CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORP
S-8, 1999-03-19
TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIOTELEPHONE)
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<PAGE>
 
          AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 19, 1999
                                               Registration No. 333-
================================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM S-8
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     Under
                          The Securities Act of 1933
                        CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE> 
<S>                                             <C>                           <C>
Delaware                                                                           65-0257497
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                                                  (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                                               IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 
                                                1400 PARKMOOR AVE.
                                                SAN JOSE, CA 95126
                                                  (408) 817-2800
</TABLE> 

     (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area 
            code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

                      1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
                       1997 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                              ------------------
                              MICHAEL F. ANTHOFER
                            Chief Financial Officer
                        CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION
                              1400 PARKMOOR AVE.
                              SAN JOSE, CA 95126
                                (408) 817-2800
     (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including 
                    area code, of agent for service)
                              ------------------
                                    Copy to:
 
                             DAVID J. SEGRE, ESQ.
                              PAUL B. SHINN, ESQ.
                       WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                           PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
                              650 PAGE MILL ROAD
                              PALO ALTO, CA 94304
                                (650) 493-9300

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
====================================================================================================================
              TITLE OF SECURITIES TO                 AMOUNT TO BE  PROPOSED MAXIMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM   AMOUNT OF
                   BE REGISTERED                      REGISTERED    OFFERING PRICE       AGGREGATE      REGISTRATION
                                                                       PER SHARE       OFFERING PRICE       FEE
====================================================================================================================
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>                <C>               <C>
Common Stock, $0.001 par value issuable under:
 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan                      550,000       $35.5000 (2)    $19,525,000.00     $5,427.95
 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (3)                    302,886       $45.1031 (4)    $13,661,097.54     $3,797.79
                                                          -------                       --------------     ---------
Total                                                     852,886                       $33,186,097.54     $9,225.74
====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Common
    Stock which become issuable by reason of any stock dividend, stock split,
    recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the receipt
    of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the
    outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(2) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(h) of Regulation C solely for the purpose of
    calculating the registration fee.
(3) In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this
    Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to
    be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plan described herein.
(4) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) of Regulation C solely for the purpose of
    calculating the registration fee.  The proposed maximum offering price per
    share with respect to the additional 302,886 shares recently authorized and
    reserved for issuance under the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan has been
    estimated to be 85% of the average of the high and low prices reported in
    the Nasdaq National Market on March 12, 1999.

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                        CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION.
                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

                                    PART II

                 INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

                                        

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

       The following documents and information filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by the registrant are incorporated herein
by reference:
       (a)  The registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
            ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 000-22575) pursuant to Section
            13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
            "Exchange Act").

       (b)  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended
            December 31, 1998 (File No. 000-22575) pursuant to Section 13(a) of
            the Exchange Act.

       (c)  All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
            Exchange Act since the end of the latest fiscal year covered by the
            document referred to in (a) above.

       (c)  The description of the Company's Common Stock which is contained in
            the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the
            Commission pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and any
            description of any securities of the Registrant which is contained
            in any registration statement filed after the date hereof under
            Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any  amendment or report
            filed for the purpose of updating any such description.

       All documents subsequently filed by the registrant pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-
effective amendment to this registration statement which indicates that all
securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities
remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents.

ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

        The class of securities to be offered is registered under Section 12 of
the Exchange Act.

ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

        None.

ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

        Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court
to award, or a corporation's board of directors to grant, indemnification to
directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such
indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including
reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
The registrant's Bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors, officers,
employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation 
<PAGE>
 
Law. In addition, the registrant maintains liability insurance for its directors
and principal executive officers, including insurance against liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to a written agreement with each such
director and officer.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 8.  EXHIBITS.

         See Index to Exhibits.

ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     (a)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

              (i) To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement.

          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

      (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
                                        
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on March 19, 1999.

                                     By: /s/ Henry R. Nothhaft
                                         ---------------------
                                         Henry R. Nothhaft
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Henry R. Nothhaft and Michael F.
Anthofer, jointly and severally, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in
his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection
therewith, as fully and to all intents and purposes as they might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Signature                                 Title                          Date
- ------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------  ---------------- 
<S>                                   <C>                                       <C>

/s/ Henry R. Nothhaft                 Director and Chairman of the Board        March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------
    Henry R. Nothhaft
 
/s/ Henry R. Nothhaft                 President, Chief Executive Officer and    March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------  Director (Principal Executive Officer)
    Henry R. Nothhaft
 
/s/ Michael F. Anthofer               Chief Financial (Principal Financial      March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------  and Accounting Officer)
    Michael F. Anthofer
 
/s/ Vinod Khosla                      Director                                  March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------
    Vinod Khosla
 
/s/ Franco Regis                      Director                                  March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------
    Franco Regis
 
/s/ Gary E. Rieschel                  Director                                  March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------
    Gary E. Rieschel
 
/s/ S. Miller Williams                Director                                  March 19, 1999
- ------------------------------------
    S. Miller Williams
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS


   Exhibit                            
   Number                          Description of Document
- -------------       --------------------------------------------------
    4.1             1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan
    4.2             1997 Employee Stock Option Purchase Plan (as amended)
    5.1             Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
   23.1             Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
   23.2             Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
   24.1             Power of Attorney (see page II-4)

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                         CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION

                      1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN


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

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

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

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

          Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options.

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

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

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

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

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

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

          (f)  "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
               ------------                                        

          (g)  "Company" means Concentric Network Corporation, a Delaware 
                -------
corporation. 

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

          (i)  "Director" means a member of the Board.
                --------                              
<PAGE>
 
     (j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in Section
          ----------                                                            
22(e)(3) of the Code.

     (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers, employed by the
          --------                                                       
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  A Service Provider shall
not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by
the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the
Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.  Neither service as a
Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to
constitute "employment" by the Company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     (p) "Option" means a nonstatutory stock option granted pursuant to the
          ------                                                           
Plan, that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     (q) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an
          ----------------                                               
Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant.  The
Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

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

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

     (t) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option granted under the
          --------                                                             
Plan.

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

     (v) "Plan" means this 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan.
          ----                                                 

     (w) "Service Provider" means an Employee including an Officer, Consultant
          ----------------                                                    
or Director.

     (x) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance
          -----                                                              
with Section 12 of the Plan.

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

  3. Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of
     -------------------------                                             
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is five hundred fifty thousand (550,000) Shares.  The Shares may
be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

     If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised
in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the
unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future
grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated).

  4. Administration of the Plan.
     -------------------------- 

     (a) Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by (i) the Board or
         --------------                                                     
(ii) a Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable
Laws.

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

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
          (i)       to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock;

          (ii)      to select the Service Providers to whom Options may be
granted hereunder;

          (iii)     to determine whether and to what extent Options are granted
hereunder;

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

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

          (viii)    to institute an Option Exchange Program;

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

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

          (xi)      to modify or amend each Option (subject to Section 14(b) of
the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination
exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the
Plan;

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

          (xiii)    to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to
Options;

          (xiv)     to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by
electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise
of an Option that number of 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld.
The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the
date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by
an Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form
and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;
and

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

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

  5. Eligibility.  Options may be granted to Service Providers.
     -----------                                               

  6. Limitation.  Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon an
     ----------                                                       
Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as a
Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the
Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any
time, with or without cause.

  7. Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the
     ------------                                                           
Board.  It shall continue in effect for ten (10) years, unless sooner terminated
under Section 14 of the Plan.

  8. Term of Option.  The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
     --------------                                                        
Agreement.

  9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
     --------------------------------------- 

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

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

     (c) Form of Consideration.  The Administrator shall determine the
         ---------------------                                        
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment.  Such consideration may consist entirely of:

         (i)       cash;

         (ii)      check;

         (iii)     promissory note;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          (iv)      other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

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

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

          (vii)     such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or

          (viii)    any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

 10. Exercise of Option.
     ------------------ 

     (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted
         -----------------------------------------------                    
hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such
times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth
in the Option Agreement.  An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
Share.

         An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i)
written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.  Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a 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 Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

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

     (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider.  If an Optionee
         -------------------------------------------------                 
ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death or
Disability, the Optionee may exercise 

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
his or her Option, but only within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement, and only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date
of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time
in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3)
months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination,
the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by
the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall revert to the Plan.

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

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

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

 11. Non-Transferability of Options.  Unless determined otherwise by the
     ------------------------------                                     
Administrator, an Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the
Optionee, only by the Optionee.  If the Administrator makes an Option
transferable, 

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
such Option shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the
Administrator deems appropriate.

  12.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset
       ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sale.
- ---- 

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

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

       (c) Merger or Asset Sale.  In the event of a merger of the Company with 
           --------------------
or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of
the Company, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option or
right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the
successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to
assume or substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have
the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including
Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option
becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in
the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the
Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option shall be fully vested and
exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and
the Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes
of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers
the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock, immediately
prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash,
or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by
holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the
transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of
consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares);
provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of
assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent,
the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide
for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each
Share of Optioned Stock to be solely common stock of the successor corporation
or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received
by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

  13.  Date of Grant.  The date of grant of an Option shall be, for all
       -------------                                                   
purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting
such Option, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator.
Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a
reasonable time after the date of such grant.

  14.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
       ------------------------------------- 

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

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

  15.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
       ---------------------------------- 

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

       (b) Investment Representations.  As a condition to the exercise of an
           --------------------------                                       
Option the Company may require the person exercising such Option  to represent
and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased
only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such
Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is
required.
                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
  16.  Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to obtain
       -----------------------------                                         
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect
of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority
shall not have been obtained.

  17.  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.

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
                         CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION
                      1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.   NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
     ----------------------------
     [OPTIONEE'S NAME AND ADDRESS]

     You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:

     Grant Number                       _______________________

     Date of Grant                      _______________________

     Vesting Commencement Date          _______________________

     Exercise Price per Share           $______________________

     Total Number of Shares Granted     _______________________

     Total Exercise Price               $______________________

     Type of Option:                    Nonstatutory Stock Option

     Term/Expiration Date:              _______________________

     Vesting Schedule:
     ---------------- 
     Subject to the Optionee continuing to be a Service Provider on such dates,
this Option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the following
schedule:

     [25% OF THE SHARES SUBJECT TO THE OPTION SHALL VEST TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE
VESTING COMMENCEMENT DATE, AND 1/48TH OF THE SHARES SUBJECT TO THE OPTION SHALL
VEST UPON THE LAST DAY OF EACH MONTH THEREAFTER.]

     Termination Period:
     ------------------ 

     This Option may be exercised for _____ [days/months] after Optionee ceases
to be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this
Option may be exercised for such longer 
<PAGE>
 
period as provided in the Plan. In no event shall this Option be exercised later
than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above .

II.  AGREEMENT
     ---------

     1.   Grant of Option.  The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants
          ---------------                                            
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event
of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and
conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall
prevail.

     2.   Exercise of Option.
          ------------------ 

          (a) Right to Exercise.  This Option is exercisable during its term in
              -----------------                                                
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

          (b) Method of Exercise.  This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
              ------------------                                               
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.  The Exercise Notice shall be completed
by the Optionee and delivered to [TITLE].  The Exercise Notice shall be
accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised
Shares.  This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company
of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise
Price.

          No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws.  Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered
transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to
such Exercised Shares.

     3.   Method of Payment.  Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be
          -----------------
by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the
Optionee:

          (a)  cash;

          (b)  check;

          (c)  consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised
Shares.

     4.   Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
          -----------------------------        
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms
of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

     5.   Term of Option.  This Option may be exercised only within the term set
          --------------        
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

     6.   Tax Consequences. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to
          ----------------
this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

          (a)       Exercising the Option.  The Optionee may incur regular 
                    ---------------------                             
federal income tax liability upon exercise of an NSO. The Optionee will be
treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax
rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If the
Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to
withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the
applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this
compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the
exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not
delivered at the time of exercise.

          (b) Disposition of Shares. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at
              ---------------------                                    
least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated
as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

     7.   Entire Agreement; Governing Law.  The Plan is incorporated herein by
          -------------------------------                                     
reference.  The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee.  This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not
the choice of law rules, of California.

     8.   NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE.  OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
          ---------------------------------    
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING 
<PAGE>
 
SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL
OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION
OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE
SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED
ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT
ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR
WITHOUT CAUSE.

     By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below,
you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE                            CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION

 
______________________________      _______________________________
Signature                           By

 
______________________________      ________________________________
Print Name                          Title

______________________________
Residence Address

______________________________
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------
                         CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION
                      1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
                                EXERCISE NOTICE
                                        
     Concentric Network Corporation
     
     [ADDRESS]


     Attention: [TITLE]

     1.   Exercise of Option.  Effective as of today, ________________, _____,
          ------------------  
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Concentric Network Corporation (the
"Company") under and pursuant to the 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement dated ______, ___ (the "Option
Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be $_______, as required by
the Option Agreement.

     2.   Delivery of Payment.  Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
          -------------------      
full purchase price for the Shares.

     3.   Representations of Purchaser.  Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser 
          ---------------------------- 
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

     4.   Rights as Shareholder. 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 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 Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after 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 of issuance, except as provided in Section 12 of the
Plan.

     5.   Tax Consultation.  Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer 
          ----------------     
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Purchaser represents 
<PAGE>
 
that Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable
in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser
is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

     6.   Entire Agreement; Governing Law.  The Plan and Option Agreement are
          -------------------------------                                    
incorporated herein by reference.  This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser.  This agreement is
governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of
California.

Submitted by:                       Accepted by:

PURCHASER                           CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION

 
_______________________________     ___________________________________
Signature                           By

 
_______________________________     ___________________________________
Print Name                          Title

 
                                    __________________________________
                                    Date Received

Address:                            Address:
- ------- ________________________    ------- __________________________

        ________________________            __________________________

        ________________________            __________________________

 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2

                        CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION

                       1997 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                         (as Amended on May 20, 1998)
                                        

     The following constitute the provisions of the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan of Concentric Network Corporation.

     1.   Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
          -------                                                         
Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions.  It is the
intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase
Plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The
provisions of the Plan, accordingly, shall be construed so as to extend and
limit participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section
of the Code.

     2.   Definitions.
          ----------- 

          (a)  "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
                -----                                                   

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

          (c)  "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock of the Company.
                ------------                                             

          (d)  "Company" shall mean Concentric Network Corporation and any
                -------                                                   
Designated Subsidiary of the Company.

          (e)  "Compensation" shall mean all base straight time gross earnings
                ------------                                                  
and commissions, but exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium,
incentive compensation, incentive payments, bonuses and other compensation.

          (f)  "Designated Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary that has been
                ---------------------                                         
designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to
participate in the Plan.

          (g)  "Employee" shall mean any individual who is an Employee of the
                --------                                                     
Company for tax purposes whose customary employment with the Company is at least
twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year.
For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as
continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of
absence approved by the Company.  Where the period of leave exceeds 90 days and
the individual's right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by
contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the
91st day of such leave.
<PAGE>
 
          (h)  "Enrollment Date" shall mean the first day of each Offering
                ---------------                                           
Period.
          (i)  "Exercise Date" shall mean the last day of each Purchase Period.
                -------------                                                  

          (j)  "Fair Market Value" shall mean, as of any date, the value of
               -----------------                                          
Common Stock determined as follows:

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

          (2)  If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the Common Stock for
the last market trading day prior to the date of such determination, as reported
in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board or its committee
deems reliable, or;

          (3)  In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the
Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the Board or its
committee, or;

          (4)  For purposes of the Enrollment Date of the first Offering Period
under the Plan, the Fair Market Value shall be the initial price to the public
as set forth in the final prospectus included within the registration statement
in Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the initial
public offering of the Company's Common Stock (the "Registration Statement").

          (k)  "Offering Periods" shall mean the periods of approximately 
                ----------------
twenty-four (24) months during which an option granted pursuant to the Plan may
be exercised, commencing on the first Trading Day on or after February 15 and
August 15 of each year and terminating on the last Trading Day in the periods
ending twenty-four months later; provided, however, that the first Offering
Period under the Plan shall commence with the first Trading Day on or after the
date on which the Securities and Exchange Commission declares the Company's
Registration Statement effective and end on the last Trading Day on or before
February 14, 1999. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed
pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan.

          (l)  "Plan" shall mean this Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
                ----                                               

          (m)  "Purchase Price" shall mean an amount equal to 85% of the Fair
                --------------                                               
Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the
Exercise Date, whichever is lower.
<PAGE>
 
          (n)  "Purchase Period" shall mean the approximately six-month period
                ---------------                                               
commencing after one Exercise Date and ending with the next Exercise Date,
except that the first Purchase Period of any Offering Period shall commence on
the Enrollment Date and end with the next Exercise Date.

          (o)  "Reserves" shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock
                --------
covered by each option under the Plan that have not yet been exercised and the
number of shares of Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under
the Plan but not yet placed under option.

          (p)  "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign, of
                ----------                                                   
which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a
Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is hereafter organized
or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.

          (q)  "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which national stock exchanges
                -----------                                                    
and the Nasdaq System are open for trading.

     3.   Eligibility.
          ----------- 

          (a)  Any Employee who shall be employed by the Company on a given
Enrollment Date shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.

          (b)  Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no
Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) to the extent that,
immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock
would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code)
would own capital stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to
purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined
voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of
any Subsidiary, or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock
under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries
accrues at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) worth of
stock (determined at the fair market value of the shares at the time such option
is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any
time.

     4.   Offering Periods.  The Plan shall be implemented by consecutive,
          ----------------                                                
overlapping Offering Periods with a new Offering Period commencing on the first
Trading Day on or after February 15  and August 15 each year, or on such other
date as the Board shall determine, and continuing thereafter until terminated in
accordance with Section 20 hereof;  provided, however, that the first Offering
Period under the Plan shall commence with the first Trading Day on or after the
date on which the Securities and Exchange Commission declares the Company's
Registration Statement effective and ending on the last Trading Day on or before
February 14, 1999.  The Board or its committee shall have the power to change
the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with
respect to future offerings without shareholder approval if such 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
change is announced at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled beginning of
the first Offering Period to be affected thereafter.

     5.   Participation.
          ------------- 

          (a)  An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form
of Exhibit A to this Plan and filing it with the Company's payroll office prior
to the applicable Enrollment Date.

          (b)  Payroll deductions for a participant shall commence on the first
payroll following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in the
Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner
terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.

     6.   Payroll Deductions.
          ------------------ 

          (a)  At the time a participant files his or her subscription
agreement, he or she shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each pay day
during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding ten (10%) of the
Compensation that he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period.

          (b)  All payroll deductions made for a participant shall be credited
to his or her account under the Plan and shall be withheld in whole percentages
only. A participant may not make any additional payments into such account.

          (c)  A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the
Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, or may increase or decrease the rate of
his or her payroll deductions during the Offering Period by completing or filing
with the Company a new subscription agreement authorizing a change in payroll
deduction rate. The Board may, in its discretion, limit the number of
participation rate changes during any Offering Period. The change in rate shall
be effective with the first full payroll period following five (5) business days
after the Company's receipt of the new subscription agreement unless the Company
elects to process a given change in participation more quickly. A participant's
subscription agreement shall remain in effect for successive Offering Periods
unless terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof.

          (d)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply
with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(b) hereof, a participant's
payroll deductions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) at any time during a
Purchase Period.  Payroll deductions shall recommence at the rate provided in
such participant's subscription agreement at the beginning of the first Purchase
Period that is scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless
terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          (e)  At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at
the time some or all of the Company's Common Stock issued under the Plan is
disposed of, the participant must make adequate provision for the Company's
federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, that arise upon
the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock.  At any time,
the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the participant's
compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding
obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company
any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of
Common Stock by the Employee.

     7.   Grant of Option.  On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each
          ---------------                                                       
eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an
option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the
applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock determined by dividing such Employee's payroll deductions accumulated
prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Participant's account as of the
Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided that in no event shall
an Employee be permitted to purchase during each Purchase Period more than
25,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock (subject to any adjustment pursuant
to Section 19) on the Enrollment Date, and provided further that such purchase
shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3(b) and 12 hereof.
Exercise of the option shall occur as provided in Section 8 hereof, unless the
participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 hereof.  The option shall
expire on the last day of the Offering Period.

     8.   Exercise of Option.  Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as
          ------------------                                                  
provided in Section 10 hereof, his or her option for the purchase of shares
shall be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of
full shares subject to option shall be purchased for such participant at the
applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated payroll deductions in his or her
account.  No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll deductions
accumulated in a participant's account that are not sufficient to purchase a
full share shall be retained in the participant's account for the subsequent
Purchase Period or Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the
participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.  Any other monies left over in a
participant's account after the Exercise Date shall be returned to the
participant.  During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to
purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

     9.   Delivery.  As promptly as practicable after each Exercise Date on
          --------
which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company shall arrange the delivery to
each participant, as appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares
purchased upon exercise of his or her option.

     10.  Withdrawal.
          ---------- 

          (a)  A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the payroll
deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or
her option under the Plan at any time 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
by giving written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B to this Plan.
All of the participant's payroll deductions credited to his or her account shall
be paid to such participant promptly after receipt of notice of withdrawal and
such participant's option for the Offering Period shall be automatically
terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of shares shall
be made for such Offering Period. If a participant withdraws from an Offering
Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of the succeeding
Offering Period unless the participant delivers to the Company a new
subscription agreement.

          (b)  A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have
any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that
may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods that
commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the participant
withdraws.

     11.  Termination of Employment.
          ------------------------- 

          Upon a participant's ceasing to be an Employee for any reason, he or
she shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the payroll
deductions credited to such participant's account during the Offering Period but
not yet used to exercise the option shall be returned to such participant or, in
the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under
Section 15 hereof, and such participant's option shall be automatically
terminated. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, a participant who receives
payment in lieu of notice of termination of employment shall be treated as
continuing to be an Employee for the participant's customary number of hours per
week of employment during the period in which the participant is subject to such
payment in lieu of notice.

     12.  Interest.  No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a
          --------                                                          
participant in the Plan.

     13.  Stock.
          ----- 

          (a)  Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the
Company as provided in Section 19 hereof, the maximum number of shares of the
Company's Common Stock which shall be made available for sale under the Plan
shall be 500,000 shares, plus an annual increase to be added on the first day of
the Company's fiscal year beginning in 1999 equal to the lesser of (i) 400,000
shares, (ii) 2% of the outstanding shares on such date or (iii) an amount
determined by the Board.  If, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares
with respect to which options are to be exercised exceeds the number of shares
then available under the Plan, the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of
the shares remaining available for purchase in as uniform a manner as shall be
practicable and as it shall determine to be equitable.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  The participant shall have no interest or voting right in shares
covered by her option until such option has been exercised.

          (c)  Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan shall be
registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant and
his or her spouse.

     14.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a
          --------------                                                   
committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board.  The Board or its
committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe,
interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility and to
adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan.  Every finding, decision
and determination made by the Board or its committee shall, to the full extent
permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.

     15.  Designation of Beneficiary.
          -------------------------- 

          (a)  A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who
is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under
the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to an Exercise Date
on which the option is exercised but prior to delivery to such participant of
such shares and cash.  In addition, a participant may file a written designation
of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under
the Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to exercise of the
option.  If a participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the
spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective.

          (b)  Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant
at any time by written notice.  In the event of the death of a participant and
in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living
at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares
and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant,
or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of
the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or
cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the
participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company,
then to such other person as the Company may designate.

     16.  Transferability.  Neither payroll deductions credited to a
          ---------------                                           
participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or
to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the participant.  Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw
funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     17.  Use of Funds.  All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
          ------------                                                         
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

     18.  Reports.  Individual accounts shall be maintained for each participant
          -------                                                               
in the Plan.  Statements of account shall be given to participating Employees at
least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll
deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining
cash balance, if any.

     19.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation,
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
          Merger or Asset Sale.
          -------------------- 

          (a)  Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the
               -------------------------                                        
shareholders of the Company, the Reserves, the maximum number of shares each
participant may purchase each Purchase Period (pursuant to Section 7), as well
as the price per share and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each
option under the Plan that has not yet been exercised shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of 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.

          (b)  Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
               --------------------------                              
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Periods then in progress
shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date"), and
shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Board or its
Committee.   The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company's
proposed dissolution or liquidation.  The Board or its committee shall notify
each participant in writing, at least ten (10) business days prior to the New
Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the participant's option has been
changed to the New Exercise Date and that the participant's option shall be
exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the
participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10
hereof.

          (c)  Merger or Asset Sale.  In the event of a proposed sale of all or
               --------------------                                            
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, each outstanding option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the
successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, any
Purchase Periods then in progress shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise
Date (the "New Exercise Date") and any Offering Periods then in progress shall
end on the New Exercise Date. The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of
the Company's proposed sale or merger. The Board or its committee shall notify
each participant in writing, at least ten (10) business days prior to the New
Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the participant's option has been
changed to the New Exercise Date and that the participant's option shall be
exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the
participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10
hereof.

     20.  Amendment or Termination.
          ------------------------ 

          (a)  The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time and for any
reason terminate or amend the Plan.  Except as provided in Section 19 hereof, no
such termination can affect options previously granted, provided that an
Offering Period may be terminated by the Board of Directors on any Exercise Date
if the Board determines that the termination of the Plan is in the best
interests of the Company and its shareholders.  Except as provided in Section 19
hereof, no amendment may make any change in any option theretofore granted that
adversely affects the rights of any participant.  To the extent necessary to
comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any
other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule), the Company shall
obtain shareholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree as required.

          (b)  Without shareholder consent and without regard to whether any
participant rights may be considered to have been "adversely affected," the
Board or its committee shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit
the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering
Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a
currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the
amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in
the Company's processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish
reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting
procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock
for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the
participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures
as the Board or its committee determines in its sole discretion advisable that
are consistent with the Plan.

     21.  Notices.  All notices or other communications by a participant to the
          -------                                                              
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
     22.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.  Shares shall not be issued with
          ----------------------------------                                  
respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and
delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable
provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements
of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

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

     23.  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.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10)
years unless sooner terminated under Section 20 hereof.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------


                        CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION

                       1997 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                            SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT



_____ Original Application                          Enrollment Date: ___________
_____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate
_____ Change of Beneficiary(ies)


1.   ___________________________ hereby elects to participate in the Concentric
     Network Corporation 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan") and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company's Common
     Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Employee Stock
     Purchase Plan.

2.   I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of
     ____% of my Compensation on each payday (from 1 to 10%) during the Offering
     Period in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  (Please note
     that no fractional percentages are permitted.)

3.   I understand that said payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the
     purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price
     determined in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  I
     understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any
     accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my
     option.

4.   I have received a copy of the complete Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  I
     understand that my participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan is in
     all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.  I understand that my
     ability to exercise the option under this Subscription Agreement is subject
     to shareholder approval of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

5.   Shares purchased for me under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan should be
     issued in the name(s) of (Employee or Employee and Spouse only):
     _________________________________.

6.   I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the
     Plan within 2 years after the Enrollment Date (the first day of the
     Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or one year after the
     Exercise Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes 
<PAGE>
 
     as having received ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an
     amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the
     time such shares were purchased by me over the price that I paid for the
     shares. I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing within 30 days
             --------------------------------------------------------------
     after the date of any disposition of my shares, and I will make adequate
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     provision for Federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any,
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
     that arise upon the disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but
     ---------------------------------------------------
     will not be obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount
     necessary to meet any applicable withholding obligation including any
     withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax deductions
     or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by
     me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the 2-
     year and 1-year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for
     federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time of
     such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as ordinary income
     only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the excess of
     the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over
     the purchase price that I paid for the shares, or (2) 15% of the fair
     market value of the shares on the first day of the Offering Period. The
     remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition will be taxed
     as capital gain.

7.   I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Employee Stock Purchase
     Plan.  The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon
     my eligibility to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

8.   In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my
     beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due me under the
     Employee Stock Purchase Plan:



NAME:  (Please print)___________________________________________________________
                           (First)              (Middle)             (Last)


 
Relationship                                    ________________________________
                    
                                                ________________________________
                                                (Address)
<PAGE>
 
Employee's Social                               
Security Number:                                ________________________________



Employee's Address:                             ________________________________

                                                ________________________________

                                                ________________________________
 


I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT
SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.



Dated:___________________         ______________________________________________
                                  Signature of Employee


                                  ______________________________________________
                                  Name of Employee (Print or type)
 

                                  ______________________________________________
                                  Spouse's Signature (If beneficiary other than 
                                  spouse)


                                  ______________________________________________

                                  Name of Spouse (Print or type)
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------


                        CONCENTRIC NETWORK CORPORATION

                       1997 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                             NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL



     The undersigned participant in the Offering Period of the Concentric
Network Corporation 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan that began on
____________, 19____ (the "Enrollment Date") hereby notifies the Company that he
or she hereby withdraws from the Offering Period.  He or she hereby directs the
Company to pay to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll
deductions credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period.
The undersigned understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering
Period will be automatically terminated.  The undersigned understands further
that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in
the current Offering Period and the undersigned shall be eligible to participate
in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new
Subscription Agreement.


                                    Name and Address of Participant:


                                    ____________________________________________

                                    ____________________________________________

                                    ____________________________________________


                                    Signature:


                                    ____________________________________________

                                    Date:_______________________________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1



                                 March 17, 1999

Concentric Network Corporation
1400 Parkmoor Avenue
San Jose, CA  95126

     RE:  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Gentlemen:

     We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by you
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 17, 1999 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 550,000 shares of your Common Stock
reserved for issuance under the 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and 302,886
additional shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 1997 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (collectively, the "Plans").  As your legal counsel, we have
examined the proceedings taken and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to
be taken by you in connection with the sale and issuance of such Common Stock
under the Plans.

     It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the respective manners
referred to in the Plans and pursuant to the agreements which accompany the
Plans, the Common Stock issued and sold thereby will be legally and validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

     We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto.


                                    Very truly yours,

                                    WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                    Professional Corporation

                                    /s/  Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
                                    -------------------------------------
                                    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                                

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                                        

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 1999 Non Statutory Stock Option Plan and the 1997
Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Concentric Network Corporation of our report
dated January 25, 1999, except for Note 15, as to which the date is February 1,
1999, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of Concentric
Network Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year
ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


San Jose, California
March 16, 1999


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