CABLE SYSTEMS HOLDING LLC
SC 13D/A, 2000-03-02
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Page  1    of    Pages

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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                 --------------
                                 Amendment No. 7
                                       to
                                  SCHEDULE 13D

                    Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                            IPC Communications, Inc.
                                (Name of Issuer)

                                  Common Stock
                                 $.01 par value
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                 --------------

                                    44980K206
                                 (CUSIP Number)

                           Cable Systems Holding, LLC
                        (Name of Person Filing Statement)

                             Philip H. Werner, Esq.
                           Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
                                 101 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10178
                             Tel. No.: 212- 309-6000
                  (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
                Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

                                  February 22, 2000
             (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

                                 --------------

     If the filing  person has  previously  filed a statement on Schedule 13G to
report the acquisition  which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing
this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), (f) or (g), check the following box / /.

NOTE:  Schedules  filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five
copies of the  Schedule,  including  all  exhibits.  See Rule 13d-7(b) for other
parties to whom copies are to be sent.

*The  remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting  person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for  any  subsequent   amendment   containing   information  which  would  alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise  subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but  shall be  subject  to all other  provisions  of the Act  (however,  see the
NOTES).

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  2    of 31   Pages
                                                         -----    -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

            Cable Systems Holding, LLC

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            DE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7 SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            4,686,985
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        4,686,985

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            4,686,985

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            53.12%

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  3    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

            Citicorp Venture Capital Ltd.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            NY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            CO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  4    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

            Citibank, N.A.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            US

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            BK

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  5    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

            Citicorp

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            DE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            HC

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  6    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

            Citigroup Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            DE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            HC

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  7    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS

            Citigroup Holdings Company

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            DE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            HC

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                    13D           Page  8    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS


            David Kirby

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            US

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            IN

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


- --------------------                                 -------------------------
CUSIP No. 44980K206                   13D            Page  9    of  31   Pages
                                                         -----     -----
- --------------------                                 -------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1  NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
       S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSONS


            John O'Mara

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2  CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*              (a) / /
                                                                      (b) /X/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3  SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4  SOURCE OF FUNDS*

            OO

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5  CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
       PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)                                     / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6  CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

            US

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     7  SOLE VOTING POWER

                        0

    NUMBER OF       -----------------------------------------------------------
     SHARES          8  SHARED VOTING POWER
   BENEFICIALLY
    OWNED BY            See Item 5.
       EACH         -----------------------------------------------------------
    REPORTING        9  SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
   PERSON WITH
                        0

                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                    10  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                        See Item 5.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12  CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
       CERTAIN SHARES*                                                  / /

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

            See Item 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

            IN

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>


         This Amendment No. 7 to a Schedule 13D filed on December 29, 1997, as
amended by each of Amendment No.1, Amendment No. 2, Amendment No. 3, Amendment
No. 4, Amendment No. 5 and Amendment No. 6 thereto filed on December 30, 1997,
April 27, 1998, May 22, 1998, April 14, 1999, May 24, 1999 and August 23, 1999,
respectively, relates to the common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the
"Shares"), of IPC Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("IPC" or the
"Company"). Information in prior amendments and the original Schedule 13D
remains in effect except to the extent that it is superseded by subsequently
filed information, including the information contained in this Amendment No. 7.
Information given in response to each item shall be deemed incorporated by
reference in all other items. Terms used and not defined herein have the
meanings ascribed to them in such Schedule 13D.

         The responses to Items 2, 3, 5 and 7 of the Schedule 13D are hereby
amended and supplemented as follows:

         ITEM 2. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND

         This Schedule 13D is being filed jointly on behalf of the following
persons (collectively, the "Reporting Persons"): (i) Cable Systems Holding, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company ("CSH LLC"); (ii) Citicorp Venture Capital
Ltd., a New York corporation ("CVC"); (iii) Citibank, N.A., a national banking
association ("Citibank"); (iv) Citicorp, a Delaware corporation ("Citicorp");
(v) Citigroup Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Citigroup"); (vi) Citigroup
Holdings Company, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"); (vii) David Kirby
("Kirby"); and (viii) John O'Mara ("O'Mara").

         Holdings is a Delaware corporation and is the sole stockholder of
Citicorp. Holdings is a holding company. Citigroup, a Delaware corporation, is
the sole stockholder of Holdings. The address of its principal business office
is One Rodney Square, Wilmington, Delaware 19899.

         During the past five (5) years, Holdings has not been (i) convicted in
a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or
(ii) a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of
competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a
judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting
or mandating activities subject to United States federal or state securities
laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

         ITEM 3. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.

         See Item 5 below.

         ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.

         The information set forth in Items 7-13 of the first cover sheet filed
herewith is incorporated by reference in response to this Item.

         Before giving effect to the transaction described in this Item 5, CSH
LLC had sole voting power over 4,346,033 Shares and shared voting power over
340,952 Shares, representing approximately 53.12% of the outstanding voting
securities of the Company.

         The Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
February 22, 2000 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Global Crossing
Ltd. ("Global"), Georgia Merger Sub Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Global("GC Merger Sub"), IPC Information Systems, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Company ("IPC Systems"), Idaho Merger Sub Corporation, a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company ("IPC Merger Sub") and IXnet, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company ("IXnet"), pursuant to which (i) the Company
will be merged with and into IPC Systems, (ii) GC Merger Sub will be merged with
and into IPC Systems and (iii) IPC Merger Sub will be merged with and into IXnet


                                      -10-

<PAGE>


(collectively the "Mergers"). The Merger Agreement provides that each issued and
outstanding IPC Share will be converted into 5.417 shares of Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share, of Global ("Global Common Stock"), and each issued and
outstanding share of IXnet will be converted into 1.184 shares of Global Common
Stock, upon consummation of the Mergers (see Exhibit 2).

         In connection therewith, and as an inducement and an essential
condition to Global's entering into the Merger Agreement, CSH LLC has entered
into a Consent and Voting Agreement ("Consent and Voting Agreement") pursuant to
which it has agreed to, among other things:

         --       Execute and deliver a consent, as a stockholder of the
                  Company, approving the Merger Agreement, effective as of the
                  date of the Merger Agreement.

         --       Vote its Shares or give further written consents in favor of
                  approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, the
                  transactions contemplated thereby and related matters.

         --       Vote its Shares against any action or agreement that would
                  result in a breach of the Merger Agreement, and vote against
                  other specified transactions that might interfere with the
                  Mergers.

         --       Grant to Global an irrevocable proxy to vote its Shares on
                  matters covered by the Consent and Voting Agreement.

         --       Not solicit other proposals to acquire the Company.

         --       Not transfer its Shares, except that CSH LLC may distribute up
                  to 20% of such Shares to any of its members free and clear of
                  all obligations under the Consent and Voting Agreement.

         The Consent and Voting Agreement also prohibits CSH LLC from
transferring shares of Global Common Stock received in the Mergers for one year
after the Mergers, subject to certain exceptions including transfers to certain
permitted transferees. In addition, CSH LLC and its permitted transferees have
agreed to certain restrictions on its activities after the Mergers, including a
restriction from effecting a change in control of Global or other similar
actions for such one year period.

         This summary of terms of the Consent and Voting Agreement is qualified
in its entirety by the terms of the Consent and Voting Agreement and exhibits
thereto, filed as Exhibit 3 to this Schedule 13D.

         Global has also agreed to enter into a Registration Rights Agreement to
be effective upon the effective time of the Mergers pursuant to which Global has
granted CSH LLC certain demand and piggyback registration rights under certain
circumstances (see Exhibit 4).

         Furthermore, all of the parties to the Investors Agreement have entered
into a Consent and Agreement of Termination whereby they have agreed to
terminate the Investors Agreement, effective immediately prior to the effective
time of the Mergers, unless the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement are terminated (see Exhibit 5).

         Giving effect to the Consent and Voting Agreement, CSH LLC had shared
voting and dispositive power over 4,686,985 Shares as of February 22, 2000. As
previously disclosed, the Reporting Persons may constitute a group. Any decision
taken by CSH LLC regarding these IPC Shares requiring a majority vote of the IPC
Members must receive the affirmative vote of at least two of CVC, Kirby and


                                      -11-

<PAGE>


O'Mara.

         In addition, the following Reporting Persons beneficially own Shares
directly or indirectly through subsidiaries other than CSH LLC and CVC:

                                                              Percentage of
                                                              Outstanding Class
                                                              Represented by
         Reporting Person                Number of Shares     Additional Shares
         ----------------                ----------------     -----------------

         Citibank, N.A.                  125                  0.0%
         Citicorp                        125                  0.0%
         Citigroup Holdings Company      125                  0.0%
         Citigroup Inc.                  15,525               0.2%

Such Reporting Persons have shared voting power and shared dispositive power
over the Shares listed above. These Shares are not subject to the Consent and
Voting Agreement.


                                      -12-

<PAGE>


         ITEM 7. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.

         Exhibit 1: Joint Filing Agreement among the Reporting Persons.

         Exhibit 2: Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 22, 2000, among
IPC Communications, Inc., Global Crossing Ltd., Georgia Merger Sub, IPC
Information Systems, Inc., Idaho Merger Sub Corporation, and IXnet, Inc.

         Exhibit 3: Consent and Voting Agreement, dated February 22, 2000, among
Global Crossing Ltd., Cable Systems Holding, LLC, and each of the signatories
thereto.

         Exhibit 4: Registration Rights Agreement, among Global Crossing Ltd.,
Cable Systems Holding, LLC, and Richard Kleinknecht.

         Exhibit 5: Consent and Agreement of Termination, dated February 22,
2000, among Cable Systems Holding, LLC and the other parties named therein.


                                      -13-

<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                       Cable Systems Holding, LLC


                                       By:  /s/ Peter Woog
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Name:  Peter Woog
                                          Title: Manager

                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                       Citicorp Venture Capital Ltd.

                                       By: /s/ David Y. Howe
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Name:  David Y. Howe
                                          Title: Vice President



                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                       Citibank, N.A.


                                       By:  /s/ Kenneth S. Cohen
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Name:  Kenneth S. Cohen
                                          Title: Vice President and
                                                 Assistant Secretary

                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                       Citigroup Holdings Company


                                       By: /s/ Kenneth S. Cohen
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Name:  Kenneth S. Cohen
                                           Title: Assistant Secretary


                                      -14-

<PAGE>


                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                       Citicorp

                                       By: /s/ Kenneth S. Cohen
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Name:  Kenneth S. Cohen
                                          Title: Assistant Secretary


                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                       Citigroup Inc.

                                       By:  /s/ Joan Caridi
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Name:  Joan Caridi
                                          Title: Assistant Secretary

              After  reasonable  inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief of
the  undersigned,  the  undersigned  certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000
                                            /s/ David Kirby
                                       ---------------------------------
                                       Name: David Kirby

                  After reasonable inquiry and to the best knowledge and belief
of the undersigned, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in
this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: March 2, 2000

                                            /s/ John O'Mara
                                       ---------------------------------
                                       Name: John O'Mara


                                      -15-



<PAGE>


                                    Exhibit 1


<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT 1

                             Joint Filing Agreement

                  In accordance with Rule 13d-1(f) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, each of the persons named below agrees to the joint
filing of a Statement on Schedule 13D (including amendments thereto) with
respect to the common stock, par value $0.01, of IPC Communications, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and further agrees that this Joint Filing Agreement be
included as an exhibit to such filings provided that, as contemplated by Section
13d-1(f)(1)(ii), no person shall be responsible for the completeness or accuracy
of the information concerning the other persons making the filing, unless such
person knows or has reason to believe that such information is inaccurate. This
Joint Filing may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Cable Systems Holding, LLC

By:  /s/ Peter Woog                                  Date:  March 2, 2000
   -------------------------
  Name:  Peter Woog
  Title: Manager


Citicorp Venture Capital Ltd.


By:  /s/ David Y. Howe                               Date:  March 2, 2000
   -------------------------
   Name: David Y. Howe
   Title: Vice President


Citibank, N.A.


By:  /s/ Kenneth S. Cohen                            Date:  March 2, 2000
   --------------------------
   Name: Kenneth S. Cohen
   Title: Vice President and
          Assistant Secretary


Citicorp

By:  /s/ Kenneth S. Cohen                            Date:  March 2, 2000
   --------------------------
   Name:  Kenneth S. Cohen
   Title: Assistant Secretary


Citigroup Inc.


By:  /s/ Joan Caridi                                 Date:  March 2, 2000
   ---------------------------
   Name:  Joan Caridi
   Title: Assistant Secretary


<PAGE>


Citigroup Holdings Company

By:  /s/ Kenneth S. Cohen                            Date:  March 2, 2000
   --------------------------
   Name:  Kenneth S. Cohen
   Title: Assistant Secretary



/s/ David Kirby                                      Date:  March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Name: David Kirby

/s/ John O'Mara                                      Date:  March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Name: John O'Mara


         End of Document




<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 2

                                                                EXECUTION COPY




                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                          Dated as of February 22, 2000

                                      Among

                              GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.,

                         GEORGIA MERGER SUB CORPORATION,

                            IPC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,

                         IPC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.,

                          IDAHO MERGER SUB CORPORATION

                                       and

                                   IXNET, INC.



<PAGE>


                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
                              -----------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Page
                                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                                       <C>
ARTICLE I    The Mergers...................................................................2
      SECTION 1.01  The Mergers............................................................2
      SECTION 1.02  Closing................................................................3
      SECTION 1.03  Effective Time of the Mergers..........................................3
      SECTION 1.04  Effects of the Mergers.................................................3
      SECTION 1.05  Certificate of Incorporation; By-Laws..................................3
      SECTION 1.06  Directors..............................................................4
      SECTION 1.07  Officers...............................................................4

ARTICLE II   Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations.....5
      SECTION 2.01  Effect of Intercompany Merger on Capital Stock.........................5
      SECTION 2.02  Effect of IPC Merger on Capital Stock..................................6
      SECTION 2.03  Effect of IXnet Merger on Capital Stock................................7
      SECTION 2.04  Stock Plans............................................................8
      SECTION 2.05  Exchange of Certificates...............................................9
      SECTION 2.06  Fractional Shares.....................................................10
      SECTION 2.07  Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates................................11
      SECTION 2.08  Appraisal Rights......................................................11

ARTICLE III  Representations and Warranties...............................................12
      SECTION 3.01  Representations and Warranties of IPC and IPC Systems.................12
      SECTION 3.02  Representations and Warranties of IXnet...............................26
      SECTION 3.03  Representations and Warranties of Parent and Sub......................38
      SECTION 3.04  Representations of Parent and Sub.....................................42

ARTICLE IV   Covenants Relating to Conduct of Business Prior to Mergers...................43
      SECTION 4.01  Conduct of Business of the Companies..................................43

ARTICLE V    Additional Agreements........................................................47
      SECTION 5.01  Preparation of Forms S-4 and the Information
            Statement/Prospectuses; Stockholder Meetings..................................47
      SECTION 5.02  Letter of the Companies' Accountants..................................49
      SECTION 5.03  Letter of Parent's Accountants........................................49
      SECTION 5.04  Access to Information; Confidentiality................................49
      SECTION 5.05  Reasonable Best Efforts...............................................50
      SECTION 5.06  Benefit Plans.........................................................51
      SECTION 5.07  Indemnification.......................................................52
      SECTION 5.08  Expenses..............................................................53
      SECTION 5.09  Public Announcements..................................................53
      SECTION 5.10  Affiliates............................................................54
</TABLE>


                                      -i-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Page
                                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                                       <C>
      SECTION 5.11  Listing of Parent Common Stock........................................54
      SECTION 5.12  No Solicitation.......................................................54
      SECTION 5.13  Certain Agreements....................................................55
      SECTION 5.14  Stop Transfer.........................................................55
      SECTION 5.15  Compliance with Section 228 of the DGCL...............................55

ARTICLE VI   Conditions Precedent.........................................................56
      SECTION 6.01  Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Mergers...........56
      SECTION 6.02  Conditions to Obligations of Parent and GC Merger Sub.................56
      SECTION 6.03  Conditions to Obligation of the Companies and IPC Systems.............58

ARTICLE VII  Termination, Amendment and Waiver............................................59
      SECTION 7.01  Termination...........................................................59
      SECTION 7.02  Effect of Termination.................................................60
      SECTION 7.03  Amendment.............................................................60
      SECTION 7.04  Extension; Waiver.....................................................60

ARTICLE VIII General Provisions...........................................................60
      SECTION 8.01  Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties.........................60
      SECTION 8.02  Notices...............................................................60
      SECTION 8.03  Definitions...........................................................62
      SECTION 8.04  Interpretation........................................................62
      SECTION 8.05  Counterparts..........................................................62
      SECTION 8.06  Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries........................63
      SECTION 8.07  Governing Law.........................................................63
      SECTION 8.08  Assignment............................................................63
      SECTION 8.09  Enforcement; Jurisdiction.............................................63
      SECTION 8.10  Severability..........................................................63
</TABLE>


                                      -ii-
<PAGE>


                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----




EXHIBITS

Exhibit A      Form of Stockholder Consent
Exhibit B      Form of Affiliate Letter




                                     -iii-


<PAGE>


            AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of February 22,
            2000 among GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., a company formed
            under the laws of Bermuda ("Parent"), GEORGIA MERGER
            SUB CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation and a wholly
            owned subsidiary of Parent ("GC Merger Sub"), IPC
            COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("IPC"),
            IPC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation
            and a wholly owned subsidiary of IPC ("IPC Systems"),
            IDAHO MERGER SUB CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
            and a wholly owned subsidiary of IPC Systems ("IPC
            Merger Sub" and, together with GC Merger Sub,
            "Subs"), IXNET, INC., a Delaware corporation ("IXnet"
            and, together with IPC, the "Companies")

            WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, GC Merger
Sub, IPC and IPC Systems have determined that the merger of IPC with and into
IPC Systems (the "Intercompany Merger"), and the immediately subsequent merger
of GC Merger Sub with and into IPC Systems (the "IPC Merger"), each upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, would be fair
to and in the best interests of their respective stockholders, and such Boards
of Directors have approved (a) the Intercompany Merger, pursuant to which each
share of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of IPC ("IPC Common Stock")
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the
Intercompany Merger (as defined in Section 1.03), other than shares of IPC
Common Stock owned, directly or indirectly, by IPC or any wholly owned
subsidiary (as defined in Section 8.03) of IPC or held by IPC as treasury shares
or owned by Parent, GC Merger Sub or any other wholly owned subsidiary of
Parent, will be converted into the right to receive one share of Common Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of IPC Systems ("IPC Systems Common Stock") and (b)
the IPC Merger, pursuant to which each share of IPC Systems Common Stock issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the IPC Merger (as
defined in Section 1.03), other than shares of IPC Systems Common Stock owned,
directly or indirectly, by IPC Systems or any wholly owned subsidiary of IPC
Systems or held by IPC Systems as treasury shares or owned by Parent, GC Merger
Sub or any other wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, will be converted into the
right to receive shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent
("Parent Common Stock");

            WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, IPC Merger
Sub, IPC, IPC Systems and IXnet have determined that the merger of IPC Merger
Sub with and into IXnet (the "IXnet Merger", together with the IPC Merger and
the Intercompany Merger, the "Mergers"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, would be fair to and in the best
interests of their respective stockholders, and such Boards of Directors have
approved the IXnet Merger, pursuant to which each share of Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of IXnet ("IXnet Common Stock") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger (as defined in
Section 1.03), other than shares of IXnet Common Stock owned, directly or
indirectly, by IPC Systems or IXnet or any of their respective wholly owned
subsidiaries or held by IXnet as treasury shares or owned by Parent or any
wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, will be converted into the right to receive
shares of Parent Common Stock;


<PAGE>

                                                                               2


            WHEREAS, (i) the affirmative vote, by ballot or written consent, of
a majority of the outstanding shares of the IPC Common Stock is required for the
adoption of this Agreement (the "IPC Stockholder Approval") and (ii) the
affirmative vote, by ballot or written consent, of a majority of the outstanding
shares of the IXnet Common Stock is required for the adoption of this Merger
Agreement (the "IXnet Stockholder Approval" and, together with the IPC
Stockholder Approval and the IPC Systems Stockholder Approval (as defined
herein), the "Stockholder Approvals");

            WHEREAS, as a condition to its willingness to enter into this
Agreement, Parent has required that Cable Systems Holding, LLC and the other
stockholders of IPC party thereto (the "IPC Stockholders") enter into, and the
IPC Stockholders have agreed to enter into, the Consent and Voting Agreement
with Parent dated of even date herewith (as amended from time to time in
accordance with its terms, the "Voting Agreement") relating to, among other
things, the agreement of the IPC Stockholders to execute and deliver the IPC
Stockholder Consent (as defined herein) immediately following the execution and
delivery of this Agreement; and, in order to induce Parent to enter into this
Agreement, the Board of the Directors of IPC has approved the entering into by
Parent and the IPC Stockholders of the Voting Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated thereby;

            WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to make certain representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Mergers and also to
prescribe various conditions to the Mergers; and

            WHEREAS, for Federal income tax purposes, it is intended that each
of the Mergers qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:


                                 ARTICLE I

                                The Mergers

            SECTION 1.1 The Mergers. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), (a) IPC shall be merged with and into IPC
Systems at the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger, (b) following the
Intercompany Merger, GC Merger Sub shall be merged with and into IPC Systems at
the Effective Time of the IPC Merger and (c) following the IPC Merger, IPC
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into IXnet at the Effective Time of the
IXnet Merger. Upon the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger, the separate
existence of IPC shall cease, and IPC Systems shall


<PAGE>

                                                                               3

continue as the surviving corporation (the "Intercompany Merger Surviving
Corporation") of the Intercompany Merger. Upon the Effective Time of the IPC
Merger, the separate existence of GC Merger Sub shall cease, and IPC Systems
shall continue as the surviving corporation (the "IPC Merger Surviving
Corporation") of the IPC Merger. Upon the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger,
the separate existence of IPC Merger Sub shall cease, and IXnet shall continue
as the surviving corporation (the "IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation" and,
together with the Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation and the IPC Merger
Surviving Corporation, the "Surviving Corporations") of the IXnet Merger.

            SECTION 1.2 Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been
terminated and the transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned
pursuant to Section 7.01 and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article VI, the closing of the Mergers (the "Closing")
will take place at 10:00 a.m. on a date to be specified by the parties (the
"Closing Date"), which date shall be no later than the second business day after
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article VI, at the offices of
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017,
unless another date, time or place is agreed to in writing by the parties
hereto.

            SECTION 1.3 Effective Time of the Mergers. Upon the Closing, the
parties shall cause each Surviving Corporation to file a certificate of merger
relating to its Merger (the "Certificates of Merger") with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware and shall make all other filings or recordings
required under the DGCL. The Intercompany Merger shall become effective at such
time as the Certificate of Merger for the Intercompany Merger shall have been
duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such
later time as is agreed by Parent and IPC and specified in such Certificate of
Merger (the time the Intercompany Merger becomes effective being the "Effective
Time of the Intercompany Merger"). The IPC Merger shall become effective at such
time as the Certificate of Merger for the IPC Merger shall have been duly filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time as
is agreed by Parent and IPC and specified in such Certificate of Merger (the
time the IPC Merger becomes effective being the "Effective Time of the IPC
Merger"). The IXnet Merger shall become effective at such time as the
Certificate of Merger for the IXnet Merger shall have been duly filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time as agreed by
Parent and IXnet and specified in such Certificate of Merger (the time the IXnet
Merger becomes effective being the "Effective Time of the IXnet Merger"; and the
time by which all the Mergers have become effective being the "Effective Time").
The parties shall cause the IPC Merger to become effective immediately following
the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger and the IXnet Merger to become
effective immediately following the Effective Time of the IPC Merger.

            SECTION 1.4 Effects of the Mergers. The Mergers shall have the
effects set forth in Section 259 of the DGCL (or any successor provision).

            SECTION 1.5 Certificate of Incorporation; By-Laws. (a) (i) The
certificate of incorporation of IPC Systems, as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger, shall be the certificate of
incorporation of the Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation, except that at
the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger such certificate of incorporation
shall be amended as follows: Article Four shall be amended to read in its
entirety as follows: "The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation
shall have the authority to issue is 25,000,000 shares, each having a par value
of one cent ($0.01).".


<PAGE>

                                                                               4


            (ii) The By-laws of IPC Systems as in effect at the Effective Time
of the Intercompany Merger shall be the By-laws of the Intercompany Merger
Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or
by applicable law.

            (b) (i) The certificate of incorporation of IPC Systems, as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time of the IPC Merger, shall be the
certificate of incorporation of the IPC Merger Surviving Corporation, except
that at the Effective Time of the IPC Merger such certificate of incorporation
shall be amended as follows: Article Four shall be amended to read in its
entirety as follows: "The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation
shall have the authority to issue is 1,000 shares, each having a par value of
one cent ($0.01)."

            (ii) The By-laws of IPC Systems as in effect at the Effective Time
of the IPC Merger shall be the By-laws of the IPC Merger Surviving Corporation
until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.

            (c) (i) The certificate of incorporation of IXnet, as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger, shall be the
certificate of incorporation of the IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation, except
that at the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger such certificate of incorporation
shall be amended as follows: Article Four shall be amended to read in its
entirety as follows: "The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation
shall have the authority to issue is 1,000 shares, each having a par value of
one cent ($0.01)."

            (ii) The By-laws of IXnet as in effect at the Effective Time of the
IXnet Merger shall be the By-laws of the IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation
until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.

            SECTION 1.6 Directors. (a) The directors of IPC at the Effective
Time of the Intercompany Merger shall be the directors of the Intercompany
Merger Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal
or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case
may be.

            (b) The directors of GC Merger Sub at the Effective Time of the IPC
Merger shall be the directors of the IPC Merger Surviving Corporation, until the
earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are
duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

            (c) The directors of IPC Merger Sub at the Effective Time of the
IXnet Merger shall be the directors of the IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation,
until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective
successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

            SECTION 1.7 Officers. (a) The officers of IPC at the Effective Time
of the Intercompany Merger shall be the officers of the Intercompany Merger
Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or
until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case
may be.


<PAGE>

                                                                               5


            (b) The officers of GC Merger Sub at the Effective Time of the IPC
Merger shall be the officers of the IPC Merger Surviving Corporation, until the
earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are
duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

            (c) The officers of IPC Merger Sub at the Effective Time of the
IXnet Merger shall be the officers of the IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation,
until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective
successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.


                                  ARTICLE II

               Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of the
                           Constituent Corporations

            SECTION 2.1 Effect of Intercompany Merger on Capital Stock. As of
the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger, by virtue of the Intercompany
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any shares of IPC
Common Stock or any shares of capital stock of IPC Systems:

            (a) Common Stock of IPC Systems. Each share of IPC Systems Common
      Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of
      the Intercompany Merger shall automatically be cancelled and retired and
      shall cease to exist, and no consideration shall be delivered or
      deliverable in exchange therefor.

            (b) Conversion of IPC Common Stock. Except as otherwise provided
      herein, each issued and outstanding share of IPC Common Stock shall be
      converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of the common stock
      ("Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation Common Stock") of the
      Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation (the "Intercompany Merger
      Exchange Ratio").

            (c) Cancellation and Retirement of IPC Common Stock. Except as
      otherwise provided herein, from and after the Effective Time of the
      Intercompany Merger, all shares of IPC Common Stock issued and outstanding
      immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger shall
      no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and retired
      and shall cease to exist, and each certificate which immediately prior to
      the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger represented shares of IPC
      Common Stock (an "IPC Share Certificate") shall automatically be deemed to
      represent the number of shares of Intercompany Merger Surviving
      Corporation Common Stock to be issued to the holder of such IPC Share
      Certificate pursuant to Section 2.01(b) (the "Intercompany Merger
      Consideration").


<PAGE>

                                                                               6


            SECTION 2.2 Effect of IPC Merger on Capital Stock. As of the
Effective Time of the IPC Merger, by virtue of the IPC Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder of any shares of IPC Systems Common Stock or
any shares of capital stock of GC Merger Sub:

            (a) Common Stock of GC Merger Sub. Each share of common stock, par
      value $0.01 per share, of GC Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately
      prior to the Effective Time of the IPC Merger shall be converted into one
      share of the common stock of the IPC Merger Surviving Corporation and
      shall constitute the only issued and outstanding capital stock of the IPC
      Merger Surviving Corporation.

            (b) Cancellation of Treasury Stock and Parent-Owned Intercompany
      Merger Surviving Corporation Common Stock. Each share of Intercompany
      Merger Surviving Corporation Common Stock that is owned by the
      Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation or held by the Intercompany
      Merger Surviving Corporation as treasury shares or owned by any direct or
      indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Intercompany Merger Surviving
      Corporation and each share of Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation
      Common Stock that is owned by Parent, GC Merger Sub or any other direct or
      indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent shall automatically be
      cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and no Parent Common Stock
      or other consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange
      therefor.

            (c) Conversion of Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation Common
      Stock. Except as otherwise provided herein, each issued and outstanding
      share of Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation Common Stock shall be
      converted into the right to receive from Parent 5.417 fully paid and
      nonassessable shares of Parent Common Stock (the "IPC Merger Exchange
      Ratio"); provided, however, that, in any event, if between the date of
      this Agreement and the Effective Time of the IPC Merger the outstanding
      shares of Parent Common Stock or IPC Common Stock shall have been changed
      into a different number of shares or a different class (other than
      pursuant to the Intercompany Merger), by reason of any stock dividend,
      subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization, redenomination, split,
      combination or exchange of shares, the IPC Merger Exchange Ratio shall be
      correspondingly adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, subdivision,
      reclassification, recapitalization, redenomination, split, combination or
      exchange of shares.

            (d) Cancellation and Retirement of Intercompany Merger Surviving
      Corporation Common Stock. From and after the Effective Time of the IPC
      Merger, all shares of Intercompany Merger Surviving Corporation Common
      Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of
      the IPC Merger shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be
      cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of an IPC
      Share Certificate shall cease to have any rights with respect to the
      common stock formerly represented thereby, except the right to receive the
      consideration to be issued to holders of Intercompany Merger Surviving
      Corporation Common Stock in the IPC Merger pursuant to Section 2.02(c)
      (the "IPC Merger Consideration"), any cash in lieu of fractional shares of
      Parent Common Stock to be paid in consideration therefor


<PAGE>

                                                                               7


      upon surrender of such certificate in accordance with Section 2.06 and any
      dividends payable pursuant to Section 2.05(f).

            SECTION 2.3 Effect of IXnet Merger on Capital Stock. As of the
Effective Time of the IXnet Merger, by virtue of the IXnet Merger and without
any action on the part of the holder of any shares of IXnet Common Stock or any
shares of capital stock of IPC Merger Sub:

            (a) Common Stock of IPC Merger Sub. Each share of common stock, par
      value $0.01 per share, of IPC Merger Sub issued and outstanding
      immediately prior to the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger shall be
      converted into one share of the common stock of the IXnet Merger Surviving
      Corporation and shall constitute the only issued and outstanding capital
      stock of the IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation.

            (b) Cancellation of Treasury Stock and Parent- and IPC Merger
      Surviving Corporation-Owned IXnet Common Stock. Each share of IXnet Common
      Stock that is owned by IXnet or held by IXnet as treasury shares or owned
      by any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of IXnet, and each share
      of IXnet Common Stock that is owned by Parent, the IPC Merger Surviving
      Corporation or any of their direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries
      shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and
      no Parent Common Stock or other consideration shall be delivered or
      deliverable in exchange therefor.

            (c) Conversion of IXnet Common Stock. Except as otherwise provided
      herein, each issued and outstanding share of IXnet Common Stock shall be
      converted into the right to receive from Parent 1.184 fully paid and
      nonassessable shares of Parent Common Stock (the "IXnet Merger Exchange
      Ratio"); provided, however, that, in any event, if between the date of
      this Agreement and the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger the outstanding
      shares of Parent Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock shall have been
      changed into a different number of shares or a different class, by reason
      of any stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization,
      redenomination, split, combination or exchange of shares, the IXnet Merger
      Exchange Ratio shall be correspondingly adjusted to reflect such stock
      dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization, redenomination,
      split, combination or exchange of shares.

            (d) Cancellation and Retirement of IXnet Common Stock. From and
      after the Effective Time of the IXnet Merger, all shares of IXnet Common
      Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of
      the IXnet Merger shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be
      cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a
      certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Time of the IXnet
      Merger represented shares of IXnet Common Stock (an "IXnet Share
      Certificate" and, together with the IPC Share Certificates, "Share
      Certificates") shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except
      the right to receive the consideration to be issued to holders of IXnet
      Common Stock in the IXnet Merger pursuant to Section 2.03(c) (the "IXnet
      Merger Consideration" and, together with the IPC Merger Consideration, the


<PAGE>

                                                                               8


      "Merger Consideration"), any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent
      Common Stock to be paid in consideration therefor upon surrender of such
      certificate in accordance with Section 2.06 and any dividends payable
      pursuant to Section 2.05(f).

            SECTION 2.4 Stock Plans. (a) Prior to the Effective Time of the
Mergers, each of IPC and IXnet (x) shall take all action necessary (including
obtaining any necessary consents and/or waivers) to ensure that from and after
the Effective Time of the Mergers, all options granted to Employees to purchase
shares of IPC Common Stock ("IPC Options") or IXnet Common Stock ("IXnet
Options" and, together with IPC Options, "Options"), which are then outstanding
and unexercised (whether or not vested or exercisable), shall, without any
further action on the part of the holders thereof, be converted into and become,
respectively, options to purchase shares of Parent Common Stock on terms
substantially identical to those in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time of the Mergers under the terms of the stock option plan or other agreement
or award pursuant to which such Options were granted (collectively, such plans,
agreements and awards of IPC or IXnet being hereinafter referred to as the
"Stock Plans") and Parent shall assume the Stock Plans with respect to then
outstanding options (but taking into account any changes thereto, including the
acceleration thereof, provided for in the applicable Stock Plans resulting from
the Mergers) as limited by the Agreement entered into February 22, 2000, among
Parent, IPC, IXnet and certain holders of Options ("Option Limitation
Agreement") and (y) shall amend Section 5(c) of each Stock Plan to provide that
vesting of any Option thereunder held by a party to the Option Limitation
Agreement in connection with or relating to a change of control (as such term is
defined in the Stock Plans) shall be limited in accordance with the Option
Limitation Agreement and shall amend Section 5(d) of the IXnet Stock Plan to
provide that 25% of IXnet Options held by a person who is not a party to the
Option Limitation Agreement or held by William Adiletta or Richard Farrell shall
become exercisable upon a Change in Control; provided, however, that from and
after the Effective Time of the Mergers (i) each such Option assumed by Parent
may be exercised solely to purchase shares of Parent Common Stock, (ii) the
number of shares of Parent Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of such Option
shall be equal to, in the case of IPC Options, the number of shares of Parent
Common Stock subject to such Option multiplied by the IPC Merger Exchange Ratio,
rounded, if necessary, to the nearest whole share of Parent Common Stock, at a
price per share (rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) equal to the
per share exercise price specified in such Option divided by the IPC Merger
Exchange Ratio and, in the case of IXnet Options, the number of shares of Parent
Common Stock subject to such Option multiplied by the IXnet Merger Exchange
Ratio, rounded, if necessary, to the nearest whole share of Parent Common Stock,
at a price per share (rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) equal to
the per share exercise price specified in such Option divided by the IXnet
Merger Exchange Ratio.

            (b) Neither the vesting nor the exercisability of any Option shall
accelerate as a result of, or in connection with, the transactions contemplated
hereby, except to the extent required by the existing terms of the Stock Plan or
stock option agreement pursuant to which such Option was granted, as in effect
on the date hereof and as limited or as adjusted pursuant to the amendments
referred to in Section 2.04(a) and the Option Limitation Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the number of shares and the per share exercise
price of each


<PAGE>

                                                                               9


Option which is intended to be an "incentive stock option" (as defined in
Section 422 of the Code) shall be adjusted in accordance with the requirements
of Section 424 of the Code.

            (c) Parent shall, as of the Effective Time of the Mergers, reserve
for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock for delivery
upon exercise of Options assumed by it in accordance with this Section 2.04,
such number not to be reduced except to the extent such Options are exercised,
canceled or terminated pursuant to their terms. Upon the Effective Time of the
Mergers or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, Parent shall file, or
cause to be filed, a registration statement(s) on Form S-3 or Form S-8, as the
case may be (or any successor or other appropriate forms), with respect to the
shares of Parent Common Stock subject to such Options and shall cause such
registration statement(s) to remain effective (and maintain the current status
of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as such Options
remain outstanding.

            (d) At least ten days prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers,
the Companies shall notify each grantee under every Stock Plan that such plan is
to be assumed by Parent as of the Effective Time of the Mergers, and that, to
the extent not exercised prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers, each
outstanding Option thereunder will be assumed by Parent and thereafter may be
exercised solely to purchase shares of Parent Common Stock in accordance with
Section 2.04(a) hereof.

            SECTION 2.5 Exchange of Certificates. (a) Prior to the Effective
Time of the Mergers, Parent shall appoint an agent (the "Exchange Agent") for
the purpose of exchanging Share Certificates for the applicable Merger
Consideration. Immediately following the Effective Time of the Mergers, Parent
shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Share
Certificates, certificates representing the Parent Common Stock issuable
pursuant to Section 2.02 or 2.03 in exchange for Share Certificates. Promptly
after the Effective Time of the Mergers, Parent will send, or will cause the
Exchange Agent to send, to each holder of a Share Certificate at the Effective
Time of the Mergers (i) a letter of transmittal for use in such exchange which
shall specify that delivery of the applicable Merger Consideration shall be
effected, and risk of loss and title to the certificates representing Parent
Common Stock and Share Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the
Share Certificates to the Exchange Agent and (ii) instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of such Share Certificates in exchange for the
certificates representing Parent Common Stock.

            (b) Each holder of Share Certificates that formerly represented
shares of IPC Common Stock, IPC Systems Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock which
have been converted into a right to receive Merger Consideration, upon surrender
to the Exchange Agent of such Share Certificates, together with a properly
completed letter of transmittal covering such Share Certificates, will be
entitled to receive the applicable Merger Consideration payable in respect of
such Share Certificates and any dividends payable pursuant to Section 2.05(f).
Until so surrendered, each such Share Certificate shall, after the Effective
Time of the Mergers, represent for all purposes only the right to receive the
applicable Merger Consideration, any cash payable in lieu of fractional shares
pursuant to Section 2.06 and any dividends payable pursuant to Section 2.05(f).


<PAGE>

                                                                              10


            (c) If any portion of the applicable Merger Consideration is to be
paid to a person other than the registered holder of a Share Certificate, it
shall be a condition to such payment that such Share Certificate so surrendered
shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for transfer and that
the person requesting such payment shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer
or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of shares of Parent Common
Stock in exchange for the Share Certificate so surrendered or establish to the
satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not
applicable.

            (d) After the Effective Time of the Mergers, there shall be no
further registration of transfers of shares of IPC Common Stock, IPC Systems
Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock. If, after the Effective Time of the Mergers,
Share Certificates are presented to a Surviving Corporation, they shall be
cancelled and exchanged for the applicable Merger Consideration provided for,
and in accordance with the procedures set forth, in this Article 2.

            (e) Any portion of the applicable Merger Consideration made
available to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.05(a) that remains
unclaimed by the holders of Share Certificates six months after the Effective
Time of the Mergers shall be returned to Parent, upon demand, and any such
holder who has not exchanged his Share Certificates for the applicable Merger
Consideration in accordance with this Section 2.05 prior to that time shall
thereafter look only to Parent for payment of the applicable Merger
Consideration, any cash payable in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section
2.06 and any dividends payable pursuant to Section 2.05(f) in respect of his
shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall not be liable to any holder
of Share Certificates for any amount paid to a public official pursuant to
applicable abandoned property laws. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by holders
of Share Certificates seven years after the Effective Time of the Mergers (or
such earlier date immediately prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise
escheat to or become property of any governmental entity) shall, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, become the property of Parent free and clear of any
claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.

            (f) No dividends or other distributions with respect to Parent
Common Stock issued in the Mergers shall be paid, and no voting rights with
respect to Parent Common Stock issued in the Mergers will be accorded, to the
holder of any unsurrendered Share Certificates until such certificates are
surrendered as provided in this Section 2.05. Subject to the effect of
applicable laws, following the surrender of such certificates, there shall be
paid, without interest, to the record holder of the Parent Common Stock issued
in exchange therefor at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or
other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time of the Mergers
payable prior to or on the date of such surrender with respect to such whole
shares of Parent Common Stock and not previously paid, less the amount of any
withholding taxes (if any) which may be required thereon.

            SECTION 2.6 Fractional Shares. (a) No certificates or scrip
representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued upon the
surrender for exchange of Share Certificates and such fractional share interests
will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to have any rights of a holder of
Parent Common Stock.


<PAGE>

                                                                              11


            (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each
holder of shares of IPC Systems Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock exchanged
pursuant to the Mergers who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a
fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock (after taking into account all Share
Certificates delivered by such holder) shall be entitled to receive, in lieu
thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount equal to the product of (i) such
fractional part of a share of Parent Common Stock and (ii) the average closing
price of the Parent Common Stock on NASDAQ for the 20 trading days prior to and
ending on the trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date (the "Average
Price"). As promptly as practicable after the determination of the amount of
cash, if any, to be paid to holders of fractional interests, the Exchange Agent
shall so notify Parent, and Parent shall deposit such amount with the Exchange
Agent and shall cause the Exchange Agent to forward payments to such holders of
fractional interests subject to and in accordance with the terms hereof.

            SECTION 2.7 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. If any Share
Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an
affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such certificate to be lost,
stolen or destroyed and, if requested by Parent, the posting by such person of a
bond in such reasonable amount as Parent may direct as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against it or its subsidiaries with respect to such
certificate, the Exchange Agent will deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen
or destroyed certificate the applicable Merger Consideration with respect to the
shares of capital stock formerly represented thereby, any cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, and any unpaid dividends or
distributions in respect of or on Parent Common Stock deliverable in respect
thereof pursuant to this Agreement.

            SECTION 2.8 Appraisal Rights. (a) Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, if provided for by applicable law, shares of IPC
Common Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time of the Intercompany Merger and that are owned by stockholders who have
properly perfected their rights of appraisal within the meaning of Section 262
of the DGCL (the "IPC Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into the right
to receive the Intercompany Merger Consideration with respect thereto, unless
and until such stockholders shall have failed to perfect their right of
appraisal under applicable law, but, instead, if provided by applicable law, the
holders thereof shall be entitled to payment of the appraised value of such IPC
Dissenting Shares in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL. If any such holder
shall have failed to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such
right of appraisal, each share of IPC Common Stock held by such stockholder
shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted into the right to receive and
become exchangeable for, at the Effective Time of the Intercompany Merger, the
Intercompany Merger Consideration with respect thereto, in the manner provided
for in Section 2.01.

            (b) IPC shall give Parent (i) prompt notice of any demands for
appraisal filed pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL received by IPC, withdrawals
of such objections and any other instruments served or delivered in connection
with such demands pursuant to the DGCL and received by IPC and (B) the
opportunity to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to
demands under the DGCL consistent with the obligations of IPC thereunder. IPC
shall not, except with the prior written consent of Parent, (x) make any payment
with respect to


<PAGE>

                                                                              12


any such demand, (y) offer to settle or settle any such demand or (z) waive any
failure to timely deliver a written demand for appraisal or timely take any
other action to perfect appraisal rights in accordance with the DGCL.


                                  ARTICLE III

                        Representations and Warranties

            SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties of IPC and IPC Systems.
Each of IPC and IPC Systems represents and warrants to Parent and GC Merger Sub
as follows:

            (a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power. IPC and each of its
      subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
      (with respect to jurisdictions which recognize the concept of good
      standing) under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated
      and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its
      business as now being conducted, except where the failure to have such
      power and authority could not reasonably be expected to have an IPC
      Material Adverse Effect or an IXnet Material Adverse Effect (each as
      defined in Section 8.3). IPC and each of its subsidiaries is duly
      qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each
      jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or
      leasing of its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary,
      other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or
      licensed (individually or in the aggregate) would not be reasonably
      expected to have an IPC Material Adverse Effect. The Recent SEC Documents
      (as defined in Section 3.01(e)) contain as exhibits complete and correct
      copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of each of IPC and
      IXnet, in each case as amended to the date of this Agreement.

            (b) Subsidiaries. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of IPC
      are those listed in Section 3.01(b) of the disclosure schedule
      ("Disclosure Schedule") delivered to Parent by IPC at the time of
      execution of this Agreement. All the outstanding shares of capital stock
      of each such subsidiary have been validly issued and are fully paid and
      nonassessable and are owned (of record and beneficially) by IPC, by
      another subsidiary (wholly owned) of IPC or by IPC and another such
      subsidiary (wholly owned), free and clear of all pledges, claims, liens,
      charges, encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature
      whatsoever (collectively, "Liens"), except as set forth in Section 3.01(b)
      of the Disclosure Schedule. Except for the ownership interests set forth
      in Section 3.01(b) of the Disclosure Schedule or in the Recent SEC
      Documents, IPC does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or
      other ownership interest, and does not have any option or similar right to
      acquire any assets or equity or other ownership interest, in any
      corporation, partnership, business association, joint venture or other
      entity. IPC directly owns all the issued and outstanding capital stock of
      IPC Systems and IPC Systems directly owns all the issued and outstanding
      shares of capital stock of IXnet that are beneficially owned by IPC.


<PAGE>

                                                                              13


            (c) Capital Structure. As of February 21, 2000, the authorized
      capital stock of IPC consists of (i) 25,000,000 shares of IPC Common
      Stock, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, each having a par
      value of one cent ($0.01) ("IPC Preferred Stock"). As of the close of
      business on February 21, 2000, there were (i) 8,823,151 shares of IPC
      Common Stock and 0 shares of IPC Preferred Stock issued and outstanding;
      (ii) 0 shares of IPC Common Stock held in the treasury of IPC; (iii) 40
      shares of IPC Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
      authorized but unissued IPC Options pursuant to the Stock Plans; and (iv)
      1,132,793 shares of IPC Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding
      IPC Options. Section 3.01(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the
      name of each holder of outstanding options to acquire shares of IPC Common
      Stock, the number of options held and the exercise prices of such options.
      Except as set forth above, as of the date hereof, no shares of capital
      stock or other equity securities of IPC are issued, reserved for issuance
      or outstanding. All outstanding shares of capital stock of IPC are, and
      all shares which may be issued pursuant to the Stock Plans will be, when
      issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and
      not subject to preemptive rights. Other than IPC Options, there are no
      outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness or other
      securities of IPC having the right to vote (or convertible into, or
      exchangeable or exercisable for, securities having the right to vote) on
      any matters on which stockholders of IPC may vote. Except as set forth
      above, there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls,
      rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind
      to which IPC or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them
      is bound obligating IPC or any of its subsidiaries to issue, deliver or
      sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of
      capital stock or other equity or voting securities of IPC or of any of its
      subsidiaries or obligating IPC or any of its subsidiaries to issue, grant,
      extend or enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, right,
      commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking. Except as set forth in
      the Recent SEC Documents and except for such indebtedness which is not
      material to IPC, IPC and its subsidiaries have no indebtedness. Other than
      the Options, (i) there are no outstanding contractual obligations,
      commitments, understandings or arrangements of IPC or any of its
      subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or make any
      payment in respect of any shares of capital stock of IPC or any of its
      subsidiaries and (ii) there are no irrevocable proxies with respect to
      shares of capital stock of IPC or any subsidiary of IPC. Except as set
      forth above or in Section 3.01(c) of the Disclosure Schedule or in the
      Recent SEC Documents, there are no agreements or arrangements pursuant to
      which IPC is or could be required to register shares of IPC Common Stock
      or other securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
      "Securities Act"), or other agreements or arrangements with or among any
      securityholders of IPC with respect to securities of IPC. The authorized
      capital stock of IPC Merger Sub consists of 100 shares of common stock,
      par value $0.01 per share, all of which have been validly issued, are
      fully paid and nonassessable and are owned directly by IPC, free and clear
      of any Lien.

            (d) Authority; Noncontravention. Each of IPC, IPC Systems and IPC
      Merger Sub has the requisite corporate and other power and authority to
      enter into this Agreement


<PAGE>

                                                                              14


      and, subject to the Stockholder Approvals, each of which is being obtained
      by written consent immediately following the execution of this Agreement,
      each of them has the requisite corporate and other power and authority to
      consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. After the
      delivery of the Stockholder Consents, no vote, approval or other action on
      the part of any holder of IPC Common Stock, IPC Systems Common Stock or
      IXnet Common Stock shall be required to adopt this Agreement and
      consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Mergers. No
      corporate action is required to be taken by IXnet or its stockholders in
      connection with the consummation of the Intercompany Merger or the IPC
      Merger. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by IPC, IPC Systems,
      IXnet and IPC Merger Sub and the consummation by them of the transactions
      contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
      corporate action on the part of IPC, IPC Systems and IPC Merger Sub,
      subject, in the case of the IPC Merger and the Intercompany Merger to the
      IPC Systems Stockholder Approval and the IPC Stockholder Approval,
      respectively. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each
      of IPC, IPC Systems, IXnet and IPC Merger Sub and constitutes a valid and
      binding obligation of IPC, IPC Systems, IXnet and IPC Merger Sub,
      enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such
      enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
      moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors generally,
      by general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforceability
      is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) or by an implied
      covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Except as disclosed in Section
      3.01(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this
      Agreement and the Voting Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
      transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and compliance with the
      provisions hereof and thereof will not (including the delivery of the
      Stockholder Consents), conflict with, or result in any breach or violation
      of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under,
      or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of or
      "put" right with respect to any obligation or to loss of a material
      benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the
      properties or assets of IPC or any of its subsidiaries under, (i) the
      Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of IPC or the comparable charter
      or organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any loan or
      credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other
      agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license applicable
      to IPC or any of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets
      or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters referred to
      in the following sentence, any judgment, order, decree, statute, law,
      ordinance, rule, regulation or arbitration award applicable to IPC or any
      of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets, other than,
      in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), any such conflicts, breaches,
      violations, defaults, rights, losses or Liens that individually or in the
      aggregate could not be reasonably expected to have an IPC Material Adverse
      Effect. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
      declaration or filing with, or notice to, any Federal, state or local
      government or any court, administrative agency or commission or other
      governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign (a "Governmental
      Entity"), is required by or with respect to IPC or any of its subsidiaries
      in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by IPC,
      IPC Systems, IXnet or IPC Merger Sub,


<PAGE>

                                                                              15


      as applicable, or the consummation by IPC, IPC Systems, IXnet or IPC
      Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including
      the delivery of the Stockholder Consents), except, with respect to this
      Agreement, for (i) the filing of a premerger notification and report form
      by IPC and IXnet under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
      1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), (ii) the filing with the SEC of (y)
      Information Statements (as defined herein) relating to each of the
      Mergers, and (z) such reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
      as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as may be required in connection with
      this Agreement, the Voting Agreement and the transactions contemplated
      hereby and thereby, (iii) the filing of the Certificates of Merger with
      the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the filing of
      appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of other states in
      which IPC or IXnet is qualified to do business and (iv) such other
      consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations,
      filings or notices as are set forth in Section 3.01(d) of the Disclosure
      Schedule.

            (e) SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities. IPC and, to the extent
      applicable, its subsidiaries have filed all required reports, schedules,
      forms, statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange
      Commission (the "SEC") since October 1, 1998, and IPC has delivered or
      made available to Parent all reports, schedules, forms, statements and
      other documents filed by IPC and, to the extent applicable, its
      subsidiaries with the SEC since such date (collectively, and in each case
      including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by
      reference therein, the "SEC Documents"). As of their respective dates, the
      SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of
      the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules
      and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to such SEC
      Documents, and none of the SEC Documents (including any and all financial
      statements included therein) as of such dates (and, if amended or
      superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the
      date of such filing) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
      omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
      necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
      circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated
      financial statements (including the related notes) of IPC and of IXnet
      included in all SEC Documents filed since October 1, 1998 (the "SEC
      Financial Statements") comply as to form in all material respects with
      applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations
      of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance with
      generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of unaudited
      consolidated quarterly statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC)
      applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may
      be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present the consolidated
      financial position of IPC and its consolidated subsidiaries or IXnet and
      its consolidated subsidiaries as the case may be as of the dates thereof
      and the consolidated results of their respective operations and cash flows
      for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited quarterly
      statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments that have not been and
      are not expected to be material in amount). Except as set forth in
      Schedule 3.01(e), at the date of the most recent audited financial
      statements of IPC included in the SEC Documents filed by IPC or its
      subsidiaries since October 1, 1998 and


<PAGE>

                                                                              16


      prior to the date of this Agreement (the "Recent SEC Documents"), neither
      IPC nor any of its subsidiaries had, and since such date neither IPC nor
      any of such subsidiaries incurred, any liabilities or obligations of any
      nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) which,
      individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have an
      IPC Material Adverse Effect. To the best of IPC's knowledge, (i) all
      historical financial statements supplied to Parent by IPC for periods
      subsequent to December 31, 1999 have been prepared in accordance with
      generally accepted accounting principles (except as permitted by Form 10-Q
      of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
      (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present the
      consolidated financial position of IPC and its consolidated subsidiaries
      as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations
      and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to normal year-end
      adjustments that have not been and are not expected to be material in
      amount) and (ii) all financial data so supplied for such periods is true
      and accurate in all material respects.

            (f) Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
      supplied by IPC for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
      Forms S-4 (as defined in Section 5.01) will, at the time each Form S-4 is
      filed with the SEC, and at any time it is amended or supplemented or at
      the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue
      statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
      to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
      misleading, and (ii) each Information Statement/Prospectus (as defined in
      Section 5.01(a)) will, at the date it is first mailed to IPC's
      stockholders or IXnet's stockholders, as the case may be, or at the time
      of the applicable Stockholders Meeting (as defined in Section 5.01(c)) or
      the IXnet Stockholder Meeting, as the case may be, contain any untrue
      statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
      to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein,
      in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
      The Forms S-4 and the Information Statement/Prospectuses will comply as to
      form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act
      and the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
      thereunder, except that no representation is made by IPC with respect to
      statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information
      supplied by Parent or its subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by
      reference in the Forms S-4 and the Information Statement/Prospectuses.

            (g) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in
      Section 3.01(g) of the Disclosure Schedule or except as included in the
      Recent SEC Documents, since October 1, 1998, IPC has conducted its
      business in all material respects only in the ordinary course consistent
      with past practice and there is not and has not been any condition, event
      or occurrence which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
      expected to have an IPC Material Adverse Effect or an IXnet Material
      Adverse Effect.

            (h) Litigation; Labor Matters; Compliance with Laws. (i) Except as
      disclosed in the Recent SEC Documents, there are no suits, actions,
      complaints, charges, arbitrations, inquiries, counterclaims, proceedings
      or governmental or internal investigations pending


<PAGE>

                                                                              17


      or, to the knowledge of IPC, threatened in writing against or affecting
      IPC or any of its subsidiaries which, individually or in the aggregate,
      would reasonably be expected to have an IPC Material Adverse Effect; in
      addition, there is not any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of
      any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against IPC or any of
      its subsidiaries having, or which could reasonably be expected to have any
      such effect.

            (ii) Except as disclosed in Section 3.01(h)(ii) of the Disclosure
      Schedule, (A) neither IPC nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to, or
      bound by, any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement
      or understanding with a labor union or labor organization, (B) neither IPC
      nor any of its subsidiaries is the subject of any proceeding asserting
      that it or any subsidiary has committed an unfair labor practice or
      seeking to compel it to bargain with any labor organization as to wages or
      conditions of employment nor is such unfair labor practice threatened or
      otherwise affecting IPC or any of its subsidiaries, (C) there is not any
      strike, work stoppage, dispute, lockout or other labor controversy
      involving it or any of its subsidiaries pending or, to its knowledge,
      threatened, any of which would reasonably be expected to have an IPC
      Material Adverse Effect; (D) no representation question exists or has been
      raised respecting any of the Company's employees or any of its
      subsidiaries' employees within the past three years, nor to the knowledge
      of IPC are there any campaigns being conducted to solicit cards from
      employees of IPC or any of its subsidiaries to authorize representation by
      any labor organization; (E) neither IPC nor any of its subsidiaries has
      closed any plant or facility, effectuated any layoffs of employees or
      implemented any early retirement, separation or window program within the
      past three years, nor has IPC or any of its subsidiaries planned or
      announced any such action or program for the future; (F) neither IPC nor
      any of its subsidiaries shall, at any time within the 90-day period prior
      to the Closing Date, effectuate a "plant closing" or "mass layoff", as
      those terms are defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
      Notification Act of 1988, as amended ("WARN"), or any state law, affecting
      in whole of in part any site of employment, facility, operating unit or
      employee; and (G) the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with
      their obligations pursuant to WARN, and all other notification and
      bargaining obligations arising under any collective bargaining agreement,
      statute or otherwise.

           (iii) The conduct of the business of each of IPC and each of its
      subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of IPC, its contractors complies with
      all statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders,
      decrees or arbitration awards applicable thereto, including the Foreign
      Corrupt Practices Act, except for violations or failures so to comply, if
      any, that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
      expected to have an IPC Material Adverse Effect.

            (i) Absence of Changes with respect to Employees and Employee
      Benefit Plans. Except as set forth in Section 3.01(i) of the Disclosure
      Schedule or in the Recent SEC Documents, since September 1, 1999, there
      has not been any (i) increase in the compensation or fringe benefits of
      any present or former director or Employee (as defined


<PAGE>

                                                                              18


      in Section 3.01(j) hereof) whose base salary equals or is in excess of
      $100,000 per annum as of September 1, 1999, of IPC or any subsidiary
      thereof (except for increases in salary or wages in the ordinary course of
      business consistent with past practice), (ii) grant of any severance or
      termination pay to any present or former director or Employee whose base
      salary equals or is in excess of $100,000 per annum as of September 1,
      1999, of IPC or any subsidiary thereof (except in the ordinary course of
      business consistent with past practice or as required by law or agreements
      or plans in effect as of September 1, 1999), (iii) loan or advance of
      money or other property by IPC or any subsidiary thereof to any of their
      present or former directors or Employees which is outstanding as of the
      date hereof; or (iv) establishment, adoption, entrance into, amendment or
      termination of any IPC Plan (as defined in Section 3.01(j) hereof).

            (j) (i) Except as set forth therein, Section 3.01(j)(i) of the
      Disclosure Schedule contains a true and complete list of each "employee
      benefit plan" (within the meaning of section 3(3) of the Employee
      Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), including,
      without limitation, multiemployer plans within the meaning of ERISA
      section 3(37)), and all stock purchase, stock option, consulting,
      severance, employment, change-in-control, termination, indemnification,
      fringe benefit, collective bargaining, bonus, incentive, deferred
      compensation and all other employee benefit plans, agreements, programs,
      policies or other arrangements, whether or not subject to ERISA (including
      any funding mechanism therefor now in effect or required in the future as
      a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise),
      whether formal or informal, oral or written, legally binding or not, under
      which any current or former director or any employee or former employee of
      IPC or any subsidiary thereof (the "Employees") has any present or future
      right to benefits, sponsored or maintained by IPC or its subsidiaries or
      under which IPC or any subsidiary thereof has had or has any present or
      future liability. All such plans, agreements, programs, policies and
      arrangements shall be collectively referred to as the "IPC Plans".

                  (ii) Except as set forth in Section 3.10(j)(ii) of the
      Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each IPC Plan, IPC has made available
      to Parent a current, accurate and complete copy (or, to the extent no such
      copy exists, an accurate description) thereof and, to the extent
      applicable: (A) any related trust agreement or other funding instrument;
      (B) the most recent determination letter, if applicable; (C) any summary
      plan description and other written communications (or a description of any
      oral communications) by IPC or any subsidiary thereof to their employees
      concerning the extent of the benefits provided under an IPC Plan; and (D)
      with respect to each employee pension plan, for the three (3) most recent
      years (I) the Form 5500 and attached schedules, (II) audited financial
      statements, (III) actuarial valuation reports and (IV) attorney's response
      to an auditor's request for information.

                  (iii) (A) Each IPC Plan has been established and administered
      in accordance with its terms, and in compliance with the applicable
      provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws, rules and
      regulations; (B) each IPC Plan which is intended to be qualified within
      the meaning of Code section 401(a) is so qualified and has


<PAGE>

                                                                              19

      received a favorable determination letter as to its qualification, and
      nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, that would
      reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification; (C) no
      event has occurred and no condition exists that would subject IPC or any
      subsidiary thereof, either directly or by reason of their affiliation with
      any member of their "Controlled Group" (defined as any organization which
      is a member of a controlled group of organizations within the meaning of
      Code sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o)), to any tax, fine, lien, penalty or
      other liability imposed by ERISA, the Code or other applicable laws, rules
      and regulations; (D) for each IPC Plan with respect to which a Form 5500
      has been filed, no material change has occurred with respect to the
      matters covered by the most recent Form since the date thereof; (E) no
      "reportable event" (as such term is defined in ERISA section 4043),
      "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in ERISA section 406 and
      Code section 4975) or "accumulated funding deficiency" (as such term is
      defined in ERISA section 302 and Code section 412 (whether or not waived))
      has occurred with respect to any IPC Plan; (F) no IPC Plan provides
      retiree welfare benefits and neither IPC nor any subsidiary thereof has
      any obligations to provide any retiree welfare benefits, other than those
      mandated by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1995;
      and (G) except as set forth in Section 3.01(j)(iii) of the Disclosure
      Schedule, all awards, grants or bonuses made pursuant to any IPC Plan have
      been, or will be, fully deductible to IPC or its subsidiaries
      notwithstanding the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
      Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder; provided that with
      respect to each IPC Plan that is a multi-employer plan, the
      representations contained in this Section 3.01(j)(iii) are made to the
      knowledge of IPC.

                  (iv) There are no IPC Plans (that are not multiemployer plans)
      which are subject to Title IV of ERISA.

                  (v) With respect to any multiemployer plan (within the meaning
      of ERISA section 4001(a)(3)) to which IPC, any subsidiary thereof, or any
      member of their Controlled Group has any liability or contributes (or has
      at any time contributed or had an obligation to contribute): (A) none of
      IPC, any subsidiary thereof, or any member of their Controlled Group has
      incurred any withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA, or to the best
      knowledge of IPC, would be subject to such liability if, as of the Closing
      Date, IPC, any of its subsidiaries or any member of their Controlled Group
      were to engage in a complete withdrawal (as defined in ERISA section 4203)
      or partial withdrawal (as defined in ERISA section 4205) from any such
      multiemployer plan; and (B) to the best knowledge of IPC, no such
      multiemployer plan is in reorganization or insolvent (as those terms are
      defined in ERISA sections 4241 and 4245, respectively).

                  (vi) With respect to any IPC Plan other than a multiemployer
      plan, and to the best knowledge of IPC with respect to any multiemployer
      plan, (A) no actions, suits or claims (other than routine claims for
      benefits in the ordinary course) are pending or threatened, (B) no facts
      or circumstances exist that could give rise to any such actions, suits or
      claims, and (C) no administrative investigation, audit or other
      administrative proceeding by the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit
      Guaranty Corporation, the


<PAGE>

                                                                              20

      Internal Revenue Service or any other governmental agency is pending,
      threatened or in progress.

                  (vii) Except as set forth in Section 3.01(j)(vii) of the
      Disclosure Schedule, no IPC Plan exists that, as a result of the
      transaction contemplated by this Agreement, could result in the payment to
      any current or former Employee or director of IPC or any subsidiary
      thereof of any money or other property or could result in the acceleration
      or provision of any other rights or benefits to any current or former
      Employee or director of IPC or any subsidiary thereof, whether or not such
      payment, right or benefit would constitute a parachute payment within the
      meaning of Code section 280G.

            (k) Tax Returns and Tax Payments. IPC and each of its subsidiaries,
      and any consolidated, combined, unitary or aggregate group for Tax
      purposes of which IPC or any of its subsidiaries is or has been a member
      (a "Consolidated Group") has timely filed all Tax Returns required to be
      filed by it and all such Tax Returns are correct and complete in all
      material respects. All Taxes shown on such Tax Returns have been timely
      paid, and IPC and each of its subsidiaries has timely paid or accrued all
      Taxes for which a notice of assessment or collection has been received
      (other than amounts being contested in good faith by appropriate
      proceedings). IPC and its subsidiaries have made adequate provision (to
      the extent required by, and in accordance with generally accepted
      accounting principles ("GAAP")) for all Taxes payable for any periods that
      end before the Effective Time of the Mergers for which no Tax Returns have
      yet been filed and for any periods that begin before the Effective Time of
      the Mergers and end after the Effective Time of the Mergers to the extent
      such Taxes are attributable to the portion of any such period ending at
      the Effective Time of the Mergers, and the charges, accruals and reserves
      for Taxes reflected in the financial statements of IPC and its
      subsidiaries are adequate under GAAP to cover the Tax liability accruing
      or payable by IPC and its subsidiaries in respect of periods prior to the
      date hereof. Except as set forth in Section 3.01(k) of the Disclosure
      Schedule: (i) no material claim for unpaid Taxes has become a lien against
      the property of IPC or any of its subsidiaries or is being asserted in
      writing against IPC or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) neither IPC nor any
      of its subsidiaries is delinquent in the payment of any Tax and have not
      requested or filed any document having the effect of causing any extension
      of time within which to file any Tax Returns in respect of any fiscal year
      which have not since been filed, (iii) no material audit or other
      proceeding with respect to any Taxes due from IPC or any of its
      subsidiaries or any Tax Return of IPC or any of its subsidiaries is
      pending, threatened, to IPC's knowledge, or being conducted by a Tax
      authority, (iv) no extension of the statute of limitations on the
      assessment of any Taxes has been granted by IPC nor any of its
      subsidiaries and is currently in effect, (v) neither IPC or any of its
      subsidiaries (A) has been a member of a Consolidated Group filing a
      consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common
      parent of which was IPC) or (B) has any liability for the Taxes of any
      person (other than IPC and its subsidiaries), including liability arising
      from the application of Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-6 or any
      analogous provision of state, local or foreign law, or as a transferee or
      successor, by contract, or otherwise, (vi) no consent under Section 341(f)
      of the Code has been filed with respect to IPC or any of its subsidiaries,
      and (vii) all Taxes required to be withheld, collected or deposited by or
      with respect to


<PAGE>

                                                                              21


      IPC and each of its subsidiaries have been timely withheld, collected or
      deposited, as the case may be, and, to the extent required, have been paid
      to the relevant taxing authority. As used herein, "Taxes" shall mean all
      taxes of any kind, including those on or measured by or referred to as
      income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, franchise, profits,
      license, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp,
      occupation, premium, value added, property or windfall profits taxes,
      customs, duties or similar fees, assessments or charges of any kind
      whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax
      or additional amounts imposed by any governmental authority, domestic or
      foreign. As used herein, "Tax Return" shall mean any return, report or
      statement required to be filed with any Governmental Entity with respect
      to Taxes.

            (l) Board Approval; Section 203 of the DGCL. The Board of Directors
      of IPC has, prior to the execution hereof and prior to the execution of
      the Voting Agreement, (i) approved the execution and delivery by IPC of
      this Agreement, and the execution and delivery by the parties thereto of
      the Voting Agreement and the consummation of the Mergers and the other
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Voting Agreement.
      Section 203 of the DGCL is inapplicable to this Agreement, the Mergers,
      the Voting Agreement and the other transactions contemplated hereby and
      thereby with respect to both IPC and IXnet. No state takeover statute or
      similar statute or regulation of the State of Delaware or of any other
      state or jurisdiction applies or purports to apply to this Agreement, the
      Mergers, the Voting Agreement, the Stockholder Consents or any of the
      other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby and (z) no provision of
      the certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other governing instruments
      of IPC or any of its subsidiaries or the terms of any rights plan or
      preferred stock of IPC or any of its subsidiaries would, directly or
      indirectly, restrict or impair the ability of Parent to vote, or otherwise
      to exercise the rights of a stockholder with respect to, securities of IPC
      and its subsidiaries that may be acquired or controlled by Parent or
      permit any stockholder to acquire securities of IPC, IPC Systems, IXnet or
      any Surviving Corporation on a basis not available to Parent in the event
      that Parent were to acquire securities of IPC, IPC Systems or IXnet. The
      Board of Directors of IPC Merger Sub has duly approved this Agreement and
      the IXnet Merger and declared this Agreement advisable.

            (m)  Environmental Matters.  (i) Except as disclosed in Section
      3.01(m) of the Disclosure Schedule:

                   (A) IPC and its subsidiaries including their predecessors and
            their properties (I) are in compliance in all material respects with
            all applicable Environmental Laws; (II) hold all material
            Environmental Permits (each of which is in full force and effect)
            required for any of their current or intended operations or for any
            property owned, leased, or otherwise operated by any of them; (III)
            are in compliance in all material respects with all of their
            Environmental Permits; and (IV) reasonably believe that: each of
            their Environmental Permits will be timely renewed and complied
            with, without material expense; any additional Environmental Permits
            that may be required of any of them will be timely obtained and
            complied with, without material expense; and compliance with any


<PAGE>

                                                                              22


            Environmental Law that is or is expected to become applicable to any
            of them will be timely attained and maintained, without material
            expense;

                   (B) None of IPC and its subsidiaries has received any
            Environmental Claim, and none of IPC and its subsidiaries is aware,
            after reasonable inquiry, of any threatened Environmental Claim or
            of any circumstances, conditions or events that would reasonably be
            expected to give rise to an Environmental Claim, against IPC or any
            of its subsidiaries, in each case that, individually or in the
            aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have an IPC Material
            Adverse Effect;

                   (C) None of IPC and its subsidiaries has entered into or
            agreed to any consent decree or order under any Environmental Law,
            and none of IPC and its subsidiaries is subject to any judgment,
            decree or order of any governmental authority relating to compliance
            with any Environmental Law or to investigation, cleanup, remediation
            or removal of regulated substances under any Environmental Law;

                   (D) There are no (I) underground storage tanks, (II)
            polychlorinated biphenyls, (III) asbestos or asbestos-containing
            materials or (IV) Hazardous Materials present at any facility
            currently or, to the knowledge of IPC, formerly owned, leased or
            operated by IPC or any of its subsidiaries that would reasonably be
            expected to give rise to material liability of IPC or any of its
            subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws;

                   (E) There are no past (including, to the knowledge of IPC,
            with respect to assets or businesses formerly owned, leased or
            operated by IPC or any of its subsidiaries) or present actions,
            activities, events, conditions or circumstances, including the
            release, threatened release, emission, discharge, generation,
            treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials, that would
            reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability of IPC or
            any of its subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws or any contract
            or agreement; and

                   (F) None of IPC and its subsidiaries has assumed or retained,
            by contract or, to the knowledge of IPC, operation of law, any
            material liabilities of any kind, fixed or contingent, under any
            Environmental Law or with respect to any Hazardous Material or
            Environmental Claim.

            (ii) The items on Section 3.01(m) of the Disclosure Schedule,
      individually and in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to
      have an IPC Material Adverse Effect.

            (iii) IPC has provided or made available to Parent true and complete
      copies of all Environmental Reports in its possession or control.

            (iv) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have
      the following meanings:


<PAGE>

                                                                              23


                        "Environmental Claim" means any written notice, claim,
                  demand, action, suit, complaint, proceeding or other
                  communication by any person alleging liability or potential
                  liability (including liability or potential liability for
                  investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response
                  costs, natural resource damages, property damage, personal
                  injury, fines or penalties) arising out of, relating to, based
                  on or resulting from (i) the presence, discharge, emission,
                  release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials at
                  any location, whether or not owned, leased or operated by IPC
                  or any of its subsidiaries, or Parent or any of its
                  subsidiaries, as the case may be, or (ii) any Environmental
                  Law or Environmental Permit.

                        "Environmental Laws" means any and all laws, rules,
                  orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, guidelines, codes,
                  decrees, or other legally enforceable requirement (including
                  common law) of any foreign government, the United States, or
                  any state, local, municipal or other governmental authority,
                  regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of
                  conduct concerning protection of the environment or of human
                  health, or employee health and safety, as has been, is now, or
                  may at any time hereafter be, in effect.

                        "Environmental Permits" means any and all permits,
                  licenses, approvals, registrations, notifications, exemptions
                  and any other authorization required under any Environmental
                  Law.

                        "Environmental Report" means any report, study,
                  assessment, audit, or other similar document that addresses
                  any issue of actual or potential noncompliance with, or actual
                  or potential liability under or cost arising out of, any
                  Environmental Law that may in any way affect IPC or any of its
                  subsidiaries.

                        "Hazardous Materials" means any gasoline or petroleum
                  (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum
                  products, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea-formaldehyde
                  insulation, asbestos, pollutants, contaminants, radioactivity,
                  and any other substances or forces of any kind, whether or not
                  any such substance or force is defined as hazardous or toxic
                  under any Environmental Law, that is regulated pursuant to or
                  could give rise to liability under any Environmental Law.

            (n) Material Contract Defaults; Non-Competes. (i) IPC has provided
      or made available to Parent copies, and has provided a true and correct
      list to Parent, of all material contracts, agreements, commitments,
      arrangements, leases, licenses, policies or other instruments to which it
      or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any such
      subsidiary is bound ("IPC Material Contracts"). Neither IPC nor any of its
      subsidiaries


<PAGE>

                                                                              24


      is, or has received any notice or has any knowledge that any other party
      is, in default or unable to perform in any respect under any such IPC
      Material Contract, including any license or agreement relating to
      intellectual property, except for those defaults which could not
      reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have
      an IPC Material Adverse Effect; and there has not occurred any event that
      with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute
      such a material default.

                  (ii) Except as disclosed in Section 3.01(n) of the Disclosure
            Schedule or in the Recent SEC Documents, neither IPC nor any of its
            subsidiaries is a party to any agreement that expressly limits the
            ability of IPC or any of its subsidiaries to compete in or conduct
            any line of business or compete with any person in any geographic
            area or during any period of time.

            (o) Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or
      other person other than Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin &
      Jenrette Securities Corporation is entitled to any broker's, finder's,
      financial advisor's or other similar fee or commission in connection with
      the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements
      made by or on behalf of IPC.

            (p) Opinion of Financial Advisor. IPC has received the opinions of
      Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
      Corporation, each dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as
      of the date thereof, the IPC Merger Exchange Ratio is fair, from a
      financial point of view, to the holders of IPC Common Stock.

            (q) Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of IPC, at a
      meeting duly called and held, has (i) determined that this Agreement and
      the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Mergers, and the
      Voting Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, taken
      together, are fair to and in the best interests of the stockholders of
      IPC, and (ii) declared this Agreement advisable and resolved to recommend
      that the holders of the shares of IPC Common Stock adopt this Agreement.

            (r) Required Votes. The IPC Stockholder Approval, being the
      affirmative approval, by vote or written consent, of a majority of the
      outstanding shares of IPC Common Stock, is the only vote of the holders of
      any class or series of IPC's securities necessary to adopt the Merger
      Agreement and approve the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated
      hereby. There is no vote of the holders of any class or series of IPC's
      securities necessary to approve the Voting Agreement or the transactions
      contemplated thereby. The affirmative approval, by vote or written
      consent, of a majority of the outstanding shares of IPC Systems Common
      Stock to adopt this Agreement (the "IPC Systems Stockholder Approval") is
      the only vote of the holders of any class or series of IPC Systems'
      securities necessary to adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the Mergers
      and the other transactions contemplated hereby.


<PAGE>

                                                                              25


            (s) Properties. Except as disclosed in Section 3.01(s) of the
      Disclosure Schedule or in the Recent SEC Documents, each of IPC and its
      subsidiaries (i) has good and marketable title to all the properties and
      assets reflected in the latest audited balance sheet included in the
      Recent SEC Documents as being owned by IPC or one of its subsidiaries or
      acquired after the date thereof which are, individually or in the
      aggregate, material to IPC's business on a consolidated basis (except
      properties sold or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the
      ordinary course of business), free and clear of (A) all Liens except (1)
      statutory liens securing payments not yet delinquent and (2) such
      imperfections or irregularities of title, or other Liens (other than real
      property mortgages or deeds of trust) as do not materially and adversely
      affect the current use of the properties or assets subject thereto or
      affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations
      currently conducted at such properties, (B) all real property mortgages
      and deeds of trust and (C) the Liens disclosed in Section 3.01(s) of the
      Disclosure Schedule and (ii) is the lessee of all leasehold estates
      reflected in Section 3.01(s) of the Disclosure Schedule hereto or acquired
      after the date thereof which are material to its business on a
      consolidated basis and is in possession of the properties purported to be
      leased thereunder, and each such lease is in full force and effect and is
      valid without material default (and the lessee has not received any
      written notice of default, whether or not material) thereunder by the
      lessee or, to IPC's knowledge, the lessor.

            (t) Intellectual Property. (i) Except as disclosed in the Recent SEC
      Documents, IPC has heretofore made available to Parent, with respect to
      the Intellectual Property owned, held or used by IPC or its subsidiaries
      ("IPC IP"), all material patents, registrations and applications relating
      thereto, all material unregistered copyrights, trademarks, service marks,
      brand names, corporate names, technology and inventions and each and every
      material license, sublicense, consent-to-use agreement and other agreement
      granting or obtaining any right to use or practice any rights under any
      IPC IP to which IPC and/or any of its subsidiaries is a party ("IPC IP
      Licenses").

                  (ii) Except as disclosed on Section 3.01(t)(ii) of the
      Disclosure Schedule, (1) IPC and/or any of its subsidiaries own or has the
      right to use all the Intellectual Property necessary for IPC and its
      subsidiaries to conduct their businesses as is currently conducted and
      consistent with past practice; (2) all of the material owned IPC IP is
      valid, enforceable and unexpired, is free of Liens, and has not been
      abandoned; (3) to IPC's knowledge, the IPC IP does not infringe or
      otherwise impair the Intellectual Property of any third party and is not
      being infringed or impaired by any third party; (4) no judgment, decree,
      injunction, rule or order has been rendered or, to the knowledge of IPC,
      is threatened by any Governmental Entity which would limit, cancel or
      question the validity of (or IPC or any subsidiary's right to own or use)
      any material IPC IP; (5) IPC takes all reasonable steps to protect,
      maintain and safeguard the material IPC IP, including executing all
      appropriate confidentiality agreements; (6) neither IPC and its
      subsidiaries, nor, to IPC's knowledge, any other party to an IP License,
      is alleged n writing to be, in breach or default thereunder, and IPC and
      its subsidiaries have not received any written notification from any third
      party that there is any such breach or default; (7) the transactions
      contemplated by this Agreement shall in no material way impair or limit
      the


<PAGE>

                                                                              26


      rights of IPC or any of its subsidiaries under any IP License, or cause
      any material payments to be due thereunder.

                  For the purposes of this Agreement, "Intellectual Property"
      shall mean all U.S., state and foreign intellectual property, including
      without limitation all (1) (A) inventions, discoveries, processes,
      designs, techniques, developments, technology, and related improvements
      and know-how, whether or not patented or patentable; (B) copyrights and
      works of authorship in any media, including computer programs, software
      programs, databases and related items, advertising and promotional
      materials (including graphics and text), and Internet site content; (C)
      trademarks, service marks, trade names, brand names, corporate names,
      domain names, logos, trade dress and all elements thereof, the goodwill of
      any business symbolized thereby, and all common-law rights relating
      thereto; (D) trade secrets and other confidential information; (2) all
      registrations, applications, recordings, and licenses or other agreements
      related thereto; (3) all rights to obtain renewals, extensions,
      continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, divisions or similar legal
      protections related thereto; and (4) rights to bring an action at law or
      in equity for the infringement or other impairment of the foregoing before
      the Closing Date, including the right to receive all proceeds and damages
      therefrom.

            (u) Transactions with Affiliates. Except as disclosed in the Recent
      SEC Documents and as set forth on Section 3.01(u) of the Disclosure
      Schedule and in the SEC Documents, from October 1, 1998 through the date
      of this Agreement, there has been no transaction, agreement, arrangement
      or understanding, or any related series thereof, between IPC or its
      subsidiaries or contractors, on the one hand, and IPC's affiliates (other
      than wholly-owned (excluding directors' and nominee shares) subsidiaries
      of IPC), on the other hand, in which the amount or value involved exceeded
      $60,000.

            SECTION 3.2 Representations and Warranties of IXnet. IXnet
represents and warrants to Parent and GC Merger Sub as follows:

            (a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power. Each of IXnet and
      each of its subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good
      standing (with respect to jurisdictions which recognize the concept of
      good standing) under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is
      incorporated and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry
      on its business as now being conducted, except where the failure to have
      such power and authority could not reasonably be expected to have an IXnet
      Material Adverse Effect. Each of IXnet and each of its subsidiaries is
      duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each
      jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or
      leasing of its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary,
      other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or
      licensed (individually or in the aggregate) would not be reasonably
      expected to have an IXnet Material Adverse Effect. The Recent IXnet SEC
      Documents (as defined in Section 3.02(e)) contain as exhibits complete and
      correct copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of IXnet,
      in each case as amended to the date of this Agreement.


<PAGE>

                                                                              27


            (b) Subsidiaries. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of IXnet
      are those listed in Section 3.01(b) of the Disclosure Schedule. All the
      outstanding shares of capital stock of each such subsidiary have been
      validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned (of
      record and beneficially) by IXnet, by another subsidiary (wholly owned) of
      IXnet or by IXnet and another such subsidiary (wholly owned), free and
      clear of all Liens, except as set forth in Section 3.01(b) of the
      Disclosure Schedule. Except for the ownership interests set forth in
      Section 3.01(b) of the Disclosure Schedule or in the Recent IXnet SEC
      Documents, IXnet does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock
      or other ownership interest, and does not have any option or similar right
      to acquire any assets or equity or other ownership interest, in any
      corporation, partnership, business association, joint venture or other
      entity.

            (c) Capital Structure. As of February 21, 2000, the authorized
      capital stock of IXnet consists of 100,000,000 shares of IXnet Common
      Stock. As of the close of business on February 21, 2000, there were (i)
      51,148,867 shares of IXnet Common Stock were issued and outstanding; (ii)
      0 shares of IXnet Common Stock held in the treasury of IXnet; (iii)
      907,557 shares of IXnet Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise
      of authorized but unissued IXnet Options pursuant to the Stock Plans; and
      (iv) 9,053,409 shares of IXnet Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
      outstanding IXnet Options. Section 3.01(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets
      forth the name of each holder of outstanding options to acquire shares of
      IXnet Common Stock, the number of options held and the exercise prices of
      such options. Except as set forth above, no shares of capital stock or
      other equity securities of IXnet are authorized, issued, reserved for
      issuance or outstanding. All outstanding shares of capital stock of IXnet
      are, and all shares which may be issued pursuant to the Stock Plans will
      be, when issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
      nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. Other than the IXnet
      Options, there are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other
      indebtedness or other securities of IXnet having the right to vote (or
      convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, securities having
      the right to vote) on any matters on which stockholders of IXnet may vote.
      Except as set forth above, there are no outstanding securities, options,
      warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or
      undertakings of any kind to which IXnet or any of its subsidiaries is a
      party or by which any of them is bound obligating IXnet or any of its
      subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered
      or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other equity or voting
      securities of IXnet or of any of its subsidiaries or obligating IXnet or
      any of its subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such
      security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement
      or undertaking. Except as set forth in the Recent IXnet SEC Documents and
      except for such indebtedness which is not material to IXnet, IXnet and its
      subsidiaries have no indebtedness. Other than the IXnet Options, (i) there
      are no outstanding contractual obligations, commitments, understandings or
      arrangements of IXnet or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or
      otherwise acquire or make any payment in respect of any shares of capital
      stock of IXnet or any of its subsidiaries and (ii) there are no
      irrevocable proxies with respect to shares of capital stock of IXnet or
      any subsidiary of IXnet. Except as set forth above or in


<PAGE>

                                                                              28


      Section 3.01(c) of the Disclosure Schedule or in the Recent IXnet SEC
      Documents, there are no agreements or arrangements pursuant to which IXnet
      is or could be required to register shares of IXnet Common Stock or other
      securities under the Securities Act or other agreements or arrangements
      with or among any securityholders of IXnet with respect to securities of
      IXnet.

            (d) Authority; Noncontravention. IXnet has the requisite corporate
      and other power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to
      the IXnet Stockholder Approval with respect to the consummation of the
      IXnet Merger, which is being obtained by written consent immediately
      following the execution of this Agreement, to consummate the transactions
      contemplated hereby. Other than in its capacity as a stockholder of IXnet,
      no corporate action is required to be taken by IPC or its stockholders in
      connection with the consummation of the IXnet Merger. The execution and
      delivery of this Agreement by IXnet and the consummation by IXnet of the
      transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all
      necessary corporate action on the part of IXnet, subject, in the case of
      the IXnet Merger, to the IXnet Stockholder Approval. This Agreement has
      been duly executed and delivered by IXnet and constitutes a valid and
      binding obligation of IXnet, enforceable against IXnet in accordance with
      its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
      insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or
      affecting creditors generally, by general equitable principles (regardless
      of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or
      at law) or by an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Except
      as disclosed in Section 3.01(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, the execution
      and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement and compliance with the
      provisions hereof will not, conflict with, or result in any breach or
      violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or
      both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
      acceleration of or "put" right with respect to any obligation or to loss
      of a material benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon
      any of the properties or assets of IXnet or any of its subsidiaries under,
      (i) the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of IXnet or the comparable
      charter or organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any
      loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other
      agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license applicable
      to IXnet or any of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or
      assets or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters
      referred to in the following sentence, any judgment, order, decree,
      statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation or arbitration award applicable
      to IXnet or any of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or
      assets, other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), any such
      conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults, rights, losses or Liens that
      individually or in the aggregate could not be reasonably expected to have
      an IXnet Material Adverse Effect. No consent, approval, order or
      authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, or notice
      to, any Governmental Entity, is required by or with respect to IXnet or
      any of its subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of
      this Agreement by IXnet or the consummation by IXnet of the transactions
      contemplated hereby, except, with respect to this Agreement, for (i) the
      filing of a premerger notification and report form by IXnet under the HSR
      Act, (ii) the


<PAGE>

                                                                              29


      filing with the SEC of (y) Information Statements relating to the Mergers,
      and (z) such reports under the Exchange Act, as may be required in
      connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this
      Agreement, (iii) the filing of the Certificates of Merger with the
      Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the filing of appropriate
      documents with the relevant authorities of other states in which IXnet is
      qualified to do business and (iv) such other consents, approvals, orders,
      authorizations, registrations, declarations, filings or notices as are set
      forth in Section 3.01(d) of the Disclosure Schedule.

            (e) SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities. IXnet and, to the extent
      applicable, its subsidiaries have filed all required reports, schedules,
      forms, statements and other documents with the SEC since October 1, 1998,
      and IXnet has delivered or made available to Parent all reports,
      schedules, forms, statements and other documents filed by IXnet and, to
      the extent applicable, its subsidiaries with the SEC since such date
      (collectively, and in each case including all exhibits and schedules
      thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, the "IXnet SEC
      Documents"). As of their respective dates, the IXnet SEC Documents
      complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities
      Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations
      of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to such IXnet SEC Documents,
      and none of the IXnet SEC Documents (including any and all financial
      statements included therein) as of such dates (and, if amended or
      superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the
      date of such filing) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
      omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
      necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
      circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated
      financial statements (including the related notes) of IXnet included in
      all IXnet SEC Documents filed since October 1, 1998 (the "IXnet SEC
      Financial Statements") comply as to form in all material respects with
      applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations
      of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance with
      generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of unaudited
      consolidated quarterly statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC)
      applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may
      be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present the consolidated
      financial position of IXnet and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the
      dates thereof and the consolidated results of its operations and cash
      flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited
      quarterly statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments that have not
      been and are not expected to be material in amount). Except as set forth
      in Schedule 3.01(e), at the date of the most recent audited financial
      statements of IXnet included in the IXnet SEC Documents filed by IXnet or
      its subsidiaries since October 1, 1998 and prior to the date of this
      Agreement (the "Recent IXnet SEC Documents"), neither IXnet nor any of its
      subsidiaries had, and since such date neither IXnet nor any of such
      subsidiaries incurred, any liabilities or obligations of any nature
      (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) which, individually
      or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have an IXnet
      Material Adverse Effect. To the best of IXnet's knowledge, (i) all
      historical financial statements supplied to Parent by IXnet for periods
      subsequent to December 31, 1999 have been prepared in accordance


<PAGE>

                                                                              30

      with generally accepted accounting principles (except as permitted by Form
      10-Q of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
      (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present the
      consolidated financial position of IXnet and its consolidated subsidiaries
      as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations
      and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to normal year-end
      adjustments that have not been and are not expected to be material in
      amount) and (ii) all financial data so supplied for such periods is true
      and accurate in all material respects.

            (f) Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
      supplied by IXnet for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
      Forms S-4 will, at the time each Form S-4 is filed with the SEC, and at
      any time it is amended or supplemented or at the time it becomes effective
      under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact
      or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
      necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and (ii) each
      Information Statement/Prospectus will, at the date it is first mailed to
      IXnet's stockholders or IPC's stockholders, as the case may be, at the
      time of the IXnet Stockholder Meeting or the IPC Stockholder Meeting, as
      the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
      to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
      order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
      which they are made, not misleading. The Forms S-4 and the Information
      Statement/Prospectuses will comply as to form in all material respects
      with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act and the
      rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except that no
      representation is made by IXnet with respect to statements made or
      incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by Parent
      or GC Merger Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Forms
      S-4 and the Information Statement/Prospectuses.

            (g) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in
      Section 3.01(g) of the Disclosure Schedule or except as included in the
      Recent IXnet SEC Documents, since October 1, 1998, IXnet has conducted its
      business in all material respects only in the ordinary course consistent
      with past practice and there is not and has not been any condition, event
      or occurrence which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
      expected to have an IXnet Material Adverse Effect.

            (h) Litigation; Labor Matters; Compliance with Laws. (i) Except as
      disclosed in the Recent SEC Documents, there are no suits, actions,
      complaints, charges, arbitrations, inquiries, counterclaims, proceedings
      or governmental or internal investigations pending or, to the knowledge of
      IXnet, threatened in writing against or affecting IPC or any of its
      subsidiaries which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
      expected to have an IXnet Material Adverse Effect; in addition, there is
      not any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental
      Entity or arbitrator outstanding against IXnet or any of its subsidiaries
      having, or which could reasonably be expected to have any such effect.


<PAGE>

                                                                              31


            (ii) Except as disclosed in Section 3.01(h)(ii) of the Disclosure
      Schedule, (A) neither IXnet nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to, or
      bound by, any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement
      or understanding with a labor union or labor organization, (B) neither IPC
      nor any of its subsidiaries is the subject of any proceeding asserting
      that it or any subsidiary has committed an unfair labor practice or
      seeking to compel it to bargain with any labor organization as to wages or
      conditions of employment nor is such unfair labor practice threatened or
      otherwise affecting IXnet or any of its subsidiaries, (C) there is not any
      strike, work stoppage, dispute, lockout or other labor controversy
      involving it or any of its subsidiaries pending or, to its knowledge,
      threatened, any of which would reasonably be expected to have an IXnet
      Material Adverse Effect; (D) no representation question exists or has been
      raised respecting any of the Company's employees or any of its
      subsidiaries' employees within the past three years, nor to the knowledge
      of IXnet are there any campaigns being conducted to solicit cards from
      employees of IXnet or any of its subsidiaries to authorize representation
      by any labor organization; (E) neither IXnet nor any of its subsidiaries
      has closed any plant or facility, effectuated any layoffs of employees or
      implemented any early retirement, separation or window program within the
      past three years, nor has IXnet or any of its subsidiaries planned or
      announced any such action or program for the future; (F) neither IXnet nor
      any of its subsidiaries shall, at any time within the 90-day period prior
      to the Closing Date, effectuate a "plant closing" or "mass layoff", as
      those terms are defined in WARN, or any state law, affecting in whole of
      in part any site of employment, facility, operating unit or employee; and
      (G) the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with their
      obligations pursuant to WARN, and all other notification and bargaining
      obligations arising under any collective bargaining agreement, statute or
      otherwise.

           (iii) The conduct of the business of each of IXnet and each of its
      subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of IXnet, its contractors complies with
      all statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders,
      decrees or arbitration awards applicable thereto, including the Foreign
      Corrupt Practices Act, except for violations or failures so to comply, if
      any, that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
      expected to have an IXnet Material Adverse Effect.

            (i) Absence of Changes with respect to Employees and Employee
      Benefit Plans. Except as set forth in Section 3.01(i) of the Disclosure
      Schedule or in the Recent IXnet SEC Documents, since September 1, 1999,
      there has not been any (i) increase in the compensation or fringe benefits
      of any present or former director or IXnet Employee (as defined below)
      whose base salary equals or is in excess of $100,000 per annum as of
      September 1, 1999 (except for increases in salary or wages in the ordinary
      course of business consistent with past practice), (ii) grant of any
      severance or termination pay to any present or former director or IXnet
      Employee whose base salary equals or is in excess of $100,000 per annum as
      of September 1, 1999 (except in the ordinary course of business consistent
      with past practice or as required by law or agreements or plans in effect
      as of September 1, 1999), (iii) loan or advance of money or other property
      by IXnet or any subsidiary thereof to any of their present or former
      directors or IXnet Employees


<PAGE>

                                                                              32


      which is outstanding as of the date hereof or (iv) establishment,
      adoption, entrance into, amendment or termination of any IXnet Plan (as
      defined below).

            (j) (i) Except as set forth therein, Section 3.01(j)(i) of the
      Disclosure Schedule contains a true and complete list of each "employee
      benefit plan" (within the meaning of section 3(3) of the Employee
      Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), including,
      without limitation, multiemployer plans within the meaning of ERISA
      section 3(37)), and all stock purchase, stock option, consulting,
      severance, employment, change-in-control, termination, indemnification,
      fringe benefit, collective bargaining, bonus, incentive, deferred
      compensation and all other employee benefit plans, agreements, programs,
      policies or other arrangements, whether or not subject to ERISA (including
      any funding mechanism therefor now in effect or required in the future as
      a result of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise),
      whether formal or informal, oral or written, legally binding or not, under
      which any current or former director or any employee or former employee of
      IXnet or any subsidiary thereof (the "IXnet Employees") has any present or
      future right to benefits, sponsored or maintained by IXnet or its
      subsidiaries or under which IXnet or any subsidiary thereof has had or has
      any present or future liability. All such plans, agreements, programs,
      policies and arrangements shall be collectively referred to as the "IXnet
      Plans".

                  (ii) Except as set forth in Section 3.01(j)(ii) of the
      Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each IXnet Plan, IXnet has made
      available to Parent a current, accurate and complete copy (or, to the
      extent no such copy exists, an accurate description) thereof and, to the
      extent applicable: (A) any related trust agreement or other funding
      instrument; (B) the most recent determination letter, if applicable; (C)
      any summary plan description and other written communications (or a
      description of any oral communications) by IXnet or any subsidiary thereof
      to their employees concerning the extent of the benefits provided under a
      IXnet Plan; and (D) with respect to each employee pension benefit plan,
      for the three (3) most recent years (I) the Form 5500 and attached
      schedules, (II) audited financial statements, (III) actuarial valuation
      reports and (IV) attorney's response to an auditor's request for
      information.

                  (iii) (A) Each IXnet Plan has been established and
      administered in accordance with its terms, and in compliance with the
      applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws, rules
      and regulations; (B) each IXnet Plan which is intended to be qualified
      within the meaning of Code section 401(a) is so qualified and has received
      a favorable determination letter as to its qualification, and nothing has
      occurred, whether by action or failure to act, that would reasonably be
      expected to cause the loss of such qualification; (C) no event has
      occurred and no condition exists that would subject IXnet or any
      subsidiary thereof, either directly or by reason of their affiliation with
      any member of their "Controlled Group" (defined as any organization which
      is a member of a controlled group of organizations within the meaning of
      Code sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o)), to any tax, fine, lien, penalty or
      other liability imposed by ERISA, the Code or other applicable laws, rules
      and regulations; (D) for each IXnet Plan with respect to which a Form 5500
      has been filed, no material change has occurred with respect to the
      matters


<PAGE>

                                                                              33


      covered by the most recent Form since the date thereof; (E) no "reportable
      event" (as such term is defined in ERISA section 4043), "prohibited
      transaction" (as such term is defined in ERISA section 406 and Code
      section 4975) or "accumulated funding deficiency" (as such term is defined
      in ERISA section 302 and Code section 412 (whether or not waived)) has
      occurred with respect to any IXnet Plan; (F) no IXnet Plan provides
      retiree welfare benefits and neither IXnet nor any subsidiary thereof has
      any obligations to provide any retiree welfare benefits, other than those
      mandated by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1995;
      and (G) except as set forth in Section 3.01(j)(iii) of the Disclosure
      Schedule, all awards, grants or bonuses made pursuant to any IXnet Plan
      have been, or will be, fully deductible to IXnet or its subsidiaries
      notwithstanding the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the
      regulations promulgated thereunder; provided that with respect to each
      IXnet Plan that is a multi-employer plan, the representations contained in
      this Section 3.02(j)(iii) are made to the knowledge of IXnet.

                  (iv) There are no IXnet Plans that are not multiemployer plans
      which are subject to Title IV of ERISA.

                  (v) With respect to any multiemployer plan (within the meaning
      of ERISA section 4001(a)(3)) to which IXnet, any subsidiary thereof, or
      any member of their Controlled Group has any liability or contributes (or
      has at any time contributed or had an obligation to contribute): (A) none
      of IXnet, any subsidiary thereof, or any member of their Controlled Group
      has incurred any withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA or, to the
      best knowledge of IXnet, would be subject to such liability if, as of the
      Closing Date, IXnet, any of its subsidiaries or any member of their
      Controlled Group were to engage in a complete withdrawal (as defined in
      ERISA section 4203) or partial withdrawal (as defined in ERISA section
      4205) from any such multiemployer plan; and (B) to the best knowledge of
      IXnet, no such multiemployer plan is in reorganization or insolvent (as
      those terms are defined in ERISA sections 4241 and 4245, respectively).

                  (vi) With respect to any IXnet Plan other than a multiemployer
      plan, and to the best knowledge of IXnet with respect to any multiemployer
      plan, (A) no actions, suits or claims (other than routine claims for
      benefits in the ordinary course) are pending or threatened, (B) no facts
      or circumstances exist that could give rise to any such actions, suits or
      claims, and (C) no administrative investigation, audit or other
      administrative proceeding by the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit
      Guaranty Corporation, the Internal Revenue Service or any other
      governmental agency is pending, threatened or in progress.

                  (vii) Except as set forth in Section 3.01(j)(vii) of the
      Disclosure Schedule, no IXnet Plan exists that, as a result of the
      transaction contemplated by this Agreement, could result in the payment to
      any current or former Employee or director of IXnet or any subsidiary
      thereof of any money or other property or could result in the acceleration
      or provision of any other rights or benefits to any current or former
      Employee or director of


<PAGE>

                                                                              34


      IXnet or any subsidiary thereof, whether or not such payment, right or
      benefit would constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Code
      section 280G.

            (k)  Tax Returns and Tax Payments. IXnet and each of its
      subsidiaries, and any Consolidated Group for Tax purposes of which IXnet
      or any of its subsidiaries is or has been a member (an "IXnet Consolidated
      Group") has timely filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and
      all such Tax Returns are correct and complete in all material respects.
      All Taxes shown on such Tax Returns have been timely paid, and IXnet, each
      of its subsidiaries and each IXnet Consolidated Group has timely paid or
      accrued all Taxes for which a notice of assessment or collection has been
      received (other than amounts being contested in good faith by appropriate
      proceedings). IXnet, its subsidiaries and each IXnet Consolidated Group
      have made adequate provision (to the extent required by, and in accordance
      with GAAP) for all Taxes payable for any periods that end before the
      Effective Time of the Mergers for which no Tax Returns have yet been filed
      and for any periods that begin before the Effective Time of the Mergers
      and end after the Effective Time of the Mergers to the extent such Taxes
      are attributable to the portion of any such period ending at the Effective
      Time of the Mergers, and the charges, accruals and reserves for Taxes
      reflected in the financial statements of IXnet, its subsidiaries and each
      IXnet Consolidated Group are adequate under GAAP to cover the Tax
      liability accruing or payable by IXnet and its subsidiaries in respect of
      periods prior to the date hereof. Except as set forth in Section 3.01(k)
      of the Disclosure Schedule: (i) no material claim for unpaid Taxes has
      become a lien against the property of IXnet or any of its subsidiaries or
      is being asserted in writing against IXnet or any of its subsidiaries,
      (ii) neither IXnet nor any of its subsidiaries is delinquent in the
      payment of any Tax or has requested or filed any document having the
      effect of causing any extension of time within which to file any Tax
      Returns in respect of any fiscal year which have not since been filed,
      (iii) no material audit or other proceeding with respect to any Taxes due
      from IXnet, any of its subsidiaries or any IXnet Consolidated Group or any
      Tax Return of IXnet, any of its subsidiaries or any IXnet Consolidated
      Group is pending, threatened, to the best of IXnet's knowledge, or being
      conducted by a Tax authority, (iv) no extension of the statute of
      limitations on the assessment of any Taxes has been granted by IXnet, any
      of its subsidiaries or any IXnet Consolidated Group and is currently in
      effect, (v) neither IXnet or any of its subsidiaries (A) has been a member
      of a Consolidated Group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return
      (other than a group the common parent of which was IPC) or (B) has any
      liability for the Taxes of any person (other than IXnet and its
      subsidiaries), including liability arising from the application of
      Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-6 or any analogous provision of state,
      local or foreign law, or as a transferee or successor, by contract, or
      otherwise, (vi) no consent under Section 341(f) of the Code has been filed
      with respect to IXnet or any of its subsidiaries, and (vii) all Taxes
      required to be withheld, collected or deposited by or with respect to
      IXnet, each of its subsidiaries and each IXnet Consolidated Group have
      been timely withheld, collected or deposited, as the case may be, and, to
      the extent required, have been paid to the relevant taxing authority.


<PAGE>

                                                                              35


            (l) Board Approval; Section 203 of the DGCL. The Board of Directors
      of IXnet has, prior to the execution hereof, approved the execution and
      delivery by IXnet of this Agreement and the consummation of the Mergers
      and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Section 203 of
      the DGCL is inapplicable to this Agreement, the Mergers, the Voting
      Agreement and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby with
      respect to IXnet. No state takeover statute or similar statute or
      regulation of the State of Delaware or of any other state or jurisdiction
      applies or purports to apply to this Agreement, the Mergers, the Voting
      Agreement, the Stockholder Consents or any of the other transactions
      contemplated hereby or thereby and no provision of the certificate of
      incorporation, by-laws or other governing instruments of IXnet or any of
      its subsidiaries or the terms of any rights plan or preferred stock of
      IXnet would, directly or indirectly, restrict or impair the ability of
      Parent to vote, or otherwise to exercise the rights of a stockholder with
      respect to, securities of IXnet and its subsidiaries that may be acquired
      or controlled by Parent or permit any stockholder to acquire securities of
      IXnet or the IXnet Merger Surviving Corporation on a basis not available
      to Parent in the event that Parent were to acquire securities of IXnet or
      its subsidiaries.

            (m)  Environmental Matters.  (i) Except as disclosed in Section
3.01(m) of the Disclosure Schedule:

                   (A) IXnet and its subsidiaries including their predecessors
            and their properties (I) are in compliance in all material respects
            with all applicable Environmental Laws; (II) hold all material
            Environmental Permits (each of which is in full force and effect)
            required for any of their current or intended operations or for any
            property owned, leased, or otherwise operated by any of them; (III)
            are in compliance in all material respects with all of their
            Environmental Permits; and (IV) reasonably believe that: each of
            their Environmental Permits will be timely renewed and complied
            with, without material expense; any additional Environmental Permits
            that may be required of any of them will be timely obtained and
            complied with, without material expense; and compliance with any
            Environmental Law that is or is expected to become applicable to any
            of them will be timely attained and maintained, without material
            expense;

                   (B) None of IXnet and its subsidiaries has received any
            Environmental Claim, and none of IXnet and its subsidiaries is
            aware, after reasonable inquiry, of any threatened Environmental
            Claim or of any circumstances, conditions or events that would
            reasonably be expected to give rise to an Environmental Claim,
            against IXnet or any of its subsidiaries, in each case that,
            individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to
            have an IXnet Material Adverse Effect;

                   (C) None of IXnet and its subsidiaries has entered into or
            agreed to any consent decree or order under any Environmental Law,
            and none of IXnet and its subsidiaries is subject to any judgment,
            decree or order of any governmental authority relating to compliance
            with any Environmental Law or to


<PAGE>


            investigation, cleanup, remediation or removal of regulated
            substances under any Environmental Law;

                   (D) There are no (I) underground storage tanks, (II)
            polychlorinated biphenyls, (III) asbestos or asbestos-containing
            materials or (IV) Hazardous Materials present at any facility
            currently or, to the knowledge of IXnet, formerly owned, leased or
            operated by IXnet or any of its subsidiaries that would reasonably
            be expected to give rise to material liability of IXnet or any of
            its subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws;

                   (E) There are no past (including, to the knowledge of IXnet,
            with respect to assets or businesses formerly owned, leased or
            operated by IXnet or any of its subsidiaries) or present actions,
            activities, events, conditions or circumstances, including the
            release, threatened release, emission, discharge, generation,
            treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials, that would
            reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability of IXnet
            or any of its subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws or any
            contract or agreement; and

                   (F) To the knowledge of IXnet, none of IXnet and its
            subsidiaries has assumed or retained, by contract or operation of
            law, any material liabilities of any kind, fixed or contingent,
            under any Environmental Law or with respect to any Hazardous
            Material or Environmental Claim.

            (ii) The items on Section 3.01(m) of the Disclosure Schedule,
      individually and in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to
      have an IXnet Material Adverse Effect.

            (iii) IXnet has provided or made available to Parent and GC Merger
      Sub true and complete copies of all Environmental Reports in its
      possession or control.

            (n) Material Contract Defaults; Non-Competes. (i) IXnet has provided
      or made available to Parent copies, and has provided a true and correct
      list to Parent, of all material contracts, agreements, commitments,
      arrangements, leases, licenses, policies or other instruments to which it
      or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any such
      subsidiary is bound ("IXnet Material Contracts"). Neither IXnet nor any of
      its subsidiaries is, or has received any notice or has any knowledge that
      any other party is, in default or unable to perform in any respect under
      any such IXnet Material Contract, including any license or agreement
      relating to intellectual property, except for those defaults which could
      not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to
      have a material adverse effect with respect to IXnet; and there has not
      occurred any event that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or
      both would constitute such a material default.

                  (ii) Except as disclosed in Section 3.01(n) of the Disclosure
            Schedule or in the Recent IXnet SEC Documents, neither IXnet nor any
            of its subsidiaries is a


<PAGE>

                                                                              37


            party to any agreement that expressly limits the ability of IXnet or
            any of its subsidiaries to compete in or conduct any line of
            business or compete with any person in any geographic area or during
            any period of time.

            (o)  Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or
      other person other than Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin &
      Jenrette Securities Corporation is entitled to any broker's, finder's,
      financial advisor's or other similar fee or commission in connection with
      the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements
      made by or on behalf of IXnet.

            (p) Opinion of Financial Advisor. IXnet has received the opinions of
      Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
      Corporation, each dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as
      of the date thereof, the IXnet Merger Exchange Ratio is fair, from a
      financial point of view, to the holders of IXnet Common Stock.

            (q) Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of IXnet, at a
      meeting duly called and held, has (i) determined that this Agreement and
      the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Mergers, and the
      Voting Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, taken
      together, are fair to and in the best interests of the stockholders of
      IXnet, and (ii) declared this Agreement advisable and resolved to
      recommend that the holders of the shares of IXnet Common Stock adopt this
      Agreement.

            (r) Required IXnet Vote. The IXnet Stockholder Approval, being the
      affirmative approval, by vote or written consent, of a majority of the
      outstanding shares of IXnet Common Stock, is the only vote of the holders
      of any class or series of IXnet's securities necessary to adopt the Merger
      Agreement and approve the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated
      hereby. There is no vote of the holders of any class or series of IXnet's
      securities necessary to approve the Voting Agreement or the transactions
      contemplated thereby.

            (s) Properties. Except as disclosed in the Recent IXnet SEC
      Documents or in Section 3.01(s) of the Disclosure Schedule hereto, each of
      IXnet and its subsidiaries (i) has good and marketable title to all the
      properties and assets reflected in the latest audited balance sheet
      included in the Recent IXnet SEC Documents as being owned by IXnet or one
      of its subsidiaries or acquired after the date thereof which are,
      individually or in the aggregate, material to IXnet's business on a
      consolidated basis (except properties sold or otherwise disposed of since
      the date thereof in the ordinary course of business), free and clear of
      (A) all Liens except (1) statutory liens securing payments not yet
      delinquent and (2) such imperfections or irregularities of title, or other
      Liens (other than real property mortgages or deeds of trust) as do not
      materially and adversely affect the current use of the properties or
      assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair
      business operations currently conducted at such properties, (B) all real
      property mortgages and deeds of trust and (C) the Liens disclosed in
      Section 3.01(s) of the Disclosure Schedule and (ii) is the lessee of all
      leasehold estates reflected in Section


<PAGE>

                                                                              38


      3.01(s) of the Disclosure Schedule or acquired after the date thereof
      which are material to its business on a consolidated basis and is in
      possession of the properties purported to be leased thereunder, and each
      such lease is in full force and effect and is valid without material
      default (and the lessee has not received any notice of default, whether or
      not material) thereunder by the lessee or, to IXnet's knowledge, the
      lessor.

            (t) Intellectual Property. (i) Except as disclosed in the Recent
      IXnet SEC Documents, IXnet has heretofore made available to Parent, with
      respect to the Intellectual Property owned, held or used by IXnet or its
      subsidiaries ("IXnet IP"), all material patents, registrations and
      applications relating thereto, all material unregistered copyrights,
      trademarks, service marks, brand names, corporate names, technology and
      inventions and each and every material license, sublicense, consent-to-use
      agreement and other agreement granting or obtaining any right to use or
      practice any rights under any IXnet IP to which IXnet and/or any of its
      subsidiaries is a party ("IXnet IP Licenses").

                  (ii) Except as disclosed on Section 3.01(t)(ii) of the
      Disclosure Schedule, (1) IXnet and/or any of its subsidiaries own or has
      the right to use all the Intellectual Property necessary for IXnet and its
      subsidiaries to conduct their businesses as is currently conducted and
      consistent with past practice; (2) all of the material IXnet IP is valid,
      enforceable and unexpired, is free of Liens, and has not been abandoned;
      (3) to IXnet's knowledge, the IXnet IP does not infringe or otherwise
      impair the Intellectual Property of any third party and is not being
      infringed or impaired by any third party; (4) no judgment, decree,
      injunction, rule or order has been rendered or, to the knowledge of IXnet,
      is threatened by any Governmental Entity which would limit, cancel or
      question the validity of (or IXnet or any subsidiary's right to own or
      use) any material IXnet IP; (5) IXnet takes all reasonable steps to
      protect, maintain and safeguard the material IXnet IP, including executing
      all appropriate confidentiality agreements; (6) neither IXnet and its
      subsidiaries, nor, to the best of IXnet's knowledge, any other party to an
      IP License, is alleged in writing to be, in breach or default thereunder,
      and IXnet and its subsidiaries have not received any written notification
      from any third party that there is any such breach or default; (7) the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall in no material way
      impair or limit the rights of IXnet or any of its subsidiaries under any
      IP License, or cause any material payments to be due thereunder.

            (u) Transaction with Affiliates. Except as set forth in Section
      3.01(u) of the Disclosure Schedule and in the IXnet SEC Documents, from
      October 1, 1997 through the date of this Agreement, there has been no
      transaction, agreement, arrangement or understanding, or any related
      series thereof, between IXnet or its subsidiaries or contractors, on the
      one hand, and IXnet's affiliates (other than IPC and the wholly-owned
      (excluding directors' and nominee shares) subsidiaries of IPC or IXnet),
      on the other hand, in which the amount or value involved exceeded $60,000.

            SECTION 3.3 Representations and Warranties of Parent and Sub.
Parent and GC Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Companies as follows:


<PAGE>

                                                                              39


            (a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power. Each of Parent, GC
      Merger Sub and the other subsidiaries of Parent is duly organized, validly
      existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
      incorporation or organization, has all requisite power and authority to
      carry on its business as now being conducted and is duly qualified or
      licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which
      the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties
      makes such qualification or licensing necessary other than in such
      jurisdictions where the failure so to qualify or to be in good standing
      would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected
      to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. The copies of the memorandum of
      association and by-laws of Parent which were previously furnished to IXnet
      are true, complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect on
      the date of this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 3.03,
      "subsidiary" shall mean those subsidiaries of Parent that constitute
      "Significant Subsidiaries" within the meaning of Rule 1-02 of Regulation
      S-X of the SEC.

            (b) Capital Structure. (i) As of February 18, 2000, the authorized
      capital stock of Parent consisted of (a) 3,000,000,000 shares of Parent
      Common Stock of which 780,156,745 shares were outstanding (not including
      22,033,758 shares of Parent Common Stock held by a subsidiary of Parent
      and considered "treasury stock" for U.S. GAAP purposes) and (b) 20,000,000
      shares of preferred stock of which (A) 10,000,000 shares of Parent's
      6-3/8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, (B) 400,000 shares of
      Parent's 6-3/8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B, and (C)
      2,600,000 shares of Parent's 7% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
      (collectively, the "Parent Preferred Stock") were outstanding. As of
      February 18, 2000, (a) 2,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock were
      reserved for issuance to pay dividends on the outstanding shares of Parent
      Preferred Stock, (b) 43,317,369 shares of Parent Common Stock were
      reserved for issuance upon conversion of the shares of Parent Preferred
      Stock and (c) 90,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved for
      issuance pursuant to Parent's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Parent Stock
      Incentive Plan"). Since February 18, 2000 to the date of this Agreement,
      there have been no issuances of shares of the capital stock of Parent or
      any other securities of Parent other than (a) issuances of shares pursuant
      to options or rights outstanding under the stock plans of Parent and (b)
      issuances of shares of Parent Common Stock upon conversion of shares of
      Parent Preferred Stock. All issued and outstanding shares of the capital
      stock of Parent are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
      non-assessable, and no class of capital stock is entitled to preemptive
      rights. There were outstanding as of February 18, 2000 no options,
      warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock from Parent other than
      (A) options representing in the aggregate the right to purchase 80,232,932
      shares of Parent Common Stock issued to current or former employees,
      directors and consultants of Parent and its subsidiaries pursuant to the
      Parent Stock Incentive Plan and (B) (i) warrants to purchase 12,500,012
      shares of Parent Common Stock expiring August 13, 2003, exercisable at
      $9.50 per share of Parent Common Stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase
      5,108,358 shares of Parent Common Stock expiring August 13, 2008,
      exercisable at $9.50 per share of Parent Common Stock (collectively, the
      "Parent Warrants"). No options or warrants or other


<PAGE>

                                                                              40


      rights to acquire capital stock from Parent have been issued or granted
      since February 18, 2000 to the date of this Agreement.

                  (ii) As of the date of this Agreement, other than Parent
      Common Stock and Parent Preferred Stock, no bonds, debentures, notes or
      other indebtedness or other securities of Parent having the right to vote
      on any matters on which shareholders may vote ("Parent Voting Debt") are
      issued or outstanding.

                  (iii) Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 3.03(b),
      as of the date of this Agreement, there are no securities, options,
      warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or
      undertakings of any kind to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a
      party or by which any of them is bound obligating Parent or any of its
      subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered
      or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other voting securities of
      Parent or any of its subsidiaries or obligating Parent or any of its
      subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security,
      option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or
      undertaking. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding
      obligations of Parent or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or
      otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Parent or any of its
      subsidiaries, other than with respect to Parent Preferred Stock and the
      10-1/2 % Senior Exchangeable Preferred Stock due 2008 of Global Crossing
      Holdings Ltd., in each case in accordance with the terms thereof.

            (c) Authority; Noncontravention. (i) Parent has all requisite
      corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
      consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to the approval
      of the Bermuda Monetary Authority of the issuance of the shares of Parent
      Common Stock to be issued in the Mergers (and the subsequent free
      transferability of the corresponding shares between nonresident persons
      for exchange control purposes). The execution and delivery of this
      Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
      have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of
      Parent. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and
      constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Parent, enforceable against
      it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be
      limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar
      laws relating to or affecting creditors generally, by general equity
      principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
      proceeding in equity or at law) or by an implied covenant of good faith
      and fair dealing.

                  (ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent
      does not or will not, as the case may be, and the consummation by Parent
      of the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby will not,
      conflict with, or result in a violation of, or constitute a default (with
      or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a
      right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any
      obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or the creation of a
      lien, pledge, security interest, charge or other encumbrance on any assets
      (any such conflict, violation, default, right of termination, amendment,
      cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation") pursuant
      to: (A) any provision of the memorandum of association or by-laws of
      Parent or


<PAGE>

                                                                              41


      any other constituent document of any subsidiary of Parent, or (B) except
      as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to
      have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, subject to obtaining or making the
      consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations
      and filings referred to in paragraph (iii) below, any loan or credit
      agreement, note, mortgage, bond, indenture, lease, benefit plan or other
      agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license,
      judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation
      applicable to Parent or any subsidiary of Parent or their respective
      properties or assets.

                  (iii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
      registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is
      required by or with respect to Parent or any subsidiary of Parent in
      connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or
      the consummation of the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated
      hereby, except for (i) the filing of a premerger notification and report
      form under the HSR Act, (ii) the filing with the SEC of (y) the
      Information Statements relating to the Mergers and, if applicable, the
      Schedules 13E-3, and (z) such reports under the Exchange Act as may be
      required in connection with this Agreement, the Voting Agreement and the
      transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (iii) the filing of the
      Certificates of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
      Delaware and the filing of appropriate documents with the relevant
      authorities of other states in which IPC or IXnet is qualified to do
      business, (iv) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations,
      registrations, declarations, filings or notices as are set forth in
      Section 3.01(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, and (vi) the approval of the
      issuance of the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Mergers
      (and of the subsequent free transferability of the corresponding shares
      between nonresident persons for exchange control purposes) by the Bermuda
      Monetary Authority and such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations,
      registrations, declarations and filings the failure of which to make or
      obtain would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected
      to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

            (d) Reports and Financial Statements. Parent has filed all required
      reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be
      filed by it with the SEC since January 1, 1999 (collectively, including
      all exhibits thereto, the "Parent SEC Reports"). None of the Parent SEC
      Reports, as of their respective dates (and, if amended or superseded by a
      filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such
      filing), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
      state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
      the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
      were made, not misleading. Each of the financial statements (including the
      related notes) included in the Parent SEC Reports presents fairly, in all
      material respects, the consolidated financial position and consolidated
      results of operations and cash flows of Parent and its subsidiaries as of
      the respective dates or for the respective periods set forth therein, all
      in conformity with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved
      except as otherwise noted therein, and subject, in the case of the
      unaudited interim financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments
      that have not been and are not expected to be material in amount. All of
      such Parent SEC Reports, as


<PAGE>

                                                                              42


      of their respective dates, complied as to form in all material respects
      with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange
      Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

            (e) Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
      supplied by Parent for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
      Forms S-4 will, at the time each Form S-4 becomes effective under the
      Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
      state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
      the statements therein not misleading, and (ii) each Information
      Statement/Prospectus will, on the date it is first mailed to IPC's
      stockholders or IXnet's stockholders, as the case may be, or at the time
      of the IXnet Stockholder Meeting or the IPC Stockholder Meeting, as the
      case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
      state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
      order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
      which they were made, not misleading. Each of the Forms S-4 and the
      Information Statement/Prospectuses will comply as to form in all material
      respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act
      and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. Notwithstanding the
      foregoing provisions of this Section 3.03(e), no representation or
      warranty is made by Parent with respect to statements made or incorporated
      by reference in the Forms S-4 or the Information Statement/Prospectuses
      based on information supplied by IXnet or IPC or their subsidiaries for
      inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.

            (f) Board Approval. The Board of Directors of Parent, by resolutions
      duly adopted at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently
      rescinded or modified in any way, has approved this Agreement, the Merger
      and the Voting Agreement. The Board of Directors of GC Merger Sub has duly
      approved this Agreement and the IPC Merger and declared this Agreement
      advisable.

            (g) Brokers. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor
      or other firm or person is or will be entitled to any broker's or finder's
      fee or any other similar commission or fee in connection with any of the
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made
      by or on behalf of Parent, except Chase Securities Inc. ("Chase"), whose
      fees and expenses will be paid by Parent in accordance with Parent's
      agreement with such firm based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
      Parent.

            SECTION 3.4 Representations of Parent and Sub. Parent and GC
Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

            (a) Organization and Corporate Power. GC Merger Sub is a corporation
duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
Delaware. GC Merger Sub is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.


<PAGE>

                                                                              43


            (b) Corporate Authorization. GC Merger Sub has all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance by GC
Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation by GC Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of GC Merger Sub. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by GC Merger Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of GC Merger Sub, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting
creditors generally, by general equity principles (regardless or whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) or by an
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

            (c) Non-Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by GC
Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation by GC Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not contravene or conflict with
the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of GC Merger Sub.

            (d) No Business Activities. GC Merger Sub has not conducted any
activities other than in connection with the organization of GC Merger Sub, the
negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. GC Merger Sub has no subsidiaries.

            (e) Capitalization of GC Merger Sub. The authorized capital stock of
GC Merger Sub consists of 100 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
all of which have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are
owned by Parent, free and clear of any Lien.


                                  ARTICLE IV

          Covenants Relating to Conduct of Business Prior to Mergers

            SECTION 4.1 Conduct of Business of the Companies. (a) Conduct of
Business by the Companies. During the period from the date of this Agreement to
the Effective Time of the Mergers (except as otherwise specifically required by
the terms of this Agreement), each of the Companies shall, and shall cause its
subsidiaries to, act and carry on their respective businesses in all material
respects in the usual, regular and ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice and, to the extent consistent therewith, use its reasonable best
efforts to preserve intact their current business organizations, keep available
the services of their current officers and employees and preserve their
relationships with customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, advertisers,
distributors and others having business dealings with them to the end that their
goodwill and ongoing businesses shall be materially unimpaired at the Effective
Time of the Mergers. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time of the Mergers,
the Companies shall not, and shall not permit any of their subsidiaries to,
without the prior written consent of Parent:


<PAGE>

                                                                              44


              (i) (x) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any
      other distributions in respect of, any of its capital stock, other than
      dividends and distributions paid by a direct or indirect wholly owned
      subsidiary of IPC to its parent, (y) split, combine or reclassify any of
      its capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other
      securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its
      capital stock, or (z) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of
      capital stock of the Companies or any of their subsidiaries or any other
      securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such
      shares or other securities;

            (ii) authorize for issuance, issue, deliver, sell, transfer, pledge
      or otherwise encumber any shares of its capital stock or the capital stock
      of any of its subsidiaries, any other voting securities or any securities
      convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or any rights,
      warrants, calls, commitments or options to acquire, any such shares,
      voting securities or convertible securities or any other securities or
      equity equivalents (including stock appreciation rights) (other than the
      issuance of IPC Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock upon the exercise of
      options to purchase shares of such common stock outstanding on the date of
      this Agreement and in accordance with their present terms);

           (iii) amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other
      comparable organizational documents;

            (iv) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with,
      or by purchasing a substantial portion of the stock or assets of, or by
      any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, joint
      venture, association or other business organization or division thereof;

             (v) sell, lease, license, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject
      to any Lien or otherwise dispose of any of, close or shut down its
      properties or assets, other than reasonable sales of inventory in the
      ordinary course of business and assets having an aggregate value not in
      excess of $500,000;

             (vi) (x) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any
      such indebtedness of another person, issue or sell any debt securities or
      warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities of the Companies
      or any of their subsidiaries, guarantee any debt securities of another
      person, enter into any "keep well" or other agreement to maintain any
      financial statement condition of another person or enter into any
      arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing, except for
      short-term borrowings incurred in the ordinary course of business
      consistent with past practice, (y) amend the terms of any outstanding
      security or (z) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or
      investments in, any other person, other than by a wholly owned subsidiary
      to its parent or to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary;


<PAGE>

                                                                              45


           (vii) acquire or agree to acquire any assets the value of which,
      individually or in the aggregate, exceeds $250,000, or make or agree to
      make any capital expenditures except for capital expenditures set forth in
      the business plans as capital expenditure budgets of the Companies
      provided to Parent prior the date hereof;

          (viii) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or
      obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
      otherwise), except for the payment, discharge or satisfaction, (x) of
      liabilities or obligations in the ordinary course of business consistent
      with past practice, (y) liabilities reflected or reserved against in, or
      contemplated by, the most recent consolidated financial statements (or the
      notes thereto) included in the Recent IPC SEC Documents or (z) other
      claims, liabilities or obligations in the aggregate in an amount (or
      having a value in an amount) not in excess of $1,000,000, or waive,
      release, grant, or transfer any rights of value or modify or change any
      existing license, lease, contract or other document in any manner that
      would be material to IPC or enter into any new lease, license or other
      contract or document;

            (ix) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions
      providing for or authorizing such a liquidation or a dissolution, merger,
      consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or reorganization;

             (x) enter into any new collective bargaining agreement or any
      successor collective bargaining agreement to any collective bargaining
      agreement or amend any existing collective bargaining agreement;

            (xi) change any accounting principle used by it, except for such
      changes as may be required to be implemented following the date of this
      Agreement pursuant to GAAP or rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated
      following the date hereof;

           (xii) settle or compromise any litigation (whether or not commenced
      prior to the date of this Agreement), other than litigation not in excess
      of amounts reserved for in the most recent consolidated financial
      statements of IPC included in the Recent IPC SEC Documents or, if not so
      reserved for, in an aggregate amount not in excess of $250,000 (provided
      in either case such settlement documents do not involve any material
      non-monetary obligations on the part of IPC);

          (xiii)  close, shut down or otherwise eliminate any of its facilities;

           (xiv) enter into any transaction, agreement, arrangement or
      understanding, or any related series thereof, between itself or its
      subsidiaries, on the one hand, and its affiliates (other than IPC and the
      wholly-owned (excluding directors' and nominee shares) subsidiaries of IPC
      or IXnet), on the other hand;

            (xv) change any Tax election, change any annual Tax accounting
      period, change any method of Tax accounting, file any amended Tax return,
      enter into


<PAGE>

                                                                              46


      any closing agreement relating to any material Tax, settle any material
      Tax claim or assessment, surrender any right to claim a Tax refund or
      consent to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to
      any Tax claim or assessment;

          (xvi) change the composition, fill any vacancies or increase the size
      of IPC's or IXnet's Board of Directors; or

         (xvii) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the
      foregoing actions.

            (b) Changes in Employment Arrangements and Severance. Following the
date of this Agreement, none of IPC, IXnet nor any subsidiary thereof shall,
without the Parent's prior written consent, (a) increase the compensation or
fringe benefits of any present or former director, officer or Employee of IPC,
IXnet or any subsidiary thereof (except for increases in salary or wages in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (b) grant any
severance or termination pay to any present or former director, officer or
Employee of IPC, IXnet or any subsidiary thereof (except in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice or as required by law or agreements or
plans in effect as of the date of this Agreement), (iii) loan or advance any
money or other property to any present or former director, officer or Employee
of IPC, IXnet or any subsidiary thereof, (iv) establish, adopt, enter into,
amend or terminate any IPC or IXnet Plan, except as required by law, or (v) take
any action that would accelerate the ability of a holder of any option to
acquire shares of IPC, IXnet or any of their subsidiaries pursuant to the
exercise of such option.

            (c) Transition Planning. (i) Parent and IPC shall each appoint three
officers, including in each case its chief financial officer, to serve from time
to time as their respective representatives on a committee that will be
responsible for coordinating transition planning and implementation relating to
the Mergers. Either party may remove and replace its appointees at any time.
During the period between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time of
the Mergers, such committee shall (A) examine various alternatives regarding the
manner in which to best organize and manage the businesses of Parent and the
Companies after the Effective Time of the Mergers and (B) coordinate policies
and strategies with respect to regulatory authorities and bodies, in all cases
subject to applicable law and regulation.

            (ii) In order to facilitate an orderly transition of the business of
the Companies to a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent and to permit the
coordination of their related operations on a timely basis, the Companies shall
consult with Parent on all strategic and material operational matters. Without
in any way limiting the provisions of Section 5.04, Parent, its subsidiaries,
officers, employees, counsel, financial advisors and other representatives
shall, upon reasonable notice to either Company, be entitled to review the
operations and visit the facilities of such Company and its subsidiaries during
business hours as may be deemed reasonably necessary by Parent in order to
accomplish the foregoing. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Parent,
directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct either Company's
operations prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers.


<PAGE>

                                                                              47


            (iii) Promptly following the date hereof, Parent and the Companies
shall, to the extent not violative in any material respect of any law or of any
contracts or agreements to which any party hereto or any of its subsidiaries or
controlled affiliates is a party, commence to negotiate in good faith an
agreement to transition the Companies' business onto Parent's network and review
Parent's and the Companies' U.S. domestic network to obtain the maximum network
optimization and synergies as necessary for the Companies' future business
plans.


                                   ARTICLE V

                             Additional Agreements

            SECTION 5.1 Preparation of Forms S-4 and the Information
Statement/Prospectuses; Stockholder Meetings. (a) As promptly as practicable
following the date hereof, (i) the parties shall prepare and the Companies shall
file with the SEC transaction or information statements relating to each of the
Mergers, which in each case shall, together with the prospectuses referred to
below, constitute an information statement and prospectus and, if necessary, a
transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (such transaction or information
statement/prospectuses, and any amendments or supplements thereto, the
"Information Statement/Prospectuses"), and (ii) Parent shall, in cooperation
with the Companies, prepare and file with the SEC registration statements on
Form S-4 with respect to the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Mergers
(including any amendments or supplements thereto, the "Forms S-4"). The
Information Statement/Prospectuses will be included in a Form S-4 as Parent's
prospectus. The Forms S-4, the Information Statement/Prospectuses shall comply
as to form in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Each of Parent and the Companies shall use all reasonable efforts to have the
Forms S-4 declared effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable after filing
with the SEC and to keep the Forms S-4 effective as long as is necessary to
consummate the Mergers. The Companies will use their reasonable best efforts to
cause the Information Statement/Prospectuses to be mailed to each Company's
stockholders, as applicable, as promptly as practicable after the applicable
Form S-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act. The parties shall
promptly provide copies, consult with each other and prepare written responses
with respect to any written comments received from the SEC with respect to each
Information Statement/Prospectus and Form S-4 and advise one another of any oral
comments with respect to each Information Statement/Prospectus or Form S-4
received from the SEC. The parties will cooperate in preparing and filing with
the SEC any amendment or supplement to the Information Statement/Prospectuses or
Forms S-4. No amendment or supplement to the Information Statement/Prospectuses
shall be filed without the prior approval of Parent and the Companies, which
approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

            (b) The IPC Stockholders have agreed to execute and deliver, or
cause to be executed and delivered, in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL,
immediately following execution and delivery of this Agreement, a written
consent with respect to all shares of the IPC Common Stock owned by them or
which they have the right to vote or consent in favor of the


<PAGE>

                                                                              48


adoption of this Agreement (the "IPC Stockholder Consent"). IPC agrees that
immediately following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, it shall
execute and deliver in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL, in its capacity
as the sole stockholder of IPC Systems, a Stockholders Consent in the form of
Exhibit A hereto (the "IPC Systems Stockholder Consent") and IPC Systems agrees
that immediately following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, it
shall execute and deliver in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL, in its
capacity as a stockholder of IXnet, a Stockholders Consent in the form of
Exhibit A hereto (the "IXnet Stockholder Consent" and, together with the IPC
Stockholder Consent and the IPC Systems Stockholder Consent, the "Stockholder
Consents"). Each such Stockholder Consent shall be irrevocable, with respect to
all shares of IPC Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock that are owned beneficially
or of record by IPC or IPC Systems, as the case may be, or as to which they
have, directly or indirectly, the right to vote or direct the voting. Each of
IPC and IPC Systems hereby further agrees that, during the term of this
Agreement, it shall, from time to time, at the request of Parent, at any meeting
(whether annual or special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting)
of stockholders of IXnet, however called, or in connection with any written
consent of the holders of IXnet Common Stock, in either case, prior to the
earlier of the Effective Time of the Mergers and the termination of this
Agreement, if a meeting is held, appear at such meeting or otherwise cause all
shares of IXnet Common Stock beneficially owned by it to be counted as present
thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum, and it shall vote or consent (or
cause to be voted or consented), in person or by proxy, all such shares of IXnet
Common Stock, and any other voting securities of IXnet (whether acquired
heretofore or hereafter), that are beneficially owned by it or its controlled
affiliates or as to which it has, directly or indirectly, the right to vote or
direct the voting, (i) in favor of the IXnet Merger, the adoption of this
Agreement and the approval of the other transactions and other matters
contemplated by this Agreement and any actions required in furtherance hereof;
(ii) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach in any
material respect of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other
obligation or agreement of any party under this Agreement; (iii) except as
otherwise agreed to in writing in advance by Parent, against the following
actions (other than the IXnet Merger and the transactions and other matters
contemplated by this Agreement): (1) any extraordinary corporate transaction,
such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving IXnet or
its subsidiaries; (2) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets
of IXnet or its subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of IXnet or its subsidiaries; (3) (A) any change in the majority
of the board of directors of IXnet; (B) any material change in the present
capitalization of IXnet or any amendment of its Certificate of Incorporation or
By-laws; (C) any other material change in IXnet's corporate structure or
business; or (D) any other action; which, in the case of each of the matters
referred to in clauses 3(A), (B), (C) or (D), is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to impede, frustrate, prevent, interfere with, delay, postpone,
discourage or adversely affect the contemplated economic benefits to Parent of
the Mergers or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or change in any
manner the voting rights of the IXnet Common Stock. Neither IPC nor IPC Systems
shall enter into any agreement or understanding with any person or entity prior
to the termination of this Agreement to vote or give instructions after such
termination in a manner inconsistent with clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of the
preceding sentence. IPC Systems hereby grants to, and appoints, Parent and
Robert Annunziata, Chief Executive Officer of Parent, Dan J. Cohrs, Chief
Financial Officer of Parent, and James C. Gorton, Senior Vice


<PAGE>

                                                                              49


President and General Counsel of Parent, in their respective capacities as
officers of Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such
office of Parent, and any other designee of Parent, each of them individually,
its irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution) to
execute and deliver a written consent and to vote IPC Systems' shares of IXnet
Common Stock as indicated in this Section 5.01(b). IPC Systems intends this
proxy to be irrevocable and coupled with an interest and will take such further
action and execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the
intent of this proxy and hereby revokes any proxy previously granted by it with
respect to its shares of IXnet Common Stock.

            (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Parent so requests, each
Company shall, as promptly as practicable following such request, take all
action necessary in accordance with applicable law and its certificate of
incorporation and by-laws to duly call, give notice of and convene a meeting of
its stockholders (in either case, a "Stockholders Meeting") to consider and vote
upon the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the applicable Merger, and
to submit this Agreement to the stockholders of such Company for their approval,
in which case all references in this Agreement to an "Information Statement"
with respect to such Company's Merger shall be deemed to be references to a
"Proxy Statement," and such Company and its Board of Directors shall take all
lawful reasonable action to solicit, and use all reasonable efforts to obtain,
such approval. The Board of Directors of each Company shall recommend approval
of the Merger Agreement to the stockholders of such Company and shall not be
permitted to withdraw, amend or modify in a manner adverse to Parent such
recommendation (or announce publicly its intention to do so).

            (d) Each Company will cause its transfer agent to make stock
transfer records relating to such Company available to the extent reasonably
necessary to effectuate the intent of this Agreement.

            (e) Each of the parties hereto shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to cause the Mergers to qualify, and will not take any actions which to
its knowledge would reasonably be expected to prevent the Mergers from
qualifying as reorganizations under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code.

            SECTION 5.2 Letter of the Companies' Accountants. Each Company shall
use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered to Parent a letter of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, the independent public accountants for both
Companies, dated a date within two business days before the date on which each
Form S-4 shall become effective and addressed to Parent, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Parent and customary in scope and substance for
letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with
registration statements similar to the Forms S-4. In connection with each
Company's efforts to obtain such letter, if requested by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, Parent shall provide a representation letter to PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
complying with SAS 72, if then required.

            SECTION 5.3 Letter of Parent's Accountants. Parent shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered to each Company a letter of
Arthur Andersen & Co., Parent's independent public accountants, dated a date
within two business days before the date on which


<PAGE>

                                                                              50


each Form S-4 shall become effective and addressed to the applicable Company, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Company and customary in
scope and substance for letters delivered by independent public accountants in
connection with registration statements similar to the Form S-4. In connection
with the Parent's efforts to obtain such letter, if requested by Arthur Andersen
& Co., each Company shall provide a representation letter to Arthur Andersen &
Co. complying with SAS 72, if then required.

            SECTION 5.4 Access to Information; Confidentiality. (a) Each Company
shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries, officers, employees, counsel, financial
advisors and other representatives to, afford to Parent and its representatives
reasonable access during normal business hours during the period prior to the
Effective Time of the Mergers to its properties, books, contracts, commitments,
personnel and records and, during such period, each Company shall, and shall
cause its subsidiaries, officers, employees and representatives to, furnish
promptly to Parent (i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement
and other document filed by it during such period pursuant to the requirements
of Federal or state securities laws, (ii) all other information concerning its
business, properties, financial condition, operations and personnel as such
other party may from time to time reasonably request and (iii) no later than 15
days following the end of each calendar month, monthly financial statements
prepared on a basis consistent with the quarterly financial statements referred
to in Section 3.01(e) or Section 3.02(e). Parent will hold, and will cause its
directors, officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisors and
other representatives to hold, any nonpublic information of the Companies in
confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the provisions of
the confidentiality letter between Parent and IXnet and the confidentiality
letter between Parent and IPC (collectively, the "Confidentiality Agreement").

            (b) No investigation pursuant to this Section 5.04 shall affect any
representations or warranties of the parties herein or the conditions to the
obligations of the parties hereto.

            SECTION 5.5 Reasonable Best Efforts. (a) Upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties agrees to use
its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to
do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in
doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make
effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the Mergers and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto will use
its reasonable best efforts and cooperate with one another (i) in promptly
determining whether any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals,
waivers, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained (or, which if not
obtained, would result in an event of default, termination or acceleration of
any agreement or any put right under any agreement) under any applicable law or
regulation or from any governmental authorities or third parties, including
parties to loan agreements or other debt instruments and including such
consents, approvals, waivers, permits or authorizations as may be required or
necessary to transfer any assets and related liabilities of the Companies to the
Surviving Corporations in the Mergers, in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including the Mergers, and the Voting Agreement
and (ii) in promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information required
in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such consents,
approvals, permits or authorizations. Parent and


<PAGE>

                                                                              51


the Companies shall mutually cooperate in order to facilitate the achievement of
the benefits reasonably anticipated from the Mergers. In connection with the
legal opinions referred to in Sections 6.02(c) and 6.03(c), Parent, GC Merger
Sub, IPC Merger Sub, IPC Systems and the Companies agree to deliver letters of
representation reasonable under the circumstances as to their present intention
and present knowledge.

            (b) The parties hereto shall file as soon as practicable
notifications under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated
hereby and respond as promptly as practicable to any inquiries received from the
Federal Trade Commission or the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice
for additional information or documentation and respond as promptly as
practicable to all inquiries and requests received from any State attorney
general or other Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby. Concurrently with the filing of notifications under the HSR
Act or as soon thereafter as practicable, the Company and Parent shall each
request early termination of the HSR Act waiting period.

            SECTION 5.6 Benefit Plans. (a) Effective as of the Closing, Parent
shall provide that all retained employees of IPC and its subsidiaries, who are
not subject to collective bargaining agreements, shall participate in IPC's
existing employee benefit plans through December 31, 2000, and thereafter,
either shall continue to participate in any or all of such plans or, at the
option of the Parent, shall participate in Parent's benefit plans (other than
those plans that are the subject of collective bargaining) on a basis no less
favorable in the aggregate than similarly situated employees of Parent and its
subsidiaries and, with respect to employees who are the subject of collective
bargaining agreements, all benefits and other terms and conditions of employment
shall be provided in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining
agreement; provided, however, that for purposes of the foregoing, no Stock Plan
or other plan, program or arrangement related to the stock of IPC or its
subsidiaries shall be considered nor shall Parent or any affiliate thereof have
any obligation to issue or provide any benefits related to the stock of IPC or
its subsidiaries, other than as provided in Section 2.03. In the event that any
employee of IPC or its affiliates is transferred to Parent or any affiliate of
Parent or becomes a participant in an employee benefit plan, program or
arrangement maintained by or contributed to by the Surviving Corporations or
their affiliates, Parent shall cause such plan, program or arrangement to treat
the prior service of such employee with IPC or its affiliates, to the extent
such prior service is recognized under the comparable plan, program or
arrangement of IPC, as service rendered to the Surviving Corporations or their
affiliates, as the case may be; provided, however, that Parent may cause a
reduction of benefits under any such plans, programs or arrangements to the
extent necessary to avoid duplication of benefits with respect to the same
covered years of service and with respect to any defined benefit pension plan of
Parent or any affiliate of Parent, no such prior service shall be recognized for
any purposes other than eligibility to participate or vesting of benefits.

            (b) To the extent that retained employees of IPC and its
subsidiaries become eligible to participate in plans sponsored by Parent and its
subsidiaries (other than Companies' benefit plans), Parent shall (i) waive all
limitations as to preexisting condition exclusions and waiting periods with
respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to such employees
and their respective dependents under any welfare benefit plans that such
employees

<PAGE>

                                                                              52


and dependents may be eligible to participate in, effective on or after the
Closing Date, but only to the extent that such exclusions and waiting periods
were inapplicable or satisfied under the analogous benefit plan of the Companies
and (ii) provide each such employee or dependent with credit for any co-payments
and deductibles paid prior to the Closing Date in respect of the plan year in
progress at the time such participation begins in satisfying any applicable
co-payment, deductible or out-of-pocket requirement under any analogous welfare
plans that such employees or dependents are eligible to participate in on or
after the Closing Date, but only to the extent such co-payment, deductible or
out-of-pocket requirements would be deemed satisfied under the analogous benefit
plan of the Companies.

            (c) Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporations to honor, in
accordance with their terms as in effect on the date hereof, any individual
employment, change in control, severance, retirement or termination agreement
between a Company or any subsidiary thereof, on the one hand, and any current or
former officer, director or employee of such Company or subsidiary, on the other
hand that has been made available to Parent and is listed in Section 5.06(c) of
the Disclosure Schedule. As soon as practicable following the Closing, Parent
will cause to be issued to the officers or employees of IPC and IXnet options to
purchase Parent Common Stock as set forth in Section 5.06(c) of the Disclosure
Schedule.

            (d) Parent agrees that subject to the Option Limitation Agreement
and the amendments to the Stock Plans referred to in Section 2.04(a) hereof, the
approval of this Merger Agreement by the Stockholders of IPC and IXnet shall
constitute a "Change of Control" within the meaning of the Stock Plans, the
IXnet Stock Option Certificate for Executives, and the Employment Agreement
dated July 1, 1999 between Gerald Starr and International Exchange Networks,
Ltd.

            SECTION 5.7 Indemnification. (a) Commencing at the Effective Time of
the Mergers and for six years thereafter, each Company shall indemnify all
present and former directors or officers of it and its subsidiaries for acts or
omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers to the fullest
extent now provided in their respective certificate of incorporation or by-laws,
provided such indemnification is consistent with applicable law, to the extent
such acts or omissions are uninsured; provided that to the extent that during
any period insurance does not fully indemnify any person contemplated to be
indemnified in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 5.07, the
applicable Company shall indemnify such person in accordance with such terms.

            (b) Parent will cause to be maintained for a period of not less than
six years from the Effective Time of the Mergers the Companies' current
directors' and officers' insurance and indemnification policies (or at Parent's
option replacement policies having terms no less advantageous than the
Companies' current policies) to the extent that each such policy provides
coverage for events occurring prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers for all
persons who are or were directors and officers of the Companies on the date of
this Agreement, so long as the annual premium therefor would not be in excess of
200% of the last annual premium paid prior to the date of this Agreement for
each such policy (200% of such premium, the "Maximum Premium"), provided that
(i) Parent following the Effective Time of the Mergers shall not be required to
spend an amount in any year in excess of 200% of the annual aggregate premiums


<PAGE>

                                                                              53


currently paid by the Companies for such insurance; and provided, further, that
if the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, Parent
shall be obligated to cause the Surviving Corporations to obtain policies with
the best coverage available, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of
Directors of Parent following the Mergers, for a cost not exceeding such amount,
and (ii) in the sole discretion of Parent (x) such policies may be one or more
"tail" policies for all or any portion of the full four-year period or (y)
Parent may cause comparable coverage in accordance with the foregoing clauses to
be provided under any policy maintained for the benefit of the directors and
officers of Parent or any of its subsidiaries.

            (c) Each indemnified party shall, promptly after receipt of notice
of a claim or action against such indemnified party in respect of which
indemnity may be sought thereunder, notify the applicable Surviving Corporation
or the Parent, as the case may be (each an "indemnifying party") in writing of
the claim or action. If any such claim or action shall be brought against an
indemnified party, and it shall have notified the indemnifying party thereof,
unless based on the written advice of counsel to such indemnified party, a
conflict of interest between such indemnified party and indemnifying parties may
exist in respect of such claim, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to
participate therein, and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other
similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof. After
notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to
assume the defense of such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be
liable to the indemnified party under this Section 5.07 for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the
defense thereof. Any indemnifying party against whom indemnity may be sought
under this Section 5.07 shall not be liable to indemnify an indemnified party if
such indemnified party settles such claim or action without the consent of the
indemnifying party. The indemnifying party may not agree to any settlement of
any such claim or action, other than solely for monetary damages for which the
indemnifying party shall be responsible hereunder, as a result of which any
remedy or relief shall be applied to or against the indemnified party, without
the prior written consent of the indemnified party, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld. In any action hereunder as to which the indemnifying
party has assumed the defense thereof, the indemnified party shall continue to
be entitled to participate in the defense thereof, with counsel of its own
choice, but the indemnifying party shall not be obligated hereunder to reimburse
the indemnified party of the costs thereof.

            SECTION 5.8  Expenses.

            (a) Except as set forth in this Section 5.08, all fees and expenses
incurred in connection with this Agreement, the Voting Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be paid by the party
incurring such expenses, whether or not the Mergers are consummated; provided,
however, that Parent shall pay all fees and expenses, other than accountants'
and attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the printing and filing of the
Information Statement/Prospectuses (including any preliminary materials related
thereto) and the Forms S-4 (including financial statements and exhibits).

            (b) All transfer, documentary, sales, use, registration, stock
transfer Taxes and other such Taxes (including all applicable real estate
transfer or gains Taxes) and related fees


<PAGE>

                                                                              54


(including any penalties, interest and additions to Tax) incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be paid by
the Companies and the Companies shall timely make all filings, returns, reports
and forms as may be required to comply with the provisions of such Tax laws.

          SECTION 5.9 Public Announcements. Parent and GC Merger Sub, on the
one hand, and the Companies and their subsidiaries, on the other hand, will
consult with each other before holding any press conferences or analyst calls
and before issuing any press releases relating to this Agreement or the Mergers.
The parties will provide each other the opportunity to review and comment upon
any press release with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Voting Agreement, including the Mergers, and shall not issue
any such press release prior to such consultation, except as may be required by
applicable law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any listing
agreement with any national securities exchange. The parties agree that the
initial press release or releases to be issued with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be mutually agreed upon prior to the
issuance thereof.

            SECTION 5.10 Affiliates. Prior to the Closing Date, the Companies
shall deliver to Parent a letter identifying all persons who are, at the time
this Agreement is executed and, if applicable, at the time this Agreement is
submitted for approval to the stockholders of the Companies, "affiliates" of
either Company for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act. The Companies
shall deliver to Parent with respect to each such "affiliate" on or prior to the
Closing a written agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B
hereto.

            SECTION 5.11 Listing of Parent Common Stock. Parent shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued
in the Mergers and under the Stock Plans to be approved, subject to official
notice of issuance, for quotation on NASDAQ or for listing on any other national
securities exchange on which the Parent Common Stock may be listed in lieu
NASDAQ.

            SECTION 5.12 No Solicitation.

            (a) Neither of the Companies shall, directly or indirectly, through
any officer, director, employee, stockholder, financial advisor, agent or other
representative (including any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained
by the Companies or by any of their subsidiaries or stockholders) (i) solicit,
initiate, encourage or facilitate (including by way of furnishing information)
any inquiries or proposals that constitute, or would reasonably be expected to
lead to, (x) a breach of this Agreement or the Voting Agreement or otherwise
interfere in any material respect with the completion of the Mergers or (y) a
proposal or offer for an Alternative Transaction (as defined below) involving
either of the Companies or any of their subsidiaries (any of the foregoing
inquiries or proposals being referred to in this Agreement as an "Acquisition
Proposal"), (ii) participate or engage in negotiations or discussions
concerning, or provide any non-public information to any person relating to, or
otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement, any Acquisition
Proposal, or (iii) agree to or recommend to its stockholders any Acquisition
Proposal; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall
prevent either Company from complying with Rule 14e-2 under the Exchange


<PAGE>

                                                                              55


Act with respect to an Acquisition Proposal. The Companies agrees that they will
immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities,
discussions or negotiations with any persons (other than Parent and GC Merger
Sub) conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. The
Companies agrees not to release any other person from, or waive any provision
of, any standstill agreement to which it is a party or any confidentiality
agreement between it and another person who has made or who may reasonably be
considered likely to make an Acquisition Proposal. The Companies agrees that
they will take the necessary steps to inform promptly the individuals or
entities referred to in the first sentence of this Section 5.12 of the
obligations undertaken in this Section 5.12.

            (b) The Companies shall notify Parent immediately after receipt by
either Company (or its advisors) of any Acquisition Proposal or any request for
nonpublic information in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or for access
to the properties, books or records of either Company by any person or entity
that informs such party that it is considering making, or has made, an
Acquisition Proposal. Such notice shall be made orally and in writing and shall
indicate in reasonable detail the identity of the person making such Acquisition
Proposal and the terms and conditions of such proposal, inquiry or contact.

            (c) As used in this Agreement, "Alternative Transaction" means (i) a
transaction pursuant to which any person or group other than Parent or its
affiliates (a "Third Party") would acquire, directly or indirectly, more than
25% of the outstanding shares of IPC Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock whether
pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer or otherwise, (ii) a merger or
other business combination involving either Company pursuant to which any person
or group would acquire, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the outstanding
shares of IPC Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock or shares exercisable or
convertible into or exchangeable for more than 25% of the outstanding shares of
IPC Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock, or of the entity surviving such merger
or business combination, (iii) any other transaction pursuant to which any
person or group acquires control of assets or businesses (including for this
purpose the outstanding equity securities of subsidiaries of IPC, and the entity
surviving any merger or business combination including any of them) of IPC or
IXnet having a fair market value equal to more than 25% of the fair market value
of all the assets or businesses of either Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, immediately prior to such transaction, (iv) any recapitalization,
restructuring or other transaction which would reasonably be expected to prevent
or materially impair or delay the consummation of the Mergers or (v) any public
announcement of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the foregoing or any
agreement to engage in any of the foregoing.

            SECTION 5.13 Certain Agreements. Neither Company nor any of their
subsidiaries will waive or fail to enforce any provision of any confidentiality
or standstill or similar agreement to which it is a party without the prior
written consent of Parent.

            SECTION 5.14 Stop Transfer. IPC acknowledges and agrees to be bound
by and comply with the provisions of Section 7 of the Voting Agreement as if a
party thereto with respect to transfers of record ownership of shares of IPC
Common Stock, and agrees to notify the transfer agent for any shares of IPC
Common Stock or voting rights certificates and provide such


<PAGE>

                                                                              56


documentation and do such other things as may be necessary to effectuate the
provisions of such agreement.

            SECTION 5.15 Compliance with Section 228 of the DGCL. IPC will
deliver, concurrently with the delivery to it of the IPC Stockholder Consent, a
certificate of its Secretary as to the sufficiency of the IPC Stockholder
Consent to adopt the Merger Agreement by IPC stockholders. IXnet will deliver,
concurrently with the delivery to it of the IXnet Stockholder Consent, a
certificate of its Secretary as to the sufficiency of the IXnet Stockholder
Consent to adopt the Merger Agreement by the IXnet stockholders. In accordance
with Section 228 of the DGCL, each Company shall promptly (but in any event
within 10 days of the date hereof) notify its stockholders who have not
consented in writing to the adoption of the Merger Agreement and who, if such
action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the
meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date of the applicable
Stockholder Consent.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                             Conditions Precedent

            SECTION 6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the
Mergers. The respective obligation of each party to effect the Mergers is
subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:

            (a)  Stockholder Approvals.  The Stockholder Approvals shall have
      been obtained.

            (b) Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock issuable to the
      stockholders of the Companies pursuant to this Agreement (including upon
      the exercise of options) shall have been approved for listing on the
      NASDAQ or on any other national securities exchange on which the Parent
      Common Stock may be listed in lieu thereof, subject to official notice of
      issuance.

            (c) HSR Act. The waiting period (and any extension thereof)
      applicable to the Mergers under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or
      shall have expired.

            (d) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order,
      preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of
      competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition enjoining
      or preventing the consummation of the Mergers shall be in effect.

            (e) Forms S-4. The Forms S-4 shall have become effective under the
      Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness thereof
      shall be in effect and no procedures for such purpose shall be pending
      before or threatened by the SEC.


<PAGE>

                                                                              57


            SECTION 6.2 Conditions to Obligations of Parent and GC Merger Sub.
The obligations of Parent and GC Merger Sub to effect the Mergers are further
subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Parent) of the following conditions:

            (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
      warranties of the Companies and IPC Systems set forth in this Agreement,
      disregarding all qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating
      to materiality or Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct as of
      the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on
      and as of the Closing Date, except for those representations and
      warranties which address matters only as of a particular date (which shall
      have been true and correct as of such date), except where the failure of
      such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not,
      individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an IPC
      Material Adverse Effect or an IXnet Material Adverse Effect. Parent shall
      have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Companies by the chief
      executive officer and the chief financial officer of each of the Companies
      to the effect set forth in this paragraph.

            (b) Performance of Obligations. The Companies, IPC Systems and IPC
      Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects the obligations
      required to be performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the
      Closing Date, and Parent shall have received a certificate signed on
      behalf of IPC by the chief executive officer and the chief financial
      officer of IPC to such effect.

            (c) Tax Opinion. Parent shall have received the opinion of Simpson
      Thacher & Bartlett, counsel to Parent, based on appropriate
      representations, including representations of Parent, the Companies, IPC
      Systems and the Subs, to the effect that (i) the Mergers will be treated
      for U.S. federal income tax purposes as reorganizations within the meaning
      of Section 368(a) of the Code, (ii) Parent, GC Merger Sub, the Companies,
      IPC Systems and IPC Merger Sub will each be a party to the reorganizations
      within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code and (iii) Section 367 of
      the Code will not apply to the exchange of IPC Common Stock or IXnet
      Common Stock for Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Mergers, other than
      with respect to any "five percent transferee shareholders" who fail to
      enter into a "gain recognition agreement" in accordance with applicable
      treasury regulations.

            (d) Consents, etc. Parent shall have received evidence, in form and
      substance reasonably satisfactory to it, that such licenses, permits,
      consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of
      Governmental Entities and other third parties as are necessary in
      connection with the transactions contemplated hereby have been obtained,
      except such licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations,
      qualifications and orders which are not, individually or in the aggregate,
      material to Parent or the Companies or the failure of which to have been
      received would not reasonably be expected to have an IPC Material Adverse
      Effect, an IXnet Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse
      Effect.


<PAGE>

                                                                              58


            (e) No Litigation. There shall not be pending or threatened by any
      Governmental Entity any suit, action or proceeding (i) challenging or
      seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Mergers or any of
      the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Voting
      Agreement or seeking to obtain from Parent or any of its subsidiaries any
      damages that are material in relation to Parent and its subsidiaries taken
      as a whole, (ii) seeking to prohibit or limit the ownership or operation
      by the Companies, Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries of any
      material portion of the business or assets of the Companies, Parent or any
      of their respective subsidiaries, to dispose of or hold separate any
      material portion of the business or assets of the Companies, Parent or any
      of their respective subsidiaries, as a result of the Mergers or any of the
      other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Voting Agreement,
      (iii) seeking to impose limitations on the ability of Parent or GC Merger
      Sub to acquire or hold, or exercise full rights of ownership of, any
      shares of IPC Common Stock, IXnet Common Stock or common stock of the
      Surviving Corporations, including the right to vote such common stock on
      all matters properly presented to the stockholders of the Companies or the
      Surviving Corporations, respectively, or (iv) seeking to prohibit Parent
      or any of its subsidiaries from effectively controlling in any material
      respect the business or operations of the Companies or their subsidiaries.

            SECTION 6.3 Conditions to Obligation of the Companies and IPC
Systems. The obligation of the Companies and IPC Systems to effect the Mergers
is further subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by IPC) of the following
conditions.

            (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
      warranties of Parent set forth in this Agreement, disregarding all
      qualifications and exceptions contained therein relating to materiality or
      Material Adverse Effect, shall be true and correct as of the date of this
      Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the
      Closing Date, except for those representations and warranties which
      address matters only as of a particular date (which shall have been true
      and correct as of such date), except where the failure of such
      representations and warranties to be true and correct would not,
      individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent
      Material Adverse Effect. IPC shall have received a certificate signed on
      behalf of Parent by the chief financial officer of Parent to the effect
      set forth in this paragraph.

            (b) Performance of Obligations and the Subs. Parent and GC Merger
      Sub shall have performed in all material respects the obligations required
      to be performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing
      Date, and IPC shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent
      by the chief financial officer of Parent to such effect.

            (c) Tax Opinion. The Companies shall have received the opinion of
      Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to Companies, based on
      appropriate representations, including representations, of Parent, the
      Companies, IPC Systems and the Subs, to the effect that (i) the Mergers
      will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as reorganizations
      within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, (ii) Parent,


<PAGE>

                                                                              59


      GC Merger Sub, IPC Merger Sub, IPC Systems and the Companies will each be
      a party to the reorganizations within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the
      Code and (iii) Section 367 of the Code will not apply to the exchange of
      IPC Common Stock or IXnet Common Stock for Parent Common Stock pursuant to
      the Mergers, other than with respect to any "five percent transferee
      shareholders" who fail to enter into a "gain recognition agreement" in
      accordance with applicable treasury regulations.

            (d) No Litigation. There shall not be pending or threatened by any
      Governmental Entity any suit, action or proceeding which would reasonably
      be expected, if adversely determined, to result in criminal or material
      uninsured and unindemnified or unindemnifiable personal liability on the
      part of one or more directors of the Companies, (i) challenging or seeking
      to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Mergers or any of the
      other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) seeking to
      prohibit or limit the ownership or operation by the Companies, Parent or
      any of their respective subsidiaries of any material portion of the
      business or assets of the Companies, Parent or any of their respective
      subsidiaries, or to dispose of or hold separate any material portion of
      the business or assets of the Companies, Parent or any of their respective
      subsidiaries, as a result of the Mergers or any of the other transactions
      contemplated by this Agreement or the Voting Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                       Termination, Amendment and Waiver

            SECTION 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and
abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers, whether before
or after approval of matters presented in connection with the Mergers by the
stockholders of the Companies:

            (a)  by mutual written consent of Parent and the Companies; or

            (b) by either Parent or the Companies if any Governmental Entity
      within the United States or any country or other jurisdiction in which the
      Companies or Parent, directly or indirectly, has material assets or
      operations shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other
      action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting any of
      the Mergers and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have
      become final and nonappealable; or

            (c) by either Parent or the Companies if the Mergers shall not have
      been consummated on or before December 31, 2000 (other than due to the
      failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to perform its
      obligations under this Agreement required to be performed at or prior to
      the Effective Time of the Mergers); or


<PAGE>

                                                                              60


            (d) by Parent, if any required approval of the stockholders of
      either Company shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to
      obtain the required vote upon a vote held at a duly held meeting of
      stockholders, at any adjournment thereof, or by written consent; or

            (e) by the Companies, if Parent or GC Merger Sub has breached in any
      material respect any representation or warranty, covenant or other
      agreement contained in this Agreement which (i) would give rise to a
      failure of a condition set forth in clauses (a) or (b) of Section 6.03 and
      (ii) cannot be or has not been cured prior to the date 20 business days
      after the giving of written notice of such breach to Parent; or

            (f) by Parent, if either of the Companies, IPC Systems or IPC Merger
      Sub has breached in any material respect any representation or warranty,
      covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement which (i) would
      give rise to a failure of a condition set forth in clauses (a) or (b) of
      Section 6.02 and (ii) cannot be or has not been cured prior to the date 20
      business days after the giving of written notice of such breach to the
      Companies.

            SECTION 7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of
this Agreement by the Companies or Parent as provided in Section 7.01, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability
or obligation on the part of any party, other than the last sentence of Section
5.04(a), Section 5.08, Section 5.13 and this Section 7.02. Nothing contained in
this Section 7.02 shall relieve any party for any breach of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement or for fraud.

            SECTION 7.3 Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be
amended or waived prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers (whether before or
after approval of matters presented in connection with Mergers by stockholders
of the constituent corporations in the Mergers) if, and only if, such amendment
or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by the
Companies and Parent or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the
waiver is to be effective; provided that after the adoption of this Agreement by
the stockholders of the Companies, there shall be made no amendment that by law
requires further approval by the stockholders of the Companies without the
further approval of such stockholders.

            SECTION 7.4 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective
Time of the Mergers, the parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of
any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement
or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) subject to the
proviso of Section 7.03, waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to
any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this
Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall
not constitute a waiver of such rights.


<PAGE>

                                                                              61


                                 ARTICLE VIII

                              General Provisions

            SECTION 8.1 Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties. None
of the representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time of the
Mergers. This Section 8.01 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the
parties which by its terms contemplates performance after the Effective Time of
the Mergers.

            SECTION 8.2 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and
other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given if delivered personally or sent by overnight courier (providing
proof of delivery) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

            (a)  if to Parent or GC Merger Sub, to

                  Global Crossing Ltd.
                  360 N. Crescent Drive
                  Beverly Hills, CA 90210
                  Facsimile: 310-281-5820
                  Attention: James C. Gorton

            with a copy to:

                  Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
                  425 Lexington Avenue
                  New York, NY  10017
                  Facsimile: 212-455-2502
                  Attention:  D. Rhett Brandon

            (b)  if to either Company, to

                  IPC Communications, Inc. or IXnet, Inc., as applicable
                  Wall Street Plaza
                  88 Pine Street
                  New York, New York 10005
                  Facsimile:  212-509-7888
                  Attention:  Alexander Russo

            with copies to:

                  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
                  Four Times Square
                  New York, New York

<PAGE>

                                                                              62


                  Facsimile:  212-735-2000
                  Attention:  Joseph A. Coco; and

                  Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
                  101 Park Avenue
                  New York, New York  10178
                  Facsimile:  212-309-6273
                  Attention:  Philip H. Werner


            SECTION 8.3  Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement:

            (a) an "affiliate" of any person means another person that directly
      or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled
      by, or is under common control with, such first person; as used in this
      definition, the term "control" means possession, directly or indirectly,
      of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
      policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities,
      by contract or otherwise.

            (b) "IPC Material Adverse Effect" means any event, change,
      occurrence, effect, fact or circumstance that (i) is materially adverse
      to, or would prevent or materially delay, the ability of IPC or its
      subsidiaries to perform their obligations under this Agreement or to
      consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) the business,
      assets, liabilities, results of operations or condition (financial or
      otherwise) of IPC and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; "IXnet Material
      Adverse Effect" means any event, change, occurrence, effect, fact or
      circumstance that (i) is materially adverse to, or would prevent or
      materially delay, the ability of IXnet or its subsidiaries to perform
      their obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions
      contemplated hereby or (ii) the business, assets, liabilities, results of
      operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of IXnet and its
      subsidiaries taken as a whole; "Parent Material Adverse Effect" means any
      event, change, occurrence, effect, fact or circumstance that (i) is
      materially adverse to, or would prevent or materially delay, the ability
      of Parent or its subsidiaries to perform their obligations under this
      Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii)
      the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or condition
      (financial or otherwise) of Parent and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

            (c) "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint
      venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity;
      and

            (d) a "subsidiary" of any person means another person, an amount of
      the voting securities, other voting ownership, partnership or member
      interests of which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its Board
      of Directors or other governing body or managing member or partner (or, if
      there are no such voting interests, 50% or more of the equity interests of
      which) is owned directly or indirectly by such first person.


<PAGE>

                                                                              63


            SECTION 8.4 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this
Agreement to a Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference shall be to a
Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise
indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are
for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include", "includes" or
"including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by
the words "without limitation".

            SECTION 8.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

            SECTION 8.6 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement and the other agreements referred to herein constitute the entire
agreement, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person other than
the parties any rights or remedies, except Section 5.06(c), Section 5.06(d) and
Section 5.07.

            SECTION 8.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of Delaware.

            SECTION 8.8 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in
whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without
the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding
sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be
enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

            SECTION 8.9 Enforcement; Jurisdiction. The parties agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled
to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any Federal
court located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court, this being
in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
Any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on
any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be brought against any of the
parties in any Federal court located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware
state court, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to the exclusive
jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom)
in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid
therein. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any
party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the State of Delaware.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto agrees that
service of process upon such party at the address referred to in Section 8.02,
together with written notice of such service to such party, shall be deemed
effective service of process upon such party.


<PAGE>

                                                                              64


            SECTION 8.10 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or
portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as
to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion
of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect
any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this
Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had
never been contained herein.




            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the date first written above.


                                    GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.



                                    By: /s/ Thomas J. Casey
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Thomas J. Casey
                                       Title: Vice Chairman of the Board



                                    GEORGIA MERGER SUB CORPORATION



                                    By: /s/ Thomas J. Casey
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Thomas J. Casey
                                       Title: President



                                    IPC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.



                                    By: /s/ David Walsh
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  David Walsh
                                       Title: Director




<PAGE>



                                    IPC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.



                                    By: /s/ David Walsh
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  David Walsh
                                       Title: Director



                                    IXNET, INC.



                                    By: /s/ David Walsh
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  David Walsh
                                       Title: Chief Executive Director



                                    IDAHO MERGER SUB CORPORATION


                                    By: /s/ David Walsh
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  David Walsh
                                       Title: President


<PAGE>


                                                                   EXHIBIT A


                            STOCKHOLDER CONSENT

                        Action Taken by the Written
                          Consent of Stockholder

                                    of
                               [Corporation]


                                                         February [___], 2000

          The undersigned stockholder of [Corporation], a Delaware corporation
(the "Corporation"), acting by written consent in lieu of a meeting pursuant to
Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, hereby
irrevocably consents to the adoption of and adopt the following resolution with
respect to the shares of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Corporation owned of record by such stockholder on the date hereof:

          RESOLVED, that the Merger Agreement, dated as of February [___], 2000
(the "Merger Agreement"), among Global Crossing Ltd., a company formed under the
laws of Bermuda ("GC"), Global Crossing Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GC, IPC Communications, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("IPC"), IPC Information Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of IPC ("IPC Systems"), IXnet, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and a subsidiary of IPC Systems, and IPC Merger Subsidiary
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a subsidiary of IPC, a copy of which has
been furnished to the undersigned stockholder, be, and it hereby is, adopted and
approved by the undersigned stockholders.

          The action of the stockholders of the Corporation approved pursuant
hereto shall become effective when one or more consents have been (a) signed by
stockholders holding shares having a majority of the voting power of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation, being not less than the
minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action
at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted
and (b) delivered to the Corporation at its principal place of business.

[STOCKHOLDER]


                                    By:
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:


<PAGE>


                                                                   EXHIBIT B



                     Form of Company Affiliate Letter
                     --------------------------------



Gentlemen:

            The undersigned, a holder of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01
per share ("Company Common Stock"), of [IPC Communications, Inc.][IXnet, Inc.],
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), is entitled to receive in connection
with the merger (the "Merger") of the Company with [Georgia][IPC] Merger Sub
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, securities (the "Parent Securities") of
Global Crossing Ltd. ("Parent"). The undersigned acknowledges that the
undersigned may be deemed an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of
Rule 145 ("Rule 145") promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), although nothing contained herein should be construed as an
admission of such fact.

            If in fact the undersigned were an affiliate under the Act, the
undersigned's ability to sell, assign or transfer the Parent Securities received
by the undersigned in exchange for any shares of Company stock pursuant to the
Merger may be restricted unless such transaction is registered under the Act or
an exemption from such registration is available. The undersigned understands
that such exemptions are limited and the undersigned has obtained advice of
counsel as to the nature and conditions of such exemptions, including
information with respect to the applicability to the sale of such securities of
Rules 144 and 145(d) promulgated under the Act.

            The undersigned hereby represents to and covenants with the Company
that the undersigned will not sell, assign or transfer any of the Parent
Securities received by the undersigned in exchange for shares of Company stock
pursuant to the Merger except (i) pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Act, (ii) in conformity with the volume and other
limitations of Rule 145 or (iii) in a transaction which, in the opinion of
independent counsel reasonably satisfactory to Parent or as described in a
"no-action" or interpretive letter from the Staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"), is not required to be registered under the Act.

            In the event of a sale or other disposition by the undersigned of
Parent Securities pursuant to Rule 145, the undersigned will supply Parent with
evidence of compliance with such Rule, in the form of a letter in the form of
Annex I hereto. The undersigned understands that Parent may instruct its
transfer agent to withhold the transfer of any Parent Securities disposed of by
the undersigned, but that upon receipt of such evidence of compliance the
transfer agent shall effectuate the transfer of the Parent Securities sold as
indicated in the letter.


<PAGE>

                                                                               2


            The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that appropriate legends
will be placed on certificates representing Parent Securities received by the
undersigned in the Merger or held by a transferee thereof:

            "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN
            ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED
            UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 APPLIES AND MAY BE
            SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN COMPLIANCE WITH
            THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 145 OR PURSUANT TO A
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SAID ACT OR AN EXEMPTION
            FROM SUCH REGISTRATION."

The undersigned also acknowledges and agrees that unless a sale or transfer of
the Parent Securities received by the undersigned in connection with the Merger
is made in conformity with the provisions of Rule 145 or pursuant to a
registration statement (in which case certificates issued to the transferee
shall not contain any restrictive legend), Parent reserves the right to place
the following legend (or other appropriate legend) on the certificates issued to
any transferee:

            "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT
            BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND
            WERE ACQUIRED FROM A PERSON WHO RECEIVED SUCH SHARES
            IN A TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER
            THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 APPLIES. THE SHARES HAVE
            BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE HOLDER NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR
            FOR RESALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION
            THEREOF WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF
            1933 AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
            TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXEMPTION
            FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES
            ACT OF 1933."

            It is understood and agreed that such legends will be substituted by
delivery of certificates without such legends if (i) one year shall have elapsed
from the date of the effective time of the Merger and the provisions of Rule
145(d)(2) under the Act are then available to the undersigned or (ii) Parent
shall have received an opinion in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Parent from independent counsel reasonably satisfactory to Parent or a
"no-action" or interpretive letter from the Staff of the SEC to the effect that
such legends are not required for purposes of the Act.

            The undersigned acknowledges that (i) the undersigned has carefully
read this letter and understands the requirements hereof and the limitations
imposed upon the distribution,


<PAGE>

                                                                               3


sale, transfer or other disposition of Parent Securities and (ii) the receipt by
Parent of this letter is an inducement and a condition to Parent's obligations
to consummate the Merger.


                                          Very truly yours,


                                          -------------------------------
                                          Name:



<PAGE>


                                                                     ANNEX I
                                                                TO EXHIBIT B




[Name]                                                    [Date]



            On __________________ the undersigned sold the securities
("Securities") of Global Crossing Ltd. (the "Company") described below in the
space provided for that purpose (the "Securities"). The Securities were received
by the undersigned in connection with the merger of [IPC][GC] Merger Sub
Corporation with and into [Ixnet, Inc.] [IPC Communications, Inc.]

            Based upon the most recent report or statement filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Securities sold by the
undersigned were within the prescribed limitations set forth in paragraph (e) of
Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").

            The undersigned hereby represents that the Securities were sold in
"brokers' transactions" within the meaning of Section 4(4) of the Act or in
transactions directly with a "market maker" as that term is defined in Section
3(a)(38) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The undersigned
further represents that the undersigned has not solicited or arranged for the
solicitation of orders to buy the Securities, and that the undersigned has not
made any payment in connection with the offer or sale of the Securities to any
person other than to the broker who executed the order in respect of such sale.

                                Very truly yours,





              [Space to be provided for description of securities]




<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 3

                                                                 EXECUTION COPY


                  CONSENT AND VOTING AGREEMENT, dated as of February 22, 2000
                  (the "Agreement"), among GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., a company
                  formed under the laws of Bermuda ("Parent"), CABLE SYSTEMS
                  HOLDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CSH"),
                  and each of the other signatories hereto (and together with
                  CSH, the "Stockholders").

                  WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Parent, Georgia Merger Sub
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("GC
Merger Sub"), IPC Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
IPC Information Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company ("IPC Systems"), Idaho Merger Sub Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("IPC Merger
Sub"), and Ixnet, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a subsidiary of the Company
("IXnet"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement
may be amended from time to time and whether or not such agreement has been
terminated, the "Merger Agreement"; terms used but not defined herein shall have
the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement) pursuant to which (i) the
Company will be merged with and into IPC Systems (the "Intercompany Merger"),
(ii) GC Merger Sub will be merged with and into IPC Systems (the "IPC Merger")
and (iii) IPC Sub will be merged with and into IXnet (the "IXnet Merger" and
together with the Intercompany Merger and the IPC Merger, the "Mergers");

                  WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the
Merger Agreement, Parent and Sub have required that CSH and the other
Stockholders enter into this Agreement pursuant to which, among other things,
the Stockholders have agreed to certain consent and voting provisions in
connection with and in favor of the Company Merger; and

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties
agree as follows:


1.       Consent and Voting Matters

         1.1 Consent and Agreement to Vote. Each Stockholder agrees (for itself
and not as to any other Stockholder) that immediately following the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, it shall execute and
deliver, as the record owner thereof, in accordance with Section 228 of the
DGCL, the Stockholders Consent in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the "Consent"),
which shall be irrevocable, with respect to all Shares that are owned
beneficially or of record by such Stockholder or as to which such Stockholder
has, directly or indirectly, the right to vote or direct the voting.

                  Each Stockholder hereby further agrees (for itself and not as
to any other Stockholder) that, during the term of this Agreement, it shall,
from time to time, at the request of Parent, at any meeting (whether annual or
special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting) of stockholders of
the Company, however called, or in connection with any written consent of the
holders of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company ("Company
Common Stock"), in either case, prior to the earlier of the Effective Time of
the Mergers and the termination of this Agreement, if a meeting is held, appear
at such meeting or otherwise cause



<PAGE>

                                                                               2


such Stockholder's Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of
establishing a quorum, and it shall vote or consent (or cause to be voted or
consented), in person or by proxy, all such Stockholder's Shares, and any other
voting securities of the Company (whether acquired heretofore or hereafter),
that are beneficially owned by such Stockholder or its subsidiaries or as to
which such Stockholder has, directly or indirectly, the right to vote or direct
the voting, (a) in favor of the Intercompany Merger and the IPC Merger, the
adoption of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each
of the other transactions and other matters contemplated by the Merger Agreement
and this Agreement and any actions required in furtherance hereof and thereof;
(b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach in any
material respect of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other
obligation or agreement of the Company or any subsidiary thereof under the
Merger Agreement; (c) except as otherwise agreed to in writing in advance by
Parent, against the following actions (other than the Mergers and the
transactions and other matters contemplated by the Merger Agreement): (1) any
extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other
business combination involving the Company or its subsidiaries; (2) a sale,
lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or its
subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution or liquidation
of the Company or its subsidiaries; (3) (a) any change in the majority of the
board of directors of the Company; (b) any material change in the present
capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation or By-laws; or (c) any other material change in the Company's
corporate structure or business or change in any manner of the voting rights of
the Company Common Stock. Such Stockholder shall not enter into any agreement or
understanding with any person or entity prior to the termination of this
Agreement to vote or give instructions in a manner inconsistent with clauses
(a), (b) or (c) of the preceding sentence.

                  1.2 Proxy. Each Stockholder hereby grants to, and appoints,
Parent and Robert Annunziata, Chief Executive Officer of Parent, Dan J. Cohrs,
Chief Financial Officer of Parent, and James C. Gorton, Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of Parent, in their respective capacities as officers of
Parent, and any individual who shall hereafter succeed to any such office of
Parent, and any other designee of Parent, each of them individually, its proxy
and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution) to execute and deliver a
written consent and to vote such Stockholder's Shares as indicated in Section
1.1. Subject to Section 10.5, such Stockholder intends this proxy to be
irrevocable and coupled with an interest and will take such further action and
execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of
this proxy and hereby revokes any proxy previously granted by it with respect to
its Shares.

                  Each Stockholder hereby revokes any and all previous proxies
with respect to such Stockholder's Shares or any other voting securities of the
Company that relate to the approval of the Merger Agreement.

         2. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholders. Each
Stockholder, severally but not jointly, makes the following representations and
warranties to the Parent:

                  2.1 Power; Binding Agreement. Such Stockholder has the power
and authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this
Agreement (including the



<PAGE>

                                                                               3


power and authority without further action on the part of any shareholders,
members or partners thereof or any other juridical or nonjuridical person to
comply with the consent and voting requirements of Section 1). The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Stockholder will not violate
any other agreement to which such Stockholder is a party (including any trust
agreement, voting agreement, stockholders agreement or voting trust), except to
the extent any such violations, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Parent or to prevent
or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed
and delivered by such Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement
of such Stockholder, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except
as limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
similar laws relating to creditor's rights generally, (b) general principles of
equity, whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or
law, and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may
be brought, or (c) public policy considerations or court decisions which may
limit the rights of the parties hereto for indemnification.

                  2.2 No Conflict. Other than filings required under the HSR
Act, and the filing of Forms 4 and Schedules 13D under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the
"Exchange Act"), no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is required to be
made or obtained by such Stockholder for the execution of this Agreement by such
Stockholder, except for any such filings the failure of which to be made,
individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on Parent or to prevent or materially delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and filings required in
connection with the consummation of the Mergers. Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by such Stockholder nor the consummation by such
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by such
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall (a) conflict with or result
in any breach of such Stockholder's certificate of incorporation, bylaws,
operating agreement, partnership agreement or other organizational or governing
document or agreement, as the case may be, (b) result in a violation or breach
of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default
(or give rise to any third party right of termination, cancellation, material
modification or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or provisions
of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, contract, commitment,
arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument or obligation of any
kind to which such Stockholder is a party or by which such Stockholder or any of
the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound or (z) violate any order,
writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule or regulation
applicable to such Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's members, properties
or assets, except to the extent any of the foregoing, individually or in the
aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
Parent or to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement or to prevent such Stockholder from
complying with its obligations hereunder.


<PAGE>
                                                                               4



                  2.3 Reliance. Such Stockholder understands and acknowledges
that Parent is entering into, and causing Sub to enter into, the Merger
Agreement in reliance upon such Stockholder's execution and delivery of this
Agreement.

                  2.4 Ownership of Shares. Such Stockholder is the record owner
of the number shares of Company Common Stock set forth opposite its name on
Schedule 2.4 (with respect to each Stockholder and together with any shares of
Company Common Stock with respect to which such Stockholder shall have or
receive record ownership, its "Shares"), free and clear of any Liens other than
restrictions contained in the Amended and Restated Investors Agreement, dated as
of April 9, 1998 (the "Investors Agreement"). Except as otherwise provided in
the Investors Agreement, such Stockholder has sole voting power, and sole power
of disposition, with respect to all of such Stockholder's Shares.

                  2.5 No Broker. Such Stockholder has not employed any
investment banker, broker, finder, consultant or intermediary in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement which
would be entitled to any investment banking, brokerage, finder's or similar fee
or commission in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement.

                  3. Representations and Warranties of Parent. Parent hereby
represents and warrants to each Stockholder as follows:

                  3.1 Power; Binding Agreement. Parent has the power and
authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.
The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Parent will not
violate any other agreement to which Parent is a party (including any trust
agreement, voting agreement, stockholders agreement or voting trust), except to
the extent that any such violations, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Parent or to prevent
or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Parent and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Parent,
enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms.

                  3.2 No Conflict. Other than filings required under the HSR
Act, the filing of a Form 3 and Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act and the
filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act, no filing with, and
no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any state or federal public
body or authority is necessary for the execution of this Agreement by Parent and
the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby, except in
each case for such filings the failure of which to be made, individually or in
the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on Parent or to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and filings required in
connection with the consummation of the Mergers. Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Parent nor the consummation by Parent of the
transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by Parent with any of the
provisions hereof shall (x) conflict with or result in any breach of any
applicable organizational documents applicable to Parent, (y) result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time

<PAGE>
                                                                               5



or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which Parent is a party or by which Parent or any
of Parent's properties or assets may be bound or (z) violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable to
Parent or any of Parent's properties or assets, except to the extent that any of
the foregoing, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on Parent or to prevent or materially
delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

                  4. Covenants of the Stockholders. The Stockholders, jointly
but not severally, hereby covenant and agree as follows:

                  4.1 Cooperation in Filing Notification under
Hart-Scott-Rodino. Each of the Stockholders agrees to use reasonable best
efforts to cooperate with Parent and each other to promptly effectuate the
filing of any notification required under the HSR Act.

                  4.2 Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Stockholders each agree to use all
commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and
to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective the transactions provided for by this Agreement.

                  4.3 No Solicitation. (a) Other than as expressly permitted
under Section 4.4(b), none of the Stockholders, in its capacity as such, shall,
directly or indirectly, through any officer, director, employee, stockholder,
member, partner, financial advisor, agent or other representative (including any
investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by such Stockholder or by any
of such Stockholder's subsidiaries, affiliate or stockholders, members or
partners) (i) solicit, initiate, encourage or facilitate (including by way of
furnishing information) any inquiries or proposals that constitute, or would
reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal or any Transfer (as
defined in Section 4.4) of Shares or (ii) participate or engage in negotiations
or discussions concerning, or provide any non-public information to any person
relating to, or otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement,
any Acquisition Proposal or any Transfer of Shares. Other than as expressly
permitted under Section 4.4(b), each Stockholder, in its capacity as such,
agrees that it will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing
activities, discussions or negotiations with any persons (other than Parent and
Sub) conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal or any
Transfer of Shares. Each Stockholder agrees that it will take the necessary
steps to inform promptly the individuals or entities referred to in the first
sentence of this Section 4.3 of the obligations undertaken in this Section 4.3.

                  (b) Other than as expressly permitted under Section 4.4(b),
each Stockholder, in its capacity as such, shall notify Parent immediately after
receipt by such Stockholder (or any of its stockholders, members, partners or
advisors) of any Acquisition Proposal or a proposal or offer for any Transfer of
Shares or any request for nonpublic information in connection with an
Acquisition Proposal or a proposal or offer for any Transfer of Shares or for
access to the


<PAGE>
                                                                               6


properties, books or records of the Company by any person or entity that informs
such Stockholder that it is considering making, or has made, an Acquisition
Proposal or a proposal or offer for any Transfer of Shares. Such notice shall be
made orally and in writing and shall indicate in reasonable detail the identity
of the offeror and the terms and conditions of such proposal, inquiry or
contact.

                  (c) The foregoing provisions of this Section 4.3 shall not
restrict any member of a Stockholder who is also a director of the Company from
taking any actions solely in his capacity as a director.

                  4.4 Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and
Non-Interference; Restriction on Withdrawal. (a) No Stockholder shall, directly
or indirectly: (i) except pursuant to or as contemplated hereby by the terms of
this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, offer for sale, sell (including short
sales), transfer, tender, pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of
(including by gift) or enter into any contract, option, derivative, hedging or
other arrangement or understanding (including any profit-sharing arrangement)
with respect to or consent to the offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of (any of the foregoing, a
"Transfer"), any or all of such Stockholder's Shares or any interest therein;
(ii) except as contemplated hereby, grant any proxies or powers of attorney,
deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into any other voting
arrangement with respect to any Shares; (iii) take any action that would make
any representation or warranty of any Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling any Stockholder from
performing such Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement; or (iv) commit
or agree to take any of the foregoing actions.

                  (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, CSH may Transfer up to 20%
of the Shares set forth next to its name on Schedule 2.4 to its members in
accordance with the terms of its governing operating agreement or otherwise on a
pro rata or other widely distributed basis who shall receive such Shares free
and clear of all obligations imposed on CSH hereunder and none of the
obligations hereunder shall attach to such Shares.

                  4.5 Transfer of Shares of Parent Common Stock. (a) None of
CSH, its Permitted Transferees (as defined below) or Richard Kleinknecht
(collectively, the "Outside Stockholders") shall directly or indirectly,
Transfer any shares of the Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Parent
("Parent Common Stock") until the first anniversary of the Closing, except (i)
in the case of CSH, to Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd. ("CVC") or another
subsidiary of Citigroup which shall have agreed by reasonably satisfactory
instrument delivered to Parent to be bound by the provisions of Sections 4.5 and
4.6 hereof (collectively, the "Permitted Transferees"), (ii) any Transfer
pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Registration Rights Agreement, or (iii) pursuant
to a tender offer, self tender offer, exchange offer or other transaction
offered generally to stockholders of Parent and approved by Parent's Board of
Directors. Each of David Walsh and Anthony Servidio, individually and for
himself, agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, Transfer during the
period commencing on the Closing Date and (a) ending on the first anniversary of
the Closing Date, shares of Parent Common Stock representing more than 25% of
the sum of the shares of Parent Common Stock received by him in the Merger and
shares of


<PAGE>
                                                                               7


Parent Common Stock issuable to him pursuant to options to acquire Parent Common
Stock which have vested and are exercisable as of the Closing ("Vested Shares"),
(b) ending on the second anniversary of the Closing Date, cumulatively, more
than 62.5% of his Vested Shares, and (c) any time after the second anniversary
of the Closing Date, 100% of his Vested Shares.

                  (b) All certificates representing shares of Parent Common
Stock issued to any Stockholder pursuant to the Merger Agreement shall be
endorsed with a legend reading as follows until such time as the shares
represented thereby are no longer subject to the provisions hereof:

                  "The shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of
                  Global Crossing Ltd. (the "Company") represented by this
                  certificate are subject to a Consent and Voting Agreement
                  dated as of February 22, 2000, and may not be sold or
                  otherwise transferred, except in accordance therewith. Copies
                  of such Agreement may be obtained at the principal executive
                  offices of the Company."

                  (c) In the case of the Outside Stockholders, the legend on the
certificates representing any of the shares of Parent Common Stock shall be
removed on the first anniversary of the Closing and such legend shall be removed
from shares of Parent Common Stock Transferred by an Outside Stockholder
pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

                  4.6 Standstill. None of CSH or its Permitted Transferees or
subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly (a) acting alone or in concert with
others, seek to effect a change in control of Parent or the business, operations
or policies of Parent; (b) initiate or propose any stockholder proposal or make,
or in any way, participate in, directly or indirectly, any "solicitation" of
"proxies" to vote or intentionally seek in an organized fashion to influence any
person with respect to the voting of, any Parent Voting Securities in a manner
inconsistent with the position of the board of directors of Parent or become
"participant" in a "solicitation" (as such terms are defined in Regulation 14A
under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date hereof) in opposition to the
recommendation of the majority of the directors of Parent with respect to any
matter; (c) propose or seek to effect a merger, consolidation, recapitalization,
reorganization, sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of substantially all
assets or other business combination involving, or a tender or exchange offer
for securities of, Parent or any of its subsidiaries or any material portion of
its or such subsidiary's business or assets, or any similar transaction that has
not been approved by the Board of Directors of Parent; (d) join a partnership,
limited partnership, syndicate or other group (other than a group consisting of
CSH, its Permitted Transferees and any of their subsidiaries), or otherwise act
in concert with any other person, for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting
or disposing of Parent Voting Securities, or, otherwise become a "person" within
the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act relating to any of the
matters set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d); or (e) request, or induce or
encourage any other person to request, that Parent amend or waive any of the
provisions of this Section 4.6. The provisions of this Section 4.6 shall cease
to apply at such time after the Merger as CSH and its affiliates collectively
cease to beneficially own at least 25% of the Parent Common Stock acquired by
CSH in the Merger.


<PAGE>
                                                                               8


                  4.7 CSH Affiliates. It is expressly understood that none of
the provisions of this Agreement shall apply to Citigroup or any of its
affiliates, other than CSH and its Permitted Transferees and their respective
subsidiaries.

                  4.8 Registration Rights. Parent shall enter into the
Registration Rights Agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit B attached
hereto ("Registration Rights Agreement"), with the Outside Stockholders
immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers.

                  5. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's
request and without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and
deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be
reasonably necessary to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious
manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Merger Agreement.

                  6. Certain Events. Except as set forth in Section 4.4, each
Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall
attach to such Stockholder's Shares and shall be binding upon any person or
entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares shall pass, whether
by operation of law or otherwise, including without limitation the Stockholder's
administrators, successors or receivers.

                  7. Stop Transfer. Each Stockholder agrees with, and covenants
to, Parent that it shall not request that the Company register the transfer
(book-entry or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest
representing any of the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with
this Agreement. Such Stockholder agrees, with respect to any Shares in
certificated form, that immediately following the execution hereof, it will
present to the Company, the certificates representing the Shares for inscription
by the Company of the following legend: "The shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of IPC Communications, Inc. (the "Company") represented by this
certificate are subject to a Consent and Voting Agreement dated as of February
22, 2000, and may not be sold or otherwise transferred, except in accordance
therewith. Copies of such Agreement may be obtained at the principal executive
offices of the Company." Upon the transfer of any Shares pursuant to Section
4.4(b), such legend shall be removed. Such Stockholder agrees that it will no
longer hold any Shares, whether certificated or uncertificated, in "street name"
or in the name of any nominee. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company has
agreed to notify the transfer agent for any Shares in uncertificated form of the
provisions set forth in this Section 7 and has agreed to, and such Stockholder
agrees to, provide such documentation and to do such other things as may be
required to give effect to such provisions with respect to such uncertificated
Shares. Parent will not register the transfer (book-entry or otherwise) of any
certificate or uncertificated interest representing any Stockholder's Parent
Common Stock, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement.

                  8. Post-Closing Covenants. Each Stockholder agrees to hold in
strict confidence all data and information relating to the business of the
Company and its subsidiaries


<PAGE>
                                                                               9


(the "Proprietary Information") obtained in the course of its ownership of
shares or participation in the management of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or otherwise which is either non-public, confidential or
proprietary in nature. Each Stockholder agrees that subject to any requirement
of law or tribunal order, it will keep such Proprietary Information confidential
and will not, without the prior written consent of Parent, be disclosed by any
Stockholder to any person. This Agreement shall be inoperative as to such
portions of the Proprietary Information which (i) are or become generally
available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by Parent or any
of its representatives, (ii) become available to any Stockholder or one of its
representatives on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than any of
Parent or any of its representatives, which has not advised such Stockholder
that it is bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other contractual,
legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality to, any of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates with respect to such portions of the Proprietary
Information, or (iii) were known by any Stockholder on a nonconfidential basis
prior to its commencement of employment with, or ownership of, the Company or
one of its subsidiaries. Each Stockholder agrees that Parent shall be entitled
to equitable relief, including injunction and specific performance, in the event
of any breach of the provisions of this Section 8. Such remedies shall not be
deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach of this Section 8 by any
Stockholder but shall be in addition to all other remedies available at law or
equity. It is further understood and agreed that failure or delay by Parent in
exercising any right, power or privilege under this Section 8 shall not operate
as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude
and other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege under this
Agreement.

                  9. No Survival of Representations and Warranties. Other than
as expressly set forth herein, the representations, warranties and covenants of
the parties contained herein shall not survive the termination of this
Agreement; provided, however, that an uncured breach by a party of a
representation, warranty or covenant hereunder prior to such termination shall
survive such termination.

                  10. Miscellaneous.

                  10.1 Successors and Assigns. Except as expressly provided
herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Other than as set
forth in the immediately succeeding sentence, and except as contemplated hereby,
neither Parent nor any Stockholder may assign any of its rights, or delegate any
of its duties or obligations, hereunder without the prior written consent of
Parent, and any such purported assignment or delegation shall be void ab initio.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent, its affiliates, and its successors and
assigns, may assign their rights and delegate their duties (a) to any successor
entity resulting from any liquidation, merger, consolidation, reorganization, or
transfer of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of Parent, or (b) to
any affiliate of Parent; provided, that in either case, any such assignee shall
expressly assume all of the obligations of Parent hereunder.

                  10.2 Notices. All notices, demands and other communications
(collectively, "Notices") given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to



<PAGE>
                                                                              10




have been duly given if sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage and fees prepaid, by overnight service with a nationally
recognized "next day" delivery company such as Federal Express or United Parcel
Service, by facsimile transmission, or otherwise actually delivered to the
following addresses:



(a       If to Parent:

         Global Crossing Ltd.
         360 N. Crescent Drive
         Beverly Hills, CA 90210
         Attention: James C. Gorton
         Facsimile: 310-281-5820

         with a copy to:

         Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
         425 Lexington Avenue
         New York, New York 10017
         Attn: D. Rhett Brandon
         Fax:  212-455-2502

(b       If to CSH:

         Cable Systems Holding, LLC
         206 East Forest Hills Drive
         Phoenix, AZ  85022
         Attention: Peter Woog
         Fax: 602-789-8847

         with copies to:

         Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd.
         399 Park Avenue - 14th Floor
         New York, New York  10043
         Facsimile No.:  212- 888-2940
         Attn:  Richard M. Cashin, Jr.; and

         Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
         101 Park Avenue
         New York, NY 10178
         Attention: Philip H. Werner
         Fax: 212-309-6273; and

<PAGE>
                                                                              11



         Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
         Four Times Square
         New York, New York  10036
         Facsimile:  212-735-2000
         Attention:  Joseph A. Coco, Esq.; and

(c       If to any other Stockholder:

         To such person(s) and address(es) set forth
         under such Stockholder's signature

Any Notice shall be deemed duly given when received by the addressee thereof.
Any of the parties to this Agreement may from time to time change its address
for receiving notices by giving written notice thereof in the manner set forth
above.

                  10.3 Amendment: Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be
waived unless in writing signed by all of the parties to this Agreement, and the
waiver of any one provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver
of any other provision. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified only by a written agreement executed by all of the parties to this
Agreement.

                  10.4 Enforcement; Jurisdiction. Any suit, action or proceeding
seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in
connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement may be brought against any of the parties in any Federal court located
in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court, and each of the parties
hereto hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the
appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding
and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any such suit, action
or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within
or without the State of Delaware. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, each party hereto agrees that service of process upon such party at
the address referred to in Section 10.2 or upon the agent appointed by the
Company for service of process in Delaware, together with written notice of such
service to such party, shall be deemed effective service of process upon such
party.

                  10.5 Termination. This Agreement and the irrevocable proxy
granted in Section 1.2 hereof will terminate upon the termination of the Merger
Agreement. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 6 and 7 shall terminate at the
Effective Time of the Mergers. With respect to the Outside Stockholders only,
this Agreement shall terminate in its entirety and the Outside Stockholders
shall no longer be deemed Stockholders hereunder upon the first anniversary of
the Closing.

                  10.6 Capacity. No member, stockholder, director, partner,
employee, officer, representative or agent of any Stockholder (in each case, in
their capacity as such) has made any (and shall not be deemed to have made any)
representations, warranties or covenants (express or implied) under or in
connection with this Agreement.



<PAGE>
                                                                              12



                  10.7 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or
portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as
to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion
of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect
any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this
Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had
never been contained herein.

                  10.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement
and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by
each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

                  10.9 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement and the other agreements referred to herein constitute the entire
agreement, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person other than
the parties any rights or remedies.

                  10.10 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

                  10.11 Headings. The section and subsection headings contained
in this Agreement are included for convenience only and form no part of the
agreement between the parties.

                  10.12 Expenses. Each party shall pay its own costs, expenses,
including without limitation, the fees and expenses of their respective counsel
and financial advisors.

                  10.13 Publicity. The initial press release relating to this
Agreement shall be a joint press release, and Parent and the Stockholders shall
use reasonable efforts to agree upon the text of any other press release before
issuing any such press release.

                  10.14 Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto
recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement will cause the other parties to sustain damages for
which they would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and
therefore each of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach
the aggrieved party or parties shall be entitled to the remedy of specific
performance of such covenants and agreements and injunctive and other equitable
relief, without the posting of bond or other security, in addition to any other
remedy to which it or they may be entitled, at law or in equity.



<PAGE>
                                                                              13


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, a duly authorized representative of each
of the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.



                                 GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.



                                 By:  /s/ Thamas J. Casey
                                      ------------------------
                                      Name:  Thamas J. Casey
                                      Title: Vice Chairman of the Board


                                 CABLE SYSTEMS HOLDING, LLC



                                 By:  /s/ Peter A. Woog
                                      ------------------------
                                      Name:  Peter A. Woog
                                      Title: Manager



                                 By:  /s/ Richard Kleinknecht
                                      ------------------------
                                      Name:  Richard Kleinknecht

                                      Richard P. Kleinknecht
                                      15 Banbury Lane
                                      Huntington, NY 11745


                                      with a copy to:


                                      White & Case
                                      1155 Avenue of the Americas
                                      New York, New York  10036
                                      Attention: Edward F. Rover, Esq.
                                      Fax: (212) 354-8113



                                 By:  /s/ David Walsh
                                      ------------------------
                                      Name:   David Walsh

                                      IPC Communications, Inc.
                                      Wall Street Plaza
                                      88 Pine Street
                                      New York, NY 10005
                                      Attention: David Walsh
                                      Fax: (212) 344-5106



                                 By:  /s/ Anthony Servidio
                                      ------------------------
                                      Name:   Anthony Servidio

                                      IPC Communications, Inc.
                                      Wall Street Plaza
                                      88 Pine Street
                                      New York, NY 10005
                                      Attention: David Walsh
                                      Fax: (212) 344-5106



                                 ALLEGRA CAPITAL PARTNERS III, L.P.

                                 Its General Partner:
                                 Allegra Partners III, L.P.



                                 By:  /s/ Richard W. Smith
                                      ------------------------
                                      Name:  Richard W. Smith
                                      Title: Managing Partner

                                      Allegra Capital Partners III, L.P.
                                      515 Madison Avenue
                                      New York, NY 10022-5403
                                      Attention: Richard W. Smith
                                      Fax: (212) 759-2561


<PAGE>


                                                                    SCHEDULE 2.4


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                  SHARES OF
                                                                            COMPANY COMMON STOCK
                                                                                    HELD
                                                                             -------------------

                        NAME OF RECORD OWNER
                        --------------------

<S>                                                                              <C>
Cable Systems Holding, LLC...........................................            4,346,033
Richard KleinKnecht..................................................              761,904
David Walsh..........................................................              271,617
Anthony Servidio.....................................................              174,730
Allegra Capital Partners III, L.P. ..................................              381,904
                                                                                ----------
STOCKHOLDER TOTAL:...................................................            5,936,188

</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT A



                               STOCKHOLDER CONSENT

                           Action Taken by the Written
                             Consent of Stockholders
                                       of
                            IPC Communications, Inc.



                                                               February __, 2000



         The undersigned stockholders of IPC Communications, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Corporation"), acting by written consent in lieu of a meeting
pursuant to Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
hereby irrevocably consent to the adoption of and adopt the following resolution
with respect to the shares of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Corporation owned of record by such stockholders on the date hereof:

         RESOLVED, that the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February
22, 2000 (the "Merger Agreement"), among Global Crossing Ltd., a company formed
under the laws of Bermuda ("GC"), Georgia Merger Sub Corporation, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of GC, the Corporation, IPC Information Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, IXnet, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and a subsidiary of the Corporation, and Idaho Merger Sub
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Corporation, a copy of which has been furnished to the undersigned stockholders,
be, and it hereby is, adopted and approved by the undersigned stockholders.

         The action of the stockholders of the Corporation approved pursuant
hereto shall become effective when one or more consents have been (a) signed by
stockholders holding shares having a majority of the voting power of the
outstanding shares of the common stock of the Corporation, being not less than
the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such
action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present
and voted and (b) delivered to the Corporation at its principal place of
business.


                                             ---------------------------------

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

                                                 Name:
                                                      ------------------------

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

                                             Number of Shares:

                                             Address of the stockholder:

                                             ---------------------------------

                                             ---------------------------------


                                             Date of Execution: _______



<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 4

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                        dated as of ___________ __, 2000

                                      among

                              GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.


                           CABLE SYSTEMS HOLDING, LLC

                                       and

                         the other parties named herein
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page

Section 1.  Definitions......................................................1

Section 2.  Demand Registration..............................................2

      (a)  Requests for Registration.........................................2

      (b)  Filing and Effectiveness..........................................3

      (c)  Priority on Demand Registration...................................4

      (d)  Postponement of Demand Registration...............................4

Section 3.  Piggyback Registration...........................................4

      (a)  Right to Piggyback................................................4

      (b)  Priority on Piggyback Registrations...............................5

Section 4.  Registration Procedures..........................................6

Section 5.  Registration Expenses...........................................11

Section 6.  Indemnification.................................................12

      (a)  Indemnification by the Company...................................12

      (b)  Indemnification by Holders.......................................12

      (c)  Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings...........................12

      (d)  Contribution.....................................................13

Section 7.  Underwritten Registrations......................................14

Section 8.  Miscellaneous...................................................14

      (a)  Remedies.........................................................14

      (b)  Amendments and Waivers...........................................14

      (c)  Notices..........................................................14
<PAGE>

      (d)  Merger, Amalgamation or Consolidation of the Company.............16

      (e)  Successors and Assigns...........................................16

      (f)  Counterparts.....................................................16

      (g)  Titles and Subtitles.............................................16

      (h)  Governing Law....................................................16

      (i)  Separability.....................................................16

      (j)  Entire Agreement.................................................16

      (k)  Submission to Jurisdiction.......................................17
<PAGE>

            THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of ___________ __, 2000, among GLOBAL CROSSING LTD., a company
organized under the laws of Bermuda (the "Company"), CABLE SYSTEMS HOLDING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company ("CSH") and RICHARD P. KLEINKNECHT
("Kleinknecht", together with CSH, the "Current Holders").

                                    RECITALS

            WHEREAS, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
February 22, 2000 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, and IPC
Communications, Inc, Georgia Merger Sub Corporation, IXnet, Inc., and Idaho
Merger Sub Corporation, each a Delaware corporation, the Current Holders are
acquiring common shares of the Company, par value 0.01 per share ("Common
Shares") in connection with the Mergers (as defined in the Merger Agreement);

            WHEREAS, pursuant to a Consent and Voting Agreement, dated as of the
February 22, 2000 (the "Voting Agreement"), the Current Holders have, on their
own behalf and on behalf of their administrators, successors and receivers,
agreed to certain consent and voting provisions in connection with and in favor
of the Mergers;

            WHEREAS, to induce the Current Holders to execute and deliver the
Voting Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide to the Holders certain
registration rights under the Securities Act; and

            WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties
hereto is a condition to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement.

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and
agreements set forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, and other valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

      Section 1.  Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following
capitalized terms have the following meanings:

            "Exchange Act":  means the United States Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

            "Holders":  means the Current Holders and each of their
respective transferees who agree to be bound by the provisions of this
Agreement in accordance with Section 8(e) hereof.

            "Person":  means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, trust, joint venture, governmental authority or
other entity.
<PAGE>

            "Prospectus":  means the prospectus included in any Registration
Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that discloses
information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act), as
amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms
of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such
Registration Statement and all other amendments and supplements to such
prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated
by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

            "Registrable Securities":  means all Common Shares held from time
to time by the Holders and any Conversion Securities as defined in Section
8(d).

            "Registration Statement": means any registration statement of the
Company under the Securities Act that covers any of the Registrable Securities
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the related Prospectus,
any preliminary prospectus, all amendments and supplements to such registration
statement (including post-effective amendments), all exhibits and all material
incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such
registration statement.

            "SEC":  means the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

            "Securities Act":  means the United States Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all
as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

            "Underwritten Offering":  means a distribution, registered
pursuant to the Securities Act, in which securities of the Company are sold
to the public through one or more underwriters.

            Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Merger
Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

      Section 2.  Demand Registration.

            (a) Requests for Registration. At any time after the one year
anniversary of this Agreement, subsequent to the relevant Holder becoming a
direct Holder of Common Shares and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement: (i) the Holders owning in excess of 50% of the Common Shares will
have the right, by written notice delivered to the Company (a "Demand Notice"),
to require the Company to register Registrable Securities under and in
accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act (a "Demand Registration");
provided the Holders may not make more than one (1) Demand Registration and the
Holders must provide to the Company a certificate (the "Authorizing
Certificate") signed by the Holders of more than 50% of the Registrable
Securities held by them and their transferees on the date of such Demand Notice;
and provided, further, that the Company's obligations under this Section 2 shall
terminate from and after the date that the Registrable Securities held by CSH
and its Permitted Transferees (as

                                       2
<PAGE>

defined in the Voting Agreement) and Kleinknecht represent less than 1% of all
outstanding Common Shares (the "Termination Date"). The Authorizing Certificate
shall set forth (A) the name of the Holder or Holders signing such Authorizing
Certificate, (B) the number of Registrable Securities held by such Holder or
Holders, and, if different, the number of Registrable Securities such Holder or
Holders have elected to have registered, and (C) the intended methods of
disposition of the Registrable Securities. A Holder may at its option withdraw
Registrable Securities from a registration. In such event (1) any continuing
registration of Registrable Securities shall constitute the Demand Registration
to which such Holder is entitled and (2) the withdrawing Holder shall reimburse
the Company for any registration and filing fees (including any fees payable to
the SEC, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or any successor
organization) it has incurred with respect to the withdrawn Registrable
Securities (unless all Registrable Securities are withdrawn, in which case the
withdrawing Holder(s) shall reimburse the Company for all costs and expenses
incurred by it in connection with the registration of such Registrable
Securities). Subject to compliance with clause (2) of the preceding sentence, a
registration that is terminated in its entirety prior to the effective date of
the applicable Registration Statement will not constitute a Demand Registration.

            If a Demand Registration is not declared and maintained effective
for the period required by Section 2(b) or if the consummation of the offering
of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration is interfered
with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or
other governmental agency or court which is not due to the act or omission of
any Holder, then the Holders shall be entitled to an additional Demand
Registration in lieu thereof.

            (b) Filing and Effectiveness. (i) The Company will file a
Registration Statement relating to any Demand Registration as promptly as
practicable (but in any event within 45 days in the case of any registration
eligible to be made on Form S-3 of F-3 or a comparable successor form, as
applicable) following the date on which the Demand Notice is given and will use
its reasonable best efforts to cause the same to be declared effective by the
SEC as soon as practicable thereafter, but in any event within 180 days
thereafter (the "Effectiveness Date").

            (ii) The Company agrees to use its best efforts to comply with all
necessary provisions of the federal securities laws in order to keep each
Registration Statement relating to a Demand Registration effective for a period
of six (6) months from its Effectiveness Date or such shorter period that will
terminate when all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement
have been sold pursuant to such Registration Statement.

            Within ten (10) business days after receipt of such Demand Notice,
the Company will serve written notice thereof (the "Notice") to all other
Holders and will, subject to the provisions of Section 2(c), include in any
registration required under this Section 2 all Registrable Securities with
respect to which the Company receives written requests for inclusion therein
within fifteen (15) business days after such Notice to given to the applicable
Holder. The Holder will be permitted, subject to its compliance with the
provisions of Section 2(a) relating to reimbursement of the Company's expenses,
to withdraw in good faith all or part of the Registrable Securities from a
Demand Registration at any time prior to the effective date of such

                                       3
<PAGE>

Demand Registration, in which event the Company will promptly amend or, if
applicable, withdraw the related Registration Statement.

            (c) Priority on Demand Registration. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if the managing underwriter or underwriters of an Underwritten Offering to which
such Demand Registration relates advises the Holders that the total amount of
Registrable Securities that such Holders intend to include in such Demand
Registration is in the aggregate such as to materially and adversely affect the
success of such offering, then the number of Registrable Securities to be
included in such Demand Registration will, if necessary, be reduced and there
will be included in such Underwritten Offering the largest number of Registrable
Securities that, in the opinion of such managing underwriter or underwriters,
can be sold without materially and adversely affecting the success of such
Underwritten Offering. The Registrable Securities of the Holder or Holders
initiating the Demand Registration shall receive priority in such Underwritten
Offering to the full extent of the Registrable Securities such Holder or Holders
desire to sell (unless these securities would materially and adversely affect
the success of such offering, in which case the number of such Holder's
Registrable Securities included in the offering shall be reduced to the extent
necessary) and the remaining allocation available for sale, if any, shall be
allocated pro rata among the other Holders on the basis of the number of
Registrable Securities requested to be included therein by each such Holder.

            (d) Postponement of Demand Registration. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in any other provision of this Agreement, the Company will be
entitled, on no more than one occasion in any 360 day period, to postpone the
filing period of any Demand Registration for a reasonable period of time not in
excess of 90 calendar days if the Board of Directors of the Company determines,
in the good faith exercise of its business judgment, and has delivered to the
Holders written certification to the effect, that such registration and offering
could materially interfere with a bona fide financing transaction of the
Company, including without limitation a primary offering of securities, or any
other material business transaction of the Company, or would require disclosure
of information, the premature disclosure of which could materially and adversely
affect the Company. If the Company postpones the filing of a Registration
Statement, it will promptly notify the Holders in writing when the events or
circumstances permitting such postponement have ended.

      Section 3.  Piggyback Registration.

            (a) Right to Piggyback. If at any time after the one year
anniversary of this Agreement the Company proposes to file a Registration
Statement, whether or not for sale for the Company's own account, on a form and
in a manner that would also permit registration of Registrable Securities (other
than in connection with a registration statement on Forms S-4 or S-8 or any
similar or successor form), the Company shall give to Holders holding
Registrable Securities written notice of such proposed filing at least thirty
(30) calendar days before the anticipated filing. The notice referred to in the
preceding sentence shall offer Holders the opportunity to register such amount
of Registrable Securities as each Holder may request (a "Piggyback
Registration"). Subject to Section 3(b), the Company will include in each such
Piggyback Registration (and any related qualification under state blue sky laws
and other compliance filings, and in any underwriting involved therein) all
Registrable Securities with

                                       4
<PAGE>

respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein
within fifteen (15) calendar days after the written notice from the Company is
given; provided, that the Company's obligations under this Section 3 shall
terminate from and after the Termination Date. Each Holder will be permitted,
subject to its compliance with the provisions of Section 2(a) relating to
reimbursement of the Company's expenses, to withdraw all or part of its
Registrable Securities from a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the
effective date of such Piggyback Registration.

            Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not be obligated to
effect any registration of Registrable Securities under this Section 3 as a
result of the registration of any of its securities solely as direct
consideration for mergers or acquisitions or offered solely in connection with
exchange offers, dividend reinvestment and share purchase plans, rights
offerings or option or other employee benefit plans.

            (b) Priority on Piggyback Registrations. The Company will cause the
managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to
permit Holders holding Registrable Securities requested to be included in the
registration for such offering to include therein all such Registrable
Securities requested to be so included (such securities, together with any other
shares of the same class requested to be included in such registration by any
other Person pursuant to similar registration rights, the "Piggyback Shares") on
the same terms and conditions as any securities of the Company included therein
(other than the indemnification by the Holders, which will be limited as set
forth in Section 6(b) hereof and provided, that the Holders give customary
representations and warranties). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the managing
underwriter or underwriters of such Underwritten Offering advises the Holders to
the effect that the total amount of securities that such Holders, the Company
and any other Person propose to include in such Underwritten Offering is such as
to materially and adversely affect the success of such offering, then the
Company will include in such registration:

                   (x) in the case of a registration in connection with a sale
      of securities for the Company's own account, (i) first, 100% of the
      securities that the Company proposes to sell for its own account, and (ii)
      second, to the extent that the number of securities in clause (i) above is
      less than the number of securities which the Company has been advised can
      be sold in such offering without having the adverse effect referred to
      above, the number of Piggyback Shares of each Holder and the number of
      Piggyback Shares requested to be included in such offering by any other
      Persons pursuant to similar registration rights, determined pro rata on
      the basis of the number of shares of the class being sold owned by each
      Holder requesting registration and such other Persons requesting
      registration, collectively; and

                  (y) in the case of a registration in connection with a sale of
      securities on account of any Person other than the Company (the
      "Initiating Party"), other than a Demand Registration, (i) first, 100% of
      the securities, if any, that the Initiating Party proposes to sell, (ii)
      second, to the extent that the number of securities in clause (i) above is
      less than the number of securities which the Company has been advised can
      be sold in such offering without having the adverse effect referred to
      above, the number of Piggyback Shares of each Holder and the number of
      Piggyback Shares requested to be

                                       5
<PAGE>

      included in such offering by any other Persons pursuant to similar
      registration rights, determined pro rata on the basis of the number of
      shares of the class being sold owned by each Holder requesting
      registration and such other Persons requesting registration, collectively,
      and (iii) third, to the extent that the number of securities in clauses
      (i) and (ii) above is less than the number of securities which the Company
      has been advised can be sold in such offering without having the adverse
      effect referred to above, the securities sought to be included by the
      Company in the offering.

      Section 4. Registration Procedures. In connection with the Company's
registration obligations pursuant to Sections 2 and 3, the Company will effect
such registrations to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in
accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition thereof, and
pursuant thereto the Company will as expeditiously as possible, and in each case
to the extent applicable (it being understood that the obligations of the
Company in clauses (a), (b), (d), (h), (j), (k), (l) and (n) of this Section 4
will be subject to the first sentence of Section 3(b) and, except as provided in
Section 3(b), the Holders will not have any right to effect an underwritten
public offering under Section 3):

                  (a) Prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement or
      Registration Statements on any appropriate form under the Securities Act
      available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the holders
      thereof in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution
      thereof, and cause each such Registration Statement to become effective
      and remain effective as provided herein; provided, however, that before
      filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or
      supplements thereto (including documents that would be incorporated or
      deemed to be incorporated therein by reference) the Company will furnish
      to the Holders holding Registrable Securities covered by such Registration
      Statement, not more than one counsel chosen by Holders holding a majority
      of the Registrable Securities being registered ("Special Counsel") and the
      managing underwriters, if any, copies of all such documents proposed to be
      filed, which documents will be subject to the review of such Holders, such
      Special Counsel and such underwriters, and the Company will not file any
      such Registration Statement or amendment thereto or any Prospectus or any
      supplement thereto (excluding such documents that, upon filing, will be
      incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein) to which
      the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities covered by
      such Registration Statement or the managing underwriter, if any, shall
      reasonably object.

                  (b) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and
      post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be
      necessary to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective for
      the applicable periods specified in Section 2; cause the related
      Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and
      as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar
      provisions then in force) under the Securities Act; and comply with the
      provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all
      securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable
      period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the
      sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement as so amended or
      in such Prospectus as so supplemented.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                  (c) Notify the selling Holders and the managing underwriters,
      if any, promptly, and (if requested by any such Person) confirm such
      notice in writing, (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or
      post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to a
      Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has
      become effective, (ii) of any request by the SEC or any other federal or
      state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a
      Registration Statement or related Prospectus or for additional
      information, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC or any other federal or
      state governmental authority of any stop order suspending the
      effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any
      proceedings for that purpose, (iv) if at any time the representations and
      warranties of the Company contained in any agreement contemplated by
      Section 4(n) (including any underwriting agreement) cease to be true and
      correct in any material respect, (v) of the receipt by the Company of any
      notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or
      exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale
      in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for
      such purpose, (vi) of the occurrence of any event that makes any statement
      made in such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document
      incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in
      any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in a
      Registration Statement, Prospectus or any such document so that, in the
      case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue
      statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
      to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
      misleading and, in the case of the Prospectus, it will not contain any
      untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
      required to be stated or necessary to make the statements therein, in
      light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and
      (vii) of the Company's reasonable determination that a post-effective
      amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate.

                  (d) Use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal
      of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or
      the lifting of any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from
      qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any
      jurisdiction, at the earliest possible moment.

                  (e) If requested by the managing underwriters, if any, or
      Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities being registered,
      (i) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective
      amendment such information as the managing underwriters, if any, and such
      Holders agree should be included therein as may be required by applicable
      law and (ii) make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or
      such post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Company has
      received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus
      supplement or post-effective amendment; provided, however, that the
      Company will not be required to take any actions under this Section 4(e)
      that are not, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, in compliance
      with applicable law.

                  (f) Furnish to each selling Holder and each managing
      underwriter, if any, without charge, at least one conformed copy of the
      Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (but
      excluding schedules, all documents incorporated or

                                       7
<PAGE>

      deemed incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits, unless
      requested in writing by such Holder or underwriter).

                  (g) Deliver to each selling Holder and the underwriters, if
      any, without charge as many copies of the Prospectus or Prospectuses
      relating to such Registrable Securities (including each preliminary
      prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such persons may
      reasonably request; and, subject to the last paragraph of this Section 4,
      the Company hereby consents to the use of such Prospectus or each
      amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and the
      underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the
      Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus or any amendment or
      supplement thereto.

                  (h) Prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, to
      register or qualify or cooperate with the selling Holders, the
      underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the
      registration or qualification (or exemption from such registration or
      qualification) of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the
      securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions within the United States
      as any seller or underwriter reasonably requests in writing; use all
      reasonable efforts to keep such registration or qualification (or
      exemption therefrom) effective during the period the applicable
      Registration Statement is required to be kept effective and do any and all
      other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in
      each such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities covered by the
      applicable Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company
      will not be required to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction
      where it is not then so qualified or (ii) take any action that would
      subject it to taxation or service of process in any such jurisdiction
      where it is not then so subject.

                  (i) Cooperate with the selling Holders and the managing
      underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of
      certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and enable
      such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in
      such names as the managing underwriters, if any, shall request at least
      two business days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities to the
      underwriters.

                  (j) Use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable
      Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be
      registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or
      authorities within the United States except as may be required solely as a
      consequence of the nature of any selling Holder's business, in which case
      the Company will cooperate in all reasonable respects with the filing of
      such Registration Statement and the granting of such approvals as may be
      necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriters, if
      any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

                  (k) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section
      4(c)(vi) or 4(c)(vii), prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to
      each Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or
      any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required
      document so that, as thereafter delivered to the

                                       8
<PAGE>

      purchasers of the Registrable Securities being sold thereunder, such
      Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit
      to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
      make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
      they were made, not misleading.

                  (l) If requested by Holders holding a majority of the
      Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement or the
      managing underwriters, if any, use its best efforts to cause all
      Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement to be (i)
      listed on each securities exchange, if any, on which securities issued by
      the Company of the same class are then listed or, if no such securities
      issued by the Company are then so listed, on the New York Stock Exchange
      or another national securities exchange if the securities qualify to be so
      listed or (ii) authorized to be quoted on the National Association of
      Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") or the National
      Market System of NASDAQ, if the securities qualify to be so quoted.

                  (m) As needed, (i) engage an appropriate transfer agent and
      provide the transfer agent with printed certificates for the Registrable
      Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust
      Company and (ii) provide a CUSIP number for the Registrable Securities.

                  (n) Enter into such customary agreements (including, in the
      event of an Underwritten Offering, an underwriting agreement in form,
      scope and substance as is customary in underwritten offerings) and take
      all such other commercially reasonable and customary actions in connection
      therewith (including those reasonably requested by the Holders holding a
      majority of the Registrable Securities being sold or, in the event of an
      Underwritten Offering, those reasonably requested by the managing
      underwriters) in order to facilitate the disposition of such Registrable
      Securities and in such connection, but only where an underwriting
      agreement is entered into in connection with an Underwritten Offering, (i)
      make such representations and warranties to the underwriters with respect
      to the businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries, the Registration
      Statement, Prospectus and documents incorporated by reference or deemed
      incorporated by reference therein, if any, in each case, in form,
      substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in
      underwritten offerings and confirm the same if and when requested; (ii)
      obtain opinions of counsel to the Company and updates thereof, which
      counsel and opinions (in form, scope and substance) shall be reasonably
      satisfactory to the managing underwriters, if any, addressed to each of
      the underwriters covering the matters customarily covered in opinions
      requested in underwritten offerings and such other matters as may be
      reasonably requested by such underwriters; (iii) obtain "comfort" letters
      and updates thereof from the independent certified public accountants of
      the Company (and, if necessary, any other certified public accountants of
      any subsidiary of the Company or of any business acquired by the Company
      for which financial statements and financial data is, or is required to
      be, included in the Registration Statement), addressed to each of the
      underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of
      the type customarily covered in "comfort" letters in connection with
      underwritten offerings; (iv) cause the Company's management to be made
      available for, and assist in, the marketing and disposition of such
      Registrable Securities in the

                                       9
<PAGE>

      manner and to the extent reasonably requested by the underwriters
      including, without limitation, participation by management in customary
      road shows, investor conferences and other similar presentations and (v)
      deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by
      the managing underwriters, if any, to evidence the continued validity of
      the representations and warranties of the Company and its subsidiaries
      made pursuant to clause (i) above and to evidence compliance with any
      customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement entered into
      by the Company. The foregoing actions will be taken in connection with
      each closing under such underwriting agreement as and to the extent
      required thereunder.

                  (o) Make available for reasonable inspection during normal
      business hours by a representative of the Holders holding Registrable
      Securities being sold, any underwriter participating in any disposition of
      Registrable Securities, and any attorney or accountant retained by such
      selling Holders or underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent
      corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries,
      and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Company and its
      subsidiaries to supply all information reasonably requested by any such
      representative, underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with
      such Registration Statement; provided, however, that any records,
      information or documents that are designated by the Company in writing as
      confidential at the time of delivery of such records, information or
      documents will be kept confidential by such Persons unless (i) such
      records, information or documents are in the public domain or otherwise
      publicly available, (ii) disclosure of such records, information or
      documents is required by court or administrative order; provided, that
      such Holder notifies the Company of any such requirement and cooperates
      with the Company in seeking a protective or restraining order limiting
      such disclosure, or (iii) disclosure of such records, information or
      documents, in the reasonable opinion of counsel to such Person, is
      otherwise required by law (including, without limitation, pursuant to the
      requirements of the Securities Act).

                  (p) Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the
      SEC and make generally available to its security holders earnings
      statements satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities
      Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar rule promulgated under the
      Securities Act) no later than 45 calendar days after the end of any
      12-month period (or 90 calendar days after the end of any 12-month period
      if such period is a fiscal year) (i) commencing at the end of any fiscal
      quarter in which Registrable Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm
      commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering, or (ii) if not sold to
      underwriters in such an offering, commencing on the first day of the first
      fiscal quarter of the Company, after the effective date of a Registration
      Statement, which statements shall cover such 12-month period.

            The Company may require each seller of Registrable Securities as to
which any registration is being effected to furnish to the Company such
information regarding the distribution of such Registrable Securities as the
Company may, from time to time, reasonably request in writing, and the Company
may exclude from such registration the Registrable Securities of any seller who
unreasonably fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after
receiving such request.

                                       10
<PAGE>

            Each Holder will be deemed to have agreed by virtue of its
acquisition of Registrable Securities that, upon receipt of any notice from the
Company of the occurrence of any event of the kind described in Section
4(c)(ii), 4(c)(iii), 4(c)(v), 4(c)(vi) or 4(c)(vii) ("Suspension Notice"), such
Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities
covered by such Registration Statement or Prospectus (a "Black-Out") until such
Holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus
contemplated by Section 4(k), or until it is advised in writing (the "Advice")
by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and
such Holder has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that
are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
Except as expressly provided herein, there shall be no limitation with regard to
the number of Suspension Notices that the Company is entitled to give hereunder;
provided, however, that in no event shall the aggregate number of days the
Holders are subject to Black-Out during any period of 12 consecutive months
exceed 180 days.

      Section 5. Registration Expenses. Except as provided in Section 2(a) and
Section 9, all fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance
with this Agreement by the Company will be borne by the Company whether or not
any of the Registration Statements become effective. Such fees and expenses will
include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including
fees and expenses for compliance with federal or state securities laws or state
"blue sky" laws), (ii) printing expenses (including, without limitation,
expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities in a form eligible
for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and of printing a reasonable
number of prospectuses if the printing of such prospectuses is requested by the
Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities included in any
Registration Statement), (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses
incurred by the Company, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company
incurred by the Company, and (v) fees and disbursements of all independent
certified public accountants referred to in Section 4(n)(iii) (including the
expenses of any special audit and "comfort" letter required by or incident to
such performance) incurred by the Company. In addition, the Company will pay
internal expenses (including without limitation all salaries and expenses of its
officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of
any annual audit, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing
of the securities to be registered on any securities exchange on which
securities of the same class issued by the Company are then listed or for
admission of any securities for quotation or an inter-dealer quotation system,
as applied and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts,
retained by the Company. In no event, however, will the Company be responsible
for any underwriting discount or selling commission with respect to any sale of
Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, and the Holders shall be
responsible on a pro rata basis for any taxes of any kind (including, without
limitation, transfer taxes) with respect to any disposition, sale or transfer of
Registrable Securities and for any legal, accounting and other expenses incurred
by them and not otherwise reimbursable as provided above.

      Section 6.  Indemnification.

            (a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company will indemnify and
hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder holding
Registrable Securities

                                       11
<PAGE>

registered pursuant to this Agreement, the officers, directors, members and
agents and employees of each of them, each Person who controls such a Holder
(within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act) and the officers, directors, members, agents and employees of any
such controlling person, from and against all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities, costs (including without limitation the costs of investigation and
attorneys' fees) and expenses (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or based
upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
Registration Statement, Prospectus or form of Prospectus or in any amendment or
supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or based
upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
except insofar and to the extent as the same are (i) based upon information
furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder specifically for use therein
or (ii) made in any preliminary prospectus, if such untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission made in such preliminary prospectus is eliminated or
remedied in the Prospectus relating to it (as amended or supplemented, as
applicable) and a copy of such Prospectus shall not have been furnished to the
person alleging such Loss as required under applicable law.

            (b) Indemnification by Holders. In connection with any Registration
Statement in which a Holder is participating, such Holder will furnish to the
Company in writing such information as the Company reasonably requests for use
in connection with any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary
prospectus and will indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, the Company, its directors and officers, agents and employees, each
person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers,
agents or employees of such controlling persons, from and against all Losses
arising out of or based upon any untrue statement of a material fact contained
in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary prospectus or arising
out of or based upon any omission of a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the
extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is
contained in any information so furnished in writing by such Holder to the
Company specifically for use in such Registration Statement, Prospectus or
preliminary prospectus and was relied upon by the Company in the preparation of
such Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary prospectus. In no event
will the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the
dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the
Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

            (c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. If any Person shall
become entitled to indemnity hereunder (an "indemnified party"), such
indemnified party shall give prompt notice to the party from which such
indemnity is sought (the "indemnifying party") of any claim or of the
commencement of any action or proceeding with respect to which such indemnified
party seeks indemnification or contribution pursuant hereto; provided, however,
that the failure to so notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the
indemnifying party from any obligation or liability except to the extent that
the indemnifying party has been prejudiced materially by such failure. All
reasonable fees and expenses (including any reasonable fees and expenses
incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend such action or
proceeding) will be paid to the indemnified party (provided appropriate
documentation for such expenses is also submitted

                                       12
<PAGE>

with such notice), as incurred, within five calendar days of written notice
thereof to the indemnifying party (regardless of whether it is ultimately
determined that an indemnified party is not entitled to indemnification
hereunder). The indemnifying party will not consent to entry of any judgment or
enter into any settlement or otherwise seek to terminate any action or
proceeding in which any indemnified party is or could be a party and as to which
indemnification or contribution could be sought by such indemnified party under
this Section 6, unless such judgment, settlement or other termination includes
as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such
indemnified party of a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the indemnified party, from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation
for which such indemnified party would be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

            (d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this
Section 6 is unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 6(a) or 6(b) in
respect of any Losses or is insufficient to hold such indemnified party
harmless, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such
indemnified party, will, severally but not jointly, contribute to the amount
paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses, in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying
party or indemnifying parties, on the one hand, and such indemnified party, on
the other hand, in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that
resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative fault of such indemnifying party or indemnifying parties, on the
one hand, and such indemnified party, on the other hand, will be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any
untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged
omission of a material fact, has been taken or made by, or related to
information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the
parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or
payable by a party as a result of any Losses will be deemed to include any legal
or other fees or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any action
or proceeding.

            The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 6(d) were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account
the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6(d), an indemnifying party that
is a selling Holder will not be required to contribute any amount in excess of
the amount by which the total price at which the Registrable Securities sold by
such indemnifying party and distributed to the public were offered to the public
exceeds the amount of any damages that such indemnifying party has otherwise
been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.

            The indemnity, contribution and expense reimbursement obligations of
the Company hereunder will be in addition to any liability the Company may
otherwise have hereunder or otherwise. The provisions of this Section 6 will
survive so long as Registrable Securities remain outstanding, notwithstanding
any permitted transfer of the Registrable Securities by any Holder thereof or
any termination of this Agreement.

                                       13
<PAGE>

      Section 7. Underwritten Registrations. If any of the Registrable
Securities included in any Demand Registration are to be sold in an Underwritten
Offering, the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities included
in the Demand Notice may select an investment banker or investment bankers and
manager or managers to manage the Underwritten Offering, provided that such
investment banker or bankers is (are) reasonably acceptable to the Company. If
any Piggyback Registration is an Underwritten Offering, the Company will have
the exclusive right to select the investment banker or investment bankers and
managers to administer the offering. The Company and the Holders agree that, in
connection with any Underwritten Offering hereunder, they shall each undertake
to offer customary indemnification, representations and warranties to the
participating underwriters and to agree to any restrictions required by the
underwriters on the sale of Common Shares or other securities by such party
after the completion of the Underwritten Offering; provided, however, that (i)
the period of such restrictions shall not exceed 90 calendar days and (ii) the
restrictions so imposed on the Holders shall be no more onerous than the
restrictions imposed on the Company.

      Section 8.  Miscellaneous.

            (a) Remedies. In the event of a breach by a party of its obligations
under this Agreement, each other party, in addition to being entitled to
exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be
entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. Each party
agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss
incurred by reason of a breach by it of any provision of this Agreement and
hereby further agrees that, in the event of any action for specific performance
in respect of such breach, it will waive the defense that a remedy at law would
be adequate.

            (b) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not
be amended, modified or supplemented without the prior written consent of the
Company and the Holders holding in excess of 50% of the Registrable Securities.
No amendment that materially adversely affects any particular Holder may be
effected to this Agreement without the consent of such Holder.

            (c) Notices. All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon personal delivery to the
party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent
during normal business hours of the recipient, if not, then on the next business
day; (iii) upon delivery if sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) upon delivery if deposited with a nationally
recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written
verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
by like notice):

      If to the Company to:

            Global Crossing Ltd.
            Wessex House
            45 Reid Street
            Hamilton HM12 Bermuda

                                       14
<PAGE>


            Attention: Secretary of the Company
            Facsimile: (441) 296-8606

      with a copy to:

            Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
            425 Lexington Avenue
            New York, NY 10017
            Attention: D. Rhett Brandon, Esq.
            Facsimile: (212) 455-2502

      If to CSH to:

            Cable Systems Holding, LLC
            206 East Forest Hills Drive
            Phoenix, AZ  85022
            Attention: Peter Woog
            Fax: 602-789-8847

            with a copy to:

            Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
            101 Park Avenue
            New York, NY 10178
            Attention: Philip H. Werner
            Fax: 212-309-6273

      If to Kleinknecht to:

            Richard P. Kleinknecht
            15 Banbury Lane
            Huntington, NY 11745

            with a copy to:

            White & Case
            1155 Avenue of the Americas
            New York, New York
            Attention: Edward F. Rover, Esq.
            Fax: (212) 354-8113

or to such other address or addresses as shall be designated in writing.  All
notices shall be effective when received.

            (d) Merger, Amalgamation or Consolidation of the Company. If the
Company is a party to any merger, amalgamation, or consolidation pursuant to
which the Registrable

                                       15
<PAGE>

Securities are converted into or exchanged for securities or the right to
receive securities of any other person ("Conversion Securities"), the issuer of
such Conversion Securities shall assume (in a writing delivered to all Holders)
all obligations of the Company hereunder. The Company will not effect any
merger, amalgamation, or consolidation described in the immediately preceding
sentence unless the issuer of the Conversion Securities complies with this
Section 8(d).

            (e) Successors and Assigns. Subject to the terms and conditions of
the Merger Agreement, any lawful transferee of all or a portion of the
Registrable Securities shall become a Holder hereunder to the extent it agrees
in writing to be bound by all of the provisions applicable hereunder to the
transferring Holder (such acknowledgment being evidenced by execution and
delivery to the Company of a Counterpart and Acknowledgment substantially in the
form of Exhibit A). Subject to the requirements of this Section 8(e), this
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and
permitted assigns of the parties hereto.

            (f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument.

            (g) Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections
of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be
considered in construing this Agreement.

            (h)  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed in all
respects by the laws of the State of New York.

            (i) Separability. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

            (j) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other documents
delivered pursuant hereto, the Merger Agreement and the Voting Agreement
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subjects thereto and no party shall be liable or bound to any
other in any manner by any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

            (k) Submission to Jurisdiction. Each party hereto irrevocably
consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of New York
and the courts of the United States for the Northern or Southern Districts of
New York, and in the courts hearing appeals therefrom, for the resolution of any
dispute, action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, by
way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or
proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the defense of sovereign immunity,
any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the
above-named courts for any reason other than the failure to serve process in
accordance with this Section 8, that it or its property is exempt or immune from
jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such
courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment,
attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment

                                       16
<PAGE>

or otherwise), and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the
suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient
forum, that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or that
this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof or thereof, may not be enforced in
or by such courts and further irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, the benefit of any defense that would hinder,
fetter or delay the levy, execution or collection of any amount to which the
party is entitled pursuant to the final judgment of any court having
jurisdiction.

            9. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company
shall not have any financial obligation pursuant to this Agreement unless and
until the Company is able to satisfy (after taking into account such obligation)
the requirements of Section 39A(2A) of the Companies Act 1981. For this
purposes, the Company shall be considered to satisfy such requirements if it
receives a written opinion or certificate from its independent auditors to that
effect.

                            [Signature page follows]

                                       17
<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, a duly authorized representative of each of the
parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

                                    GLOBAL CROSSING LTD.


                                    By:
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:


                                    CABLE SYSTEMS HOLDING, LLC


                                    By:
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:


                                     By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Richard Kleinknecht

                                       18
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
                         COUNTERPART AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

TO:         The Company

RE:         The Registration Rights Agreement (the "Agreement")
            dated as of _______, 2000, by and among the Company
            and the Holders (as defined in the Agreement)


            The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Agreement as a party to the Agreement, and shall be entitled to all benefits of
the Holders (as defined in the Agreement) and shall be subject to all
obligations and restrictions of the Holders pursuant to the Agreement, as fully
and effectively as though the undersigned had executed a counterpart of the
Agreement together with the other parties to the Agreement. The undersigned
hereby acknowledges having received and reviewed a copy of the Agreement.

            DATED this _____ day of ____________, _____



                                       By:
                                       Title:


                                          Number of
                                          Shares of
                                          Registrable Securities:

                                       19





<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit 5

                      CONSENT AND AGREEMENT OF TERMINATION

                  CONSENT AND AGREEMENT OF TERMINATION dated February 22, 2000
(this "Termination Agreement") of the Amended and Restated Investors Agreement,
dated as of April 9, 1998, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and
Restated Investors Agreement, dated as of May 21, 1999 (as amended, the
"Investors Agreement"), among IPC Communications, Inc. (formerly known as IPC
Information Systems, Inc.) (the "Company"), Cable Systems Holding, LLC ("CSH
LLC") and the other parties listed on the signature pages hereto.

                  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has duly
authorized the Company to enter into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Global
Crossing Ltd., a Bermuda corporation ("GCL"), and the other parties named
therein;

                  WHEREAS, GCL has requested that CSH and certain other parties
to the Investors Agreement enter into a Consent and Voting Agreement (the
"Voting Agreement") relating to the stockholder approval of the IPC Merger and
the Intercompany Merger; and

                  WHEREAS, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the
mutual covenants contained herein, and intending to be legally bound, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                  1. Consent to Voting Agreement. Each of the parties hereto
consent to the transactions contemplated by the Voting Agreement and the
execution and delivery of the Voting Agreement by each of the parties thereto
and each party hereto hereby waives any rights such party may have under Section
4.01 of the Amended and Restated Investors Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1998
and the notice requirement by CSH LLC thereunder, in each case in connection
with the consummation of the IPC Merger and the Intercompany Merger.

                  2. Termination. Subject to the provisions of Section 5
hereof, effective immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Mergers and
without further action by the parties hereto, the Investors Agreement and each
and every provision thereof shall terminate and thereafter be of no further
force and effect.

                  3. Counterparts. This Termination Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and
the same instrument, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Termination
Agreement by signing any such counterpart.
<PAGE>

                  4. Governing Law. This Termination Agreement shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without
giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule that
would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State
of New York, except to the extent that the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware ("DGCL") applies as a result of the Company being incorporated in
the State of Delaware, in which case the DGCL shall apply.

                  5. Effect. This Termination Agreement shall terminate and be
null and void upon any termination of the Merger Agreement prior to the
Effective Time of the Mergers in accordance with its terms.


                           [Signature Page to follow]

                                        2
<PAGE>

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, a duly authorized representative of each
of the undersigned has executed and delivered this Termination Agreement as of
the date first above written.

                                          IPC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


                                          By: /s/ David Walsh
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name:  David Walsh
                                             Title:

                                          CABLE SYSTEMS HOLDING, LLC


                                          By: /s/ Peter Woog
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name:  Peter Woog
                                             Title: Manager


                                          /s/ Richard Kleinknecht
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Richard Kleinknecht


                                          /s/ David Walsh
                                          --------------------------------
                                          David Walsh


                                          /s/ Anthony Servidio
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Anthony Servidio


                                          ALLEGRA CAPITAL PARTNERS III, L.P.

                                          By:  Its General Partner
                                               Allegra Partners III, L.P.


                                               By: /s/ Richard W. Smith
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Name:  Richard W. Smith
                                                  Title: Managing Partner


                                          /s/ Charles Auster
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Charles Auster

                                       [Signature Page to Termination Agreement]
<PAGE>

                                          CITICORP VENTURE CAPITAL, LTD.


                                          By: /s/ David Y. Howe
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Name:  David Y. Howe
                                             Title: Vice President


                                         /s/ David Kirby
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         David Kirby


                                         /s/ John O'Mara
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         John O'Mara


                                         /s/ Richard M. Cashin, Jr.
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Richard M. Cashin, Jr.


                                         63BR PARTNERSHIP


                                         By: /s/ William T. Comfort
                                            ------------------------------------
                                              Name:  William T. Comfort
                                              Title: General Partner


                                         /s/ David Y. Howe
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         David Y. Howe


                                         /s/ Michael A. Delaney
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Michael A. Delaney


                                         /s/ Byron L. Knief
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Byron L. Knief


                                         /s/ Richard E. Mayberry
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Richard E. Mayberry

                                       [Signature Page to Termination Agreement]
<PAGE>

                                         ALCHEMY L.P.

                                         By: Its General Partner

                                             By: /s/ Thomas F. McWilliams
                                                --------------------------------
                                                 Name: Thomas F. McWilliams


                                         /s/ David F. Thomas
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         David F. Thomas


                                         /s/ James A. Urry
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         James A. Urry


                                         /s/ John D. Weber
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         John D. Weber


                                         CCT PARTNERS V, L.P.


                                         By: CCT 1998 Corporation
                                             Its General Partner

                                             By: /s/ Thomas H. Sanders
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Name:  Thomas H. Sanders
                                                 Title: Secretary


                                         /s/ Ian D. Highet
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Ian D. Highet


                                         BG PARTNERS LLP


                                         By: /s/ Paul C. Schorr, IV
                                            ------------------------------------
                                              Name:  Paul C. Schorr, IV
                                              Title: General Partner

                                       [Signature Page to Termination Agreement]




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