Document:

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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3

                            NEW ERA OF NETWORKS, INC.

                             1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
  (AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF JANUARY 3, 1997 AND RATIFIED AS OF MAY 16, 1997)

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

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

                -       to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors
                        and Consultants, and

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

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

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

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

                (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are,
or will be, granted under the Plan.

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

                (d) "Cause" means the commission of any act affecting employment
which involves (1) dishonesty, fraud or criminal conduct by Optionee, (2)
Optionee's knowing and willful violation of a material Company written policy or
a lawful direction by an authorized executive officer or the Board, (3)
Optionee's engaging in any activity in competition with the Company or its
subsidiaries in a material manner (excluding a less than 5% investment in any
public company), or (4) Optionee's knowing unauthorized disclosure of
confidential material, proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company.

                (e) "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of the
following events:

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                        (i) The stockholders of the Company approve a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or entity, other than a
merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the
Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders
of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an
agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
the Company's assets.

                        (ii) The acquisition by any Person or Group of Persons
as Beneficial Owner (as such terms are defined in the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, other than George F. (Rick) Adam,
Jr., of securities of the Company representing a majority of the total voting
power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities.

                        (iii) A majority of the Board of Directors of the
Company in office at the beginning of any thirty-six (36) month period is
replaced during the course of such thirty-six (36) month period (other than by
voluntary resignation of individual directors in the ordinary course of
business) and such replacement was not initiated by the Board of Directors of
the Company as constituted at the beginning of such thirty-six (36) month
period.

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

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

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

                (i) "Company" means New Era of Networks, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

                (j) "Constructive Termination" means only the following:

                        (i) the continued assignment to Optionee of any duties
or the continued material reduction of Optionee's duties, either of which is
materially inconsistent with the level of Optionee's position with the Company.

                        (ii) a material reduction in Optionee's salary, other
than any such reduction which is part of, and generally consistent with, a
general reduction of officer salaries;

                        (iii) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or
level of Optionee benefits (other than salary and bonus) to which Optionee is
entitled immediately prior to such reduction with the result that Optionee's
overall benefits package (other than salary and bonus) is materially reduced
(other than any such reduction applicable to officers of the Company generally);
or

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                        (iv) the relocation of Optionee's principal place for
the rendering of the services to be provided by him hereunder to a location more
than fifty (50) miles from the present location of the principal executive
office of the Company;

provided that none of the foregoing shall constitute a Constructive Termination
to the extent Optionee has agreed thereto.

                (k) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged
by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

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

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

                (n) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A
Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave
of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

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

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

                        (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair
Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading

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day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or
such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

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

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

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

                (s) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice
evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock
Purchase Right grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

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

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

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

                (w) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby
outstanding options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower
exercise price.

                (x) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option
or Stock Purchase Right.

                (y) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or
Stock Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

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

                (aa) "Plan" means this 1995 Stock Option Plan.

                (bb) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

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                        (cc) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a
written agreement between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and
restrictions applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right. The
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of
the Plan and the Notice of Grant.

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

                        (ee) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange
Act.

                        (ff) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or
Consultant.

                        (gg) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as
adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

                        (hh) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase
Common Stock pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of
Grant.

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

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 2,333,333 (which number gives effect to a 2 for 9 reverse
split of the Common Stock approved by the Board in May 1997) The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

                If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant
to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto
shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan
has terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued
under the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the
Company at their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for
future grant under the Plan.

        4. Administration of the Plan.

                (a) Procedure.

                        (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be
administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service
Providers.

                        (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the
Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder
as "performance-based compensation" within the

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meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a
Committee of two or more "outside directors" within the meaning of Section
162(m) of the Code.

                        (iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify
transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated
hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under
Rule 16b-3.

                        (iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above,
the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which
committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

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

                        (i) to determine the Fair Market Value;

                        (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and
Stock Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

                        (iii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock
to be covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

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

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

                        (vi) to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have
declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;

                        (vii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;

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

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

                        (x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase
Right (subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary
authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer
than is otherwise provided for in the Plan;

                        (xi) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax
obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
issued upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair
Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that
the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by an
Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and
under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

                        (xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of
the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator;

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

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

        5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

        6. Limitations.

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

                (b) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the
Optionee's relationship as a Service Provider with

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the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or
the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without
cause.

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

                        (i) No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal
year of the Company, Options to purchase more than 133,333 Shares (which number
gives effect to a 2-for-9 reverse split of the Common Stock approved by the
Board in May 1997).

                        (ii) In connection with his or her initial service, a
Service Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 133,333
Shares which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above
(which number gives effect to a 2-for-9 reverse split of the Common Stock
approved by the Board in May 1997).

                        (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 13.

                        (iv) If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year
of the Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a
transaction described in Section 13), the cancelled Option will be counted
against the limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this
purpose, if the exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be
treated as a cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.

        7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 19 of the Plan, the Plan shall
become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.

        8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term shall be ten (10)
years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the
Option Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of
all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the
Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such
shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

        9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

                (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares
to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

                        (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

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                                (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent
(10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent
or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                                (B) granted to any Employee other than an
Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise
price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.

                        (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per
Share exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

                        (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be
granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market
Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate
transaction.

                (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.

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

                        (i) cash;

                        (ii) check;

                        (iii) promissory note;

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

                        (v) consideration received by the Company under a
cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the
Plan;

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

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

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

        10. Exercise of Option.

                (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise,
vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of
absence. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                        An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company
receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the
Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

                        Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the
number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.

                (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. Subject
to Section 13(c), if an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than
upon the Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her
Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the
extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for thirty (30) days following the Optionee's
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to
his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not
exercise his or her Option within the time specified

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by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall revert to the Plan.

                (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a
Service Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may
exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination
(but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set
forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option
Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following
the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not
vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested
portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the
Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein,
the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert
to the Plan.

                (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service
Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified
in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term
of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or
by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or
inheritance, but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of
death. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option
shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or
her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option
shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the
executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s)
entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent
or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

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

        11. Stock Purchase Rights.

                (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued
either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the
Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator
determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall
advise the offeree in writing or electronically, by means of a Notice of Grant,
of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the
number of Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be
paid, and the time within which the offeree must accept such offer. The offer
shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the
form determined by the Administrator.

                (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon

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the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's service with the
Company for any reason (including death or Disability). The purchase price for
Shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be
the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any
indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse
at a rate determined by the Administrator.

                (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with
the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

                (d) Rights as a Stockholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
stockholder, and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.

        12. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the
Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

        13. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution or Change in
Control.

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

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                (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to such
transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as
to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the
Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any
Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall lapse
as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes
place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been
previously exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

                (c) Change in Control.

                        (i) Unless otherwise provided for in the individual
stock option agreement, in the event of a Change in Control as described in
Section 2(e)(i), then each outstanding Option may be assumed or an equivalent
option may be substituted by such successor corporation or a Parent or
Subsidiary of such successor corporation. In the event the successor corporation
refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall fully vest in
and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock,
including such Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be vested or
exercisable. If an Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of
assumption or substitution in the event of a Change in Control, the
Administrator shall notify the Optionee that the Option is fully vested and
exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice and
the Option shall be canceled upon the expiration of such period. For the
purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered assumed if, following
the Change in Control, the Option confers the right to purchase or receive, for
each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option immediately prior to the
Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities
or property) received in the Change of Control event by holders of Common Stock
for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if the holders
are offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares). If such consideration received
in the Change of Control event is not solely common stock of the successor
corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the
successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the
exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option,
to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in
fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common
Stock in the outstanding Change in Control; and

                        (ii) Upon any termination of the Optionee's status as a
Service Provider without Cause or as a result of Optionee's Constructive
Termination at any time within one (1) year after a Change in Control, each
Option then held by an Optionee (including any assumed or substituted option
upon the Change in Control) shall immediately become vested and exercisable with
respect to all shares which would otherwise become vested and exercisable within
one (1) year of the date of such termination of the Optionee's status as a
Service Provider.

        14. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or

<PAGE>   14

Stock Purchase Right, or such other later date as is determined by the
Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee
within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

        15. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

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

                (b) Stockholder Approval. The Company shall obtain stockholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.

                (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment,
alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any
Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and
the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's
ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to options
granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.

        16. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

                (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

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

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

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

<PAGE>   15

        19 Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the
degree required under Applicable Laws.<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4

                            NEW ERA OF NETWORKS, INC.

                 AMENDED AND RESTATED 1997 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

The 1997 Director Option Plan has been amended and restated as of April 13, 2000
pursuant to Action by Unanimous Consent of the Board of Directors on that date.
All share amounts set forth within the Plan have been adjusted to reflect the
two-for-one stock split which occurred November 23, 1998.

        1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 1997 Director Option Plan
are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as Outside
Directors (as defined herein) of the Company, to provide additional incentive to
the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage
their continued service on the Board.

                All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock
options.

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

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

                (b) "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of the
following events:

                        (i) The stockholders of the Company approve a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or entity, other than a
merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the
Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders
of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an
agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
the Company's assets.

                        (ii) The acquisition by any Person or Group of Persons
as Beneficial Owner (as such terms are defined in the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, other than George F. (Rick) Adam,
Jr., of securities of the Company representing a majority of the total voting
power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities.

                        (iii) A majority of the Board of Directors of the
Company in office at the beginning of any thirty-six (36) month period is
replaced during the course of such thirty-six (36) month period (other than by
voluntary resignation of individual directors in the ordinary course of
business) and such replacement was not initiated by the Board of Directors of
the Company as constituted at the beginning of such thirty-six (36) month
period.

                                       1
<PAGE>   2

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

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

                (e) "Company" means New Era of Networks, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

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

                (g) "Employee" means any person, including officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
The payment of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of
itself to constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

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

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

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

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

                (j) "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.

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

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

                (m) "Optionee" means a Director who holds an Option.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                (n) "Outside Director" means a Director who is (i) not an
Employee and (ii) not a partner nor a member of any venture capital firm which
owns securities of the Company having more than five percent (5%) of the total
voting power of the Company.

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

                (p) "Plan" means this 1997 Director Option Plan.

                (q) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 10 of the Plan.

                (r) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now
or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 400,000 Shares of Common Stock (the "Pool") plus an annual
increase to be added on the first day of the Company's fiscal year beginning in
2001, equal to the lesser of (i) 200,000 shares or (ii) an amount determined by
the Board. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common
Stock. The number of Shares in the Pool and the number of Shares subject to each
grant provided for in Section 4 below give effect to a 2 for 9 reverse stock
split of the Common Stock approved by the Board in June 1997 and to a 2 for 1
forward stock split effected on November 23, 1998.

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

        4. Administration and Grants of Options under the Plan.

                (a) Procedure for Grants. All grants of Options to Outside
Directors under this Plan shall be automatic and nondiscretionary and shall be
made strictly in accordance with the following provisions:

                        (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which
Outside Directors shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares
to be covered by Options granted to Outside Directors.

                        (ii) Each Outside Director who shall first become an
Outside Director following completion of the Company's initial underwritten
public offering shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase 33,332
Shares (the "First Option") on the date on which the later of the following
events occurs: (A) the effective date of this Plan, as determined in accordance
with Section 6 hereof, or (B) the date on which such person first becomes an
Outside Director, whether

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

through election by the shareholders of the Company or appointment by the Board
to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside Director who ceases to be
an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall not receive a First Option.

                        (iii) Each Outside Director shall be automatically
granted an Option to purchase 11,000 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") each year
following completion of the Company's initial underwritten public offering on
the first day after the annual stockholder meeting provided he or she is then an
Outside Director and as of such date he or she shall have served on the Board
for at least the preceding six (6) months.

                (iv) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (ii) and
(iii) hereof, any exercise of an Option granted before the Company has obtained
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof shall be
conditioned upon obtaining such shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance
with Section 16 hereof.

                (v) The terms of a First Option granted hereunder shall be as
follows:

                                (A) the term of the First Option shall be ten
(10) years.

                                (B) the First Option shall be exercisable only
while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set
forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                                (C) the exercise price per Share shall be 100%
of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the First Option. In
the event that the date of grant of the First Option is not a trading day, the
exercise price per Share shall be the Fair Market Value on the next trading day
immediately following the date of grant of the First Option.

                                (D) subject to Section 10 hereof, the First
Option shall become exercisable as to one-third (1/3) of the Shares subject to
the First Option on each year on the anniversary of its date of grant, provided
that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such dates.

                        (vi) The terms of a Subsequent Option granted hereunder
shall be as follows:

                                (A) the term of the Subsequent Option shall be
ten (10) years.

                                (B) the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable
only while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set
forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                                (C) the exercise price per Share shall be 100%
of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent
Option. In the event that the date of grant of the Subsequent Option is not a
trading day, the exercise price per Share shall be the Fair Market Value on the
next trading day immediately following the date of grant of the Subsequent
Option.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                (D) subject to Section 10 hereof, the Subsequent
Option shall become exercisable as to 100% of the Shares subject to the
Subsequent Option on the third anniversary of its date of grant, provided that
the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such date.

                        (vii) In the event that any Option granted under the
Plan would cause the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the
number of Shares previously purchased under Options to exceed the Pool, then the
remaining Shares available for Option grant shall be granted under Options to
the Outside Directors on a pro rata basis. No further grants shall be made until
such time, if any, as additional Shares become available for grant under the
Plan through action of the Board or the shareholders to increase the number of
Shares which may be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration
of Options previously granted hereunder.

        5. Eligibility. Options may be granted only to Outside Directors. All
Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4 hereof.

                The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a
Director, nor shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director
or the Company may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the
Company at any time.

        6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the shareholders of the
Company as described in Section 16 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 11 of the Plan.

        7. Form of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to
be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall
consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised, (iv) consideration received
by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in
connection with the Plan, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment.

        8. Exercise of Option.

                (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section
4 hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable until
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof has been
obtained.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

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

                An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of
such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7 of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 10 of
the Plan.

                Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease
in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of
the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.

                (b) Termination of Continuous Status as a Director. Subject to
Section 10 hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates
(other than upon the Optionee's death or total and permanent disability (as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code)), the Optionee may exercise his or her
Option, but only within three (3) months following the date of such termination,
and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date
of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10)
year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an
Option on the date of such termination, and to the extent that the Optionee does
not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

                (c) Disability of Optionee. In the event Optionee's status as a
Director terminates as a result of total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but
only within twelve (12) months following the date of such termination, and only
to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of such
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year
term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on
the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option (to the
extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate.

                (d) Death of Optionee. In the event of an Optionee's death, the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12)
months following the date of death, and only to the extent that the Optionee was
entitled to exercise it on the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration of its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not
entitled to exercise an Option on the date of death, and to the extent that the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

exercise such Option does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so
entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

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

        10. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution or Change in
Control.

                (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each
outstanding Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance
under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, the
number of shares that may be added annually to the shares reserved under the
Plan (pursuant to Section 3(a)(i)), as well as the price per Share covered by
each such outstanding Option, and the number of Shares issuable pursuant to the
automatic grant provisions of Section 4 hereof shall be proportionately adjusted
for any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a
stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the
Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the
Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of
consideration." Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company
of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock
of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made
with respect to, the number or price of Shares subject to an Option.

                (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not
been previously exercised, it shall terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

                (c) Change in Control.

                        (i) In the event of a Change in Control, if the
transaction is described in Section 2(b)(i), then each outstanding Option may be
assumed or an equivalent option may be substituted by such successor corporation
or a Parent or Subsidiary of such successor corporation (the "Successor
Corporation"). In the event the Successor Corporation refuses to assume or
substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right
to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including such Shares as
to which the Option would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option
becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in
the event of a Change in Control, the Board shall notify the Optionee that the
Option is fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from
the date of such notice and the Option shall be canceled upon the expiration of
such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered
assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Option confers the right to
purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock,
cash, or other securities or property)

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

received in the Change of Control event by holders of Common Stock for each
Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if the holders are
offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares). If such consideration received
in the Change of Control event is not solely common stock of the Successor
Corporation or its Parent, the Board may, with the consent of the Successor
Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of
the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option, to be solely
common stock of the Successor Corporation or its Parent equal in fair market
value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the
outstanding Change in Control; and

                        (ii) In the event of the termination of the Optionee's
status as either a Director or a director of the Successor Corporation for any
reason other than a voluntary resignation at any time within one (1) year after
a Change in Control, each Option then held by an Optionee (including any assumed
or substituted Options as a result of the Change in Control) shall immediately
become vested and exercisable (and shall remain exercisable for a period of at
least 15 days after notice from the Company or the Successor Corporation) with
respect to all shares which would have otherwise become vested and exercisable
within one (1) year of the date of Optionee's termination.

        11. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

                (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration,
suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of
any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable
law, regulation or stock exchange rule, the Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as
required.

                (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated.

        12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

        13. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange
upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

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

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

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

        15. Option Agreement. Options shall be evidenced by written option
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.

        16. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company at or prior to the first annual
meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the granting of an Option hereunder.
Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required
under applicable state and federal law and any stock exchange rules.

                                       9

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