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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                             V-I-A INTERNET, INC.

                  1998 STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN

     V-I-A Internet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), sets forth
herein the terms of its 1998 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Plan")
as follows:

1.   PURPOSE

     The Plan is intended to enhance the Company's ability to attract and retain
highly qualified officers, key employees, directors and other persons, and to
motivate such officers, key employees, and other persons to serve the Company
and its affiliates (as defined herein) and to expend maximum effort to improve
the business results and earnings of the Company, by providing to such officers,
key employees and other persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct
proprietary interest in the operations and future success of the Company. To
this end, the Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock and
restricted stock units in accordance with the terms hereof. Stock options
granted under the Plan may be non-qualified stock options or incentive stock
options, as provided herein.

2.   DEFINITIONS

     For purposes of interpreting the Plan and related documents (including
Award Agreements), the following definitions shall apply:

     2.1  "affiliate" of, or person "affiliated" with, a person means any
company or other trade or business that controls, is controlled by or is under
common control with such person within the meaning of Rule 405 of Regulation C
under the Securities Act.

     2.2  "Award Agreement" means the stock option agreement, restricted stock
agreement, restricted stock unit agreement or other written agreement between
the Company and a Grantee that evidences and sets out the terms and conditions
of a Grant.

     2.3  "Benefit Arrangement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13
hereof.

     2.4  "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

     2.5  "Change of Control" means (i) the dissolution or liquidation of the
Company or a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the Company with one or
more other entities in which the Company is not the surviving entity, (ii) a
sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to another entity, or
(iii) any transaction (including without limitation a merger or reorganization
in which the Company is the surviving entity) which results in any person or
entity (other than persons who are shareholders or affiliates of the Company at
the time the Plan is approved by the Company's shareholders) owning 50% or more
of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company.

     2.6  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as
hereafter amended.

     2.7  "Committee" means a committee of, and designated from time to time by
resolution of, the Board, which shall consist of no fewer than two members of
the Board, none of whom shall be an officer or other salaried employee of the
Company or any affiliate of the Company.
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     2.8  "Company" means V-I-A Internet, Inc.

     2.9  "Effective Date" means April 14, 1998, the date on which the Plan was
adopted by the Board.

     2.10 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as now in
effect or as hereafter amended.

     2.11 "Fair Market Value" means the value of a share of Stock, determined as
follows: if on the Grant Date or other determination date the Stock is listed on
an established national or regional stock exchange, is admitted to quotation on
the NASDAQ National Market, or is publicly traded on an established securities
market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be the closing price of
the Stock on such exchange or in such market (the highest such closing price if
there is more than one such exchange or market) on the day immediately preceding
the Grant Date or such other determination date (or if there is no such reported
closing price, the Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the highest bid
and lowest asked prices or between the high and low sale prices on such trading
day) or, if no sale of Stock is reported for such trading day, on the next
preceding day on which any sale shall have been reported. If the Stock is not
listed on such an exchange, quoted on such system or traded on such a market,
Fair Market Value shall be the value of the Stock as determined by the Board in
good faith. In making its determination of the value of the Stock, the Board may
consider, among other factors, the following: (a) the then-most recent price for
the Stock or other capital stock of the Company as established in a private
equity placement by the Company, (b) the Option Price established for the Stock
in the then-most recent Grant under this Plan or other stock option plan
maintained by the Company, (c) the value attributed to the Stock under the most
recent appraisal conducted by a third party on behalf of the Company, a
shareholder, a Grantee, or a third party, and (d) the value of the Stock
determined using one or more methodologies typically employed by third party
appraisers for similarly situated companies, including but not limited to: book
value, tangible book value, comparable company valuations, discounted cash flow,
and P/E multiples. The Board shall not be obligated to rely upon any one or more
of these methods of valuation in making its determination, which it shall do in
its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Fair Market Value shall not
be less than the par value of a share of Stock.

     2.12 "Grant" means an award of an Option, Restricted Stock or Restricted
Stock Units under the Plan.

     2.13 "Grant Date" means, as determined by the Board or authorized
Committee, (1) the date as of which the Board or such Committee approves a
Grant, (ii) the date on which the recipient of a Grant first becomes eligible to
receive a Grant under Section 6 hereof, or (iii) such other date as may be
specified by the Board or such Committee.

     2.14 "Grantee" means a person who receives or holds an Option, Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Units under the Plan.

     2.15 "Immediate Family Members" means the spouse, children and
grandchildren of the Grantee.

     2.16 "Incentive Stock Option" means an "incentive stock option" within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or the corresponding provision of any
subsequently enacted tax statute, as amended from time to time.

     2.17 "Option" means an option to purchase one or more shares of Stock
pursuant to the Plan.

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     2.18 "Option Period" means the period during which Options may be exercised
as set forth in Section 10 hereof.

     2.19 "Option Price" means the purchase price for each share of Stock
subject to an Option.

     2.20 "Other Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13
hereof.

     2.21 "Plan" means this V-I-A Internet, Inc. 1998 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan.

     2.22 "Reporting Person" means a person who is required to file reports
under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

     2.23 "Restricted Period" means the period during which Restricted Stock or
Restricted Stock Units are subject to restrictions or conditions pursuant to
Section 12.2 hereof.

     2.24 "Restricted Stock" means shares of Stock, awarded to a Grantee
pursuant to Section 12 hereof, that are subject to restrictions and to a risk of
forfeiture.

     2.25 "Restricted Stock Unit" means a unit awarded to a Grantee pursuant to
Section 12 hereof, which represents a conditional right to receive a share of
Stock in the future, and which is subject to restrictions and to a risk of
forfeiture.

     2.26 "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as now in effect or
as hereafter amended.

     2.27 "Service Provider" means a consultant or adviser to the Company, a
manager of the Company's properties or affairs, or other similar service
provider or affiliate of the Company, and employees of any of the foregoing, as
such persons may be designated from time to time by the Board pursuant to
Section 6 hereof.

     2.28 "Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the
Company.

     2.29 "Subsidiary" means any "subsidiary corporation" of the Company within
the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.

     2.30 "Termination Date" shall be the date upon which an Option shall
terminate or expire, as set forth in Section 10.2 hereof.

3.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

     3.1. Board.

     The Board shall have such powers and authorities related to the
administration of the Plan as are consistent with the Company's certificate of
incorporation and by-laws and applicable law. The Board shall have full power
and authority to take all actions and to make all determinations required or
provided for under the Plan, any Grant or any Award Agreement, and shall have
full power and authority to take all such other actions and make all such other
determinations not inconsistent with the specific terms and provisions of the
Plan that the Board deems to be necessary or appropriate to the administration
of the Plan, any Grant or any Award Agreement. All such actions and
determinations shall be by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of
the Board present at a meeting or by unanimous consent of the Board executed in
writing in accordance with the Company's certificate of incorporation and by-
laws and applicable law. The interpretation and

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construction by the Board of any provision of the Plan, any Grant or any Award
Agreement shall be final and conclusive.

     3.2. Committee.

     The Board from time to time may delegate to a Committee such powers and
authorities related to the administration and implementation of the Plan, as set
forth in Section 3.1 above and in other applicable provisions, as the Board
shall determine, consistent with the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of
the Company and applicable law. In the event that the Plan, any Grant or any
Award Agreement entered into hereunder provides for any action to be taken by or
determination to be made by the Board, such action may be taken by or such
determination may be made by the Committee if the power and authority to do so
has been delegated to the Committee by the Board as provided for in this
Section. Unless otherwise expressly determined by the Board, any such action or
determination by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive.

     3.3. Grants.

     Subject to the other terms and conditions of the Plan, the Board shall have
full and final authority (i) to designate Grantees, (ii) to determine the type
or types of Grant to be made to a Grantee, (iii) to determine the number of
shares of Stock to be subject to a Grant, (iv) to establish the terms and
conditions of each Grant (including, but not limited to, the exercise price of
any Option, the nature and duration of any restriction or condition (or
provision for lapse thereof) relating to the vesting, exercise, transfer, or
forfeiture of a Grant or the shares of Stock subject thereto, and any terms or
conditions that may be necessary to qualify Options as Incentive Stock Options),
(v) to prescribe the form of each Award Agreement evidencing a Grant, and (vi)
to amend, modify, or supplement the terms of any outstanding Grant. Such
authority specifically includes the authority, in order to effectuate the
purposes of the Plan but without amending the Plan, to modify Grants to eligible
individuals who are foreign nationals or are individuals who are employed
outside the United States to recognize differences in local law, tax policy, or
custom. As a condition to any subsequent Grant, the Board shall have the right,
at its discretion, to require Grantees to return to the Company Grants
previously awarded under the Plan. Subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan, any such new Grant shall be upon such terms and conditions as are
specified by the Board at the time the new Grant is made.

     3.4. No Liability.

     No member of the Board or of the Committee shall be liable for any action
or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Grant or
Award Agreement.

4.   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

     Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 16 hereof, the number of
shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall be 1,600,000, no
more than 125,000 of which may be issued pursuant to awards of Restricted Stock
or Restricted Stock Units. Stock issued or to be issued under the Plan shall be
authorized but unissued shares. If any shares covered by a Grant are not
purchased or are forfeited, or if a Grant otherwise terminates without delivery
of any Stock subject thereto, then the number of shares of Stock counted against
the aggregate number of shares available under the Plan with respect to such
Grant shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture or termination, again be
available for making Grants under the Plan.

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5.   EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF THE PLAN

     5.1. Effective Date.

     The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date, subject to approval
of the Plan within one year of the Effective Date, by a majority of the votes
cast on the proposal at a meeting of shareholders, provided that the total votes
cast represent a majority of all shares entitled to vote or by the written
consent of the holders of a majority of the Company's shares of Stock entitled
to vote. Upon approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Company as set
forth above, all Grants made under the Plan on or after the Effective Date shall
be fully effective as if the shareholders of the Company had approved the Plan
on the Effective Date. If the shareholders fail to approve the Plan within one
year after the Effective Date, any Grants made hereunder shall be null and void
and of no effect.

     5.2. Term.

     The Plan has no termination date; however, no Incentive Stock Option may be
granted under the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.

6.   OPTION GRANTS

     6.1. Company or Subsidiary Employees.

     Grants (including Grants of Incentive Stock Options) may be made under the
Plan to any employee or non-employee director of, or Service Provider providing,
or who has provided, services to, the Company or any Subsidiary, including any
such employee who is an officer or director of the Company or of any Subsidiary,
as the Board shall determine and designate from time to time.

     6.2. Successive Grants.

     An eligible person may receive more than one Grant, subject to such
restrictions as are provided herein.

7.   LIMITATIONS ON GRANTS

     7.1. Limitation on Shares of Stock Subject to Grants.

     During any time when the Company has a class of equity security registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, no person eligible for a Grant under
Section 6 hereof may be awarded Options in any calendar year exercisable for
greater than 400,000 shares of Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 16 hereof). During any time when the Company has a class of equity
security registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the maximum number of
shares of Restricted Stock that can be awarded under the Plan (including for
this purpose any shares of Stock represented by Restricted Stock Units) to any
person eligible for a Grant under Section 6 hereof is 125,000 per calendar year
(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 16 hereof).

     7.2. Limitations on Incentive Stock Options.

     An Option shall constitute an Incentive Stock Option only (i) if the
Grantee of such Option is an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company; (ii) to the extent specifically provided in the related Award
Agreement; and (iii) to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value
(determined at the time the Option is granted) of the shares of Stock with
respect to which all Incentive Stock Options held by such Grantee become
exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under the Plan and all
other plans of the Grantee's employer and its affiliates) does

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not exceed $100,000. This limitation shall be applied by taking Options into
account in the order in which they were granted. Options which are not Incentive
Stock Options shall be deemed non-qualified stock options.

8.   AWARD AGREEMENT

     Each Grant pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement,
in such form or forms as the Board shall from time to time determine. Award
Agreements granted from time to time or at the same time need not contain
similar provisions but shall be consistent with the terms of the Plan. Each
Award Agreement evidencing a Grant of Options shall specify whether such Options
are intended to be non-qualified stock options or Incentive Stock Options, and
in the absence of such specification such options shall be deemed non-qualified
stock options.

9.   OPTION PRICE

     The Option Price of each Option shall be fixed by the Board and stated in
the Award Agreement evidencing such Option. The Option Price shall be the Fair
Market Value on the Grant Date of a share of Stock; provided, however, that in
                                                    --------  -------
the event that a Grantee would otherwise be ineligible to receive an Incentive
Stock Option by reason of the provisions of Sections 422(b)(6) and 424(d) of the
Code (relating to ownership of more than ten percent of the Company's
outstanding Stock), the Option Price of an Option granted to such Grantee that
is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than the greater
of the par value or 110 percent of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on
the Grant Date. In no case shall the Option Price of any Option be less than the
par value of a share of Stock.

10.  VESTING, TERM AND EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

     10.1. Vesting and Option Period.

     Subject to Sections 10.2 and 16.3 hereof, each Option granted under the
Plan shall become exercisable at such times and under such conditions as shall
be determined by the Board and stated in the Award Agreement. For purposes of
this Section 10.1, fractional numbers of shares of Stock subject to an Option
shall be rounded down to the next nearest whole number. The period during which
any Option shall be exercisable shall constitute the "Option Period" with
respect to such Option. An Option may, but need not, include a provision whereby
the Grantee may elect at any time while an employee or a Service Provider to
exercise the Option as to any part or all of the shares subject to the Option
prior to the full vesting of the Option. Any unvested shares so purchased may be
subject to a repurchase right in favor of the Company or to any other
restrictions, conditions and terms that the Board determines to be appropriate.

     10.2. Term.

     Each Option granted under the Plan shall terminate, and all rights to
purchase shares of Stock thereunder shall cease, upon the expiration of ten
years from the date such Option is granted, or under such circumstances and on
such date prior thereto as is set forth in the Plan or as may be fixed by the
Board and stated in the Award Agreement relating to such Option (the
"Termination Date"); provided, however, that in the event that the Grantee would
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otherwise be ineligible to receive an Incentive Stock Option by reason of the
provisions of Sections 422(b)(6) and 424(d) of the Code (relating to ownership
of more than ten percent of the outstanding Stock), an Option granted to such
Grantee that is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall not be
exercisable after the expiration of five years from its Grant Date.

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     10.3. Acceleration.

     Any limitation on the exercise of an Option contained in any Award
Agreement may be rescinded, modified or waived by the Board, in its sole
discretion, at any time and from time to time after the Grant Date of such
Option, so as to accelerate the time at which the Option may be exercised.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, no Option shall be exercisable
in whole or in part prior to the date the Plan is approved by the shareholders
of the Company as provided in Section 5.1 hereof.

     10.4. Termination of Employment or Other Relationship.

     Upon the termination of a Grantee's employment or other relationship with
the Company other than by reason of death or "permanent and total disability"
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), any Option or portion
thereof held by such Grantee that has not vested in accordance with the
provisions of Section 10.1 hereof shall terminate immediately, and any Option or
portion thereof that has vested in accordance with the provisions of Section
10.1 hereof but has not been exercised shall terminate at the close of business
on the 90th day following the Grantee's termination of employment or other
relationship (or, if such 90th day is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, at the
close of business on the next preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or
holiday), unless the Board, in its discretion, extends the period during which
the Option may be exercised (which period may not be extended beyond the
original term of the Option). Upon termination of an Option or portion thereof,
the Grantee shall have no further right to purchase shares of Stock pursuant to
such Option or portion thereof. Whether a leave of absence or leave on military
or government service shall constitute a termination of employment or other
relationship for purposes of the Plan shall be determined by the Board, which
determination shall be final and conclusive. For purposes of the Plan, a
termination of employment, service or other relationship shall not be deemed to
occur if the Grantee is immediately thereafter a director of the Company.

     10.5. Rights in the Event of Death.

     If a Grantee dies while employed by or providing services to the Company,
all Options granted to such Grantee shall fully vest on the date of death, and
the executors or administrators or legatees or distributees of such Grantee's
estate shall have the right, at any time within one year after the date of such
Grantee's death (or such longer period as the Board, in its discretion, may
determine prior to the expiration of such one-year period) and prior to
termination of the Option pursuant to Section 10.2 above, to exercise any Option
held by such Grantee at the date of such Grantee's death.

     10.6. Rights in the Event of Disability.

     If a Grantee's employment or other relationship with the Company is
terminated by reason of the "permanent and total disability" (within the meaning
of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) of such Grantee, such Grantee's Options shall
continue to vest, and shall be exercisable to the extent that they are vested,
for a period of one year after such termination of employment or service (or
such longer period as the Board, in its discretion, may determine prior to the
expiration of such one-year period), subject to earlier termination of the
Option as provided in Section 10.2 above. Whether a termination of employment or
service is to be considered by reason of "permanent and total disability" for
purposes of the Plan shall be determined by the Board, which determination shall
be final and conclusive.

     10.7. Limitations on Exercise of Option.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in no event may any Option
be exercised, in whole or in part, prior to the date the Plan is approved by the
shareholders of the Company as provided herein, or after ten years following the
date upon which the Option is granted, or after the occurrence of an event
referred to in Section 16 hereof which results in termination of the Option.

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     10.8. Method of Exercise.

     An Option that is exercisable may be exercised by the Grantee's delivery to
the Company of written notice of exercise on any business day, at the Company's
principal office, addressed to the attention of the Board. Such notice shall
specify the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Option is being
exercised and shall be accompanied by payment in full of the Option Price of the
shares for which the Option is being exercised. The minimum number of shares of
Stock with respect to which an Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, at
any time shall be the lesser of (i) 100 shares or such lesser number set forth
in the applicable Award Agreement and (ii) the maximum number of shares
available for purchase under the Option at the time of exercise. Payment of the
Option Price for the shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option
shall be made (i) in cash or in cash equivalents; (ii) through the tender to the
Company of shares of Stock, which shares, if acquired from the Company, shall
have been held for at least six months and which shall be valued, for purposes
of determining the extent to which the Option Price has been paid thereby, at
their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise; or (iii) by a combination of
the methods described in (i) and (ii). The Board may provide, by inclusion of
appropriate language in an Award Agreement, that payment in full of the Option
Price need not accompany the written notice of exercise provided that the notice
of exercise directs that the certificate or certificates for the shares of Stock
for which the Option is exercised be delivered to a licensed broker acceptable
to the Company as the agent for the individual exercising the Option and, at the
time such certificate or certificates are delivered, the broker tenders to the
Company cash (or cash equivalents acceptable to the Company) equal to the Option
Price for the shares of Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option
plus the amount (if any) of federal and/or other taxes which the Company may in
its judgment, be required to withhold with respect to the exercise of the
Option. An attempt to exercise any Option granted hereunder other than as set
forth above shall be invalid and of no force and effect. Unless otherwise stated
in the applicable Award Agreement, an individual holding or exercising an Option
shall have none of the rights of a shareholder (for example, the right to
receive cash or dividend payments or distributions attributable to the subject
shares of Stock or to direct the voting of the subject shares of Stock) until
the shares of Stock covered thereby are fully paid and issued to such
individual. Except as provided in Section 16 hereof, no adjustment shall be made
for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior
to the date of such issuance.

     10.9. Delivery of Stock Certificates.

     Promptly after the exercise of an Option by a Grantee and the payment in
full of the Option Price, such Grantee shall be entitled to the issuance of a
stock certificate or certificates evidencing his or her ownership of the shares
of Stock subject to the Option.

11.  TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS; REPURCHASE RIGHTS

     11.1. Transferability of Options

           Except as provided in Section 11.2, during the lifetime of a Grantee,
only the Grantee (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the
Grantee's guardian or legal representative) may exercise an Option. Except as
provided in Section 11.2, no Option shall be assignable or transferable by the
Grantee to whom it is granted, other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.

     11.2. Family Transfers.

           If authorized in the applicable Award Agreement, a Grantee may
transfer all or part of an Option which is not an Incentive Stock Option to (i)
any Immediate Family Member, (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of
any Immediate Family Member, or (iii) a partnership in which Immediate Family
Members are the only partners, provided that (x) there may be no consideration

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for any such transfer, and (y) subsequent transfers of transferred Options are
prohibited except those in accordance with this Section 11.2 or by will or the
laws of descent and distribution. Following transfer, any such Option shall
continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable
immediately prior to transfer, provided that for purposes of Section 11.2 hereof
the term "Grantee" shall be deemed to refer the transferee. The events of
termination of the employment or other relationship of Section 10.4 hereof shall
continue to be applied with respect to the original Grantee, following which the
Option shall be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent, and for the
periods specified in Sections 10.4, 10.5 or 10.6.

     11.3. Nontransferability of Shares

           A Grantee (or such other individual who is entitled to exercise an
Option) shall not sell, pledge, assign, gift, transfer, or otherwise dispose of
any shares of Stock acquired pursuant to an Option to any person or entity
without first offering such shares to the Company for purchase on the same terms
and conditions as those offered the proposed transferee. The Company may assign
its right of first refusal under this Section 11.3 in whole or in part, to (1)
any holder of stock or other securities of the Company (a "Stockholder"), (2)
any affiliate or (3) any other person or entity that the Board of Directors of
the Company determines has a sufficient relationship with or interest in the
Company. The Company shall give reasonable written notice to the Grantee of any
such assignment of its rights. The restrictions of this Section 11.3 re-apply to
any person to whom Stock that was originally acquired pursuant to an Option is
sold, pledged, assigned, bequeathed, gifted, transferred or otherwise disposed
of, without regard to the number of such subsequent transferees or the manner in
which they acquire the Stock, but the restrictions of this Section 11.3 do not
apply to a transfer of Stock that occurs as a result of the death of the Grantee
or of any subsequent transferee (but shall apply to the executor, the
administrator or personal representative, the estate, and the legatees,
beneficiaries and assigns thereof).

     11.4. Repurchase Rights.

           Upon the termination of a Grantee's employment or other relationship
with the Company or an affiliate (whether as an employee, a director, an
independent contractor providing services to the Company or an affiliate, or
otherwise), the Company shall have the right, at any time prior to the
expiration of a 30-day period following such termination, to repurchase any or
all of the shares acquired by the individual pursuant to this Plan under an
Option (including shares that were previously transferred pursuant to Sections
11.1, 11.2 or 11.3 above, unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement), at
a price equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares as of the date of
termination. Upon the exercise of an Option following termination of a Grantee's
employment or other relationship with the Company or an affiliate (whether as an
employee, a director, an independent contractor providing services to the
Company or an affiliate, or otherwise), the Company shall have the right, for a
period of up to 30 days following such exercise, to repurchase any or all such
shares of Stock acquired by the Grantee pursuant to such exercise of such Option
at a price that is equal to the Fair Market Value of such shares (including
shares that were previously transferred pursuant to Sections 11.1, 11.2 or 11.3
above) on the date of exercise (or at such other price or the Fair Market Value
on such other date as shall have been specified by the Board at the time of
grant and set out in the appropriate Award Agreement with respect to the grant).
The closing of the repurchase shall occur within 90 days of the date of
termination or such longer period of time determined by the Company in good
faith to be necessary to avoid the loss of "qualified small business stock"
treatment under Section 1202 of the Code for any stockholder other than the
terminated Grantee.

     11.5. Publicly Traded Stock

           If the Stock is listed on an established national or regional stock
exchange or is admitted to quotation on the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotation System, or is publicly traded in an established
securities market, the foregoing transfer restrictions

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of Sections 11.3 and 11.4 shall terminate as of the first date that the Stock is
so listed, quoted or publicly traded.

     11.6.  Legend

            In order to enforce the restrictions imposed upon shares of Stock
under this Plan or as provided in an Award Agreement, the Board may cause a
legend or legends to be placed on any certificate representing shares issued
pursuant to this Plan that complies with the applicable securities laws and
regulations and makes appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed under
it.

12.  RESTRICTED STOCK

     12.1.  Grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

     The Board may from time to time grant Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock
Units to persons eligible to receive Grants under Section 6 hereof, subject to
such restrictions, conditions and other terms as the Board may determine.

     12.2.  Restrictions.

     At the time a Grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units is made,
the Board shall establish a period of time (the "Restricted Period") applicable
to such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.  Each Grant of Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Units may be subject to a different Restricted Period.
The Board may, in its sole discretion, at the time a Grant of Restricted Stock
or Restricted Stock Units is made, prescribe restrictions in addition to or
other than the expiration of the Restricted Period, including the satisfaction
of corporate or individual performance objectives, which may be applicable to
all or any portion of the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.  Such
performance objectives shall be established in writing by the Board prior to the
ninetieth day of the year in which the Grant is made and while the outcome is
substantially uncertain.  Performance objectives shall be based on Stock price,
market share, sales, earnings per share, return on equity or costs.  Performance
objectives may include positive results, maintaining the status quo or limiting
economic losses.  Subject to the second sentence of this Section 12.2, the Board
also may, in its sole discretion, shorten or terminate the Restricted Period or
waive any other restrictions applicable to all or a portion of the Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Units.  Neither Restricted Stock nor Restricted Stock
Units may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or
disposed of during the Restricted Period or prior to the satisfaction of any
other restrictions prescribed by the Board with respect to such Restricted Stock
or Restricted Stock Units.

     12.3.  Restricted Stock Certificates.

     The Company shall issue, in the name of each Grantee to whom Restricted
Stock has been granted, stock certificates representing the total number of
shares of Restricted Stock granted to the Grantee, as soon as reasonably
practicable after the Grant Date.  The Secretary of the Company shall hold such
certificates for the Grantee's benefit until such time as the Restricted Stock
is forfeited to the Company, or the restrictions lapse.

     12.4.  Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock.

     Unless the Board otherwise provides in an Award Agreement, holders of
Restricted Stock shall have the right to vote such Stock and the right to
receive any dividends declared or paid with respect to such Stock.  The Board
may provide that any dividends paid on Restricted Stock must be reinvested in
shares of Stock, which may or may not be subject to the same vesting conditions
and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock.  All distributions, if
any, received by a Grantee with respect to Restricted Stock as a result of any
stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, or other similar transaction
shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to the original Grant.

                                       10
<PAGE>

     12.5.  Rights of Holders of Restricted Stock Units.

     Unless the Board otherwise provides in an Award Agreement, holders of
Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights as stockholders of the Company.  The
Board may provide in an Award Agreement evidencing a Grant of Restricted Stock
Units that the holder of such Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to
receive, upon the Company's payment of a cash dividend on its outstanding Stock,
a cash payment for each Restricted Stock Unit held equal to the per-share
dividend paid on the Stock.  Such Award Agreement may also provide that such
cash payment will be deemed reinvested in additional Restricted Stock Units at a
price per unit equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date
that such dividend is paid.

     12.6.  Termination of Employment or Other Relationship.

     Upon the termination of a Grantee's employment or other relationship with
the Company other than by reason of death or "permanent and total disability"
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), any shares of Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Units held by such Grantee that have not vested, or
with respect to which all applicable restrictions and conditions have not
lapsed, shall immediately be deemed forfeited, unless the Board, in its
discretion, determines otherwise.  Upon forfeiture of Restricted Stock or
Restricted Stock Units, the Grantee shall have no further rights with respect to
such Grant, including but not limited to any right to vote Restricted Stock or
any right to receive dividends with respect to shares of Restricted Stock or
Restricted Stock Units.  Whether a leave of absence or leave on military or
government service shall constitute a termination of employment or other
relationship for purposes of the Plan shall be determined by the Board, which
determination shall be final and conclusive.  For purposes of the Plan, a
termination of employment, service or other relationship shall not be deemed to
occur if the Grantee is immediately thereafter a director of the Company.

     12.7.  Rights in the Event of Death.

     If a Grantee dies while employed by the Company, all Restricted Stock or
Restricted Stock Units granted to such Grantee shall fully vest on the date of
death, and the shares of Stock represented thereby shall be deliverable in
accordance with the terms of the Plan to the executors, administrators, legatees
or distributees of the Grantee's estate.

     12.8.  Rights in the Event of Disability.

     If a Grantee's employment or other relationship with the Company is
terminated by reason of the "permanent and total disability" (within the meaning
of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) of such Grantee, such Grantee's Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest in accordance with the
applicable Award Agreement for a period of one year after such termination of
employment or service (or such longer period as the Board, in its discretion,
may determine prior to the expiration of such one-year period), subject to the
earlier forfeiture of such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement.  Whether a
termination of employment or service is to be considered by reason of "permanent
and total disability" for purposes of the Plan shall be determined by the Board,
which determination shall be final and conclusive.

     12.9.  Delivery of Stock and Payment Therefor.

     Upon the expiration or termination of the Restricted Period and the
satisfaction of any other conditions prescribed by the Board, the restrictions
applicable to shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall lapse,
and, upon payment by the Grantee to the Company, in cash or by check, of the
aggregate par value of the shares of Stock represented by such Restricted Stock
or Restricted Stock Units, a stock certificate for such shares shall be
delivered, free of all such restrictions, to the Grantee or the Grantee's
beneficiary or estate, as the case may be.

                                       11
<PAGE>

13.  PARACHUTE LIMITATIONS

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or of any other agreement,
contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter entered into by a Grantee
with the Company or any Subsidiary, except an agreement, contract, or
understanding hereafter entered into that expressly modifies or excludes
application of this paragraph (an "Other Agreement"), and notwithstanding any
formal or informal plan or other arrangement for the direct or indirect
provision of compensation to the Grantee (including groups or classes of
participants or beneficiaries of which the Grantee is a member), whether or not
such compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or
for the Grantee (a "Benefit Arrangement"), if the Grantee is a "disqualified
individual," as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, any Option, Restricted
Stock or Restricted Stock Unit held by that Grantee and any right to receive any
payment or other benefit under this Plan shall not become exercisable or vested
(i) to the extent that such right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit,
taking into account all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the
Grantee under this Plan, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements,
would cause any payment or benefit to the Grantee under this Plan to be
considered a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the
Code as then in effect (a "Parachute Payment") and (ii) if, as a result of
                                               ---
receiving a Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the
Grantee from the Company under this Plan, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit
Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be
received by the Grantee without causing any such payment or benefit to be
considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such right
to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit under this Plan, in conjunction with
all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Grantee under any Other
Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement would cause the Grantee to be considered to
have received a Parachute Payment under this Plan that would have the effect of
decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Grantee as described in clause
(ii) of the preceding sentence, then the Grantee shall have the right, in the
Grantee's sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits
under this Plan, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit Arrangements that should
be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the payment or benefit to the
Grantee under this Plan be deemed to be a Parachute Payment.

14.  REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

     14.1.  General.

     The Company shall not be required to sell or issue any shares of Stock
under any Grant if the sale or issuance of such shares would constitute a
violation by the Grantee, any other individual exercising an Option, or the
Company of any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental authority,
including without limitation any federal or state securities laws or
regulations.  If at any time the Company shall determine, in its discretion,
that the listing, registration or qualification of any shares subject to a Grant
upon any securities exchange or under any governmental regulatory body is
necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the issuance or
purchase of shares hereunder, no shares of Stock may be issued or sold to the
Grantee or any other individual exercising an Option pursuant to such Grant
unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have
been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company,
and any delay caused thereby shall in no way affect the date of termination of
the Grant.  Specifically, in connection with the Securities Act, upon the
exercise of any Option or the delivery of any shares of Restricted Stock or
Stock underlying Restricted Stock Units, unless a registration statement under
such Act is in effect with respect to the shares of Stock covered by such Grant,
the Company shall not be required to sell or issue such shares unless the Board
has received evidence satisfactory to it that the Grantee or any other
individual exercising an Option may acquire such shares pursuant to an exemption
from registration under the Securities Act.  Any determination in this
connection by the Board shall be final, binding, and conclusive.  The Company
may, but shall in no event be obligated to, register any securities covered
hereby pursuant to the Securities Act.  The

                                       12
<PAGE>

Company shall not be obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause
the exercise of an Option or the issuance of shares of Stock pursuant to the
Plan to comply with any law or regulation of any governmental authority. As to
any jurisdiction that expressly imposes the requirement that an Option shall not
be exercisable until the shares of Stock covered by such Option are registered
or are exempt from registration, the exercise of such Option (under
circumstances in which the laws of such jurisdiction apply) shall be deemed
conditioned upon the effectiveness of such registration or the availability of
such an exemption.

     14.2.  Rule 16b-3.

     During any time when the Company has a class of equity security registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Company that
Grants pursuant to the Plan and the exercise of Options granted hereunder will
qualify for the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.  To the
extent that any provision of the Plan or action by the Board does not comply
with the requirements of Rule 16b-3, it shall be deemed inoperative to the
extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Board, and shall not affect
the validity of the Plan.  In the event that Rule 16b-3 is revised or replaced,
the Board may exercise its discretion to modify this Plan in any respect
necessary to satisfy the requirements of, or to take advantage of any features
of, the revised exemption or its replacement.

15.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

     The Board may, at any time and from time to time, amend, suspend, or
terminate the Plan as to any shares of Stock as to which Grants have not been
made; provided, however, that the Board shall not, without approval of the
      --------  -------
Company's shareholders, amend the Plan such that it does not comply with the
Code.  The Company may retain the right in an Award Agreement to cause a
forfeiture of the gain realized by a Grantee on account of the Grantee taking
actions in "competition with the Company," as defined in the applicable Award
Agreement.  Furthermore, the Company may annul a Grant if the Grantee is an
employee of the Company or an affiliate and is terminated "for cause" as defined
in the applicable Award Agreement.  Except as permitted under this Section 15 or
Section 16 hereof, no amendment, suspension, or termination of the Plan shall,
without the consent of the Grantee, alter or impair rights or obligations under
any Grant theretofore awarded under the Plan.

16.  EFFECT OF CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION

     16.1.  Changes in Stock.

     If the number of outstanding shares of Stock is increased or decreased or
the shares of Stock are changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind
of shares or other securities of the Company on account of any recapitalization,
reclassification, stock split, reverse split, combination of shares, exchange of
shares, stock dividend or other distribution payable in capital stock, or other
increase or decrease in such shares effected without receipt of consideration by
the Company occurring after the Effective Date, the number and kinds of shares
for which Grants of Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be
made under the Plan shall be adjusted proportionately and accordingly by the
Company.  In addition, the number and kind of shares for which Grants are
outstanding shall be adjusted proportionately and accordingly so that the
proportionate interest of the Grantee immediately following such event shall, to
the extent practicable, be the same as immediately before such event.  Any such
adjustment in outstanding Options shall not change the aggregate Option Price
payable with respect to shares that are subject to the unexercised portion of an
Option outstanding but shall include a corresponding proportionate adjustment in
the Option Price per share.  The conversion of any convertible securities of the
Company shall not be treated as an increase in shares effected without receipt
of consideration.

                                       13
<PAGE>

     16.2.  Reorganization in Which the Company Is the Surviving Entity and in
            Which No Change of Control Occurs.

     Subject to Section 16.3 hereof, if the Company shall be the surviving
entity in any reorganization, merger, or consolidation of the Company with one
or more other entities and in which no Change in Control occurs, any Option
theretofore granted pursuant to the Plan shall pertain to and apply to the
securities to which a holder of the number of shares of Stock subject to such
Option would have been entitled immediately following such reorganization,
merger, or consolidation, with a corresponding proportionate adjustment of the
Option Price per share so that the aggregate Option Price thereafter shall be
the same as the aggregate Option Price of the shares remaining subject to the
Option immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, or consolidation.
Subject to any contrary language in an Award Agreement evidencing a Grant of
Restricted Stock, any restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock shall
apply as well to any replacement shares received by the Grantee as a result of
the reorganization, merger or consolidation.

     16.3.  Reorganization, Sale of Assets or Sale of Stock Which Involves a
            Change of Control.

     Subject to the exceptions set forth in the last sentence of this Section
16.3, (i) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, all outstanding shares of
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be deemed to have vested, and
all restrictions and conditions applicable to such shares of Restricted Stock
and Restricted Stock Units shall be deemed to have lapsed, immediately prior to
the occurrence of such Change of Control, and (ii) fifteen days prior to the
scheduled consummation of a Change of Control, all Options outstanding hereunder
shall become immediately exercisable and shall remain exercisable for a period
of fifteen days.  Any exercise of an Option during such fifteen-day period shall
be conditioned upon the consummation of the event and shall be effective only
immediately before the consummation of the event.  Upon consummation of any
Change of Control, the Plan and all outstanding but unexercised Options shall
terminate.  The Board shall send written notice of an event that will result in
such a termination to all individuals who hold Options not later than the time
at which the Company gives notice thereof to its shareholders.  This Section
16.3 shall not apply to any Change of Control to the extent that (A) provision
is made in writing in connection with such Change of Control for the
continuation of the Plan or the assumption of the Options, Restricted Stock and
Restricted Stock Units theretofore granted, or for the substitution for such
Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units of new options, restricted
stock and restricted stock units covering the stock of a successor entity, or a
parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and
kinds of shares or units and exercise prices, in which event the Plan and
Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units theretofore granted shall
continue in the manner and under the terms so provided or (B) a majority of the
full Board determines that such Change of Control shall not trigger application
of the provisions of this Section 16.3 subject to Section 24.

     16.4.  Adjustments.

     Adjustments under this Section 16 related to shares of Stock or securities
of the Company shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect
shall be final, binding and conclusive.  No fractional shares or other
securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions
resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding
downward to the nearest whole share.

     16.5.  No Limitations on Company.

     The making of Grants pursuant to the Plan shall not affect or limit in any
way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications,
reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure or to merge,
consolidate, dissolve, or liquidate, or to sell or transfer all or any part of
its business or assets.

                                       14
<PAGE>

17.  DISCLAIMER OF RIGHTS

     No provision in the Plan or in any Grant or Award Agreement shall be
construed to confer upon any individual the right to remain in the employ or
service of the Company or any affiliate, or to interfere in any way with any
contractual or other right or authority of the Company either to increase or
decrease the compensation or other payments to any individual at any time, or to
terminate any employment or other relationship between any individual and the
Company.  In addition, notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the
contrary, unless otherwise stated in the applicable Award Agreement, no Grant
awarded under the Plan shall be affected by any change of duties or position of
the Optionee, so long as such Grantee continues to be a director, officer,
consultant or employee of the Company.  The obligation of the Company to pay any
benefits pursuant to this Plan shall be interpreted as a contractual obligation
to pay only those amounts described herein, in the manner and under the
conditions prescribed herein.  The Plan shall in no way be interpreted to
require the Company to transfer any amounts to a third party trustee or
otherwise hold any amounts in trust or escrow for payment to any participant or
beneficiary under the terms of the Plan.  No Grantee shall have any of the
rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares of Stock subject to an Option
except to the extent the certificates for such shares of Stock shall have been
issued upon the exercise of the Option.

18.  NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN

     Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the submission of the Plan to the
shareholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any
limitations upon the right and authority of the Board to adopt such other
incentive compensation arrangements (which arrangements may be applicable either
generally to a class or classes of individuals or specifically to a particular
individual or particular individuals) as the Board in its discretion determines
desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options
otherwise than under the Plan.

19.  WITHHOLDING TAXES

     The Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall have the right to
deduct from payments of any kind otherwise due to a Grantee any Federal, state,
or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to the
vesting of or other lapse of restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock or
Restricted Stock Units or upon the issuance of any shares of Stock upon the
exercise of an Option.  At the time of such vesting, lapse, or exercise, the
Grantee shall pay to the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, any
amount that the Company or the Subsidiary may reasonably determine to be
necessary to satisfy such withholding obligation.  Subject to the prior approval
of the Company or the Subsidiary, which may be withheld by the Company or the
Subsidiary, as the case may be, in its sole discretion, the Grantee may elect to
satisfy such obligations, in whole or in part, (i) by causing the Company or the
Subsidiary to withhold shares of Stock otherwise issuable to the Grantee or (ii)
by delivering to the Company or the Subsidiary shares of Stock already owned by
the Grantee.  The shares of Stock so delivered or withheld shall have an
aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such withholding obligations.  The Fair
Market Value of the shares of Stock used to satisfy such withholding obligation
shall be determined by the Company or the Subsidiary as of the date that the
amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined.  A Grantee who has made an
election pursuant to this Section 19 may satisfy his or her withholding
obligation only with shares of Stock that are not subject to any repurchase,
forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting, or other similar requirements.

20.  CAPTIONS

     The use of captions in this Plan or any Award Agreement is for the
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision
of the Plan or such Award Agreement.

                                       15
<PAGE>

21.  OTHER PROVISIONS

     Each Grant awarded under the Plan may contain such other terms and
conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Board, in
its sole discretion.

22.  NUMBER AND GENDER

     With respect to words used in this Plan, the singular form shall include
the plural form, the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, etc.,
as the context requires.

23.  SEVERABILITY

     If any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be determined to
be illegal or unenforceable by any court of law in any jurisdiction, the
remaining provisions hereof and thereof shall be severable and enforceable in
accordance with their terms, and all provisions shall remain enforceable in any
other jurisdiction.

24.  Pooling

     Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if any right under or
feature of the Plan would cause to be ineligible for pooling of interest
accounting a transaction that would, but for the right or feature hereunder, be
eligible for such accounting treatment, the Board may modify or adjust the right
or feature so that the transaction will be eligible for pooling of interest
accounting.  Such modification or adjustment may include payment of cash or
issuance to a Grantee of Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the cash
value of such right or feature.

25.  GOVERNING LAW

     The validity and construction of this Plan and the instruments evidencing
the Grants awarded hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Delaware.

                                    *  *  *

                                       16
<PAGE>

     The Plan was duly adopted and approved by the Board of Directors of the
Company as April 14, 1998, and was amended by the Board of Directors on May 19,
1998 and was further amended by the Board of Directors on November 24, 1998.

                              /S/  Justin Jaschke, Chairman
                              -----------------------------
                                   Justin Jaschke,
                                   Chairman

     The Plan was duly approved by the stockholders of the Company on
____________, 1999.

                              /S/
                              -----------------------------

                                       17
<PAGE>

                                Amendment No. 1
                                      to
                             V-I-A INTERNET, INC.
                  1998 STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN

    Effective October 1, 1999, the V-I-A Internet, Inc. 1998 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan is hereby amended in the following respects:

    1.  Section 4 is amended by deleting the first sentence and replacing it
with the following language:

"Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 16 hereof, the number of shares of
Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall be 4,200,000, no more than
125,000 of which may be issued pursuant to awards of Restricted Stock or
Restricted Stock Units."

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Board of Directors of VIA NET.WORKS, Inc., formerly
V-I-A Internet, Inc., has caused this instrument to be executed, as of the
effective date hereof.

                                         VIA NET.WORKS, Inc.

                                         By: /s/ William Johnston
                                             --------------------
                                             William Johnston

     ATTEST:

     /s/ Matt S. Nydell
     ------------------
     Matt S. Nydell,
     Secretary

                                       18<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.2A

                              V-I-A INTERNET, INC.
                  1998 STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
                        INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Optionee                              Grant Date            Number of Shares (Common)       Option Price
                                   Expiration Date                                          $ Per Share
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                             <C>                           <C>
                                                                                                 $
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     This Stock Option Agreement is made as of the date noted above (the "Grant
Date") by and between VIA NET.WORKS, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and the employee named above (the "Optionee").

     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company have duly
adopted and approved the "V-I-A Internet, Inc. 1998 Stock Option and Restricted
Stock Plan" (the "Plan"), which authorizes the Company to grant to eligible
individuals options for the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Stock"); and

     WHEREAS, the Company has determined that it is desirable and in its best
interests to grant to the Optionee, pursuant to the Plan, an option to purchase
a certain number of shares of Stock, in order to provide the Optionee with an
incentive to advance the interests of the Company and any affiliate thereof;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

1.   GRANT OF OPTION

          Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the
Optionee the right and option (the "Option") to purchase from the Company, on
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Option
Agreement, the above stated number of shares of Stock at the above stated per
share purchase price the ("Option Price").  This Option shall constitute an
incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

2.   PARACHUTE LIMITATIONS

          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Stock Option Agreement or
of any other agreement, contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter
entered into by the Optionee and the Company or any Subsidiary, except an
agreement, contract, or understanding hereafter entered into that expressly
modifies or excludes application of this Section (the "Other Agreements"), and
notwithstanding any formal or informal plan or other arrangement heretofore or
hereafter adopted by the Company (or any Subsidiary) for the direct or indirect
compensation of the Optionee (including groups or classes of participants or
beneficiaries of which the Optionee is a member), whether or not such
compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or for
the Optionee (a "Benefit Arrangement"), if the Optionee is a "disqualified
individual," as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, the Option and any right
to receive any payment or other benefit under this Stock Option Agreement shall
not become exercisable or vested (i) to the extent
<PAGE>

that such right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit, taking into account
all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for Optionee under the Plan, all
Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements, would cause any payment or
benefit to the Optionee under this Stock Option Agreement to be considered a
"parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then
in effect (a "Parachute Payment") and (ii) if, as a result of receiving a
                                  ---
Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Optionee from
the Company under this Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, all Other Agreements,
and all Benefit Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount
that could be received by Optionee without causing any such payment or benefit
to be considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such
right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit under this Stock Option
Agreement, in conjunction with all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for
the Optionee under the Plan, any Other Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement
would cause the Optionee to be considered to have received a Parachute Payment
under this Stock Option Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the
after-tax amount received by the Optionee as described in clause (ii) of the
preceding sentence, then the Optionee shall have the right, in the Optionee's
sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits under this
Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit
Arrangements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the
payment or benefit to the Optionee under this Stock Option Agreement be deemed
to be a Parachute Payment.

3.   GRANT SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

          Optionee acknowledges that he or she has received and read the Plan
and any amendments thereto. The Option granted pursuant to this Stock Option
Agreement is granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan.
All terms and conditions of the Plan are hereby incorporated into this Stock
Option Agreement by reference and shall be deemed to be part of this Stock
Option Agreement, without regard to whether such terms and conditions are not
otherwise set forth in this Stock Option Agreement.  To the extent any
capitalized words used in this Stock Option Agreement are not defined, they
shall have the definitions stated for them in the Plan.  In the event that there
is any inconsistency between the provisions of this Stock Option Agreement and
of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

4.   VESTING IN OPTION

          The Option becomes vested as to twenty five percent (25%) of the
shares purchasable pursuant to the Option on the first anniversary of the first
day of the month subsequent to Optionee's commencement of employment (the
"Anniversary Date"), if the Optionee has been providing services to the Company
or any of its affiliates continuously from the Grant Date to the Anniversary
Date.  Thereafter, so long as the Optionee's service has not been interrupted,
the Option becomes vested as to an additional 1/48th of the shares subject to
the Option on the first day the next 36 succeeding months.  Service for this
purpose includes service as an employee, director, advisor or consultant
providing bona fide services to the Company or any of its affiliates.  Any
vesting limitation may be rescinded, modified or waived by the Committee, in its
sole discretion, at any time and from time to time after the Grant Date of the
Option, so as to accelerate the time at which the Option would be vested.  If
the Optionee terminates employment or other relationship with the Company by
reason of "permanent and total disability" (within the meaning of Section
22(e)(3) of the Code), the Option shall continue to vest for a period of one
year after such termination of employment or service, subject to earlier
termination of the Option as provided in Section 5.1 below.  If the Optionee
terminates employment or other relationship with the Company by reason of death
prior to termination of the Option, the Option shall be fully vested.  For
purposes of this Stock Option Agreement, termination of service would not be
deemed to occur if the Optionee, after terminating service in one capacity, is
immediately thereafter a director of the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

Company. Termination of service is sometimes also referred to herein as
termination of employment or other relationship with the Company or any of its
affiliates.

5.   TERM AND EXERCISE OF OPTION

     5.1. Term

          The Option shall terminate and all rights to purchase the shares
thereunder shall cease upon the expiration of ten years after the Grant Date,
unless terminated earlier pursuant to another provision of this Stock Option
Agreement.

     5.2. Option Period and Limitations on Exercise

          The Optionee may exercise the Option (subject to the limitations on
exercise set forth in this Stock Option Agreement and in the Plan), to the
extent the Option is vested and has not terminated.  If the Optionee terminates
employment or other relationship with the Company by reason of "permanent and
total disability" (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the
Option shall continue to vest, and shall be exercisable for a period of one year
after such termination of employment or service, subject to earlier termination
of the Option as provided in Section 5.1 above.

     5.3. Limitations on Exercise of Option

          Notwithstanding the foregoing Sections, in no event may the Option be
exercised:  (i) in whole or in part, after ten years following the Grant Date,
(ii) following termination of employment or other relationship for Cause (as
defined below) or (iii) following termination of employment or other
relationship except as provided in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 below.  For
purposes of this Stock Option Agreement, "Cause" means (i) gross negligence or
willful misconduct in connection with the performance of duties; (ii) conviction
of a criminal offense (other than minor traffic offenses); or (iii) material
breach of any term of any employment, consulting or other services,
confidentiality, intellectual property or non-competition agreements, if any,
between Optionee and the Company or any of its affiliates.

     5.4. Method of Exercise

          The Option may be exercised, to the extent it is exercisable, by the
Optionee's delivery to the Company of written notice of exercise on any business
day, at the Company's principal office, addressed to the attention of the
Committee.  Such notice shall specify the number of shares of Stock with respect
to which the Option is being exercised and shall be accompanied by payment in
full of the Option Price of the shares for which the Option is being exercised.
The minimum number of shares of Stock with respect to which an Option may be
exercised, in whole or in part, at any time shall be the lesser of (i) 100
shares or (ii) the maximum number of shares available for purchase under the
Option at the time of exercise.  Payment of the Option Price for the shares
purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option shall be made (i) in cash or in
cash equivalents; (ii) through the tender to the Company of shares of Stock,
which shares, if acquired from the Company, shall have been held by the Optionee
for at least six months and which shall be valued, for purposes of determining
the extent to which the Option Price has been paid thereby, at their Fair Market
Value on the date of exercise; or (iii) by a combination of the methods
described in (i) and (ii).  If the Stock is publicly traded, payment in full of
the Option Price need not accompany the written notice of exercise provided that
the notice of exercise directs that the certificate or certificates for the
shares of Stock for which the Option is exercised be delivered to a licensed
broker acceptable to the Company as the agent for the individual exercising the
Option and, at the time such certificate or certificates are delivered, the
broker tenders to the Company cash (or cash equivalents acceptable to the
Company) equal to the Option Price for the shares of Stock purchased pursuant to
the exercise of the Option plus the amount (if any) of federal and/or other
taxes

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

which the Company may in its judgment, be required to withhold with respect to
the exercise of the Option. An attempt to exercise the Option other than as set
forth above shall be invalid and of no force and effect. An individual holding
or exercising an Option shall have none of the rights of a stockholder (for
example, the right to receive cash or dividend payments or distributions
attributable to the subject shares of Stock or to direct the voting of the
subject shares of Stock) until the shares of Stock covered thereby are fully
paid and issued to him. Except as provided in Section 9 hereof, no adjustment
shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record
date is prior to the date of such issuance.

     5.5. Execution of the Stockholders Agreement

          The Company may, at its option, require Optionee to enter into and
comply with the terms of the Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement between
the Company and holders of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock and Series B
Preferred Stock and members of Company's management dated May 20, 1998, as may
be amended from time to time (the "Stockholders Agreement"), as a condition to
the Company's obligation to issue any stock under the Plan, and the Optionee
agrees to sign the Stockholders Agreement upon request.

6.  TERMINATION OF THE SERVICE RELATIONSHIP

     6.1. Termination of Employment or Other Relationship

          Upon the termination of the Optionee's employment or other
relationship with the Company other than by reason of death or "permanent and
total disability" (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the
Option or portion thereof held by the Optionee that has not vested in accordance
with the provisions of Section 4 hereof shall terminate immediately, and,
subject to Section 5.3 above, any Option or portion thereof that has vested in
accordance with the provisions of Section 4 hereof but has not been exercised
shall terminate at the close of business on the 90th day following the
Optionee's termination of employment or other relationship (or, if such 90th day
is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, at the close of business on the next preceding
day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday), unless the Board of Directors of
the Company (the "Board"), in its discretion, extends the period during which
the Option may be exercised (which period may not be extended beyond the
original term of the Option).  Upon termination of the Option or portion
thereof, the Optionee shall have no further right to purchase shares of Stock
pursuant to such Option or portion thereof.  Whether a leave of absence or leave
on military or government service shall constitute a termination of employment
or other relationship for purposes of the Optionee shall be determined by the
Board, which determination shall be final and conclusive.  For purposes of the
Option, a termination of employment, service or other relationship shall not be
deemed to occur if the Optionee is immediately thereafter a director of the
Company.

     6.2. Rights in the Event of Death

          If the Optionee dies while employed by, or in the service of, the
Company or any of its affiliates, the executors or administrators or legatees or
distributees of such Optionee's estate shall have the right at any time within
one year after the date of such Optionee's death, and prior to termination of
the Option pursuant to Section 5.1 above, to exercise, in whole or in part, any
Option held by such Optionee at the date of such Optionee's death.

     6.3. Rights in the Event of Disability

          If the Optionee's employment or other relationship with the Company or
any of its affiliates is terminated by reason of the "permanent and total
disability" (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) of the
Optionee, then such Optionee shall have the right, at any time

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

within one year after such termination of employment or other relationship and
prior to termination of the Option pursuant to Section 5.1 above, to exercise,
in whole or in part, the Option held by such Optionee at the date of such
termination of employment or other relationship, to the extent vested. Whether a
termination of employment or other relationship is to be considered by reason of
"permanent and total disability" for purposes of this Stock Option Agreement
shall be determined by the Committee, which determination shall be final and
conclusive.

7.   TRANSFERABILITY

     7.1. General Rule

          Except as provided in Section 7.2, during the lifetime of an Optionee,
only the Optionee (or, in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the
Optionee's guardian or legal representative) may exercise the Option.  Except as
provided in Section 7.2, the Option shall not be assignable or transferable by
the Optionee, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

     7.2. Family Transfers

          An Optionee may transfer all or part of the Option to (i) any
Immediate Family Member, (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of any
Immediate Family Member, or (iii) a partnership in which Immediate Family
Members are the only partners, provided that (x) there may be no consideration
for any such transfer, and (y) subsequent transfers of the transferred Option
are prohibited except those in accordance with this Section 7.2 or by will or
the laws of descent and distribution.  Following transfer, the Option shall
continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable
immediately prior to transfer, provided that for purposes of Section 7.2 hereof
the term "Optionee" shall be deemed to refer to the transferee.  The events of
termination of the employment or other relationship of Section 6.1 hereof shall
continue to be applied with respect to the Original Optionee, following which
the Option shall be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent and for the
periods specified in Sections 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3.  "Immediate Family Members"
means the spouse, children and grandchildren of the Optionee.

     7.3. Nontransferability of Shares

          Optionee (or such other individual who is entitled to exercise an
Option) shall not sell, pledge, assign, gift, transfer, or otherwise dispose of
any shares of Stock acquired pursuant to an Option to any person or entity
without first offering such shares to the Company for purchase on the same terms
and conditions as those offered the proposed transferee.  The Company may assign
its right of first refusal under this Section 7.3 in whole or in part, to (1)
any holder of stock or other securities of the Company (a "Stockholder"), (2)
any affiliate or (3) any other person or entity that the Board of Directors of
the Company determines has a sufficient relationship with or interest in the
Company.  The Company shall give reasonable written notice to the Optionee of
any such assignment of its rights.  The restrictions of this Section 7.3 re-
apply to any person to whom Stock that was originally acquired pursuant to an
Option is sold, pledged, assigned, bequeathed, gifted, transferred or otherwise
disposed of, without regard to the number of such subsequent transferees or the
manner in which they acquire the Stock, but the restrictions of this Section 7.3
do not apply to a transfer of Stock that occurs as a result of the death of the
Optionee or of any subsequent transferee (but shall apply to the executor, the
administrator or personal representative, the estate, and the legatees,
beneficiaries and assigns thereof).

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

    7.4. Repurchase Rights

         Upon the termination of the Optionee's employment or other relationship
with the Company or an affiliate (whether as an employee, a director, an
independent contractor providing services to the Company or an affiliate, or
otherwise), the Company shall have the right, at any time prior to the
expiration of a 30-day period following such termination, to repurchase any or
all of the shares acquired by the individual pursuant to the Plan under the
Option (including shares that were previously transferred pursuant to Sections
7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 above, unless otherwise specified in the Stock Option
Agreement), at a price equal to the fair market value of such shares as of the
date of termination.  Upon the exercise of the Option following termination of
the Optionee's employment or other relationship with the Company or an affiliate
(whether as an employee, a director, an independent contractor providing
services to the Company or an affiliate, or otherwise), the Company shall have
the right, for a period of up to 30 days following such exercise, to repurchase
any or all such shares of Stock acquired by the Optionee pursuant to such
exercise of such Option at a price that is equal to the fair market value of
such shares (including shares that were previously transferred pursuant to
Sections 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 above) on the date of exercise (or at such other price
or the fair market value on such other date as shall have been specified by the
Board at the time of grant and set out in the appropriate Stock Option Agreement
with respect to the grant).  The closing of the repurchase shall occur within 90
days of the date of termination or such longer period of time determined by the
Company in good faith to be necessary to avoid the loss of "qualified small
business stock" treatment under Section 1202 of the Code for any stockholder
other than the terminated Optionee.

     7.5. Publicly Traded Stock

          If the Stock is listed on an established national or regional stock
exchange or is admitted to quotation on the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotation System, or is publicly traded in an established
securities market, the foregoing transfer restrictions of Sections 7.3 and 7.4,
other than the right to repurchase non-vested shares for the Option Price, shall
terminate as of the first date that the Stock is so listed, quoted or publicly
traded.

     7.6. Legend

          In order to enforce the restrictions imposed upon shares of Stock
under the Plan and this Agreement, the Board may cause a legend or legends to be
placed on any certificate representing shares issued pursuant to the Plan that
complies with the applicable securities laws and regulations and makes
appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed under it.

8.   REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

          The Company shall not be required to sell or issue any securities
under the Option if the sale or issuance of such securities would constitute a
violation by the Optionee, the individual exercising the Option, or the Company
of any provisions of any law or regulation of any governmental authority,
including without limitation any federal or state securities laws or
regulations.  If at any time the Company shall determine, in its discretion,
that the listing, registration or qualification of any securities subject to the
Option upon any securities exchange or under any governmental regulatory body is
necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the issuance or
purchase of securities hereunder, the Option may not be exercised in whole or in
part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall
have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the
Company, and any delay caused thereby shall in no way affect the date of
termination of the Option.  Specifically in connection with the 1933 Act,

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

upon the exercise of the Option, unless a registration statement under such act
is in effect with respect to the securities covered by the Option, the Company
shall not be required to sell or issue such securities unless the Committee has
received evidence satisfactory to it that the holder of such Option may acquire
such securities pursuant to an exemption from registration under such act. Any
determination in this connection by the Committee shall be final, binding, and
conclusive. The Company may, but shall in no event be obligated to, register any
securities covered hereby pursuant to the 1933 Act. The Company shall not be
obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause the exercise of the
Option or the issuance of securities pursuant thereto to comply with any law or
regulation of any governmental authority. As to any jurisdiction that expressly
imposes the requirement that the Option shall not be exercisable until the
securities covered by such Option are registered or are exempt from
registration, the exercise of such Option (under circumstances in which the laws
of such jurisdiction apply) shall be deemed conditioned upon the effectiveness
of such registration or the availability of such an exemption.

9.   EFFECT OF CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION

     9.1. Changes in Stock.

          If the number of outstanding shares of Stock is increased or decreased
or the shares of Stock are changed into or exchanged for a different number or
kind of shares or other securities of the Company on account of any
recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse split, combination of
shares, exchange of shares, stock dividend or other distribution payable in
capital stock, or other increase or decrease in such shares effected without
receipt of consideration by the Company occurring after the Grant Date, the
number and kinds of shares which may be acquired pursuant to this Option shall
be adjusted proportionately and accordingly so that the proportionate interest
of the Optionee immediately following such event shall, to the extent
practicable, be the same as immediately before such event.  Any such adjustment
in this Option shall not change the aggregate Option Price payable with respect
to shares that are subject to the unexercised portion of the Option outstanding
but shall include a corresponding proportionate adjustment in the Option Price
per share.  The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall
not be treated as an increase in shares effected without receipt of
consideration.

     9.2. Reorganization in Which the Company Is the Surviving Entity and in
          Which No Change of Control Occurs.

          Subject to Section 9.3 hereof, if the Company shall be the surviving
entity in any reorganization, merger, or consolidation of the Company with one
or more other entities and in which no Change in Control occurs, the Option
shall pertain to and apply to the securities to which a holder of the number of
shares of Stock subject to the Option would have been entitled immediately
following such reorganization, merger, or consolidation, with a corresponding
proportionate adjustment of the Option Price per share so that the aggregate
Option Price thereafter shall be the same as the aggregate Option Price of the
shares remaining subject to the Option immediately prior to such reorganization,
merger, or consolidation.  Any restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock shall
apply as well to any replacement shares received by the Optionee as a result of
the reorganization, merger or consolidation.

     9.3. Reorganization, Sale of Assets or Sale of Stock Which Involves a
          Change of Control.

          Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, (i) all outstanding shares
of Restricted Stock shall be deemed to have vested, and all restrictions and
conditions applicable to such shares of Restricted Stock shall be deemed to have
lapsed, immediately prior to the occurrence of such Change

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

of Control, and (ii) the Option shall become immediately vested conditioned upon
the consummation of the event. Upon consummation of any Change of Control, the
Option, to the extent not exercised, shall terminate. The Board shall send
written notice of an event that will result in such a termination to the
Optionee not later than the time at which the Company gives notice thereof to
its shareholders.

     9.4. Adjustments.

     Adjustments under this Section 9 related to shares of Stock or securities
of the Company shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect
shall be final, binding and conclusive. No fractional shares or other securities
shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting
from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward
to the nearest whole share.

     9.5. No Limitations on Company.

     The making of Grants pursuant to the Plan shall not affect or limit in any
way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications,
reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure or to merge,
consolidate, dissolve, or liquidate, or to sell or transfer all or any part of
its business or assets.

10.  DISCLAIMER OF RIGHTS

          No provision in the Plan or in the Stock Option Agreement shall be
construed to confer upon any individual the right to remain in the employ or
service of the Company or any affiliate, or to interfere in any way with any
contractual or other right or authority of the Company or Service Provider
either to increase or decrease the compensation or other payments to any
individual at any time, or to terminate any employment or other relationship
between any individual and the Company.  In addition, notwithstanding anything
contained in the Plan to the contrary, the Option shall not be affected by any
change of duties or position of the Optionee, so long as the Optionee continues
to be a director, officer, consultant or employee of the Company.  The
obligation of the Company to pay any benefits pursuant to this Stock Option
Agreement shall be interpreted as a contractual obligation to pay only those
amounts described herein, in the manner and under the conditions prescribed
herein.  The Plan and the Stock Option Agreement shall in no way be interpreted
to require the Company to transfer any amounts to a third party trustee or
otherwise hold any amounts in trust or escrow for payment to any participant or
beneficiary under the terms of the Plan.  The Optionee shall not have any of the
rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Stock subject to an Option
except to the extent the certificates for such shares of Stock shall have been
issued upon the exercise of the Option.

11.  FORFEITURE OF RIGHTS

          The Company at any time shall have the right to cause a forfeiture of
the rights of the Optionee on account of the Optionee taking actions in
competition with the Company.  Unless otherwise specified in an employment or
other agreement between the Company and the Optionee, the Optionee takes actions
in competition with the Company if he or she directly or indirectly owns any
interest in, operates, joins, controls or participates as a partner, director,
principal, officer, or agent of, enters into the employment of, acts as a
consultant to, or performs any services for, any entity which has material
operations which compete with any business in which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is engaged during the Optionee's employment or other relationship
with the Company or any of its affiliates or at the time of the Optionee's
termination of employment or other relationship.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

12.  CAPTIONS

          The use of captions in this Stock Option Agreement is for the
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision
of such Stock Option Agreement.

13.  WITHHOLDING OF TAXES

          The Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall have the right
to deduct from payments of any kind otherwise due to the Optionee any Federal,
state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld upon the
issuance of any shares of Stock upon the exercise of the Option or vesting in
such shares.  At the time of such exercise or vesting, the Optionee shall pay to
the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, any amount that the Company
or the Subsidiary may reasonably determine to be necessary to satisfy such
withholding obligation.  Subject to the prior approval of the Company or the
Subsidiary, which may be withheld by the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case
may be, in its sole discretion, the Optionee may elect to satisfy such
obligations, in whole or in part, (i) by causing the Company or the Subsidiary
to withhold shares of Stock otherwise issuable to the Optionee or (ii) by
delivering to the Company or the Subsidiary shares of Stock already owned by the
Optionee.  The shares of Stock so delivered or withheld shall have an aggregate
Fair Market Value equal to such withholding obligations.  The Fair Market Value
of the shares of Stock used to satisfy such withholding obligation shall be
determined by the Company or the Subsidiary as of the date that the amount of
tax to be withheld is to be determined. The Optionee who has made an election
pursuant to this Section 13 may satisfy his or her withholding obligation only
with shares of Stock that are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture,
unfulfilled vesting, or other similar requirements.

14.  SEVERABILITY

          If any provision of the Plan or this Stock Option Agreement shall be
determined to be illegal or unenforceable by any court of law in any
jurisdiction, the remaining provisions thereof and hereof shall be severable and
enforceable in accordance with their terms, and all provisions shall remain
enforceable in any other jurisdiction.

15.  INTERPRETATION OF THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

          All decisions and interpretations made by the Company or the Committee
with regard to any question arising under the Plan or this Stock Option
Agreement shall be final, binding and conclusive on the Company and the Optionee
and any other person entitled to exercise the Option as provided for herein.

16.  GOVERNING LAW

          The validity and construction of this Stock Option Agreement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Delaware but not including the choice of
law rules thereof.

17.  BINDING EFFECT

          Subject to all restrictions provided for in this Stock Option
Agreement, the Plan and by applicable law limiting assignment and transfer of
this Stock Option Agreement and the Option provided for herein, this Stock
Option Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and
assigns.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

18.  NOTICE

          All notices or other communications which may be or are required to be
given by any party to any other party pursuant to this Stock Option Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be mailed by first-class, registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or transmitted by hand delivery
or telecopier (fax), addressed as follows:

                    If to the Company:

                    VIA NET.WORKS, Inc.
                    12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 110
                    Reston, VA 20190
                    Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                    Facsimile:  (703) 406-0608

                    If to Optionee:

                    At the address shown in the records of the Company for
                    Optionee.

Each party may designate by notice in writing a new address to which any notice
or other communication may thereafter be so given.  Each notice or other
communication which shall be mailed, delivered or transmitted in the manner
described above, shall be deemed sufficiently given for all purposes at such
time as it is delivered to the addressee with the return receipt, the delivery
receipt, the affidavit of personal courier or, with respect to a telecopy, upon
acknowledgment of receipt thereof and in all cases at such time as delivery is
refused by the addressee upon presentation.

19.  POOLING

     Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Stock Option Agreement to the
contrary, if any right under or feature of the Plan or this Stock Option
Agreement would cause to be ineligible for pooling of interest accounting a
transaction that would, but for the right or feature hereunder, be eligible for
such accounting treatment, the Board may modify or adjust the right or feature
so that the transaction will be eligible for pooling of interest accounting.
Such modification or adjustment may include payment of cash or issuance to
Optionee of shares of Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the cash value
of such right or feature.

20.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT

          This Stock Option Agreement and the Plan together constitute the
entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof.  Neither this Stock Option Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended,
waived, discharged or terminated except by a written instrument signed by the
Company and the Optionee; provided, however, that the Company unilaterally may
                          --------  -------
waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent that such waiver does not
adversely affect the interests of the Optionee hereunder, but no such waiver
shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision
or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and
delivered this Stock Option Agreement, or caused this Stock Option Agreement to
be duly executed and delivered in their name and on their behalf, as of the day
and year first above written.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

                              VIA NETWORKS, INC.

                              By:
                                 ------------------------------------------
                                 Matt S. Nydell, Vice President and General
                                 Counsel

                              OPTIONEE:

                              ---------------------------------------------
                              (Signature)

                                      -11-

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