year under all incentive stock option plans of the Corporation (and any Parent
Corporation or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such
excess Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Options which do not
constitute Incentive Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance
with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other
administrative pronouncements, which of an Optionee's Incentive Stock Options
will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation and shall
notify the Optionee of such determination as soon as practicable after such
determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an individual if,
at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock possessing more
than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Corporation or of its Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary, within
the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code, unless (i) at the time such Option
is granted the Option price is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option and (ii) such Option
by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date
of grant.

(e)   Option Price. The purchase price of Common Stock issued under each Option
shall be the Fair Market Value of Common Stock subject to the Option on the date
the Option is granted, except that, for Incentive Stock Options, the price shall
be one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value in the case of any
person or entity who owns stock comprising more than ten percent (10%) of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or its
Parent Corporation or Subsidiary.

(f)   Termination of Service as a Director. If an Optionee's service as a
director of the Corporation terminates for any reason, including death and
disability, then: (1) unless otherwise determined at the discretion of the
Board, the Options which are not vested and not exercisable shall automatically
terminate; (2) except in the event of the Optionee's death or permanent and
total disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the
Options which are vested and exercisable on the date of such termination may not
be exercised later than ninety (90) days (or such other period of time as
determined by the Committee) after the termination date; and (3) in the event of
the Optionee's death or permanent and total disability (within the meaning of
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the Options which are vested and exercisable on
the date of such termination

                                       4
<PAGE>
may not be exercised later than twelve (12) months (or such other period of time
as determined by the Committee) after the termination date.

                 SECTION 8 - RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION

(a)   Except as hereinafter otherwise provided, the aggregate number of shares
which may be issued pursuant to an Award and the outstanding Awards shall be
subject to an automatic pro rata adjustment by the Committee as to the number
and price of shares of Common Stock in the event of changes in the outstanding
Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits,
reclassifications, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other relevant changes
in capitalization occurring after the date of the grant of any such Options.

(b)   The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not
affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the
Corporation to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization,
reorganization or other change in the capital structure of the Corporation, a
Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary or their business, any merger or
consolidation of the Corporation, a Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary, any
issue of debt or equity securities having any priority or preference with
respect to or affecting Common Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or
liquidation of the Corporation, a Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary, or any
sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of their assets or
business or any other corporate act or proceeding.

(c)   The shares with respect to which Options may be granted are shares of
Common Stock as presently constituted but if and whenever, prior to the
expiration of an Option theretofore granted, the Corporation shall effect a
subdivision or consolidation of shares of Common Stock or the payment of a stock
dividend on Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Corporation,
the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such Option may
thereafter be exercised (i) in the event of an increase in the number of
outstanding shares shall be proportionately increased , and the purchase price
per share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction
in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately reduced, and the
purchase price per share shall be proportionately increased.

(d)   If the Corporation recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital
structure, thereafter upon any exercise of an Option theretofore granted, the
Optionee shall be entitled to purchase under such Option, in lieu of the number
of shares of Common Stock as to which such Option shall then be exercisable, the
number and class of shares of stock and securities, and the cash and other
property to which the Optionee would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of
the recapitalization if, immediately prior to such recapitalization, the
Optionee had been the holder of such record of the number of shares of Common
Stock then covered by such Option.

(e)   In the event of a Corporate Change, unless such time period is otherwise
deemed to be impractical by the Committee, then no later than (i) two business
days prior to any Corporate Change referenced in Clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (v)
of the definition thereof or (ii) ten business days after any Corporate Change
referenced in Clause (iv) of the definition thereof, the Committee shall act to
accelerate the time at which Options then outstanding may be exercised so that
such Options may be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before
a specified date (before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee,
after which specified date all unexercised Options and all rights of Optionees
thereunder shall terminate.

(f)   Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, issuance by the Corporation of
shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock of
any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the
exercise of rights or warranty to subscribe therefore, or upon conversion of
shares or obligations of the Corporation convertible into such shares or other
securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and
no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of
shares of Common Stock subject to Options theretofore granted, or the purchase
price per share of Common Stock subject to Options.

                SECTION 9 - AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan or any Option or alter or
amend the Plan or any part thereof or any Option from time to time; provided
that no change in any Award previously granted may be made which would impair
the rights of the Holder without the consent of the Holder, and provided
further, that the Board may not, without approval of the stockholders, amend the
plan:

(a)   to increase the aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to
the provisions of the Plan on exercise or surrender of Options;

                                       5
<PAGE>
(b)   to change the minimum Option exercise price;

(c)   to change the class of employees eligible to receive Awards or increase
materially the benefits accruing to employees under the Plan;

(d)   to extend the maximum period during which Awards may be granted under
the Plan;

(e)   to modify materially the requirements as to eligibility for
participation in the Plan; or

(f)   to decrease any authority granted to the Committee hereunder in
contravention of Rule 16b-3.

                               SECTION 10 - OTHER

(a)   No Right to an Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any action of
the Committee shall be deemed to give an employee or director any right to be
granted an Option to purchase Common Stock or any other rights hereunder except
as may be evidenced by an Option Agreement duly executed on behalf of the
Corporation, and then only to the extent of and on the terms and conditions
expressly set forth therein. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Corporation shall
not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other
segregation of funds or assets to assure the payment of any Award.

(b)   No Employment Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan or in any
Award made hereunder shall (i) confer upon any employee or director any right
with respect to employment with the Corporation or any Parent Corporation or
Subsidiary, or (ii) interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or
any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary to terminate his or her employment or his
or her service as a member of the Board at any time.

(c)   Other Laws; Withholding. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be
delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional shares be paid. The
Corporation shall have the right to deduct in connection with all Awards any
taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments necessary to
enable it to satisfy its withholding obligations. The Committee may permit the
Holder of an Award to elect to surrender, or authorize the Corporation to
withhold shares of Common Stock (valued at their Fair Market Value on the date
of surrender or withholding of such shares) in satisfaction of the Corporation's
withholding obligation, subject to such restrictions as the Committee deems
necessary to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3.

(d)   No Restriction of Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be
construed to prevent the Corporation or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary
from taking any corporate action which is deemed by the Corporation or such
Parent Corporation or Subsidiary to be appropriate or in its best interest,
whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award
made under the Plan. No employee, director, beneficiary or other person shall
have any claim against the Corporation or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary
as a result of such action.

(e)   Restrictions on Transfer. An Award shall not be transferable otherwise
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable
during the lifetime of the Holder only by such Holder or the Holder's guardian
or legal representative.

(f)   Information to Employees. Optionees under the Plan shall receive financial
statements annually regarding the corporation during the period the options are
outstanding.

(g)   Rule 16b-3. It is intended that the Plan and any grant of an Award made to
a person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act meet all of the requirements
of Rule 16b-3. If any provisions of the Plan or any such Award would disqualify
the Plan or such Award hereunder, or would otherwise not comply with Rule 16b-3,
such provision or Award shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to Rule
16b-3.

(h)   Governing Law.  The Plan and securities issued hereunder shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California and all
applicable federal law.

ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE AS OF APRIL 24, 1997
APPROVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS AS OF JULY 31, 1997
AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS OF AUGUST 5, 1999
AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS OF AUGUST 3, 2000

                                       6

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