Document:

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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4

                              ACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC.

                                 1996 STOCK PLAN

1.     Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 1996 Stock Plan are to attract
and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) or non-statutory stock options, as
determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject to
the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. 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
appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.

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

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

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

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

              (f)    "Company" means Active Software, Inc., a California
corporation.

              (g)    "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, who is
engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render services and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether
compensated for such services or not, provided that if and in the event the
Company registers any class of any equity security pursuant to the Exchange Act,
the term Consultant shall thereafter not include directors who are not
compensated for their services or are paid only a director's fee by the Company.

              (h)    "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means the
absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee or
Consultant. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be
considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave;
(iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided that
such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless
reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or
statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from
time to time; or (iv) in the case of transfers between locations of the Company
or between the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective

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successors. For purposes of this Plan, a change in status from an Employee to a
Consultant or from a Consultant to an Employee will not constitute an
interruption of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant.

              (i)    "Employee" means any person, including officers and
directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company,
with the status of employment determined based upon such minimum number of hours
or periods worked as shall be determined by the Administrator in its discretion,
subject to any requirements of the Code. The payment of a director's fee by the
Company shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

              (k)    "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the fair market
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
National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, 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 system or exchange, or the exchange with the
greatest volume of trading in Common Stock 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 quoted on the NASDAQ System
(but not on the National Market System thereof) or regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair
Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the
Common Stock 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; 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 Administrator.

              (l)    "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to
qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Code.

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

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

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

              (p)    "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option.

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

              (r)    "Plan" means this 1996 Stock Plan.

              (s)    "Reporting Person" means an officer, director, or greater
than ten percent shareholder of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-2
under the Exchange Act, who is required to file reports pursuant to Rule 16a-3
under the Exchange Act.

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

              (u)    "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, or any successor
provision.

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

              (w)    "Stock Exchange" means any stock exchange or consolidated
stock price reporting system on which prices for the Common Stock are quoted at
any given time.

              (x)    "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common
Stock pursuant to Section 11 below.

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

       3.     Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and
sold under the Plan is 1,280,733 shares of Common Stock, less any shares
transferred to the Company's 1996A Stock Plan (with the foregoing number of
shares reflecting all such transfers as of June 30, 1999), as set forth below.
The shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If an
Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason without having been
exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares that were subject thereto shall,
unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for future grant
under the Plan. In addition, any shares of Common Stock which are retained by
the Company upon exercise of an Option in order to satisfy the exercise or
purchase price for such Option or any withholding taxes due with respect to such
exercise shall be treated as not issued and shall continue to be available under
the Plan.

       Notwithstanding the foregoing, any shares that are repurchased under or
returned to the 1996 Stock Plan shall be automatically transferred to the
Company's 1996A Stock Plan.

       4.     Administration of the Plan.

              (a)    Procedure.

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                     (i)    Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to
directors, non-director officers and Employees or Consultants who are not
Reporting Persons.

                     (ii)   Administration With Respect to Reporting Persons.
With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to Employees who are
Reporting Persons, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board if the Board
may administer the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan
intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan, or (B) a committee
designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which committee shall be
constituted in such a manner as to permit the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3
with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan.
Once appointed, such committee shall continue to serve in its designated
capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may
increase the size of the committee and appoint additional members thereof,
remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution
therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the
committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as
a discretionary plan. No person serving as a member of an Administrator that has
authority with respect to grants to Reporting Persons shall be eligible to
receive any grant under the Plan which would cause such member to cease to be
"disinterested" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.

                     (iii)  Administration With Respect to Consultants and Other
Employees. With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to
Employees or Consultants who are not Reporting Persons, the Plan shall be
administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which
committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the legal
requirements relating to the administration of incentive stock option plans, if
any, of California corporate and securities laws, of the Code and of any
applicable Stock Exchange (the "Applicable Laws"). Once appointed, such
Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise
directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the
Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or
without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies,
however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly
administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws.

              (b)    Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan and in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the
Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant
authorities, including the approval, if required, of any Stock Exchange, the
Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion:

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

                     (ii)   to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;

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                     (iii)  to determine whether and to what extent Options and
Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted hereunder;

                     (iv)   to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each such award granted hereunder;

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

                     (vi)   to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder;

                     (vii)  to determine whether and under what circumstances an
Option may be settled in cash under Section 9(f) instead of Common Stock;

                     (viii) in order to fulfill the purposes of the Plan and
without amending the Plan, to modify grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights
to participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United
States in order to recognize differences in local law, tax policies or customs;
and

                     (ix)   to determine the terms and restrictions applicable
to Stock Purchase Rights and the Restricted Stock purchased by exercising such
Stock Purchase Rights.

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

       5.     Eligibility.

              (a)    Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be
granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to Employees. An Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option or
Stock Purchase Rights may, if he or she is otherwise eligible, be granted
additional Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

              (b)    Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate
Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Options designated as
Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee
during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as
Nonstatutory Stock Options.

              (c)    For purposes of Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall
be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair
Market Value of the Shares subject to an Incentive Stock Option shall be
determined as of the date of the grant of such Option.

              (d)    The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in

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any way with such Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate his or
her employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause.

       6.     Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
shareholders of the Company as described in Section 20 of the Plan. It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 16 of the Plan.

       7.     Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated
in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than
ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Option Agreement. However, in the case of an Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the 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 term of the Option shall be five (5)
years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in
the Option Agreement.

       8.     Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

              (a)    The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Board, but shall be subject to the following:

                     (i)    In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is:

                            (A)    granted to an Employee who, at the time of
the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, 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, 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 that is:

                            (A)    granted to a person who, at the time of the
grant of such Option, 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 the grant.

                            (B)    granted to any person, the per Share exercise
price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.

              (b)    The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued
upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined
by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2)
check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares that (x) in the case of Shares

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acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender or such other period as may be required
to avoid a charge to the Company's earnings, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which such Option shall be exercised, (5) authorization for the Company to
retain from the total number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised that
number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the
exercise price for the total number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised, (6) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable,
shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of
the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price and any applicable
income or employment taxes, (7) delivery of an irrevocable subscription
agreement for the Shares that irrevocably obligates the option holder to take
and pay for the Shares not more than twelve months after the date of delivery of
the subscription agreement, (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment, or (9) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance
of Shares to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws. In making its
determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall
consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.

       9.     Exercise of Option.

              (a)    Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect
to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms
of the Plan; provided that such Option shall become exercisable at the rate of
at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the
Option is granted.

                     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 the
Company has received full payment for the Shares with respect to which the
Option is exercised. Full payment may, as authorized by the Board, consist of
any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) 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. The Company shall issue (or cause to
be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 13 of the Plan.

                     Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a
decrease in the number of Shares that 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.

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              (b)    Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship.
Subject to Section 9(c), in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous
Status as an Employee or Consultant with the Company, such Optionee may, but
only within three (3) months (or such other period of time not less than thirty
(30) days as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the
case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option
and not exceeding three (3) months) after the date of such termination (but in
no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth
in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that the
Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the
extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. No
termination shall be deemed to occur and this Section 9(b) shall not apply if
(i) the Optionee is a Consultant who becomes an Employee; or (ii) the Optionee
is an Employee who becomes a Consultant.

              (c)    Disability of Optionee.

                     (i)    Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9(b)
above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an
Employee or Consultant as a result of his or her total and permanent disability
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only
within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (but in no event
later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to
exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not
entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does
not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate.

                     (ii)   In the event of termination of an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of a disability which
does not fall within the meaning of total and permanent disability (as set forth
in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within six (6) months
from the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration
date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise
the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination. However, to the extent that such Optionee fails to exercise an
Option which is an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO") (within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code) within three (3) months of the date of such termination, the
Option will not qualify for ISO treatment under the Code. To the extent that
Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or
if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within six
months (6) from the date of termination, the Option shall terminate.

              (d)    Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee
during the period of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, or within
thirty (30) days following the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Status
as an Employee or Consultant, the Option may be exercised, at any time within
six (6) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement), by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to
exercise the Option by bequest or

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inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of death or, if earlier, the date of termination of the
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant. To the extent that Optionee was
not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death or termination, as the
case may be, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

              (e)    Rule 16b-3. Options granted to Reporting Persons shall
comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or
restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption
for Plan transactions.

              (f)    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.

              10.    Non-Transferability of Options. 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.

       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 of the terms, conditions and restrictions related
to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled
to purchase, the price to be paid (which price shall not be less than 85% of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of the offer), and the time
within which such person must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed
thirty (30) days from the date upon which the Administrator made the
determination to grant the Stock Purchase Right. 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 the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment 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 cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness
of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate
as the Committee may determine, but at a minimum rate of 20% per year.

              (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

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by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In addition, the provisions of
Restricted Stock purchase agreements need not be the same with respect to each
purchaser.

              (d)    Rights as a Shareholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder 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.    Stock Withholding to Satisfy Withholding Tax Obligations. At the
discretion of the Administrator, Optionees may satisfy withholding obligations
as provided in this paragraph. When an Optionee incurs tax liability in
connection with an Option or Stock Purchase Right, which tax liability is
subject to tax withholding under applicable tax laws, and the Optionee is
obligated to pay the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable
tax laws, the Optionee may satisfy the withholding tax obligation by one or some
combination of the following methods: (a) by cash payment, or (b) out of
Optionee's current compensation, (c) if permitted by the Administrator, in its
discretion, by surrendering to the Company Shares that (i) in the case of Shares
previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on
the date of surrender equal to or less than Optionee's marginal tax rate times
the ordinary income recognized, or (d) by electing to have the Company withhold
from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option, if any, or the Shares
to be issued in connection with the Stock Purchase Right, that number of Shares
having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. For this
purpose, 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 (the "Tax
Date").

                     Any surrender by a Reporting Person of previously owned
Shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon exercise of this
Option must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall be
subject to such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required
thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange
Act with respect to Plan transactions.

                     All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld to
satisfy tax withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form
acceptable to the Administrator and shall be subject to the following
restrictions:

              (a)    the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax
Date;

              (b)    once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to which the election
is made;

              (c)    all elections shall be subject to the consent or
disapproval of the Administrator;

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              (d)    if the Optionee is a Reporting Person, the election must
comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall be subject to such
additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify
for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to
Plan transactions.

                     In the event the election to have Shares withheld is made
by an Optionee and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because
no election is filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Optionee shall receive
the full number of Shares with respect to which the Option or Stock Purchase
Right is exercised but such Optionee shall be unconditionally obligated to
tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the Tax Date.

       13.    Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Certain
Other Transactions.

              (a)    Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action
by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered
by each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or that 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, recapitalization 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.

              (b)    Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Board shall notify the Optionee
at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. To the extent it has
not been previously exercised, the Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

              (c)    Merger or Sale of Assets. In the event of a proposed sale
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation where the successor corporation issues its
securities to the Company's shareholders, each outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right shall be
substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such
successor corporation, unless the successor corporation does not agree to assume
the Option or

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<PAGE>   12

Stock Purchase Right or to substitute an equivalent option or right, in which
case such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the consummation
of the merger or sale of assets.

              (d)    Certain Distributions. In the event of any distribution to
the Company's shareholders of securities of any other entity or other assets
(other than dividends payable in cash or stock of the Company) without receipt
of consideration by the Company, the Administrator may, in its discretion,
appropriately adjust the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right to reflect the effect of such
distribution.

       14.    Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Options
and Stock Purchase Rights 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 or purchased during the lifetime of
the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

       15.    Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of
grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date
on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Board. Notice of the
determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option or
Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of
such grant.

       16.    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 that 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 Rule 16b-3 or with Section 422
of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation, including the
requirements of any Stock Exchange), 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. No amendment or
termination of the Plan shall adversely affect Options already granted, unless
mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Board, which agreement
must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

       17.    Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. 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 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, and the
requirements of any Stock Exchange.

                     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

                                      -12-

<PAGE>   13

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 law.

       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. 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.

       19.    Agreements. Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced
by written agreements in such form as the Administrator shall approve from time
to time.

       20.    Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the
rules of any Stock Exchange. All Options and Stock Purchase Rights issued under
the Plan shall become void in the event such approval is not obtained.

       21.    Information to Optionees. The Company shall provide financial
statements at least annually to each Optionee during the period such Optionee
has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and in the case of
an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such
individual owns such Shares. The Company shall not be required to provide such
information if the issuance of Options and Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan
is limited to key employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure
their access to equivalent information.

                                      -13-<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.5

                              ACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC.

                                1996A STOCK PLAN

1.     Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 1996A Stock Plan are to
attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) or non-statutory stock options, as
determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject to
the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. 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
appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.

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

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

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

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

              (f)    "Company" means Active Software, Inc., a California
corporation.

              (g)    "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, who is
engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render services and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether
compensated for such services or not, provided that if and in the event the
Company registers any class of any equity security pursuant to the Exchange Act,
the term Consultant shall thereafter not include directors who are not
compensated for their services or are paid only a director's fee by the Company.

              (h)    "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means the
absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee or
Consultant. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be
considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave;
(iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided that
such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless
reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or
statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from
time to time; or (iv) in the case of transfers between locations of the Company
or between the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. For
purposes of this Plan, a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or

<PAGE>   2

from a Consultant to an Employee will not constitute an interruption of
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant.

              (i)    "Employee" means any person, including officers and
directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company,
with the status of employment determined based upon such minimum number of hours
or periods worked as shall be determined by the Administrator in its discretion,
subject to any requirements of the Code. The payment of a director's fee by the
Company shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

              (k)    "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the fair market
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
National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, 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 system or exchange, or the exchange with the
greatest volume of trading in Common Stock 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 quoted on the NASDAQ System
(but not on the National Market System thereof) or regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair
Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the
Common Stock 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; 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 Administrator.

              (l)    "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to
qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Code.

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

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

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

              (p)    "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option.

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

                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3

              (r)    "Plan" means this 1996A Stock Plan.

              (s)    "Reporting Person" means an officer, director, or greater
than ten percent shareholder of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-2
under the Exchange Act, who is required to file reports pursuant to Rule 16a-3
under the Exchange Act.

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

              (u)    "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, or any successor
provision.

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

              (w)    "Stock Exchange" means any stock exchange or consolidated
stock price reporting system on which prices for the Common Stock are quoted at
any given time.

              (x)    "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common
Stock pursuant to Section 11 below.

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

       3.     Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and
sold under the Plan is three million two hundred fifty-seven thousand six
hundred sixty-seven (3,257,667) shares of Common Stock (plus any shares
transferred to the Plan from the 1996 Stock Plan as set forth below, with the
foregoing number of shares reflecting all such transfers as of June 30, 1999).
The shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock
(including shares repurchased pursuant to the Company's rights of repurchase
under the Plan or any restricted stock purchase agreement or stock option
agreement hereunder). If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any
reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares that were
subject thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become
available for future grant under the Plan. In addition, any shares of Common
Stock which are retained by the Company upon exercise of an Option in order to
satisfy the exercise or purchase price for such Option or any withholding taxes
due with respect to such exercise shall be treated as not issued and shall
continue to be available under the Plan.

       Notwithstanding the foregoing, any shares that are repurchased under or
returned to the Company's 1996 Stock Plan shall be automatically transferred to
the Plan and will be authorized for issuance hereunder.

       4.     Administration of the Plan.

              (a)    Procedure.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>   4

                     (i)    Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to
directors, non-director officers and Employees or Consultants who are not
Reporting Persons.

                     (ii)   Administration With Respect to Reporting Persons.
With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to Employees who are
Reporting Persons, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board if the Board
may administer the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan
intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan, or (B) a committee
designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which committee shall be
constituted in such a manner as to permit the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3
with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan.
Once appointed, such committee shall continue to serve in its designated
capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may
increase the size of the committee and appoint additional members thereof,
remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution
therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the
committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as
a discretionary plan. No person serving as a member of an Administrator that has
authority with respect to grants to Reporting Persons shall be eligible to
receive any grant under the Plan which would cause such member to cease to be
"disinterested" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.

                     (iii)  Administration With Respect to Consultants and Other
Employees. With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to
Employees or Consultants who are not Reporting Persons, the Plan shall be
administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which
committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the legal
requirements relating to the administration of incentive stock option plans, if
any, of California corporate and securities laws, of the Code and of any
applicable Stock Exchange (the "Applicable Laws"). Once appointed, such
Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise
directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the
Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or
without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies,
however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly
administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws.

              (b)    Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan and in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the
Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant
authorities, including the approval, if required, of any Stock Exchange, the
Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion:

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

                     (ii)   to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;

                                      -4-

<PAGE>   5

                     (iii)  to determine whether and to what extent Options and
Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted hereunder;

                     (iv)   to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each such award granted hereunder;

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

                     (vi)   to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder;

                     (vii)  to determine whether and under what circumstances an
Option may be settled in cash under Section 9(f) instead of Common Stock;

                     (viii) in order to fulfill the purposes of the Plan and
without amending the Plan, to modify grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights
to participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United
States in order to recognize differences in local law, tax policies or customs;
and

                     (ix)   to determine the terms and restrictions applicable
to Stock Purchase Rights and the Restricted Stock purchased by exercising such
Stock Purchase Rights.

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

       5.     Eligibility.

              (a)    Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be
granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to Employees. An Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option or
Stock Purchase Rights may, if he or she is otherwise eligible, be granted
additional Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

              (b)    Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate
Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Options designated as
Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee
during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as
Nonstatutory Stock Options.

              (c)    For purposes of Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall
be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair
Market Value of the Shares subject to an Incentive Stock Option shall be
determined as of the date of the grant of such Option.

              (d)    The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in

                                      -5-

<PAGE>   6

any way with such Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate his or
her employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause.

       6.     Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
shareholders of the Company as described in Section 20 of the Plan. It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 16 of the Plan.

       7.     Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated
in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than
ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Option Agreement. However, in the case of an Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the 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 term of the Option shall be five (5)
years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in
the Option Agreement.

       8.     Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

              (a)    The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Board, but shall be subject to the following:

                     (i)    In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is:

                            (A)    granted to an Employee who, at the time of
the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, 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, 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 that is:

                            (A)    granted to a person who, at the time of the
grant of such Option, 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 the grant.

                            (B)    granted to any person, the per Share exercise
price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.

              (b)    The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued
upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined
by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2)
check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares that (x) in the case of Shares

                                      -6-

<PAGE>   7

acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender or such other period as may be required
to avoid a charge to the Company's earnings, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which such Option shall be exercised, (5) authorization for the Company to
retain from the total number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised that
number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the
exercise price for the total number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised, (6) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable,
shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of
the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price and any applicable
income or employment taxes, (7) delivery of an irrevocable subscription
agreement for the Shares that irrevocably obligates the option holder to take
and pay for the Shares not more than twelve months after the date of delivery of
the subscription agreement, (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment, or (9) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance
of Shares to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws. In making its
determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall
consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.

       9.     Exercise of Option.

              (a)    Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect
to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms
of the Plan; provided that such Option shall become exercisable at the rate of
at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the
Option is granted.

                     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 the
Company has received full payment for the Shares with respect to which the
Option is exercised. Full payment may, as authorized by the Board, consist of
any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) 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. The Company shall issue (or cause to
be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 13 of the Plan.

                     Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a
decrease in the number of Shares that 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.

                                      -7-

<PAGE>   8

              (b)    Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship.
Subject to Section 9(c), in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous
Status as an Employee or Consultant with the Company, such Optionee may, but
only within three (3) months (or such other period of time not less than thirty
(30) days as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the
case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option
and not exceeding three (3) months) after the date of such termination (but in
no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth
in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that the
Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the
extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. No
termination shall be deemed to occur and this Section 9(b) shall not apply if
(i) the Optionee is a Consultant who becomes an Employee; or (ii) the Optionee
is an Employee who becomes a Consultant.

              (c)    Disability of Optionee.

                     (i)    Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9(b)
above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an
Employee or Consultant as a result of his or her total and permanent disability
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only
within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (but in no event
later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to
exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not
entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does
not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate.

                     (ii)   In the event of termination of an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of a disability which
does not fall within the meaning of total and permanent disability (as set forth
in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within six (6) months
from the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration
date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise
the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination. However, to the extent that such Optionee fails to exercise an
Option which is an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO") (within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code) within three (3) months of the date of such termination, the
Option will not qualify for ISO treatment under the Code. To the extent that
Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or
if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within six
months (6) from the date of termination, the Option shall terminate.

              (d)    Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee
during the period of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, or within
thirty (30) days following the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Status
as an Employee or Consultant, the Option may be exercised, at any time within
six (6) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement), by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to
exercise the Option by bequest or

                                      -8-

<PAGE>   9

inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of death or, if earlier, the date of termination of the
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant. To the extent that Optionee was
not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death or termination, as the
case may be, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

              (e)    Rule 16b-3. Options granted to Reporting Persons shall
comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or
restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption
for Plan transactions.

              (f)    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.

              10.    Non-Transferability of Options. 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.

       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 of the terms, conditions and restrictions related
to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled
to purchase, the price to be paid (which price shall not be less than 85% of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of the offer), and the time
within which such person must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed
thirty (30) days from the date upon which the Administrator made the
determination to grant the Stock Purchase Right. 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 the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment 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 cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness
of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate
as the Committee may determine, but at a minimum rate of 20% per year.

              (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

                                      -9-

<PAGE>   10

by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In addition, the provisions of
Restricted Stock purchase agreements need not be the same with respect to each
purchaser.

              (d)    Rights as a Shareholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder 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.    Stock Withholding to Satisfy Withholding Tax Obligations. At the
discretion of the Administrator, Optionees may satisfy withholding obligations
as provided in this paragraph. When an Optionee incurs tax liability in
connection with an Option or Stock Purchase Right, which tax liability is
subject to tax withholding under applicable tax laws, and the Optionee is
obligated to pay the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable
tax laws, the Optionee may satisfy the withholding tax obligation by one or some
combination of the following methods: (a) by cash payment, or (b) out of
Optionee's current compensation, (c) if permitted by the Administrator, in its
discretion, by surrendering to the Company Shares that (i) in the case of Shares
previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on
the date of surrender equal to or less than Optionee's marginal tax rate times
the ordinary income recognized, or (d) by electing to have the Company withhold
from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option, if any, or the Shares
to be issued in connection with the Stock Purchase Right, that number of Shares
having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. For this
purpose, 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 (the "Tax
Date").

                     Any surrender by a Reporting Person of previously owned
Shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon exercise of this
Option must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall be
subject to such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required
thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange
Act with respect to Plan transactions.

                     All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld to
satisfy tax withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form
acceptable to the Administrator and shall be subject to the following
restrictions:

              (a)    the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax
Date;

              (b)    once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to which the election
is made;

              (c)    all elections shall be subject to the consent or
disapproval of the Administrator;

                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11

              (d)    if the Optionee is a Reporting Person, the election must
comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 and shall be subject to such
additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify
for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to
Plan transactions.

                     In the event the election to have Shares withheld is made
by an Optionee and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because
no election is filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Optionee shall receive
the full number of Shares with respect to which the Option or Stock Purchase
Right is exercised but such Optionee shall be unconditionally obligated to
tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the Tax Date.

       13.    Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Certain
Other Transactions.

              (a)    Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action
by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered
by each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or that 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, recapitalization 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.

              (b)    Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Board shall notify the Optionee
at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. To the extent it has
not been previously exercised, the Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

              (c)    Merger or Sale of Assets. In the event of a proposed sale
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation where the successor corporation issues its
securities to the Company's shareholders, each outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right shall be
substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such
successor corporation, unless the successor corporation does not agree to assume
the Option or

                                      -11-

<PAGE>   12

Stock Purchase Right or to substitute an equivalent option or right, in which
case such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the consummation
of the merger or sale of assets.

              (d)    Certain Distributions. In the event of any distribution to
the Company's shareholders of securities of any other entity or other assets
(other than dividends payable in cash or stock of the Company) without receipt
of consideration by the Company, the Administrator may, in its discretion,
appropriately adjust the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right to reflect the effect of such
distribution.

       14.    Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Options
and Stock Purchase Rights 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 or purchased during the lifetime of
the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

       15.    Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of
grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date
on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Board. Notice of the
determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option or
Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of
such grant.

       16.    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 that 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 Rule 16b-3 or with Section 422
of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation, including the
requirements of any Stock Exchange), 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. No amendment or
termination of the Plan shall adversely affect Options already granted, unless
mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Board, which agreement
must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

       17.    Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. 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 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, and the
requirements of any Stock Exchange.

                     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

                                      -12-

<PAGE>   13

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 law.

       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. 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.

       19.    Agreements. Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced
by written agreements in such form as the Administrator shall approve from time
to time.

       20.    Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the
rules of any Stock Exchange. All Options and Stock Purchase Rights issued under
the Plan shall become void in the event such approval is not obtained.

       21.    Information to Optionees. The Company shall provide financial
statements at least annually to each Optionee during the period such Optionee
has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and in the case of
an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such
individual owns such Shares. The Company shall not be required to provide such
information if the issuance of Options and Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan
is limited to key employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure
their access to equivalent information.

                                      -13-

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