Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.26

                        SECOND AMENDMENT TO OFFICE LEASE

        This SECOND AMENDMENT TO OFFICE LEASE ("AMENDMENT") is made and entered
into as of the 18 day of September, 2000, by and between IRVINE OAKS REALTY
HOLDING CO., INC., a Delaware corporation ("LANDLORD"), and GADZOOX NETWORKS,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("TENANT").

                                R E C I T A L S:

A. Landlord and Tenant entered into that certain Office Lease dated as of
October, 1999 (the "OFFICE LEASE"), as amended by that certain First Amendment
to Office Lease dated June 30, 2000 (the "FIRST AMENDMENT") (the Office Lease
and the First Amendment are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"LEASE"), whereby Landlord leased to Tenant and Tenant leased from Landlord
those certain premises consisting of a total of approximately 14,133 rentable
square feet of space (the "EXISTING PREMISES") located on the first (1st) floor
of the building located at 16241 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, California (the
"BUILDING").

B. landlord and Tenant desire to amend the Lease to expand the Premises on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment.

                               A G R E E M E N T:

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the
mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

        1. CAPITALIZED TERMS. All capitalized terms when used herein shall have
the same meaning as is given such terms in the Lease unless expressly superseded
by the terms of this Amendment.

        2. ADDITION TO EXISTING PREMISES. Effective as of the date (the
"EXPANSION COMMENCEMENT DATE") which is the earlier to occur of (i) the date
upon which Tenant commences to conduct business in the Expansion Premises, and
(ii) the date upon which the Expansion Premises is "Ready for Occupancy," as
that term is defined in Section 5.1 of the "Tenant Work Letter," as that term is
defined in Section 3, below, which date is anticipated to be December 1, 2000,
Tenant shall lease from Landlord and Landlord shall Lease to Tenant Suite 150,
comprising approximately 5,783 rentable square feet of space located on the
first (1st) floor of the Building, as more particularly set forth on Exhibit A
attached hereto (the "EXPANSION PREMISES"). As of the Expansion Commencement
Date, the "Premises," as that term is defined in the Lease, shall be expanded to
consist of the Existing Premises and the Expansion Premises, which Premises
shall contain, in the aggregate, approximately 19,916 rentable square feet of
space. "Substantial Completion" of the Expansion Premises shall be deemed to be
upon the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy or its legal
equivalent allowing for legal occupancy of the Expansion Premises, and upon the
completion of the construction of the "Landlord's Work," as that term is defined
in the "Tenant Work

<PAGE>   2

Letter," as that term is defined in Section 3, below, with the exception of any
punchlist items and any tenant fixtures, work stations, built-in furniture or
equipment to be installed by Tenant.

        3. CONDITION OF THE PREMISES. Tenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that
except as expressly set forth in this Amendment and the Tenant Work Letter
attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "TENANT WORK LETTER"), Landlord shall have no
obligation to provide or pay for any improvement work or services relating to
the Expansion Premises, and Tenant shall accept the Expansion Premises on the
Expansion Commencement Date in its then existing, "as-is" condition. Neither
Landlord nor any agent of Landlord has made any representation or warranty
regarding the condition of the Expansion Premises or with respect to the
suitability of the Expansion Premises for the conduct of Tenant's business.

        4. RENT.

            4.1 BASE RENT. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
Lease, as hereby amended, Tenant shall continue to pay Base Rent for the
Existing Premises in accordance with the terms of Article 3 of the Lease.
Commencing on the Expansion Commencement Date and continuing throughout the
Extended Term, notwithstanding anything in Article 3 of the Lease to the
contrary, Tenant shall pay monthly Base Rent for the Expansion Premises in the
following amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    MONTHLY RENTAL RATE
      MONTH OF THE LEASE                      MONTHLY INSTALLMENT   PER RENTABLE SQUARE
             TERM          ANNUAL BASE RENT       OF BASE RENT             FOOT
      ------------------   ----------------   -------------------   -------------------
<S>                        <C>                <C>                   <C>
             1-12            $121,443.00           $10,120.25              $1.75
             13-24           $124,912.80           $10,409.40              $1.80
             25-36           $128,382.60           $10,698.55              $1.85
             37-48           $131,852.40           $10,987.70              $1.90
             49-60           $135,322.20           $11,276.85              $1.95
</TABLE>

            Upon execution of this Amendment, Tenant shall pay to Landlord
$10,120.25 for the first month's Base Rent for the Expansion Premises.

            4.2 TENANT'S SHARE OF DIRECT EXPENSES.

                (i) TENANT'S BUILDING SHARE. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the Lease, as hereby amended, as a result of the revision to the
rentable square footage of the Premises, "Tenant's Building Share" is hereby
amended to equal 47.6%, effective as of the Expansion Commencement Date.

                (ii) TENANT'S PROJECT SHARE. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the Lease, as hereby amended, as a result of the revision to the
rentable square footage of the Premises, "Tenant's Project Share" is hereby
amended to equal 6.25%, effective as of the Expansion Commencement Date.

        5. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Upon the Expansion Commencement Date, the "Security
Deposit", as that term is defined in the Lease, shall be increased to
$43,005.33. Upon execution of this

<PAGE>   3

Amendment, Tenant shall pay to Landlord $11,276.85 to increase the Security
Deposit held by Landlord to such amount.

        6. PARKING. Upon the Expansion Commencement Date, Landlord shall grant
to Tenant four (4) visitor parking spaces designated for the exclusive use of
visitors to the Premises ("RESERVED VISITOR SPACES"). The Reserved Visitor
Spaces shall be located near the Building lobby, as designated by Landlord in
its reasonable discretion.

        7. SIGNS. Article 23 of the Lease is hereby amended and restated to
reflect that, subject to Landlord's prior written approval in its sole
discretion, and provided that any sign is in keeping with the quality, design
and style of the Building and Project and is in compliance with all covenants,
conditions or restrictions affecting the Project, and all applicable law,
Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, may install one (1) additional first floor
eyebrow sign on the Building elevation above the entrance to the Building lobby,
facing to the north. Any costs associated with the approval, installation,
maintenance and removal of such identification signage shall be borne solely by
Tenant.

        8. LUNCH AREA. Landlord shall provide to Tenant, for its non-exclusive
use and enjoyment in common with [ASL] and other tenants of the Project, a lunch
area in the patio area of the Project (the "LUNCH AREA"), consisting of three
(3) picnic tables and one (1) bicycle rack. Landlord shall maintain such Lunch
Area at its sole cost and expense; provided, however, that the cost of such
maintenance of the Lunch Area may be included as an component of Operating
Expenses. Tenant hereby assumes all risk of damage to, or loss of, property or
injury to persons in or upon the Lunch Area from any cause whatsoever and agrees
that the Landlord Parties shall not be liable for, and are hereby released from
any responsibility for, any damage either to person or property or resulting
from the loss of use thereof, which damage is sustained by Tenant or by other
persons claiming through Tenant, except due to Landlord's negligence or willful
misconduct. Tenant shall indemnify, defend, protect, and hold harmless the
Landlord Parties from any and all loss, cost, damage, expense and liability
(including without limitation court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees)
incurred in connection with or arising from any cause in or on the Lunch Area,
any acts, omissions or negligence of Tenant Parties, in or on the Lunch Area,
provided that the terms of the foregoing indemnity shall not apply to the
negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or the Landlord Parties.

        9. BROKERS. Landlord and Tenant hereby warrant to each other that they
have had no dealings with any real estate broker or agent in connection with the
negotiation of this Amendment, and that they know of no real estate broker or
agent who is entitled to a commission in connection with this Amendment. Each
party agrees to indemnify and defend the other party against and hold the other
party harmless from any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, lawsuits,
judgments, and costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
attorneys' fees) with respect to any leasing commission or equivalent
compensation alleged to be owing on account of the indemnifying party's dealings
with any real estate broker or agent, other than the Brokers. The terms of this
Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Amendment.

<PAGE>   4

        10. NO FURTHER MODIFICATION. Except as set forth in this Amendment, all
of the terms and provisions of the Lease shall apply with respect to the
Premises and shall remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed as of the day and year
first above written.

"LANDLORD"                                "TENANT"
IRVINE OAKS REALTY HOLDING CO., INC.,     GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.,
a Delaware corporation                    a Delaware corporation

By: _________________________________     By: __________________________________
                                              Its: Site Manager
Its: ________________________________
                                          By: __________________________________
                                              Its: Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   5

                                    EXHIBIT A

                          OUTLINE OF EXPANSION PREMISES

                                [TO BE PROVIDED]

<PAGE>   6

                      SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM TO BE INSERTED HERE

<PAGE>   7

                                    EXHIBIT B

                               TENANT WORK LETTER

This Tenant Work Letter shall set forth the terms and conditions relating to the
construction of the tenant improvements in the Expansion Premises. This Tenant
Work Letter is essentially organized chronologically and addresses the issues of
the construction of the Expansion Premises, in sequence, as such issues will
arise during the actual construction of the Expansion Premises. All references
in this Tenant Work Letter to Articles or Sections of "this Amendment" shall
mean the relevant portion of Sections 1 through 8 of the Second Amendment to
Office Lease to which this Tenant Work Letter is attached as Exhibit B and of
which this Tenant Work Letter forms a part, and all references in this Tenant
Work Letter to Sections of "this Tenant Work Letter" shall mean the relevant
portion of Sections 1 through 6 of this Tenant Work Letter.

                                    SECTION 1

            LANDLORD'S INITIAL CONSTRUCTION IN THE EXPANSION PREMISES

Landlord has constructed, at its sole cost and expense, the base, shell, and
core (i) of the Expansion Premises and (ii) of the floors of the Building on
which the Expansion Premises are located (collectively, the "Base, Shell, and
Core"). The Base, Shell and Core shall consist of those portions of the Premises
which were in existence prior to the construction of the tenant improvements in
the Expansion Premises for any prior tenant of the Expansion Premises.

                                    SECTION 2

                             EXPANSION IMPROVEMENTS

        2.1 Expansion Improvement Allowance. Tenant shall be entitled to a
one-time tenant improvement allowance (the "Expansion Improvement Allowance") in
the amount of $144,508.00 for the costs relating to the initial design and
construction of Tenant's improvements which are permanently affixed to the
Expansion Premises, including without limitation shower facilities and upgrades
of the restrooms (the "Expansion Improvements"). In no event shall Landlord be
obligated to make disbursements pursuant to this Tenant Work Letter in a total
amount which exceeds the Expansion Improvement Allowance. All Expansion
Improvements for which the Expansion Improvement Allowance has been made
available shall be deemed Landlord's property under the terms of the Lease.

        2.2 Disbursement of the Expansion Improvement Allowance. Except as
otherwise set forth in this Tenant Work Letter, the Expansion Improvement
Allowance shall be disbursed by Landlord (each of which disbursements shall be
made pursuant to Landlord's disbursement process) for costs related to the
construction of the Expansion Improvements and for the following items and costs
(collectively, the "Expansion Improvement Allowance Items"): (i) payment of the
fees of the "Architect" and the "Engineers," as those terms are defined in
Section 3.1 of this Tenant Work

<PAGE>   8

Letter, and payment of the fees incurred by, and the cost of documents and
materials supplied by, Landlord and Landlord's consultants in connection with
the preparation and review of the "Construction Drawings," as that term is
defined in Section 3.1 of this Tenant Work Letter; (ii) the cost of any changes
in the Base, Shell and Core when such changes are required by the Construction
Drawings; (iii) the cost of any changes to the Construction Drawings or
Expansion Improvements required by all applicable building codes (the "Code");
(iv) the cost of the Landlord's Work; (v) the "Landlord Supervision Fee", as
that term is defined in Section 4.3.2 of this Tenant Work Letter; and (vi) a
portion of the costs of the tenant demising walls and public corridor walls and
materials, if any, as designated by Landlord.

        2.3 Standard Tenant Improvement Package. Landlord has established
specifications (the "Specifications") for the Building standard components to be
used in the construction of the Expansion Improvements in the Premises
(collectively, the "Standard Improvement Package"), which Specifications shall
be supplied to Tenant by Landlord. The quality of Expansion Improvements shall
be equal to or of greater quality than the quality of the Specifications,
provided that Landlord may, at Landlord's option, require the Expansion
Improvements to comply with certain Specifications. Landlord may make changes to
the Specifications for the Standard Improvement Package from time to time.

                                    SECTION 3

                              CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

        3.1 Selection of Architect/Construction Drawings. Tenant shall retain
Phoenix Planning (the "Architect") to prepare the "Construction Drawings," as
that term is defined in this Section 3.1. Tenant shall retain the engineering
consultants designated approved by Landlord (the "Engineers") to prepare all
plans and engineering working drawings relating to the structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, HVAC, lifesafety, and sprinkler work of the Expansion
Improvements. The plans and drawings to be prepared by Architect and the
Engineers hereunder shall be known collectively as the "Construction Drawings."
All Construction Drawings shall comply with the drawing format and
specifications as determined by Landlord, and shall be subject to Landlord's
approval. Tenant and Architect shall verify, in the field, the dimensions and
conditions as shown on the relevant portions of the base Building plans, and
Tenant and Architect shall be solely responsible for the same, and Landlord
shall have no responsibility in connection therewith. Landlord's review of the
Construction Drawings as set forth in this Section 3, shall be for its sole
purpose and shall not imply Landlord's review of the same, or obligate Landlord
to review the same, for quality, design, Code compliance or other like matters.
Accordingly, notwithstanding that any Construction Drawings are reviewed by
Landlord or its space planner, architect, engineers and consultants, and
notwithstanding any advice or assistance which may be rendered to Tenant by
Landlord or Landlord's space planner, architect, engineers, and consultants,
Landlord shall have no liability whatsoever in connection therewith and shall
not be responsible for any omissions or errors contained in the Construction
Drawings, and Tenant's waiver and indemnity set forth in this Lease shall
specifically apply to the Construction Drawings.

<PAGE>   9

        3.2 Final Space Plan. On or before the date set forth in Schedule 1,
attached hereto, Tenant and the Architect shall prepare the final space plan for
Expansion Improvements in the Expansion Premises (collectively, the "Final Space
Plan"), which Final Space Plan shall include a layout and designation of all
offices, rooms and other partitioning, their intended use, and equipment to be
contained therein, and shall deliver the Final Space Plan to Landlord for
Landlord's approval.

        3.3 Final Working Drawings. On or before the date set forth in Schedule
1, Tenant, the Architect and the Engineers shall complete the architectural and
engineering drawings for the Expansion Premises, and the final architectural
working drawings in a form which is complete to allow subcontractors to bid on
the work and to obtain all applicable permits (collectively, the "Final Working
Drawings") and shall submit the same to Landlord for Landlord's approval.

        3.4 Permits. The Final Working Drawings shall be approved by Landlord
(the "Approved Working Drawings") prior to the commencement of the construction
of the Expansion Improvements. Tenant shall immediately submit the Approved
Working Drawings to the appropriate municipal authorities for all applicable
building permits necessary to allow "Contractor," as that term is defined in
Section 4.1, below, to commence and fully complete the construction of the
Expansion Improvements (the "Permits"), and, in connection therewith, Tenant
shall coordinate with Landlord in order to allow Landlord, at its option, to
take part in all phases of the permitting process and shall supply Landlord, as
soon as possible, with all plan check numbers and dates of submittal and obtain
the Permits on or before the date set forth in Schedule 1. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 3.4, Tenant hereby agrees
that neither Landlord nor Landlord's consultants shall be responsible for
obtaining any building permit or certificate of occupancy for the Expansion and
that the obtaining of the same shall be Tenant's responsibility; provided
however that Landlord shall, in any event, cooperate with Tenant in executing
permit applications and performing other ministerial acts reasonably necessary
to enable Tenant to obtain any such permit or certificate of occupancy. No
changes, modifications or alterations in the Approved Working Drawings may be
made without the prior written consent of Landlord, provided that Landlord may
withhold its consent, in its sole discretion, to any change in the Approved
Working Drawings if such change would directly or indirectly delay the
"Substantial Completion" of the Expansion Premises as that term is defined in
Section 5.1 of this Tenant Work Letter.

        3.5 Time Deadlines. Tenant shall use its best, good faith, efforts and
all due diligence to cooperate with the Architect, the Engineers, and Landlord
to complete all phases of the Construction Drawings and the permitting process
and to receive the permits, and with Contractor for approval of the "Cost
Proposal," as that term is defined in Section 4.2 of this Tenant Work Letter, as
soon as possible after the execution of this Amendment, and, in that regard,
shall meet with Landlord on a scheduled basis to be determined by Landlord, to
discuss Tenant's progress in connection with the same. The applicable dates for
approval of items, plans and drawings as described in this Section 3, Section 4,
below, and in this Tenant Work Letter are set forth and further elaborated upon
in Schedule 1 (the "Time Deadlines"), attached hereto. Tenant agrees to comply
with the Time Deadlines.

<PAGE>   10

                                    SECTION 4

                   CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPANSION IMPROVEMENTS

        4.1 Contractor. A contractor designated by Landlord ("Contractor") shall
construct the Tenant Improvements.

        4.2 Cost Proposal. After the Approved Working Drawings are signed by
Landlord and Tenant, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a cost proposal in
accordance with the Approved Working Drawings, which cost proposal shall
include, as nearly as possible, the cost of all Expansion Improvement Allowance
Items to be incurred by Tenant in connection with the design and construction of
the Expansion Improvements (the "Cost Proposal"). Tenant shall approve and
deliver the Cost Proposal to Landlord within five (5) business days of the
receipt of the same, and upon receipt of the same by Landlord, Landlord shall be
released by Tenant to purchase the items set forth in the Cost Proposal and to
commence the construction relating to such items. The date by which Tenant must
approve and deliver the Cost Proposal to Landlord shall be known hereafter as
the "Cost Proposal Delivery Date".

        4.3 Construction of Expansion Improvements by Contractor under the
Supervision of Landlord.

            4.3.1 Over-Allowance Amount. On the Cost Proposal Delivery Date,
Tenant shall deliver to Landlord cash in an amount (the "Over-Allowance Amount")
equal to the difference between (i) the amount of the Cost Proposal and (ii) the
amount of the Expansion Improvement Allowance. The Over-Allowance Amount shall
be disbursed by Landlord prior to the disbursement of any then remaining portion
of the Expansion Improvement Allowance, and such disbursement shall be pursuant
to the same procedure as the Expansion Improvement Allowance. In the event that,
after the Cost Proposal Delivery Date, any revisions, changes, or substitutions
shall be made to the Construction Drawings or the Expansion Improvements, any
additional costs which arise in connection with such revisions, changes or
substitutions or any other additional costs shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord
immediately upon Landlord's request as an addition to the Over-Allowance Amount.

            4.3.2 Landlord's Retention of Contractor. Landlord shall
independently retain Contractor, on behalf of Tenant, to construct the Expansion
Improvements in accordance with the Approved Working Drawings and the Cost
Proposal and Landlord shall supervise the construction by Contractor, and Tenant
shall pay a construction supervision and management fee (the "Landlord
Supervision Fee") to Landlord in an amount equal to the product of (i) five
percent (5%) and (ii) an amount equal to the Expansion Improvement Allowance
plus the Over-Allowance Amount (as such Over-Allowance Amount may increase
pursuant to the terms of this Tenant Work letter).

            4.3.3 Contractor's Warranties and Guaranties. Landlord hereby
assigns to Tenant all warranties and guaranties by Contractor relating to the
Expansion Improvements, and Tenant hereby waives all claims against Landlord
relating to, or arising out of the construction of, the Expansion Improvements.

<PAGE>   11

            4.3.4 Tenant's Covenants. Tenant hereby indemnifies Landlord for any
loss, claims, damages or delays arising from the actions of Architect on the
Expansion Premises or in the Building. Within ten (10) days after completion of
construction of the Expansion Improvements, Tenant shall cause Contractor and
Architect to cause a Notice of Completion to be recorded in the office of the
County Recorder of the county in which the Building is located in accordance
with Section 3093 of the Civil Code of the State of California or any successor
statute and furnish a copy thereof to Landlord upon recordation, failing which,
Landlord may itself execute and file the same on behalf of Tenant as Tenant's
agent for such purpose. In addition, immediately after the Substantial
Completion of the Expansion Premises, Tenant shall have prepared and delivered
to the Building a copy of the "as built" plans and specifications (including all
working drawings) for the Expansion Improvements.

                                    SECTION 5

                    COMPLETION OF THE EXPANSION IMPROVEMENTS;
                           EXPANSION COMMENCEMENT DATE

        5.1 Ready for Occupancy. The Expansion Premises shall be deemed "Ready
for Occupancy" upon the Substantial Completion of the Expansion Premises. For
purposes of this Lease, "Substantial Completion" of the Expansion Premises shall
occur upon the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy or its
equivalent allowing for legal occupancy of the Expansion Premises, and upon the
completion of construction of the Expansion Improvements in the Premises
pursuant to the Approved Working Drawings, with the exception of any punch list
items and any tenant fixtures, work-stations, built-in furniture, or equipment
to be installed by Tenant or under the supervision of Contractor.

        5.2 Delay of the Substantial Completion of the Expansion Premises.
Except as provided in this Section 5.2, the Expansion Commencement Date shall
occur as set forth in the Amendment and Section 5.1, above. If there shall be a
delay or there are delays in the Substantial Completion of the Expansion
Premises or in the occurrence of any of the other conditions precedent to the
Expansion Commencement Date, as set forth in the Amendment, as a direct,
indirect, partial, or total result of:

            5.2.1 Tenant's failure to comply with the Time Deadlines;

            5.2.2 Tenant's failure to timely approve any matter requiring
Tenant's approval;

            5.2.3 A breach by Tenant of the terms of this Tenant Work Letter or
the Lease;

            5.2.4 Changes in any of the Construction Drawings after disapproval
of the same by Landlord or because the same do not comply with Code or other
applicable laws;

            5.2.5 Tenant's request for changes in the Approved Working Drawings;

            5.2.6 Tenant's requirement for materials, components, finishes or
improvements which are not available in a commercially reasonable time given the
anticipated date of Substantial

<PAGE>   12

Completion of the Expansion Premises, as set forth in the Amendment, or which
are different from, or not included in, the Standard Improvement Package;

            5.2.7 Changes to the Base, Shell and Core required by the Approved
Working Drawings; or

            5.2.8 Any other acts or omissions of Tenant, or its agents, or
employees;

then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Lease or this
Tenant Work Letter and regardless of the actual date of the Substantial
Completion of the Expansion Premises, the date of the Substantial Completion of
the Expansion Premises shall be deemed to be the date the Substantial Completion
of the Expansion Premises would have occurred if no Tenant delay or delays, as
set forth above, had occurred.

                                    SECTION 6

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

        6.1 Tenant's Entry Into the Expansion Premises Prior to Substantial
Completion. Provided that Tenant and its agents do not interfere with
Contractor's work in the Building and the Expansion Premises, Contractor shall
allow Tenant access to the Expansion Premises prior to the Substantial
Completion of the Expansion Premises for the purpose of Tenant installing
overstandard equipment or fixtures (including Tenant's data and telephone
equipment) in the Expansion Premises. Prior to Tenant's entry into the Expansion
Premises as permitted by the terms of this Section 6.1, Tenant shall submit a
schedule to Landlord and Contractor, for their approval, which schedule shall
detail the timing and purpose of Tenant's entry. Tenant shall hold Landlord
harmless from and indemnify, protect and defend Landlord against any loss or
damage to the Building or Expansion Premises and against injury to any persons
caused by Tenant's actions pursuant to this Section 6.1.

        6.2 Freight Elevators. Landlord shall, consistent with its obligations
to other tenants of the Building, make the freight elevator reasonably available
to Tenant in connection with initial decorating, furnishing and moving into the
Expansion Premises.

        6.3 Tenant's Representative. Tenant has designated Ms. Jan Ciano as its
sole representative with respect to the matters set forth in this Tenant Work
Letter, who, until further notice to Landlord, shall have full authority and
responsibility to act on behalf of the Tenant as required in this Tenant Work
Letter.

        6.4 Landlord's Representative. Landlord has designated Mr. Dave Walling
as its sole representative with respect to the matters set forth in this Tenant
Work Letter, who, until further notice to Tenant, shall have full authority and
responsibility to act on behalf of the Landlord as required in this Tenant Work
Letter.

        6.5 Tenant's Agents. All subcontractors, laborers, materialmen, and
suppliers retained directly by Tenant shall all be union labor in compliance
with the then existing master labor agreements.

<PAGE>   13

        6.6 Time of the Essence in This Tenant Work Letter. Unless otherwise
indicated, all references herein to a "number of days" shall mean and refer to
calendar days. In all instances where Tenant is required to approve or deliver
an item, if no written notice of approval is given or the item is not delivered
within the stated time period, at Landlord's sole option, at the end of such
period the item shall automatically be deemed approved or delivered by Tenant
and the next succeeding time period shall commence.

        6.7 Tenant's Lease Default. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary contained in the Lease, as amended, if an event of default as described
in the Lease, as hereby amended, or a default by Tenant under this Tenant Work
Letter, has occurred at any time on or before the Substantial Completion of the
Expansion Premises, then (i) in addition to all other rights and remedies
granted to Landlord pursuant to the Lease, as amended, Landlord shall have the
right to withhold payment of all or any portion of the Expansion Improvement
Allowance and/or Landlord may cause Contractor to cease the construction of the
Expansion Premises (in which case, Tenant shall be responsible for any delay in
the Substantial Completion of the Expansion Premises caused by such work
stoppage as set forth in Section 5 of this Tenant Work Letter), and (ii) all
other obligations of Landlord under the terms of this Tenant Work Letter shall
be forgiven until such time as such default is cured pursuant to the terms of
the Lease, as amended.

<PAGE>   14

                             SCHEDULE 1 TO EXHIBIT B

                                 TIME DEADLINES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       DATES                                         ACTIONS TO BE PERFORMED
      ---------------------------------------              --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>
  A.  September 29, 2000                                   Final Space Plan to be completed by Tenant
                                                           and delivered to Landlord.

  B.  October 27, 2000                                     Tenant to deliver Final Working Drawings to
                                                           Landlord.

  C.  [TO BE PROVIDED]                                     Tenant to deliver Permits to Contractor.

  D.  Five (5) business days after the receipt             Tenant to approve Cost Proposal and deliver
      of the Cost Proposal by Tenant                       Cost Proposal to Landlord.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   15

                           IRVINE OAKS EXECUTIVE PARK

                           NOTICE OF LEASE TERM DATES

TO:      GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.
         16241 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 100 & 150
         Irvine, CA  92618

         Re:      Second Amendment dated September 18, 2000, between IRVINE OAKS
                  REALTY HOLDING COMPANY, a Delaware Corporation ("Landlord"),
                  and GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Tenant"),
                  concerning Suite 150 on floor(s) one of the building located
                  at 16241 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, California.

Gentlemen:

In accordance with the Second Amendment, we wish to advise you and/or confirm as
follows:

        1. Tenant has accepted the premises per paragraph 2 of the Second
Amendment dated September 18, 2000.

        2. The Expansion Lease Term shall commence on or has commenced on March
1, 2001 for a term of Four (4) Years and One and a half (1.5) months ending
coterminous with the Original Lease on April 15, 2005.

        3. Rent commenced to accrue on March 1, 2001, in the amount of
$10,120.25 per month.

        4. If the Lease Commencement Date is other than the first day of the
month, the first billing will contain a pro rata adjustment. Each billing
thereafter, with the exception of the final billing, shall be for the full
amount of the monthly installment as provided for in the Lease.

        5. Your rent check should be made payable to IRVINE OAKS REALTY HOLDING
COMPANY at:

           Irvine Oaks Realty Holding Co., Inc.
           c/o SARES- REGIS Group
           P.O. Box 41127
           Santa Ana, CA  92799-1127

        6. The exact number of rentable square feet per the Second Amendment is
5,783 square feet.

        7. Tenant's Project Share as adjusted based upon the exact number of
total rentable square feet within the Premises is 6.25% per the Lease, Tenant's
Building Share as adjusted based upon the exact number of total rentable square
feet within the Premises is 47.6%.

                                                              "Landlord"

<PAGE>   16

                                          IRVINE OAKS REALTY HOLDING CO, INC.
                                          a Delaware corporation

                                          By: __________________________________
                                              Its: _____________________________

Agreed to and Accepted
As of ______________________________.

"Tenant":

GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.
a Delaware corporation

By: _________________________________

   Its: _____________________________<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.27

                             GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.

                           CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

         This Change of Control Agreement (the "AGREEMENT") is made and entered
into effective as of February 20, 2001 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"), by and between
Kristin Ann Strout (the "EMPLOYEE") and Gadzoox Networks, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY").

                                 R E C I T A L S

         A. The Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD") expects that the
Company may from time to time consider the possibility of an acquisition of the
Company by another company or other Change of Control of the Company. The Board
recognizes that such considerations can be a distraction to the Employee and can
cause the Employee to consider alternative employment opportunities.

         B. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company
and for the benefit of its shareholders to provide the Employee with an
incentive to continue his employment and to maximize the value of the Company
upon a Change of Control.

         C. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in
SECTION 7 below.

                                    AGREEMENT

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein
contained, and in consideration of the continuing employment of the Employee by
the Company, the parties agree as follows:

         1. EMPLOYMENT.

            (a) Position. The Company has and continues to employ the Employee
in the position of Vice President, Human Resources with such duties,
responsibilities and compensation as are in effect as of the Effective Date;
provided, however, that this Agreement shall not in any manner restrict the
Company in its employment relationship with the Employee prior to the occurrence
of a Change of Control, including revising such duties, responsibilities or
compensation from time to time.

            (b) At-Will Employment. The Company and the Employee acknowledge
that the Employee's employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as defined
under applicable law. If the Employee's employment terminates for any reason,
this Agreement shall not entitle the Employee to any payment, benefit, damage,
award or compensation other than as specifically provided by this Agreement.

         2. TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF CONTROL. If the Employee's
employment with the Company terminates as a result of the Involuntary
Termination of the Employee within twelve (12) months immediately following a
Change of Control, then, subject to SECTIONS 4, 5 AND 6 hereof,

<PAGE>   2

fifty percent (50%) of the number of all stock options and restricted stock
owned beneficially by the Employee and which are, in the case of stock options,
unvested and, in the case of restricted stock, subject to a repurchase option as
of the Termination Date shall become vested (and immediately exercisable) and
any such repurchase option shall cease to apply to such restricted stock.

         3. VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION; TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. If the Employee's
employment terminates by reason of the Employee's voluntary resignation (and is
not an Involuntary Termination), or if the Employee is terminated for Cause,
then the Employee shall not be entitled to receive any accelerated vesting (as
may be provided by SECTION 2 hereof) or other benefit from the Company pursuant
to this Agreement.

         4. DISABILITY; DEATH. If the Company terminates the Employee's
employment as a result of the Employee's Disability, or the Employee's
employment with the Company is terminated due to the death of the Employee, then
the Employee shall not be entitled to receive any accelerated vesting (as may be
provided by SECTION 2) or other benefit from the Company.

         5. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS. If the benefits provided for in this
Agreement to the Employee (i) constitute a "parachute payment(s)" within the
meaning of SECTION 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"CODE") and (ii) but for this Section, would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by SECTION 4999 of the Code, then the Employee's severance benefits
under SECTION 2 shall be payable either:

            (a) in full; or

            (b) as to such lesser amount which would result in no portion of
such severance benefits being subject to excise tax under SECTION 4999 of the
Code,

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal,
state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by SECTION 4999, results
in the receipt by the Employee on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of
severance benefits under SECTION 2 hereof, notwithstanding that all or some
portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under SECTION 4999 of the
Code. Unless the Company and the Employee otherwise agree in writing, any
determination required under this SECTION 5 shall be made in writing by the
Company's independent public accountants (the "Accountants"), whose
determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Employee and the Company
for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this
SECTION 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations
concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith
interpretations concerning the application of SECTIONS 280G AND 4999 of the
Code. The Company and the Employee shall furnish to the Accountants such
information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to
make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the
Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations
contemplated by this SECTION 5.

         6. CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS. If the Board determines, upon receipt
of a written opinion of the Company's independent public accountants, that the
enforcement of any provision of this Agreement would preclude accounting for any
proposed business combination of the Company involving a Change of Control as a
pooling of interests, and the Board otherwise determines to

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

approve such a proposed business transaction which requires as a condition to
the closing of such transaction that it be accounted for as a pooling of
interests, then any such provision of this Agreement shall be null and void.

         7. DEFINITIONS. The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall
have the following meanings:

            (a) "CAUSE" means (i) any act of personal dishonesty taken by the
Employee in connection with his responsibilities as an employee of the Company
and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Employee, (ii)
the Employee being convicted of a felony, (iii) a willful act by the Employee
which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company, and
(iv) the repeated failure by the Employee to perform the Employee's assigned
duties or responsibilities as an employee of the Company after there has been
delivered to the Employee a written demand for performance from the Company
which describes the basis for the Company's belief that the Employee has not
substantially performed his duties or responsibilities.

            (b) "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the occurrence of any of the
following: (A) When any "person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and
14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT"),
other than the Company, a subsidiary of the Company or a Company employee
benefit plan, including any trustee of such plan acting as trustee, is or
becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty
percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
provided, however, that sales by the Company of its equity securities shall not
constitute a Change of Control; or (B) the effective date of a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other third party, other than a merger or
consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity or the entity that controls such surviving entity) at least
fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting
securities of the Company, such surviving entity or the entity that controls
such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or
consolidation, or the effective date of the sale or disposition by the Company
of all or substantially all the Company's assets.

            (c) "DISABILITY" means that the Employee, at the time notice has
been given, has been unable to perform his assigned duties or responsibilities
as an employee of the Company for a period of 26 consecutive weeks as the result
of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness. If the Employee resumes the
performance of substantially all of his assigned duties or responsibilities
before the termination of his employment for the purposes of this Agreement
becomes effective, the notice of termination shall automatically be deemed to
have been revoked. This Agreement shall not confer any benefit to the Employee
and no compensation or benefits will be paid or provided to the Employee under
this Agreement on account of termination for Disability, or for periods
following the date when such a termination of employment is effective. The
Employee's rights under the benefit plans of the Company shall be determined
under the provisions of those plans.

            (d) "INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION" means any of the following not
undertaken for Cause (i) without the Employee's express written consent, a
significant reduction of the Employee's

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
duties, position or responsibilities, or the removal of the Employee from such
position and responsibilities, unless the Employee is provided with a comparable
position (i.e., a position of equal or greater organizational level, duties,
authority, compensation and status); provided however, that a reduction in
duties, position or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being
acquired and made part of a larger entity (as, for example, when the Employee,
if Vice President, Human Resources of the Company immediately prior to a Change
of Control, remains as such following a Change of Control and is not made the
Vice President, Human Resources of the acquiring corporation or a division
thereof) shall not constitute an "Involuntary Termination;" (ii) without the
Employee's express written consent, a substantial reduction, without a good
business reason, of the facilities and perquisites (including office space and
location) available to the Employee immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a
significant reduction by the Company in the base salary of the Employee as in
effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material reduction by the
Company in the kind or level of employee benefits to which the Employee is
entitled immediately prior to such reduction with the result that the Employee's
overall benefits package is significantly reduced; and (v) without the
Employee's express written consent, the relocation of the Employee to a facility
or a location more than 50 miles from the Employee's then present location.

            (e) "TERMINATION DATE" means the date on which either party delivers
to the other a notice of termination of the Employee's employment with the
Company.

         8. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The Company may assign any of its rights
under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. This
Agreement shall be binding upon the Employee and his heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns.

         9. NOTICE.

            (a) General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Employee,
mailed notices shall be addressed to him at the home address which he most
recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company,
mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices
shall be directed to the attention of its Secretary.

            (b) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause
or by the Employee as a result of a voluntary resignation or an Involuntary
Termination of the Employee shall be communicated by a notice of termination to
the other party hereto given in accordance with this SECTION 9. Such notice
shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon,
shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to
provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and shall
specify the termination date (which shall be not more than 30 days after the
giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee to include in the notice any
fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Involuntary Termination
of the Employee shall not waive any right of the Employee hereunder or preclude
the Employee from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights
hereunder.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

         10. ARBITRATION.

            (a) General. In consideration of Employee's service to the Company
and Employee's receipt of the compensation, pay raises and other benefits paid
to Employee by the Company, at present and in the future, Employee agrees that
any and all controversies, claims, or disputes with anyone (including the
Company and any employee, officer, director, shareholder or benefit plan of the
Company in their capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or
respecting this Agreement, shall be subject to binding arbitration under the
Arbitration Rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure SECTION 1280
through 1294.2, including SECTION 1283.05 (the "RULES") and pursuant to
California law.

            (b) Procedure. Employee agrees that any arbitration will be
administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") and that a neutral
arbitrator will be selected in a manner consistent with its National Rules for
the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The arbitration proceedings will allow
for discovery according to the rules set forth in the National Rules for the
Resolution of Employment Disputes or California Code of Civil Procedure.
Employee agrees that the arbitrator shall have the power to decide any motions
brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment
and/or adjudication and motions to dismiss and demurrers, prior to any
arbitration hearing. Employee agrees that the arbitrator shall issue a written
decision on the merits. Employee also agrees that the arbitrator shall have the
power to award any remedies, including attorneys' fees and costs, available
under applicable law. Employee understands the Company will pay for any
administrative or hearing fees charged by the arbitrator or AAA except that
Employee shall pay the first $200.00 of any filing fees associated with any
arbitration Employee initiates. Employee agrees that the arbitrator shall
administer and conduct any arbitration in a manner consistent with the Rules and
that to the extent that the AAA's National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes conflict with the Rules, the Rules shall take precedence.

            (c) Remedy. Except as provided by the Rules, arbitration shall be
the sole, exclusive and final remedy for any dispute between Employee and the
Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Rules, neither Employee nor
the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are
subject to arbitration. Notwithstanding, the arbitrator will not have the
authority to disregard or refuse to enforce any lawful Company policy, and the
arbitrator shall not order or require the Company to adopt a policy not
otherwise required by law which the Company has not adopted.

            (d) Administrative Relief. Employee understands that this Agreement
does not prohibit Employee from pursuing an administrative claim with a local,
state or federal administrative body such as the Department of Fair Employment
and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the workers'
compensation board. This Agreement does, however, preclude Employee from
pursuing court action regarding any such claim.

            (e) Voluntary Nature of Agreement. Employee acknowledges and agrees
that Employee is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or
undue influence by the Company or anyone else. Employee further acknowledges and
agrees that Employee has carefully read this Agreement and that Employee has
asked any questions needed for Employee to understand the terms, consequences
and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understand it, including that

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

Employee is waiving Employee's right to a jury trial. Finally, Employee agrees
that Employee has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney
of Employee's choice before signing this Agreement.

         11. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

            (a) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived
or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in
writing and signed by the Employee and by an authorized officer of the Company
(other than the Employee). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party
shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same
condition or provision at another time.

            (b) Entire Agreement. No agreements, representations or
understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which
are not expressly set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by
either party with respect to the subject matter hereof.

            (c) Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California.

            (d) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force
and effect.

            (e) No Assignment of Benefits. The rights of any person to any
benefit under this Agreement shall not be made subject to option or assignment,
either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, including
(without limitation) bankruptcy, garnishment, attachment or other creditor's
process, and any action in violation of this SECTION (e) shall be void.

            (f) Taxes. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be
subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes.

            (g) Assignment by Company. The Company may assign its rights under
this Agreement to an affiliate, and an affiliate may assign its rights under
this Agreement to another affiliate of the Company or to the Company. In the
case of any such assignment, the term "Company" when used in a section of this
Agreement shall mean the corporation that actually employs the Employee.

            (h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will
constitute one and the same instrument.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in
the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year
first above written.

COMPANY:                             GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.

                                     By:
                                        ----------------------------------------

                                     Title:
                                           -------------------------------------

EMPLOYEE:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Kristin Ann Strout

                 [Signature page to Change of Control Agreement]

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