ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
10-KT, 1999-03-29
ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS
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<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[ ]      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required]

                                       or
[X]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required] 

         For the transition period from February 23, 1998 to December 31, 1998

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-10558

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               CALIFORNIA                                95-3108178
    (State or other jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. Employer 
    incorporation or organization)                   Identification No.)

 2722 SOUTH FAIRVIEW STREET, SANTA ANA, CA                  92704 
 (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (714) 957-8500

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                  COMMON STOCK
                                (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                             Yes [X]       No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant based on the closing sale price of its common stock on March 12, 1999
on the Nasdaq National Market, a date within 60 days prior to the date of
filing, was $61,353,425.

As of March 12, 1999, there were 11,548,880 shares of the registrant's common
stock outstanding.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be filed no later than 120 days after the close of the
registrant's transition period ended December 31, 1998, are incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Transition Report on Form 10-K.

<PAGE>   2

PART I

                                INTRODUCTORY NOTE

This Transition Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and the Company
intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors
created thereby. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to
(i) the market acceptance of the Company's products, including its AlphaCONNECT
internet and intranet technology, and Information Technology ("IT") services,
(ii) the continued development of the Company's technical, manufacturing, sales,
marketing and management capabilities, (iii) anticipated competition, (iv)
completion of complementary acquisitions and alliances, and (v) any future
performance, achievements of the Company, or industry results expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations
that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements
included herein regarding the actual results, performance and achievements of
the Company are dependent on a number of factors. The Company's ability to
pursue companies that provide strategic platforms on which to leverage future
growth is dependent on (i) the economic and competitive environment of the
computer maintenance and IT support services industry in general, and in the
Company's specific market areas, (ii) its ability to identify acquisition
candidates, (iii) the availability of, and terms of, financing to fund the
anticipated growth of the Company's business, and (iv) its ability to
successfully integrate acquired operations with its existing operations. The
Company's ability to execute internet/intranet technology and marketing
agreements with key companies and its ability to derive internet/intranet
revenues from the sale of product, licensing of technology, or revenue sharing
relationships is dependent on (i) the Company's ability to develop, produce, and
market products and services that incorporate new technology, are priced
competitively, and achieve significant market acceptance, (ii) whether the
Company's products and IT services will be commercially successful or
technically advanced due to the rapid improvements in computer technology and
resulting product obsolescence, (iii) the Company's ability to deliver
commercial quantities of new products in a timely manner, (iv) the Company's
ability to manage risks associated with its internet operating strategies, (v)
changes in the Company's operating strategy and capital expenditure plans, and
(vi) the economic and competitive environment of the internet/intranet industry
in general. The Company's ability to expand the service segment through new
service contracts, expansion of time and materials servicing, and alliances with
third-party IT service providers, to realize revenues from existing service
contract alliances and to develop opportunities to service products manufactured
by third parties is dependent on (i) the Company's ability to develop, produce,
and market services that are priced competitively, (ii) whether the Company's IT
services will be commercially successful or technically advanced due to the
rapid improvements in computer technology and resulting product obsolescence,
(iii) changes in the cost of IT services, (iv) the Company's ability to manage
risks associated with its IT services operating strategies, (v) changes in the
Company's operating and capital expenditure plans, and (vi) the Company's
ability to manage its expenses commensurate to its revenues.

Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among
other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions, all of which
are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond
the control of the Company. In addition, the business and operations of the
Company are subject to substantial risks which increase the uncertainty inherent
in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties
inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of
such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or
any other person that the objectives or plans of the Company will be achieved.
The Company disclaims any obligations to update any such factors or to publicly
announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements
contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

The Company, which previously operated under a fiscal year end ending the last
Sunday in February, has adopted a calendar year end. To the extent comparisons
of the ten-month period ending December 31, 1998 are made to the same period of
prior fiscal years, the amounts for such prior periods have been derived from
previously reported results for the first three fiscal quarters of such year
plus one-third of the last quarter of such year and are unaudited.


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<PAGE>   3

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Alpha Microsystems (the "Company" or "Alpha Micro"), also currently doing
business as AlphaServ.com, is a California corporation with its principal
offices located at 2722 South Fairview Street, Santa Ana, California 92704
(telephone number 714-957-8500). The Company provides information technology
products (including products for the internet and intranet markets) and IT
services (including consulting, hardware maintenance, technical support and
network administration and integration) to a variety of market segments. The
Company provides these services through its more than 65 locations throughout
North America.

This Transition Report on Form 10-K refers to various trademarks of the Company
and certain trademarks of other companies. All products and services are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS

The Company, which was incorporated under California law on March 17, 1977, is a
supplier of IT services and products. The Company historically had two principal
lines of business: (1) the sale of computer and networking hardware and software
products, and (2) the service of its own and third-party hardware and software
products as well as installation, training, and consulting services. As a result
of the intensely competitive nature of the computer hardware industry and the
migration toward open system environments and away from proprietary systems such
as those primarily sold by the Company, the Company has in the last several
years refocused its efforts. Today, while it continues to market hardware
products, its focus is on its IT services business and the development and
marketing of AlphaCONNECT, an internet and intranet technology.

On February 27, 1998, the Company acquired the ongoing IT service contracts and
certain related assets of M & J Technologies, Inc. ("M & J") for an estimated
purchase price of $950,000. The purchase price, which is contingent on future
annualized revenues, is to be paid over 18 months, with 50% of the purchase
price paid on the closing date of the acquisition. The acquisition was accounted
for as a purchase.

On September 1, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Delta CompuTec
Inc. ("DCI"). DCI provides management and consulting services, as well as
services that include network design, installation and maintenance. The
Agreement and Plan of Merger ("Merger Agreement") provided for the payment of
$3.4 million in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of DCI at the time of
closing, and a net payment of DCI's then outstanding debt in the amount of $4.6
million. Under the Merger Agreement, DCI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Alpha Micro. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. To finance the
acquisition of DCI and provide additional cash to the Company, the Company sold
$15 million of redeemable exchangeable preferred stock.

These acquisitions were consistent with the Company's strategy to concentrate
its resources on the IT services business and to develop and launch the
AlphaCONNECT internet and intranet technology and software products. In 1998, IT
service revenues accounted for 83.1% of total revenues and product sales
accounted for 16.9% of total revenues, as compared to fiscal 1993, when IT
service revenues accounted for 37.3% of total revenues and product sales
accounted for 62.7% of total revenues.

The following table sets forth the percentage contribution to total company
revenues of each of these principal lines of business for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         TEN MONTHS ENDED        YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                        DECEMBER 31, 1998    FEBRUARY 22, 1998    FEBRUARY 23, 1997    FEBRUARY 25, 1996
                        -----------------    -----------------    -----------------    -----------------
<S>                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>  
IT Service Revenues           83.1%                68.4%                62.2%                55.2%

Product Revenues              16.9%                31.6%                37.8%                44.8%
</TABLE>


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<PAGE>   4

The Company in each of the last four years has sustained significant net losses
and negative operating cash flows. Also during this time the Company divested
certain operations, made significant investments in the development of its
internet technology, and downsized its hardware operations, contributing to
declines in net sales or results of operations. If the Company is to
successfully execute its strategies discussed below, it will need to obtain
outside financing and negotiate and successfully complete IT service business
acquisitions. The Company is currently negotiating with several lending and
investing institutions to finance its operating strategies and has to date
obtained $3,000,000 bank debt facility and a remaining $5,000,000 commitment
from ING Equity Partners II, L.P. under its Securities Purchase Agreement with
ING Equity Partners. Borrowings under both the bank facility and Securities
Purchase Agreement are subject to certain financial covenants and borrowing
based requirements. While management believes it will be able to obtain
additional sources of capital on acceptable terms, no assurances can be given
that it will successfully do so.

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

    IT SERVICE INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

The market for computer hardware maintenance and IT support services is large
and growing. According to Dataquest, IT spending will rise to about $2 trillion
by 2003, almost double the $1.2 trillion spent now. International Data
Corporation ("IDC") expects the IT services market to grow from slightly more
than $135 billion in 1998 to over $204 billion in 2002. While traditionally OEMs
have garnered market share within the IT services market, the Company believes
that independent, multi-vendor IT service providers such as the Company are
taking market share from the OEMs faster than OEMs are contracting new business.
The Company believes that this is occurring for several reasons including: (i)
customers are looking for single-source providers who support multiple computer
hardware and software platforms, (ii) multi-vendor providers such as the Company
are viewed as being unbiased toward computer purchase decisions, and (iii) OEMs
are increasingly outsourcing customer maintenance services (including warranty
and post warranty IT services) and technical customer support (such as help desk
services) to independents.

The IT services and support industry is fragmented and consolidating, providing
the Company with potential opportunity. Currently, the industry consists
primarily of: (i) several large IT service providers, (ii) service segments of
OEM operations, and (iii) hundreds of smaller companies servicing either product
niches or limited geographical areas of the United States. The significant
market position of OEMs is due largely to their traditional role of servicing
their own installed base of equipment and their customers' former reliance on
centralized, single-vendor solutions.

    INTERNET/INTRANET INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

A recent report from IDC said that corporate spending on internet-related
technology is expected to hit $85 billion in the United States alone in 1999.
Worldwide internet technology spending will climb to $203 billion by 2002,
according to the analyst firm.

IDC estimated that e-commerce activities are fueling internet-related IT
spending. Worldwide in 1998, the research firm said there were approximately 150
million World Wide Web users, and by 2003, there would be 500 million,
representing 2 new users per second. Nearly $900 billion in goods and services
will be purchased via the internet by 2003, according to IDC.

Technology and online commerce are only components of the internet pie.
According to IDC, companies are investing significant resources in strategic
internet technologies to streamline business processes. Investing so heavily,
IDC says, that by 2003, $1.5 trillion will be spent on technology deployment,
marketing and sales, professional services, content creation, education and
training, and other peripheral costs. IDC believes new internet information
technologies are in demand as companies seek to reduce costs, enhance
productivity, as well as remain competitive. In addition, IDC believes companies
are looking at return on information as a measurable value behind investment in
the internet. The proliferation of information caused by the very efficiencies
of the internet has become in many aspects unmanageable; however, given the
importance of information to any organization, the ability to successfully
manage it is critical. The Company believes that its AlphaCONNECT technology
delivers added value to the one of the most critical aspects of the internet,
information management.


                                                                               4
<PAGE>   5

STRATEGY

    IT SERVICE STRATEGY

Alpha Microsystems' business strategy for its IT services operation is to grow
through (i) employing internet technologies to enhance IT Services and to
further its competitive advantage with the use of its unique AlphaCONNECT
technology, (ii) completing complementary acquisitions and alliances focused
primarily on enhancing its network management and integration professional
services, and (iii) leveraging existing infrastructure. The fundamental elements
of this business strategy are as follows:

    EMPLOYING INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE IT SERVICES

The Company is committed to achieve superior IT Services by employing internet
technologies, including its internally developed and patent pending AlphaCONNECT
technology. The Company believes that internet related technologies can
significantly enhance customer service by providing its customers with greater
access to services, improved feedback on the status of individual service calls
and increasing operating efficiencies. Further, the Company believes that its
AlphaCONNECT technology provides a unique advantage over its competitors. For
example, the Company's ServiceTrak product allows customers, using the browser
of their choice, to track the current status of individual sales calls over the
web.

    COMPLEMENT INTERNAL GROWTH WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND ALLIANCES WITHIN
    THE IT INDUSTRY

In order to achieve the operating results and performance goals set by
management, the Company believes that expansion through acquisitions, as well as
internal growth, will be necessary. Accordingly, the Company has completed
acquisitions of smaller IT service companies and expects to continue to pursue
the acquisition of IT service companies that sell products and services
complementary to those of Alpha Microsystems. The Company also expects to pursue
companies that provide strategic platforms on which to leverage future growth.
No assurance can be given that this strategy will be successfully implemented.

    LEVERAGE THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Over the past several years, the Company has built an IT services infrastructure
serving all major and secondary cities in the United States and Canada. The
Company believes that through its over 65 locations and approximately 335
service personnel, it has a competitive advantage over the majority of other IT
service companies, which tend to have only a local or regional presence. This
national presence provides the Company with the ability to expand services
offered by acquired local and regional IT services companies to a national
level. Further, the Company's national presence reduces the need for customers
of acquired companies to maintain service contracts with many different IT
service providers across the United States and Canada, and it also enhances
internal growth of acquired companies by bringing in-house IT services that were
previously out-sourced due to local or regional operating constraints.

    INTERNET/INTRANET STRATEGY

To date, the Company has established agreements with several key companies
within the internet technology industry including General Magic, PC Quote, Zacks
Investment Research, Cybernet Data Systems, Inc., Market Guide, and others. The
agreements range from customized technology projects to marketing alliances. The
Company expects to continue to execute technology and marketing agreements with
key companies, as well as innovate additional strategies to keep pace with the
fast changing market. Some of these strategies are anticipated to expand the
integration of the AlphaCONNECT technology with third-party products and/or
services currently being developed or marketed today. No assurance can be given
that any of these strategies will be successfully implemented.

Due to the uniqueness of the AlphaCONNECT technology, the Company is also
exploring structural changes to the organization in its continuing effort to
maximize shareholder value. The Company has hired investment bankers to assist
in evaluating various strategic 


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<PAGE>   6

options related to AlphaCONNECT, including a strategic partnership, a spin-off
from the parent company, or the sale of the technology.

SERVICES OPERATION

The Company maintains service operations that employ approximately 335 service
personnel in North America to provide service and technical support to the
Company's customers and certain dealers. The Alpha Microsystems Services
Operation ("AMSO") provides multi-vendor hardware and software maintenance and
repair services throughout the United States and Canada via a network of over 65
field offices linked to a national dispatch and advisory center. Through the
Alpha Micro Technical Assistance Center, the Company responds to questions from
dealers and end-users around the world via electronic and telephone
communications channels. The Company intends to expand the service segment of
its business through new service contracts, expansion of time and materials
servicing, and alliances with third-party IT service providers, although no
assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in expanding its
services operation above current levels.

While divestitures have decreased overall service revenues, AMSO's contribution
to the Company's operations has increased over the past years relative to the
decline in product revenues. On a worldwide basis, revenues from service
operations represented 83.1%, 68.4% and 62.2% of total revenues for the ten
months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and
February 23, 1997, respectively. AMSO continues to develop opportunities to
service selected products manufactured by third parties in an effort to more
fully exploit the Company's service capabilities. AMSO's services also include
the design and installation of computer networks. Other professional services
offered by AMSO include consulting services related to site preparation work,
such as electrical power and cabling analysis; air conditioning, humidity and
static electricity problems; and lightning protection for computer systems.

PRODUCTS

    INTERNET PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES

AlphaCONNECT is Alpha Microsystems' patent-pending software technology for
sophisticated communication and data conversion through the use of intelligent
agents. AlphaCONNECT is not a single product, but rather a technology that has
been realized as a core of cooperating components. These component parts can be
combined in many different ways to create a multitude of applications including
complete, stand-alone applications as well as modules that integrate into other
systems.

Using AlphaCONNECT technology, information can be gathered through the use of
TCP/IP (internet) protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP and others. ODBC
support allows most databases to be accessed and MAPI is supported for corporate
e-mail. AlphaCONNECT can tie into additional protocols as needed. AlphaCONNECT's
broad communications abilities allow it to acquire information from a diverse
number of sources and to transmit data to an equally broad variety of
destinations. The data AlphaCONNECT can acquire, manipulate and deliver include
text, HTML, XML, SGML, structured records, and many types of image, audio and
video data. Acquired information can be converted into many forms including
text, HTML, XML, SGML and database records. AlphaCONNECT can also send data
directly to specific target applications. Many popular office automation
applications for Windows are supported, including word processors, spreadsheets,
contact managers and database managers. Information can be delivered to
workstations, servers, inboxes, faxes, pagers and PDAs.

AlphaCONNECT is the underlying technology found in several applications
developed and released by the Company including:

*        AC Enterprise - a corporate portal which unifies both public (including
         Internet) and corporate information and integrates it into the user's
         favorite application

*        AC Spotlight - identifies and collects unstructured data from the
         Internet and transforms it into actionable information

*        AC Convert & Apply - software that transforms various types of data
         from the Internet, legacy systems, network PCs and servers, into
         existing systems or services


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<PAGE>   7

*        AlphaCONNECT StockVue 99 - a desktop application that uses intelligent
         agents to provide custom delivery of financial data from the Internet
         such as stock and mutual fund quotes, news, charts and SEC filings.
         Ready-tailored for OEMs or end users, StockVue 99 now includes
         BusinessVue, an agent application that provides users custom delivery
         of corporate and business information on specific companies from the
         internet.

AlphaCONNECT technologies provide the necessary components for additional
client, Internet and enterprise applications, and can be integrated with other
software products and environments. The Company has executed several
business-to-business technology agreements whereby the Company has agreed to
customize its AlphaCONNECT technologies for OEMs, ISVs, Internet portals (or
Internet sites) and other third-party vendors. AlphaCONNECT technology
implementations for third parties include agreements with vendors such as
Microsoft Corp., Matthews Studio Equipment, Interactive Search, Inc. (I-Search),
General Magic, Inc., PC Quote, Inc., Cybernet Data Systems, Inc., and
AccountingNet.

    HARDWARE

The Company supports its customers with personal computer products through its
AlphaDirect program, through which the Company markets third-party PC and
peripheral products, as well as its proprietary family of AM Series computer
systems that is based primarily on the Motorola 680XX and Coldfire families of
microprocessors.

The AM Series consists of the Eagle family of small business computer systems at
the low- to mid-range of the product line, and the AM-6000 family at the upper
end. The Eagle family was first introduced by the Company in 1994, and the
initial AM-6000 configuration began shipments in April 1997. In November 1998,
the Company introduced the Eagle 450 Series, which is the first product to
incorporate Motorola Coldfire microprocessor.

The primary operating system licensed with the Company's products is AMOS, the
Company's proprietary operating system. The Company also incorporates Novell
NetWare, UNIX, and Microsoft Windows, among others, into certain of its
products. In addition to operating systems software, the Company markets and
distributes a variety of software products for its hardware systems including
language compilers, development and conversion tools, networking products,
application programs and utility programs.

DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING

During fiscal 1996 and 1997, the Company developed a national sales and
marketing group for its IT services business with a view toward expanding the
services business through a more aggressive, direct sales process. The sales and
marketing efforts for the IT services group are concentrated on securing
contracts with major distributors and OEMs, as well as value-added resellers and
larger accounts. Since the beginning of fiscal year 1997, the Company has
increased headcount within its IT services sales and marketing group by over
100%. The Company expects to continue investing resources to grow its IT
services sales and marketing group.

The distribution strategy for AlphaCONNECT is focused on several methods of
distribution which include: (i) establishing OEM relationships with hardware and
software developers and suppliers; computer products distributors; (ii) creating
relationships with online mass merchandisers and software retailers; (iii)
direct marketing to corporate environments; (iv) developing associations with
shareware providers; and (v) selling via the electronic marketplace of the
internet. The Company has committed significant resources to developing these
channels and creating market awareness. The Company has released StockVue 99 to
promote name recognition and to facilitate use of this third generation StockVue
to generate advertising revenue income. There is no assurance that substantial
revenues will be realized through such advertising revenues. The Company has
also entered into a strategic alliance with Matthews Studio Group to provide an
"entertainment portal," including the development of applications and solutions
for the entertainment industry via the Internet and the World Wide Web, as well
as the creation of "Showbizmart.com," a new network of Web sites built for
industry insiders as well as 


                                                                               7
<PAGE>   8

consumers and collectors of show business related items and memorabilia.
Additionally, the Company signed a multiyear agreement with I-Search in which AC
Spotlight technology enables I-Search to collect and process significant amounts
of information - quickly and accurately - from a wide array of Web sites and in
many diverse formats.

The Company currently markets its hardware products through approximately 162
dealers and distributors located in North America, Europe, Latin America,
Australia and the Asia Pacific area. The Company's distribution to its dealers
and distributors is supported by sales and marketing personnel located at the
Company's headquarters, as well as in various metropolitan locations throughout
the United States. In addition, the Company engages in direct marketing of
hardware in its service operations.

While none of the Company's customers represents more than 10% of the Company's
consolidated revenues, the loss of one or more of the Company's large customers
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

During the fiscal periods ended December 1998 and February 1998 and 1997,
approximately 7%, 12% and 20%, respectively, of the Company's total net revenues
were made to foreign dealers and users. The decline in year-to-year net revenues
is due primarily to divestitures of foreign operations. From its headquarters in
the United States, the Company sells its products directly to distributors and
independent dealers in Europe, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, the Asia
Pacific area and other international markets.

INTEGRATION AND SUPPLIES

The Company's hardware manufacturing process consists primarily of assembling,
integrating, and testing a wide variety of purchased electronic and
electromechanical components and subassemblies. Most components and
subassemblies are available from a number of alternative sources and certain
suppliers have provided the Company with favorable consignment arrangements.
However, some components and subassemblies used by the Company are available
from a limited number of outside suppliers and may periodically be in short
supply. The Company maintains a supply of these limited source components which
it believes is sufficient to enable it to continue operations until a
replacement supplier could be qualified and any necessary redesign could be
completed with the exception of the line of Motorola microprocessors. The
inability of the Company to obtain the components and subassemblies necessary to
enable it to fill its then-existing orders for any reason, including, but not
limited to, shortages, product delays or work stoppages experienced by the
Company's suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company's backlog is not significant because lead-time is typically less
than one week from receipt of order to shipment. The Company buys materials
pursuant to short-term forecasts and builds inventory to a semi-finished goods
state. The finished products are then integrated based upon individual customer
orders.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS

The Company's foreign sales to dealers and users comprise 7%, 12% and 20% during
the fiscal periods ended December 1998 and February 1998 and 1997, respectively,
of the Company's total net sales. (See Note 11 to the Company's Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Transition Report
on Form 10-K for financial information concerning the Company's foreign
operations.)

Gross profit margins with respect to foreign product sales are not materially
different from gross profit margins with respect to domestic sales. A
significant portion of international receivables and payables are in currencies
other than U.S. dollars, the value of which fluctuates in relation to U.S.
currency. Currency fluctuations can have a material adverse effect on the
Company's foreign revenue, profitability and cash flow in terms of U.S. dollars.
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses) included in the determination of loss
from operations before taxes were $31,000, $10,000 and $(42,000) for the ten
months ended December 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and
February 23, 1997, respectively. The Company's operations outside the United
States are subject to the usual risks and limitations 


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<PAGE>   9

attendant upon investments in foreign countries, such as fluctuations in
currency values, exchange control regulations, wage and price controls,
employment regulations, effects of foreign investment laws, and other
potentially detrimental domestic and foreign governmental policies affecting
U.S. companies doing business abroad.

WARRANTY

The Company provides a one-year parts and labor return to factory or 90 day
on-site warranty with an option for on-site or extended warranties on most
products, other than software. Primarily, software licensed by the Company is
not warranted by the Company and is licensed "as is." Applications software and
hardware provided by third parties is covered by the warranties of the
third-party suppliers. The Company has not had significant warranty problems and
believes its warranty reserves are adequate based on the Company's historical
experience.

ENGINEERING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company intends, to a limited extent, to continue investing in engineering,
research and development for both the AlphaCONNECT line of products and the AM
Series of hardware products. Annually, management determines the amount of such
investment after considering the Company's profitability levels and
technological standing within the industry. Engineering support and services and
research and development expenses totaled $1,173,000 and $1,411,000, and
$1,500,000, or 28.8%, 23.1% and 16.9% of the Company's product revenue,
respectively, in the ten months ended December 1998 and the fiscal years ended
February 1998 and 1997.

The Company has, in the past, utilized independent software developers where
appropriate and entered into agreements with such developers to design, enhance,
and/or support products to be marketed by the Company. Some agreements provided
for an initial amount to be paid as a development fee and a royalty structure
based on future revenues received from the developed product and some agreements
provide for compensation on an hourly rate basis. Currently, the Company
develops its software internally. However, outsourced software developers may be
utilized in the future as appropriate.

COMPETITION

The computer industry is characterized by rapid technological changes and
product obsolescence and the Company, in particular, faces severe competitive
pressures as many competitors have aggressively targeted the broad range of
market segments in which the Company's products and services compete. The
Company's competition includes a large number of hardware manufacturers, service
providers, software developers and resellers, many of which have longer
operating histories, greater name recognition, larger installed customer bases
and databases, and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing
resources than the Company. Such competitors may be able to undertake more
extensive marketing campaigns and make more attractive offers to potential
employees, distribution partners, advertisers and others. As a result of the
competition's greater resources, they may also be better able than the Company
to modify and enhance their products to meet changing market demands.

Due to the declining popularity of proprietary systems in favor of open systems
such as Microsoft Windows, there is an ever declining number of distributors,
dealers and developers of software and related products using the Company's
proprietary systems. This decline continues to have an adverse effect upon the
Company's competitive position, impacting both its proprietary product sales and
corresponding services business. The Company believes that its over 65 service
locations enable it to compete effectively against comparably-sized service
providers in the open systems service market -- a market in which the Company
has begun to effectively increase its penetration. However, there are service
providers larger than the Company and there can be no assurance that (i)
competition from existing competitors will not substantially increase, (ii)
established or new companies will not enter the market in direct competition
with the Company, or (iii) the Company will be able to compete successfully with
such existing or new competitors.


                                                                               9
<PAGE>   10

With respect to the Company's AlphaCONNECT technology, the market for internet
services and products is intensely competitive. Since there are no substantial
barriers to entry for internet services and products, the Company expects
competition in these markets to persist. The Company believes that the principal
competitive factors in these markets are name recognition, performance, ease of
use, functionality, content and price. Competitors include on-line service and
content providers, web site operators, providers of web browser software (such
as Netscape and Microsoft) and other internet services and products that
incorporate data retrieval, conversion and delivery or "push" technology.

The Company's future success depends on its ability to (i) adapt to rapidly
changing technologies, (ii) keep its products competitively priced, (iii)
maintain and enhance its market position, (iv) adapt its services and products
to evolving industry standards, (v) continually improve the performance,
features and reliability of its services and products in response to both
evolving demands of the marketplace and competitive service and product
offerings, and (vi) the ability of internet product providers to establish a
paying market. There can be no assurance that the Company will have the
resources to respond to this rapidly evolving market.

GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION

The Company's operations are subject to a number of federal, state and local
laws relating to environmental, health, safety and labor matters applicable to
business generally. The Company believes its business is operated in substantial
compliance with all material applicable government regulations. However, there
can be no assurances that future regulations will not require the Company to
modify its products, business or operations to meet environmental, health,
safety, or labor requirements, or that the Company will be able, for financial
or other reasons, to comply with such future requirements. Failure to comply
with future governmental regulations could subject the Company to fines or
injunctions, which could result in a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition. Although the Company is
not aware of any claim involving violation of environmental, health, safety or
labor laws or regulations, there can be no assurance that such claim may not
arise in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial conditions.

The currently marketed versions of the Company's multi-user systems have been
successfully tested by an independent testing agency for compliance with Federal
Communications Commission requirements for electromagnetic interference in
commercial environments.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES

In addition to claiming standard copyright protection, the Company has filed a
utility patent application and a provisional patent application with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office directed to certain aspects of the Company's
technology. On March 15, 1999, the Company filed a provisional patent
application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the software
programming language Network Query Language (NQL). There can be no assurance
that any patent will be issued with respect to any aspect of the Company's
technology. The Company may decide to abandon prosecution prior to issuance of a
patent. If any patent issues, there can be no assurance that the issued claims
will be sufficiently broad to protect the Company's technology, to deter
competitors or to prevent third parties from developing equivalent technology
that does not infringe such claims, or that the patent will not otherwise be
circumvented. In addition, there can be no assurance that any patents that may
be issued will not be challenged, re-issued, re-examined, invalidated or held
unenforceable, or that any rights granted thereunder would provide proprietary
protection to the Company and its investment in the Company's technology. The
Company could incur substantial costs in litigation in which the Company may
assert a patent against another party. Failure of any patents to provide
protection of the Company's technology may make it easier for the Company's
competitors to offer technology equivalent to or superior to the Company's
technology.

The Company has federally registered trademarks including, but not limited to,
the following: "AlphaACCOUNTING" (design), "AlphaACCOUNTING" (stylized),
"AlphaBASIC," "AlphaCALC," "AlphaCONNECT," "AlphaCONNECT Messenger,"
"AlphaFORTRAN 77," "AlphaLAN," "AlphaPASCAL," "AlphaPASCAL Programming System,"
"AlphaRJE," "Alpha 2000," 


                                                                              10
<PAGE>   11

"AlphaSERV," "AlphaWRITE" (stylized), "AMOS," "AMSO," "Caselode," "insight/AM,"
"NODESTAR," "StockVue," "Videotrax," "Videotrax" (in design)," and the slogan
"RIGHT. FROM THE START." The marks "Caselode" and "Videotrax" have also been
registered in certain foreign countries. The Company has also registered the
trademark "ALPHA MICRO" in selected states and various foreign countries. In
addition, the Company has pending federal applications for the marks including,
but not limited to "AC Convert & Apply," "AC Enterprise," "AC Export," "AC
HTML," "AC Spotlight," "AC Tools," "AlphaCONNECT EdgarVue," "AlphaCONNECT Power
Package," "AlphaCONNECT SportsVue," "AlphaServ.com," "AlphaSphere," "Alpha
Microsystems," "AlphaCONNECT Pro," "AlphaCONNECT StockVue," "AlphaCONNECT
BusinessVue," "AM Alpha Microsystems" (in design), "AM Services Operation,"
"BusinessVue," "EdgarVue," "Network Query Language," "NQL," "Object Recognition
Engine," "ORE," "SportsVue," "Spotlight," "The Corporate Portal," and the slogan
"AlphaCONNECT. Where the Internet Gets Down to Business." The Company claims
common law rights in the following marks: "AM" (design), and "Image.Doc."

The Company markets a variety of software programs that it has either developed
internally, acquired ownership rights to, or is marketing through license
agreements with third-party vendors. Internally developed software, as well as
software in which all ownership rights, title and interest have been acquired
from any third-party vendor, is distributed to dealers and users through a
licensing system primarily in object code format. Source code to these software
programs is not licensed for distribution and the Company claims such
intellectual property protection as may be available for such source code. The
Company's proprietary AMOS operating system is marketed and maintained in this
manner. Software acquired from third-party vendors pursuant to master licenses
is distributed to the Company's dealers and users for their use pursuant to a
structure of sub-licenses consistent with such master licenses.

To protect its intellectual property, the Company also relies in part on
agreements with strategic employees and consultants which typically include
provisions concerning confidentiality and ownership of work product. Despite
these precautions, there can be no assurance that such agreements will provide
the Company with meaningful remedies in the event of an improper use or
disclosure of proprietary information. There can be no assurance that the
Company's products or activities will not infringe the patents or proprietary
rights of others, even if the Company also has received patent protection or
other proprietary rights for its technology. The Company may be required to
obtain licenses to patents or other proprietary rights. There can be no
assurance that any such licenses would be made available on terms acceptable to
the Company, if at all. If the Company does not obtain such licenses, it could
encounter delays in product introductions while it attempts to design around
such patents, the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring such
licenses could be precluded, and the Company may have to pay substantial damages
for past infringement. The Company could encounter substantial costs in
defending itself in litigation brought against it on such patents or proprietary
rights.

While patent, copyright and trade secret rights provide certain protection to
the Company, the Company believes that its success is less dependent on those
ownership rights than on its innovative skills, technical competence and
marketing abilities.

EMPLOYEES

On December 31, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately
433 persons. The Company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel is
a significant factor in its future success. The Company has never experienced a
work stoppage and at present no employees are represented by a labor
organization. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company occupies 48,643 square feet of a 66,200 square foot facility located
in Santa Ana, California. The lease, which, expires December 2001, has an
average annual rent of $285,000. The Company is depreciating tenant improvements
of $993,000 over the life of the lease. In fiscal 1997, the Company subleased a
portion of the 66,200 square foot facility for approximately $95,000 annually
through October 1999, with tenant options to extend through December 2001.


                                                                              11
<PAGE>   12

The Company also occupies approximately 20,000 square feet of a 38,000 square
foot facility located in Teterboro, New Jersey. The lease, which expires on July
31, 2001, has an annual rent of $300,000. Effective January 1, 1998, the Company
entered into a sublease of approximately 18,000 square feet for an average
annual rent of approximately $113,000 through December 1999. The sublease has
options to renew through July 31, 2001 at an annual rent of approximately
$120,000.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is currently involved in certain claims and litigation. The Company
does not consider any of these claims or litigation to be material. Management
has made provisions in the Company's financial statements for the settlement of
lawsuits for which unfavorable outcomes are both probable and estimable. In the
opinion of management, results of known existing claims and litigation will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Inapplicable.


                                                                              12
<PAGE>   13

                           OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
                           --------------------------


Certain information regarding the officers of the Company is set forth in the
following:

DOUGLAS J. TULLIO, 56, has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of the Company since 1991 and as Chairman of the Board since July 1998.
Mr. Tullio also served as Chief Operating Officer from May 1991 to March 1994.
Mr. Tullio joined the Company in January 1990. From 1984 to 1989, he worked for
General Automation, Inc., in the positions of President and member of the Board
of Directors.

JEFFREY J. DUNNIGAN, 39, was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in December 1997 and as Secretary in September 1998.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Dunnigan headed a financial consulting
practice in Irvine, California. From October 1995 to September 1996, he was Vice
President, Finance of UROHEALTH Systems, Inc., a publicly traded medical device
company. Prior to October 1995 he was Audit Senior Manager with Ernst & Young
LLP, specializing in high technology manufacturing and software and consulting
on SEC matters.

JOHN T. DEVITO, 42, has served as President of Professional Services since the
acquisition of Delta CompuTec Inc. in September 1998. Mr. DeVito previously
served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Delta CompuTec Inc. from
April 1995 to August 1998. Previously, he held the position of Vice President
and General Manager of Delta CompuTec Inc.

JOHN F. GLADE, 56, served as a Director of the Company from May 1996 through
September 1998, as Secretary of the Company from January 1987 through September
1998 and as Vice President, Engineering and Manufacturing since May 1988. Mr.
Glade joined the Company as Director of Engineering in September 1978, served as
Vice President, Engineering from February 1979 until June 1985 and served as
Vice President, Advanced Products Development from June 1985 until May 1988. He
also served as Secretary of the Company from February 1983 to August 1985 and a
Director of the Company from 1979 through 1994.

DENNIS E. MICHAEL, 40, was named Vice President of Marketing of the Company in
May 1996 and previously held the position of Director of Marketing of the
Company. He served in various marketing management capacities at the Company
between 1983 and 1990 and with AST Research, Inc. from 1990 to 1995.


                                                                              13
<PAGE>   14

                                     PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The Company's common stock is included on the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") National Market under the symbol "ALMI".

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Company's
common stock (ALMI) for the fiscal periods indicated, as quoted on the NASDAQ
National Market. Prices reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up,
mark-down or commissions, and may not necessarily reflect actual transactions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         HIGH          LOW
                                                       --------      --------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C> 
TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
First Quarter                                          $7            $1 1/2
Second Quarter                                          4 1/4         2 5/16
Third Quarter                                           3 25/32       1 23/32
One month period ended December 1998                    9             2 3/16

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 22, 1998
First Quarter                                          $2 7/8        $1 1/4
Second Quarter                                          1 1/32        1 1/8
Third Quarter                                           1 15/16       1 1/8
Fourth Quarter                                          1 27/32       1
</TABLE>

On March 12, 1999, the high was $5 1/2 and the low was $5 3/16 and the
approximate number of holders of record of the Company's common stock was 513.
This number does not reflect the number of beneficial holders of the Company's
common stock.

The Company has not paid dividends on its common stock, and it anticipates that
for the foreseeable future it will not pay dividends. Should the Company desire
to pay dividends, any such dividends would be subject to the prior written
consent of the Company's lender and to any preferential rights to receive
dividend payments contained in any securities issued by the Company, including
those payable to holders of outstanding redeemable exchangeable preferred stock
(see Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).


                                                                              14
<PAGE>   15

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED
                                TEN MONTHS          ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                   ENDED            FEBRUARY 22,     FEBRUARY 23,     FEBRUARY 25,     FEBRUARY 26,
                             DECEMBER 31, 1998         1998             1997             1996             1995
                             -----------------      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                              <C>                 <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>     
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Service revenues                 $ 20,072            $ 13,223         $ 14,627         $ 18,070         $ 19,706
Product sales                       4,068               6,104            8,885           14,693           19,079
                                 --------            --------         --------         --------         --------
Net sales                          24,140              19,327           23,512           32,763           38,785
Cost of sales                      20,994              13,966           15,498           22,967           27,385
                                 --------            --------         --------         --------         --------
Gross margin                        3,146               5,361            8,014            9,796           11,400
Loss before taxes                  (9,527)(1)(2)       (3,318)(2)       (2,742)(2)       (3,555)(3)       (6.247)(4)
Net loss                           (9,542)(1)(2)       (3,297)(2)       (2,770)(2)       (3,575)(3)       (6,247)(4)
                                 ========            ========         ========         ========         ========
Net loss attributable to           
    common shareholders            (9,978)             (3,297)          (2,770)          (3,575)          (6,247)
                                 ========            ========         ========         ========         ========
Net loss per share (5)           $  (0.90)           $  (0.30)        $  (0.28)        $  (0.54)        $  (0.95)
                                 ========            ========         ========         ========         ========
Number of shares used in the     
    computation of per share
    amounts (5)                    11,029              10,864            9,727            6,565            6,580
                                 ========            ========         ========         ========         ========

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Current assets                   $ 13,016            $  9,754         $ 12,378         $  7,199         $ 10,914
Current liabilities                10,088               5,421            3,648            6,377            7,726
                                 --------            --------         --------         --------         --------
Working capital                     2,928               4,333            8,730              822            3,188
Total assets                       26,431              15,788           17,195           13,061           17,902
Long-term obligations                 846                  60               34              201              140
Redeemable preferred stock         12,824                  --               --               --               --
Shareholders' equity             $  2,673            $ 10,307         $ 13,513         $  6,483         $ 10,036
</TABLE>


(1) Includes charges totaling $4,679,000 comprised of (i) $2,230,000 to
    write-down impaired tangible and intangible assets from non-core business
    acquired prior to 1998 to their estimated fair values based on estimated
    cash flows, and write-down of accounts receivable related to non-core
    operations, (ii) $910,000 to write-down impaired fixed assets and inventory
    related to end-of-life proprietary product lines to their estimated fair
    values, (iii) $813,000 related to software products obsolesced by the
    introduction of new products, (iv) $379,000 resulting from the write-off of
    notes receivable from previously sold assets and subsidiaries, (v) $256,000
    of indirect financing costs related to the sale of redeemable preferred
    stock and warrants and the expensing of previously capitalized costs
    associated with abandoned acquisitions, and (vi) $91,000 in write-offs of
    costs related to Year 2000 issues and adjustments of warranty and other
    liabilities. Net loss was also increased by a change in net interest expense
    of $321,000 comparing the ten months ended December 31, 1998 with the fiscal
    year ended February 22, 1998.

(2) Includes $1,684,000 in transition period 1998, $2,281,000 in fiscal 1998 and
    $1,162,000 in fiscal 1997 of expenses attributable to the marketing and
    launching of the AlphaCONNECT software products.

(3) Includes charges of $1,995,000 for the write-off of intangible assets
    primarily associated with the Company's AlphaHealthCare subsidiary and PANDA
    division.

(4) Includes charges of $972,000 for the sale of Alpha Microsystems Belgium,
    S.A., $783,000 for the write-down of customer lists, $649,000 for the
    software associated with the Company's hardware business, $507,000
    associated with the write-down of slow moving service spares, $279,000
    severance, $694,000 in slow moving inventory associated with the Company's
    hardware business, and $304,000 in anticipation of the sale of the imaging
    and VSO product lines.

(5) Per share amounts reflect the adoption of SFAS 128 and represents diluted
    per share amounts. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                                                              15
<PAGE>   16

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATION

SUMMARY

The following table sets forth operational data as a percentage of net sales for
the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Relationship to Net Sales
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Ten Months Ended           Year Ended             Year Ended
                                                   December 31, 1998      February 22, 1998       February 23, 1997
                                                   -----------------      -----------------       -----------------
<S>                                                <C>                    <C>                      <C>  
Net sales:
  Service                                                 83.1 %                  68.4 %                  62.2 %
  Product                                                 16.9                    31.6                    37.8
                                                         -----                   -----                   -----
     Total net sales                                     100.0                   100.0                   100.0
Cost of sales                                             87.0                    72.3                    65.9
                                                         -----                   -----                   -----
Gross margin                                              13.0                    27.7                    34.1
Selling, general and administrative expense               35.9                    38.9                    41.2
Engineering, research and development expense              4.9                     7.3                     6.4
Impairment of long-lived assets                           10.1                    --                      --
Interest expense (income), net                             0.1                    (1.6)                   (1.0)
Other expense (income), net                                1.5                     0.3                    (0.8)
                                                         -----                   -----                   -----
Loss before taxes                                        (39.5)                  (17.2)                  (11.7)
Net loss                                                 (39.5)%                 (17.1)%                 (11.8)%
</TABLE>

GENERAL

During the ten months ended December 31, 1998, the Company substantially
expanded its information technology ("IT") operations with the acquisition of
Delta CompuTec Inc. ("DCI"), which was financed by the sale of redeemable
preferred stock and warrants and a bank term loan. Additionally, the Company's
IT Service organic growth continued with the addition of a new distributor
warranty service agreement with Tech Data Corporation ("Tech Data"). Revenues
from the Tech Data agreement, as well as from agreements signed earlier in
fiscal 1998 with Ingram Micro and ATS Money Systems, are expected to be realized
in future operating periods. However, the current period results of operations
were negatively impacted as additional IT Service costs of sales were incurred
without significant related revenues. The Company's realization of revenues from
these distributor warranty service agreements is dependent upon distributor
sales of products under warranty. Also during the current quarter, the Company
resolved to focus on its core business competencies within IT Services while
pursuing strategic options surrounding its AlphaCONNECT technology, including a
strategic partnership, a spin-off from the parent company, or the sale of the
technology.

The Company had negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA") of $7,539,000, during the ten months ended December 31,
1998, compared to a negative EBITDA of $1,713,000 during the same period of the
prior fiscal year.


                                                                              16
<PAGE>   17

Significant to the comparative results of operations are charges totaling
$4,679,000 in the ten months ended December 31, 1998. These charges are
comprised of the following: (i) $2,230,000 to write-down impaired tangible and
intangible assets from non-core business acquired prior to 1998 to their
estimated fair values based on estimated cash flows, and write-down of accounts
receivable related to non-core operations, (ii) $910,000 to write-down impaired
fixed assets and inventory related to end-of-life proprietary product lines to
their estimated fair values, (iii) $813,000 related to software products
obsolesced by the introduction of new products, (iv) $379,000 resulting from the
write-off of notes receivable from previously sold assets and subsidiaries, (v)
$256,000 of indirect financing costs related to the sale of redeemable preferred
stock and warrants and the expensing of previously capitalized costs associated
with abandoned acquisitions, and (vi) $91,000 in write-offs of costs related to
Year 2000 issues and adjustments of warranty and other liabilities. The table
below summarizes where these charges have been recognized on the statement of
operations for the ten months ended December 31, 1998 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Cost of    Operating   Impairment                               
                                                          Sales     Expenses      Charge       Other    Total   
                                                         -------    ---------   ----------     -----    ------  
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>      <C>     
Impairment of tangible and intangible assets               $147        $495        $1,588      $  -     $2,230  
Write-down of fixed assets and inventory                     60           -           850         -        910  
Software obsolescence                                       730          83             -         -        813  
Loss on sale of assets and subsidiaries                       -           -             -       379        379  
Indirect financing costs                                      -         256             -         -        256  
Year 2000 issues and operating expenses                      25          66             -         -         91  
                                                           ----        ----        ------      ----     ------
    Total                                                  $962        $900        $2,438      $379     $4,679  
                                                           ====        ====        ======      ====     ======  
</TABLE>

Also significant to the comparative results of operations is net interest
expense. During the ten months ended December 31, 1998, the Company incurred net
interest expense of $18,000 as compared to net interest income during the
comparable ten-month period ended December 31, 1997 of $258,000. Accordingly,
the change in net interest expense during the most recent ten months increased
net loss by $276,000.

Historically, the Company's fiscal year ended in the month of February. On
December 17, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a change in the
Company's fiscal year to a calendar year-end. Fiscal years 1998 and 1997 ended
on February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997, respectively.

The discussion herein is qualified by reference to the Introductory Note set
forth in the beginning of this Transition Report on Form 10-K.


                                                                              17
<PAGE>   18

TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997

The following table presents the results for the ten months ended December 31,
1998 and the comparable pro forma results for the ten months ended December 31,
1997 for purposes of the discussion following. For comparative purposes, the
1997 results of operations for the ten-month period ended December 31, 1997 have
been derived from the previously reported results for the nine-month period
ended November 23, 1997 plus one-third of the operating results for the quarter
ended February 22, 1998, and are unaudited.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     (Unaudited)
                                                     Ten Months Ended December 31, 1998    Ten Months Ended December 31, 1997
                                                     ----------------------------------    ----------------------------------
                                                                       Relationship to                       Relationship to
                                                      Operations          Net Sales         Operations          Net Sales
                                                      ----------       ---------------      ----------       ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>                  <C>              <C>  
Net sales:
  Service                                              $ 20,072                83.1%         $ 10,914                68.4%
  Product                                                 4,068                16.9             5,040                31.6
                                                       --------             -------          --------             -------
     Total net sales                                     24,140               100.0            15,954               100.0
                                                       --------                              --------
Cost of sales:
  Service                                                17,222                85.8             8,065                73.9
  Product                                                 3,772                92.7             3,322                65.9
                                                       --------                              --------
     Total cost of sales                                 20,994                87.0            11,387                71.4
                                                       --------                              --------
Gross margin
  Service                                                 2,850                14.2             2,849                26.1
  Product                                                   296                 7.3             1,718                34.1
                                                       --------                              --------
     Total gross margin                                   3,146                13.0             4,567                28.6
Selling, general and administrative expense               8,674                35.9             6,436                40.3
Engineering, research and development expense             1,173                 4.9             1,204                 7.6
Impairment of long-lived assets                           2,438                10.1                --                --
Interest expense (income), net                               18                 0.1              (258)               (1.6)
Other expense (income), net                                 370                 1.5                33                 0.2
                                                       --------             -------          --------             -------
Loss before taxes                                        (9,527)              (39.5)           (2,848)              (17.9)
Net loss                                               $ (9,542)              (39.5)%        $ (2,848)              (17.9)%
                                                       ========             =======          ========             =======
Basic and diluted net loss per share                   $  (0.90)                             $  (0.26)
                                                       ========                              ========
</TABLE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company had a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $9,978,000, or
$0.90 per share, in the ten months ended December 31, 1998 compared to a net
loss attributable to common shareholders of $3,297,000, or $0.30 per share, in
fiscal year 1998.

Net Sales

Total net sales increased $8,186,000, or 51.3 percent, to $24,140,000 for the
ten months ended December 31, 1998 from $15,954,000 for the ten-month period
ended December 31, 1997. The increase in total net sales is due to increases in
IT Service revenues (largely attributable to the acquisition of DCI), offset by
declines in product sales.


                                                                              18
<PAGE>   19

IT Services Sales

IT Service revenue increased $9,158,000, or 83.9 percent, to $20,072,000 during
the ten-month period over the respective prior fiscal period. The revenue
increase includes $5,380,000 from the DCI acquired operations and $2,467,000
attributable to non-core businesses, not included in the prior periods. The
balance of the revenue increase during the ten-month period of $1,311,000 is
attributable to organic growth.

Product Sales

Total product revenues during the ten-month period declined $972,000, or 19.3
percent, to approximately $4,068,000 from approximately $5,040,000. While both
domestic and European product sales declined, a majority of the decline was due
to the loss of sales to a large European customer, which represented in the past
a significant portion of the Company's product revenues. No assurances can be
made as to future product sales levels whether domestic or international.

Gross Margin

Total gross margin for the Company for the ten months ended December 31, 1998
decreased to 13.0 percent compared to 28.6 percent during the same period last
year.

IT Service Gross Margin

IT Services gross margin declined to 14.2 percent for the ten months ended
December 31, 1998, from 26.1 percent during the same period in the prior year.
The principal factor contributing to the margin decline during the period is the
inclusion of negative gross margins from non-core operations acquired prior to
1998 resulting in approximately a 4.5 percent decrease. Additionally, the gross
margin was negatively impacted due to increased depreciation related to other IT
Service business acquisitions and increased operating costs related to new IT
Service contracts, for which no significant service revenue was recognized. Due
to the continuing shift from proprietary to third-party IT Services, the Company
does not expect gross margins to return to historic levels.

Product Gross Margin

Product gross margin during the ten-month period declined to 7.3% compared to
34.1% for the comparable prior fiscal year period. The decline is primarily due
to a software obsolescence charge of $730,000. The product margin decline is
also due to both a reduction in sales volume and increases in inventory reserves
for slow moving and obsolete product.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2,238,000 to $8,674,000
for the ten-month period ended December 31, 1998, compared to $6,436,000 for the
ten-month period ended December 31, 1997. The increase in costs for this period
is primarily due to (i) additional general and administrative costs and goodwill
amortization associated with the DCI acquisition; and (ii) increased accounts
receivable reserves related to non-core businesses. These increases were
partially off-set by reduced spending related to the AlphaCONNECT internet
technology. The last four months of the current year also include expenditures
made in support of the Company's organic IT Service growth plan and the
development of the Company's new website.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses (which include engineering support and
services) incurred for the ten-month period ended December 31, 1998, decreased
by $31,000 to $1,173,000 from $1,204,000 during the same period in the prior
fiscal year. Research and development expenses as a percentage of product sales
increased to 28.8 percent for the ten months ended December 31, 1998 compared to
23.9 percent during the ten months ended December 31, 1997.

FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997

The Company had a net loss of $3,297,000, or $0.30 per share, in fiscal year
1998, compared to a net loss of $2,770,000, or $0.28 per 


                                                                              19
<PAGE>   20

share, during fiscal year 1997. This loss reflects $2,281,000 of expenses
relating to the marketing and launching of the AlphaCONNECT product line, and a
reduction in both product and IT services revenues, primarily due to the
divestiture of the Company's UK and domestic subsidiaries.

Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 1998 decreased $4,185,000, or 17.8%, to $19,327,000,
compared to $23,512,000 for fiscal 1997. This decrease includes $4,838,000
relating to product lines and subsidiaries sold during 1997.

IT Services Sales

Total IT services revenue declined $1,404,000, or 9.6%, to $13,223,000 for
fiscal 1998 from $14,627,000 for the prior year. Approximately $1,898,000 of
this decline was due to the sale of both the Company's UK and domestic
AlphaHealthCare subsidiaries. On December 31, 1997, the Company completed the
acquisition of the service business of ATI Communications ("ATI"), which
expanded the Company's capabilities into computer telephony services and
provided revenues of $404,000 during the last quarter of fiscal 1998. Subsequent
to year-end, the Company acquired M & J Technologies, Inc.

Product Sales

Total product revenue declined $2,781,000, or 31.3%, to $6,104,000 in fiscal
1998 from approximately $8,885,000 for fiscal year 1997. The decline in product
revenues includes $1,545,000, or 55.6%, attributable to the absence of the UK
subsidiary that was sold in August 1996. An additional $1,375,000 of decline was
due primarily to the sale of the Company's domestic vertical software product
lines.

Gross Margin

Total gross margin for the Company for fiscal 1998 decreased to 27.7%, compared
to 34.1% during fiscal 1997, with declines for both product and IT services
lines of business.

IT Service Gross Margin

IT services business gross margin in fiscal 1998 declined to 25.2% from 30.3%
during fiscal 1997. The decline in IT services gross margin was primarily due to
the sale of the Company's UK subsidiary that generated higher IT services
margins than the domestic IT services organization. Additionally, the
third-party service contracts contributed lower margins than the traditional
Alpha Micro Operating System ("AMOS") based IT service contracts. While the IT
services organization is focusing on (i) obtaining new contracts for its
networking support and consulting services, (ii) supporting vertical markets
with IT services, and (iii) increasing third-party services in order to improve
revenues, the revenue from these new areas of focus generally produce lower
margins than the Company's traditional IT services business.

Product Gross Margin

Product gross margin for fiscal 1998 decreased to 33.1%, compared to 40.3% in
the prior year. The decrease in product gross margin was primarily due to a
relatively lower proportion of higher-margin AMOS products sold both in the
domestic and European markets, combined with higher inventory and warranty
reserves in fiscal year 1998.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2,147,000 to $7,518,000
in fiscal 1998 from $9,665,000 in the prior year. The sale of the UK and
AlphaHealthCare subsidiaries and the remaining vertical software products
resulted in a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of
approximately $2,157,000. This reduction was partially offset by increases in
the Company's investment in resources for the internet and intranet markets plus
a significant increase in the IT services sales force.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses (which include engineering support and IT
services) were $1,411,000 in fiscal 1998 compared to 


                                                                              20
<PAGE>   21

$1,500,000 in fiscal 1997. This decrease includes $317,000 relating to the
vertical software product lines sold in fiscal year 1997. Additionally, in
fiscal 1998 approximately $407,000 of new software development expenses have
been capitalized, as compared to $971,000 in the prior fiscal year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During the ten months ended December 31, 1998, the Company's working capital
decreased $1,405,000 from $4,333,000 at February 22, 1998 to $2,928,000. This
increase reflects $10,170,000 of net cash generated from financing activities,
offset by: $3,763,000 of cash used to acquire IT Service companies; $269,000 of
cash used for software capitalized, including the further development of the
Company's AlphaCONNECT technology; $1,847,000 of working capital to acquire
equipment, including the further implementation of the Company's new integrated
information system, and equipment purchases to support new service capabilities;
the remaining decrease is due primarily to cash used by operations of which $1.1
million is attributable to an increase in accounts receivable.

During the ten months, the Company paid $156,000 in debt service and preferred
stock dividends and expects to pay $1,350,000 in dividends over the next twelve
months.

The Company believes that its current cash position, augmented by expected cash
generated by future operating activities, and working capital available through
its Imperial Bank revolving credit facility, will provide sufficient resources
to finance its working capital requirements through at least December 31, 1999.
Advances under the bank facility are subject to availability based on eligible
accounts receivable and certain financial covenants, including tangible net
worth, debt to tangible net worth and quick ratio minimum requirements. In order
to fund its acquisition strategy, the Company expects that additional capital
will be necessary. The Company's agreement with ING Equity Partners II, L.P.
provides up to an additional $5 million as an equity investment, subject to
certain conditions. The Company is also pursuing additional financing from other
sources to support its acquisition and internet strategies, although there can
be no assurances that any financing will be available on acceptable terms. The
Company's future capital requirements depend on a variety of factors, including,
but not limited to, the rate of decline in the traditional proprietary business;
the success, timing, and amount of investment required to penetrate the
Internet/intranet markets; service revenue growth or decline; and potential
acquisitions.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

Background

Most pre-1998 computers, software, and other equipment which utilize programming
code contain calendar year data that is abbreviated to only two digits. As a
result of these design decisions, many of these systems could fail to operate or
fail to produce correct results if "00" is not interpreted to mean 2000. These
problems may not be fully recognized, either as to frequency or severity until
the year 2000 arrives. These problems are commonly referred to as the
"Millennium Bug" or "Year 2000 Problem".

Assessment

The Year 2000 Problem affects certain of the computers, software, and other
equipment used, operated, or maintained by the Company. Accordingly, the Company
has undertaken a review of such computer programs and systems to attempt to
ascertain which are or will be Year 2000 compliant. The Company presently
believes that its necessary and essential computer systems, software and
equipment will be Year 2000 compliant in a timely manner. However, while the
estimated cost of these efforts are not expected to be material to the Company's
financial position or any year's results of operations, there can be no
assurance to this effect.

Software Sold to Customers

The Company has been engaged for some time in the process of identifying and
resolving potential Year 2000 Problems with the software products which it has
developed and currently markets. However, management believes that it is not
possible to determine with complete certainty that all Year 2000 Problems
affecting the Company's software products will be identified or corrected due to
the complexity of 


                                                                              21
<PAGE>   22

these products and the fact that these products interact with other third-party
vendor products and operate on computer systems which are not under the
Company's control.

Internal Infrastructure

The Company is engaged in reviewing its major computers, software applications,
and related equipment used in connection with its internal operations for Year
2000 Problems; however, the majority of the computer programs used by the
Company are off-the-shelf, recently developed programs from third-party vendors.
The Company is in the process of obtaining assurances from such vendors as to
the Year 2000 compliance of their products. Although some vendors make verbal
assurances of Year 2000 compliance, there can be no certainty that the systems
utilized by the Company will not be affected. The Company intends to continue
confirming with vendors, testing, replacing or enhancing its internal
applications to ensure that risks related to such software are minimized.
This process is expected to be completed in mid-1999.

Systems Other than Information Technology Systems

In addition to computers and related systems, the operation of office and
facilities equipment, such as fax machines, photocopiers, telephone switches,
security systems, elevators, and other common devices may be affected by the
Year 2000 Problem. The Company is currently assessing the potential effect of,
and costs of, remediating the Year 2000 Problem on its office and facilities
equipment. The Company estimates the total cost to the Company of completing any
required modifications, upgrades, or replacements of these internal systems will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or results of
operations and anticipates that this process will be completed by mid-1999.
These estimates are being monitored and will be revised as additional
information becomes available.

Suppliers

The Company has initiated communications with third-party suppliers of products
or services used, operated, or maintained by the Company to identify and, to the
extent possible, to resolve issues involving any Year 2000 Problems. However,
the Company has limited or no control over the actions of these third-party
suppliers. Thus, while the Company expects that it will not be impacted by any
significant Year 2000 Problems experienced by its suppliers, there can be no
assurance that their suppliers will resolve any or all Year 2000 Problems with
these systems before the occurrence of a material disruption to the business of
the Company or any of its customers. Any failure of these third parties to
resolve Year 2000 Problems with their systems in a timely manner could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and
results of operation.

Most Likely Consequences of Year 2000 Problems

The Company expects to identify and resolve the Year 2000 Problems that could
materially adversely affect its business operations. However, management
believes that it is not possible to determine with complete certainty that all
Year 2000 Problems affecting the Company have been or will be identified or
corrected. The number of devices that are affected and the interactions among
these devices are simply too numerous. In addition, accurate predictions of Year
2000 Problem-related failures will occur or the severity, duration, or financial
consequences of such failures cannot be made. As a result, management expects
that the Company could likely suffer the following consequences:

1.   a number of operational inconveniences and inefficiencies for the Company
     and its clients that may consume management's time and attention as well as
     financial and human resources normally devoted to its ordinary business
     activities; and
2.   a lesser number of serious system failures that may require significant
     efforts by the Company or its customers to prevent or alleviate material
     business disruptions.

Costs

The Company has thus far performed the analysis described above using existing
personnel. The Company does not separately track internal costs incurred in
connection with analysis, investigation and implementation of Year 2000
compliance plans. The Company has not made any material expenditure to address
the Year 2000 Problem and at present does not anticipate that it will be
required to make any such material expenditures in the future.


                                                                              22
<PAGE>   23

Contingency Plans

The Company is currently in the process of developing contingency plans to be
implemented as part of its efforts to identify and correct Year 2000 Problems
affecting its internal systems. The Company expects to complete its contingency
plans by the end of the second quarter of 1999. Depending on the systems
affected, these plans could include accelerated replacement of affected
equipment or software, short- to medium-term use of backup equipment and
software, increased work hours for Company personnel or use of contract
personnel to correct on an accelerated schedule any Year 2000 Problems that
arise, development of manual workarounds for information systems, and similar
approaches. If the Company is required to implement any of these contingency
plans, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition and results of operations.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("SFAS 131") which supercedes Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
14. This statement changes the way that publicly-held companies report
information about operating segments as well as disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating segments are defined
as revenue-producing components of the enterprise, which are generally used
internally for evaluating segment performance. SFAS 131 is effective for the
Company's ten-month period ended December 31, 1998 and does not affect the
Company's financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the Company are listed and
included under Item 14 of this Transition Report.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


                                                                              23
<PAGE>   24

PART III


The information required to be set forth herein, Item 10, "Directors and
Executive Officers of the Registrant," Item 11,
"Executive Compensation," Item 12, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management," and Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions," except for a list of Executive Officers which is set forth in
Part I of this report, is included in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement
pursuant to Regulation 14A, which is incorporated herein by reference, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the
close of the ten-month period ended December 31, 1998.


                                                                              24
<PAGE>   25

                                     PART IV


ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) (1)  The following financial statements are referenced in Part II Item 8 and
         submitted herewith:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE NUMBER
                                                                                         -----------
<S>                                                                                      <C>
         Report of Independent Auditors                                                      32

         Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998                                    33
            and February 22, 1998 and Pro Forma Balance Sheet (Unaudited) at
            December 31, 1998

         Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Ten Months                            34
            Ended December 31, 1998 and the Years Ended February 22, 1998
            and February 23, 1997

         Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Shareholders'             35
            Equity for the Ten Months Ended December 31, 1998 and the Years Ended
            February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Ten Months                            36
            Ended December 31, 1998 and the Years Ended February 22,
            1998, and February 23, 1997

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                          37
</TABLE>

    (2)  The following financial statement schedule for the fiscal years 1997
         and 1998 and for the ten months ended December 31, 1998 is submitted
         herewith:

         Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

         All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
         required information is presented in the financial statements or notes
         thereto.

    (3)  The list of exhibits contained in the Index to Exhibits is submitted
         herewith.

(b) A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company on December 29, 1998
    regarding the adoption of a new fiscal year based on a calendar year-end.

(c)  1.  The Index of Exhibits is as follows:

     2.  Exhibits:

         2.1      Agreement to transfer shares by and between Registrant and
                  Alpha Microsystems Great Britain, Mr. Patrick Bolle, and 


                                                                              25
<PAGE>   26

               Alpha Microsystems Belgium dated February 28, 1995 (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 2.10 to the Annual Report on Form
               10-K of Registrant for the year ended February 26, 1995 (the
               "1995 10-K")

         2.2   Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between Registrant and
               Sanderson Electronics PLC, dated August 10, 1996 (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Form 8-K filed August 23,
               1996)

         2.3   Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between Registrant and
               Pacific Triangle Software, Inc., dated January 13, 1997
               (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 8-K
               filed February 18, 1997)

         2.5   Agreement of Purchase and Sale between AlphaHealthCare, Inc. and
               GLR Systems, Inc., dated January 27, 1997 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Form 8-K filed February 18, 1997)

         2.6   Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between the Registrant and
               Applied Cellular Technology, Inc. dated December 23, 1997
               (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.6 to the Quarterly
               Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 23, 1997)

         2.7   Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between the Registrant and
               M & J Technologies, Inc. dated February 19, 1998 (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 2.7 to the Annual Report on Form
               10-K of Registrant for the year ended February 22, 1998)

         2.8   Modification to Contract for Purchase and Sale of M & J
               Technologies, Inc. Hardware Service Business Assets to Registrant
               dated February 19, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 2.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for
               the year ended February 22, 1998)

         2.9   First Amendment to Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between
               the Registrant and M & J Technologies, Inc., effective May 1,
               1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.9 to the
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 24, 1998)

         2.10  Merger Agreement by and between the Registrant, Alpha Micro
               Merger Corp., Delta CompuTec Inc. and Joseph Lobozzo II and
               Joanne Lobozzo dated July 2, 1998 (incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 2 to the Form 8-K filed September 16, 1998)

         3.1   Articles of Incorporation of Registrant dated as of March 16,
               1977 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
               Registration Statement on Form-S-1 (Registration No. 2-72222) of
               Registrant)

         3.2   Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of
               Registrant dated as of September 29, 1988 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
               Registrant for the year ended February 23, 1997)

         3.3   Certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
               Registrant dated June 25, 1992 (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 10.71 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of
               Registrant for the quarter ended May 31, 1992)

         3.4   Restated Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form S-8 filed January 31, 1997)

         3.5   Registration Rights Agreement by and between Registrant and
               Silicon Valley Bank dated July 10, 1995 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.141 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               of Registrant for the quarter ended May 28, 1995)


                                                                              26
<PAGE>   27

         3.6   Amendments to Restated Bylaws of Registrant dated August 3, 1998
               (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Quarterly Report
               on Form 10-Q of Registrant for the quarter ended November 22,
               1998)

         3.7   Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of
               Registrant dated October 15, 1998 (incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 3.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Registrant
               for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

         4.1   Anti-dilution Agreement by and between Registrant and Silicon
               Valley Bank dated July 10, 1995 (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 10.142 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of
               Registrant for the quarter ended May 28, 1995)

         4.2   Warrant to Purchase Stock issued to Silicon Valley Bank on
               November 22, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
               10.74 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Registrant for the
               quarter ended November 24, 1996)

         4.3   Registration Rights Agreement by and between Registrant and
               Silicon Valley Bank dated November 22, 1996 (incorporated herein
               by reference to Exhibit 10.75 to the Quarterly Report on Form
               10-Q of Registrant for the quarter ended November 24, 1996)

         4.4   Anti-dilution Agreement by and between Registrant and Silicon
               Valley Bank dated November 22, 1996 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.76 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               of Registrant for the quarter ended November 24, 1996)

         4.5   Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Imperial Bank dated
               June 9, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to
               the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 24,
               1998)

         4.6   Certificate of Determination of Rights and Preferences of Class A
               Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class B
               Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class C
               Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, and
               Voting Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 4 to the Form 8-K filed August 10, 1998)

         4.7   Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Princeton Securities
               dated October 20, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 4.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
               ended November 22, 1998)

         4.8   Form of Warrant Certificate to Purchase Common Stock issued to
               ING Equity Partners II, L.P. dated September 1, 1998
               (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K
               filed August 10, 1998)

         4.9   Certificate of Determination of Rights and Preferences of Class
               A1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class
               A2 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class
               B1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class
               C1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
               Class D Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock

         4.10  Preferred Shareholder Agreement by and between Registrant and
               sole holder of shares of issued and outstanding Class A
               Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock and Class
               B Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock dated
               January 22, 1999

       *10.1   Alpha Microsystems Profit Sharing Trust Agreement between Alpha
               Microsystems and Bank of America NT & S.A. as 


                                                                              27
<PAGE>   28

               Trustee dated May 24, 1985 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 10.32 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for
               the year ended February 23, 1986)

       *10.2   Alpha Microsystems Profit Sharing Plan (as amended and restated)
               dated May 15, 1986 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
               10.33 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the
               year ended February 23, 1986)

       *10.3   Acceptance of Trust by Trustee dated September 30, 1986 pursuant
               to Registrant's Profit Sharing Plan (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
               Registrant for the year ended February 22, 1987)

       *10.4   First Amendment dated March 1, 1987 to the Registrant's Profit
               Sharing Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30
               to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the year
               ended February 22, 1987)

       *10.5   Indemnification Agreement dated October 23, 1987 by and between
               Alpha Microsystems and John F. Glade (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               of Registrant for the quarter ended November 22, 1987)

       *10.6   Indemnification Agreement dated October 23, 1987 by and between
               Alpha Microsystems and Rockell N. Hankin (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               of Registrant for the quarter ended November 22, 1987)

       *10.7   Second Amendment to Alpha Microsystems Profit Sharing Plan dated
               January 22, 1988 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
               10.31 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the
               year ended February 28, 1988)

       *10.8   Alpha Microsystems Profit Sharing Plan Amendments Under IRS
               Notice 88-131 dated May 24, 1989 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               of Registrant for the quarter ended May 28, 1989)

       *10.9   Alpha Microsystems Profit Sharing Plan Amendment dated December
               15, 1989 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to
               the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Registrant for the quarter
               ended November 26, 1989)

       *10.10  Indemnification Agreement by and between the Registrant and
               Douglas J. Tullio dated January 8, 1990 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               of Registrant for the quarter ended November 26, 1989)

       *10.11  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Clarke E.
               Reynolds dated June 16, 1989 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 10.67 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for
               the year ended February 23, 1992)

       *10.12  Alpha Microsystems 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 10.109 to the Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 29, 1994)

       10.13   Industrial Lease between Fairview Investors Ltd. and Registrant
               dated October 28, 1994 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 10.113 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended November 27, 1994)

       *10.14  First Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Registrant
               and John F. Glade dated May 3, 1991 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 19.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
               Registrant for the year ended February 23, 1992)


                                                                              28

<PAGE>   29

       *10.15  Second Amendment and Restatement of the Alpha Microsystems Profit
               Sharing Plan dated July 1, 1992 (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 10.72 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended May 31, 1992)

        10.16  Memorandum to Lease by and between Registrant and Fairview
               Investors, Ltd. dated January 24, 1995 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.136 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
               Registrant for the year ended February 26, 1995)

        10.17  First Amendment to Alpha Microsystems 1993 Employee Stock Option
               Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Form
               S-8 filed January 31, 1997)

        10.18  Second Amendment to Alpha Microsystems 1993 Employee Stock Option
               Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Form
               S-8 filed January 31, 1997)

        10.19  Alpha Microsystems Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Form S-8 filed January
               31, 1997)

       *10.20  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Dennis E.
               Michael dated January 17, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 10.57 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the
               Registrant for the year ended February 23, 1997)

       *10.21  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Randall
               S. Parks dated January 17, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 10.58 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the
               Registrant for the year ended February 23, 1997)

       *10.22  Employment Letter by and between Registrant and Jeffrey J.
               Dunnigan dated November 15, 1997 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended November 23, 1997)

       *10.23  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Jeffrey
               J. Dunnigan dated December 1, 1997 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
               the Registrant for the year ended February 22, 1998)

        10.24  Security and Loan Agreement by and between Registrant and
               Imperial Bank dated June 9, 1998 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.64 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended May 24, 1998)

        10.25  Addendum to Security and Loan Agreement by and between Registrant
               and Imperial Bank dated June 9, 1998 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.65 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended May 24, 1998)

        10.26  General Security Agreement by and between Registrant and Imperial
               Bank dated June 9, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 10.66 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended May 24, 1998)

        10.27  Credit Terms and Conditions ("Credit Agreement") by and between
               Registrant and Imperial Bank dated June 9, 1998 (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 24, 1998)


                                                                              29


<PAGE>   30

        10.28  Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and ING
               Equity Partners II, L.P. dated August 7, 1998 (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed August
               10, 1998)

        10.29  Promissory Note by and between Registrant and Imperial Bank dated
               September 11, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
               10.68 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
               August 23, 1998)

       *10.30  Employment Agreement by and between Registrant and John T. DeVito
               dated September 1, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K/A filed October 5, 1998)

       *10.31  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between
               Registrant and Douglas J. Tullio dated September 1, 1998
               (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form
               8-K/A filed October 5, 1998)

       *10.32  Alpha Microsystems 1998 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to the Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.33  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for use in connection
               with 1998 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.34  Form of Non-employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option
               Agreement to be used in connection with 1998 Stock Option and
               Award Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to
               the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November
               22, 1998)

       *10.35  Form of Non-employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option
               Agreement in Lieu of Cash Compensation for Prior Services for use
               in connection with 1998 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 10.72 to the Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.36  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for use in
               connection with 1998 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.37  Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement issued in connection
               with the acquisition of Delta CompuTec, Inc. (incorporated herein
               by reference to Exhibit 10.74 to the Quarterly Report on Form
               10-Q for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.38  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Carlos D.
               De Mattos dated December 17, 1998 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.75 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.39  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and John T.
               DeVito dated December 17, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference
               to Exhibit 10.76 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.40  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Benjamin
               P. Giess dated December 17, 1998 (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.77 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended November 22, 1998)


                                                                              30
<PAGE>   31

       *10.41  Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and Sam Yau
               dated December 17, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to
               Exhibit 10.78 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended November 22, 1998)

       *10.42  Management Deferred Compensation Plan dated November 1, 1998

        10.43  First Amendment to Security and Loan Agreement and Addendum
               Thereto by and between Registrant and Imperial Bank dated
               November 22, 1998

        10.44  First Amendment to Credit Terms and Conditions by and between
               Registrant and Imperial Bank dated November 22, 1998

       *10.45  Consulting Agreement by and between Registrant and Randy Parks
               dated March 15, 1999

        10.46  Stock Incentive Award Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
               Registrant for the year ended February 26, 1984)

        10.47  Form of Stock Incentive Award and Escrow Agreement for use in
               connection with the Stock Incentive Award Plan (incorporated
               herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Post-Effective
               Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8 of the
               Registrant (Registration Statement No. 2-9252) filed on August
               23, 1984)

        10.48  First Amendment to Stock Incentive Award Plan of Registrant dated
               August 15, 1990 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
               19.16 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Registrant for the
               quarter ended August 26, 1990)

        21     Subsidiaries

        23     Consent of Independent Auditors

        24     Power of Attorney (included on signature pages of this Transition
               Report on Form 10-K)

        27     Financial Data Schedule

(* Denotes Management Contract or Compensation Plan)


                                                                              31
<PAGE>   32

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Alpha Microsystems

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alpha
Microsystems as of December 31, 1998 and February 22, 1998, and the related
statements of operations, redeemable preferred stock and shareholders' equity
and cash flows for the ten months ended December 31, 1998 and for the years
ended February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Alpha
Microsystems at December 31, 1998 and February 22, 1998, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the ten months ended December 31, 1998 and for
the years ended February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.



                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Orange County, California
March 8, 1999

                                                                              32
<PAGE>   33

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (In thousands, except share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   Pro forma
                                                                                                                  December 31,
                                                                                                                      1998
                                                                                December 31,     February 22,      (Unaudited
                                                                                    1998             1998            Note 6)
                                                                                ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                                                             <C>              <C>              <C>     
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                                      $  4,930         $  5,003         $  4,930
   Restricted cash                                                                     384               --              384
   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
     of $700 at December 31, 1998 and $294 at February 22, 1998                      6,473            3,781            6,473
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                         1,229              970            1,229
                                                                                  --------         --------         --------
     Total current assets                                                           13,016            9,754           13,016

Property and equipment, net                                                          3,776            3,186            3,776
Intangibles, net                                                                     9,097            2,259            9,097
Other assets                                                                           542              589              542
                                                                                  --------         --------         --------
                                                                                  $ 26,431         $ 15,788         $ 26,431
                                                                                  ========         ========         ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current liabilities:
   Bank borrowings                                                                $    250         $  1,000         $    250
   Accounts payable                                                                  3,686            1,699            3,686
   Accrued compensation                                                              1,530              386            1,530
   Deferred revenue                                                                  3,142            1,888            3,142
   Other accrued liabilities                                                         1,480              448            1,480
                                                                                  --------         --------         --------
     Total current liabilities                                                      10,088            5,421           10,088

Long-term debt                                                                         741               60              741
Other long-term liabilities                                                            105               --              105

Commitments and contingencies

Redeemable preferred stock, no par value; 15,001 issued 
   and outstanding at December 31, 1998, 2,501 pro forma;
   liquidation value $15,306, $2,551 pro forma                                      12,824               --            2,137

Shareholders' equity:
   Redeemable preferred stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized;
     none issued and outstanding at December 31, 1998,
     12,500 pro forma; liquidation value $12,755 pro forma                              --               --           10,687
   Common stock, no par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
     11,193,952 and 10,914,112 shares issued and outstanding at
     December 31, 1998 and February 22, 1998, respectively                          31,632           31,011           31,632
   Warrants                                                                          1,764               --            1,764
   Accumulated deficit                                                             (30,739)         (20,761)         (30,739)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                               16               57               16
                                                                                  --------         --------         --------
     Total shareholders' equity                                                      2,673           10,307           13,360
                                                                                  --------         --------         --------
                                                                                  $ 26,431         $ 15,788         $ 26,431
                                                                                  ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.


                                                                              33
<PAGE>   34

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                      (In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Ten Months Ended      Year Ended         Year Ended
                                               December 31,       February 22,       February 23,
                                                   1998               1998               1997
                                             ----------------     ------------       ------------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>                <C>     
Net sales:
  IT Services                                    $ 20,072           $ 13,223           $ 14,627
  Product                                           4,068              6,104              8,885
                                                 --------           --------           --------
     Total net sales                               24,140             19,327             23,512
                                                 --------           --------           --------

Cost of sales:
  IT Services                                      17,222              9,887             10,193
  Product                                           3,772              4,079              5,305
                                                 --------           --------           --------
     Total cost of sales                           20,994             13,966             15,498
                                                 --------           --------           --------

Gross margin                                        3,146              5,361              8,014

Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative               8,674              7,518              9,665
  Engineering, research and development             1,173              1,411              1,500
  Impairment of long-lived assets                   2,438                 --                 --
                                                 --------           --------           --------
     Total operating expenses                      12,285              8,929             11,165
                                                 --------           --------           --------

Loss from operations                               (9,139)            (3,568)            (3,151)

Other expense (income):
  Interest income                                     (88)              (310)              (266)
  Interest expense                                    106                  7                 31
  Other expense (income), net                         370                 53               (174)
                                                 --------           --------           --------
     Total other expense (income)                     388               (250)              (409)
                                                 --------           --------           --------

Loss before taxes                                  (9,527)            (3,318)            (2,742)
Income tax expense (benefit)                           15                (21)                28
                                                 --------           --------           --------
Net loss                                         $ (9,542)          $ (3,297)          $ (2,770)
                                                 ========           ========           ========

Net loss attributable to common shares           $ (9,978)          $ (3,297)          $ (2,770)
                                                 ========           ========           ========

Basic and diluted net loss per share             $  (0.90)          $  (0.30)          $  (0.28)
                                                 ========           ========           ========
Number of shares used in computing
  basic and diluted per share amounts              11,029             10,864              9,727
                                                 ========           ========           ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.


                                                                              34
<PAGE>   35

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
                            AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND YEARS ENDED
                    FEBRUARY 22, 1998 AND FEBRUARY 23, 1997
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Redeemable                                                Unamortized   Accumulated
                                 Preferred Stock     Common Stock                             Restricted      Other
                                 ---------------    ---------------              Accumulated  Stock Plan  Comprehensive
                                 Shares   Amount    Shares   Amount    Warrants    Deficit      Expense      Income       Total
                                 ------   ------    ------   ------    --------  -----------  ----------  -------------  -------
<S>                              <C>     <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>    
Balance at February 25, 1996        --   $    --     6,595   $21,242    $    --  $ (14,694)     $  (18)       $  (47)    $ 6,483
                                                                                                                        
  Net loss                          --        --        --        --         --     (2,770)         --            --      (2,770)
  Other comprehensive income 
   (loss)                           --        --        --        --         --         --          --           118         118
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total comprehensive loss          --        --        --        --         --     (2,770)         --           118      (2,652)
  Issuance of stock and                                                                                                 
    redeemable warrants, net                                                                                            
    of expenses                     --        --     4,104     9,486         --         --          --            --       9,486
                                                                                                                        
  Exercise of stock options         --        --        63       101         --         --          --            --         101
  Non-employee Directors Comp                                                                                           
   Plan                             --        --        60        90         --         --          --            --          90
  Amortization                      --        --        --        --         --         --           5            --           5
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at February 23, 1997        --        --    10,822    30,919         --    (17,464)        (13)           71      13,513
                                                                                                                        
  Net loss                          --        --        --        --         --     (3,297)         --            --      (3,297)
  Other comprehensive income                                                                                            
   (loss)                           --        --        --        --         --         --          --           (14)        (14)
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total comprehensive loss          --        --        --        --         --     (3,297)         --           (14)     (3,311)
  Issuance of stock, net of                                                                                             
   expenses                         --        --        12        20         --         --          --            --          20
  Costs for redeemable warrants     --        --        --       (21)        --         --          --            --         (21)
  Exercise of stock options         --        --        40        37         --         --          --            --          37
  Non-employee Directors Comp                                                                                           
   Plan                             --        --        40        56         --         --          --            --          56
  Amortization                      --        --        --        --         --         --          13            --          13
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at February 22, 1998        --        --    10,914    31,011         --    (20,761)         --            57      10,307
                                                                                                                        
  Net loss                          --        --        --        --         --     (9,542)         --            --      (9,542)
  Other comprehensive income                                                                                            
   (loss)                           --        --        --        --         --         --          --           (41)        (41)
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total comprehensive loss          --        --        --        --         --     (9,542)         --           (41)     (9,583)
  Issuance of stock, net of                                                                                             
   expenses                         15    12,752       274       612         --         --          --            --      13,364
  Accretion on preferred stock      --        72        --        --         --        (72)         --            --          --
  Dividends on preferred stock      --        --        --        --         --       (364)         --            --        (364)
  Issuance of redeemable                                                                                                
   warrants, net                    --        --        --        --      1,764         --          --            --       1,764
  Exercise of stock options         --        --         6         9         --         --          --            --           9
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998        15   $12,824    11,194   $31,632    $ 1,764  $ (30,739)     $   --        $   16     $15,497
                                 ================================================================================================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.


                                                                              35
<PAGE>   36

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Ten Months Ended       Year Ended          Year Ended
                                                                      December 31,       February 22,        February 23,
                                                                          1998               1998                1997
                                                                   ----------------       ----------         ------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                <C>                <C>      
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net loss                                                            $ (9,542)          $ (3,297)          $ (2,770)
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
        used in operating activities:
           Impairment of long-lived assets                                 2,438                 --                 --
           Software obsolescence                                             730                 --                 --
           Depreciation and amortization                                   1,970              1,702              2,067
           Loss on sale of subsidiary                                        378                 --                 --
           Provision for losses on accounts receivable                       548                194                 64
           Other                                                              78                132                (59)
    Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, 
        net of effects of acquisitions:
           Restricted cash                                                  (384)                --                 --
           Accounts receivable                                            (1,092)              (987)                28
           Prepaid expenses and other current assets                        (143)                (2)               (65)
           Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                           13                487                112
           Accrued compensation                                              779                 36                (18)
           Deferred revenue                                                 (188)               146               (383)
           Other, net                                                         60                (48)              (858)
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
                  Net cash used in operating activities                   (4,355)            (1,637)            (1,882)
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
    Acquisition of DCI, net of cash acquired                              (3,285)                --                 --
    Acquisition of other IT service assets                                  (478)            (1,183)                --
    Purchases of equipment                                                (1,847)            (1,346)              (427)
    Capitalization of software development costs                            (269)              (456)              (971)
    Purchase of short-term investments                                        --             (7,405)           (19,697)
    Proceeds from sale of short-term investments                              --             14,216             12,885
    Proceeds from sale of stock investments                                   --                 --              2,088
    Other, net                                                                --                 14                261
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
                  Net cash (used in) provided by investing
                    activities                                            (5,879)             3,840             (5,861)
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
 Cash flows from financing activities:
    Issuance of preferred stock, net                                      12,812                 --                 --
    Issuance of warrants to purchase common stock, net                     1,704                 --                 --
    Issuance of common stock                                                 271                 92              9,677
    Line of credit, net                                                   (1,000)             1,000               (500)
    Issuance of debt                                                       1,050                 --                 --
    Principal repayments on debt                                            (102)               (53)              (167)
    Repayments on debt assumed in acquisition of DCI                      (4,612)                --                 --
    Payment of preferred stock dividend                                      (58)                --                 --
    Other, net                                                               105                 --                 --
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
                  Net cash provided by financing activities               10,170              1,039              9,010

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                  (9)                (7)                (4)
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                             (73)             3,235              1,263
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                           5,003              1,768                505
                                                                        --------           --------           --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                              $  4,930           $  5,003           $  1,768
                                                                        ========           ========           ========
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for:
    Interest                                                            $     98           $      7           $     31
    Income tax payments (refunds), net                                  $     15           $    (20)          $     16
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.


                                                                              36
<PAGE>   37

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                DECEMBER 31, 1998

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

THE BUSINESS

Alpha Microsystems provides IT services (including consulting, maintenance,
support and networking services) and information technology products (including
products for the internet/intranet market) to a variety of market segments.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alpha
Microsystems and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company"). Significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years consolidated
financial statements to conform with the current period presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. The industry in which the
Company operates is characterized by rapid technological change and short
product life cycles. As a result, estimates are required to provide for doubtful
accounts receivable, product obsolescence, impairment in asset carrying values,
and certain accrued liabilities. Historically, actual amounts recorded have not
varied significantly from estimated amounts.

FISCAL YEAR

Historically, the Company's fiscal year ended in the month of February. On
December 17, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a change in the
Company's fiscal year to a calendar year-end. Fiscal years 1998 and 1997 ended
on February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997, respectively.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.

For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows during the ten months ended December
31, 1998, the Company recorded the following non-cash transactions: $350,000 of
debt converted to 108,317 shares of common stock related to the exercise of a
warrant issued in connection with the acquisition of Delta CompuTec Inc. ("DCI")
(Note 2), and issuance of 200,000 warrants to a financial advisor in exchange
for $60,000 of services. There were no non-cash transactions recorded during
fiscal year 1998. During fiscal year 1997, the Company recorded the following
non-cash transactions: common stock of $2,088,000 in exchange for the net assets
of Alpha Microsystems Great Britain, and cash of $250,000 and notes receivable
of $600,000 in exchange for the net assets of AlphaHealthCare and PANDA.


                                                                              37
<PAGE>   38

RESTRICTED CASH

As part of the acquisition of DCI, the Company deposited funds into an escrow
account from which the Company is entitled to reimbursement for amounts
specifically relating to indemnification under the terms of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger ("Merger Agreement").

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to a wide variety
of customers including individuals, value-added resellers, distributors and
large corporations and partnerships. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit
losses that have been within management's expectations. As of December 31, 1998,
the Company had no significant concentrations of credit risk.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The straight-line method of depreciation is used for the following classes of
assets for financial statement purposes and is based on the following estimated
useful lives:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Years
                                                         ----------
<S>                                                      <C>
          Machinery and equipment                          3 to 10
          Leasehold improvements                            1 to 6
          IT Service parts                                       5
</TABLE>

In March 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the AICPA issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. The SOP, which was adopted in fiscal
year 1998, requires capitalization of certain costs incurred in connection with
developing or obtaining internal use software. During the ten-month period ended
December 31, 1998 and fiscal year 1998, the Company capitalized in machinery and
equipment $696,000 and $671,000, respectively, associated with obtaining
computer software for internal use. The amount capitalized includes amounts
related to external direct costs of material and services, payroll and
payroll-related costs.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets include goodwill, acquired IT service contracts and
capitalized software development costs. The book value of goodwill and IT
service contracts is associated with the acquisition of companies or assets.
Capitalized software development costs are the accumulation of software
development costs or the assigned value of software associated with an
acquisition. The straight-line amortization periods for the major classes of
intangible assets are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Years
                                                         ----------
<S>                                                      <C>
          Goodwill                                              20
          IT service contracts                             5 to 10
          Capitalized software development costs            3 to 5
</TABLE>

The Company capitalizes certain engineering costs related to software
development after technological feasibility has been established and amortizes
these costs as the respective products are sold. However, in no event is the
amortization less than that which would be achieved by amortizing such costs on
a 5-year straight-line basis from the date of product release.


                                                                              38
<PAGE>   39

RECOVERABILITY OF LONG LIVED ASSETS

The Company routinely evaluates the carrying value of long lived assets to
determine if impairment exists based upon estimated undiscounted future cash
flows. Impairment is analyzed for certain assets at a consolidated level as they
do not have identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of other asset
groupings. The impairment, if any, is measured by the difference between
carrying value and estimated discounted future cash flows and is charged to
expense in the period identified. It is at least reasonably possible that the
Company's estimate of future undiscounted cash flows may change in future
periods. In addition, if the Company's estimate of future undiscounted cash
flows should change or if the operating plan is not achieved, future analyses
may indicate insufficient future undiscounted net cash flows to recover the
carrying value of the Company's long lived assets, in which case such assets
would be written down to estimated fair value.

DEFERRED REVENUE

Deferred revenue is revenue billed and collected in advance for IT service
contracts and is recognized ratably over the contract period or as the services
are performed.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company recognizes revenue on its IT Service sales and post contract
customer support on a straight-line basis over the contract period and
recognizes revenue on its product sales on shipment. When significant
obligations remain after a product has been delivered, revenue is not recognized
until obligations have been completed or are no longer significant. The costs of
any insignificant obligations are accrued when the related revenue is
recognized. Revenue is recognized only when collection of the resulting
receivable is probable.

ADVERTISING EXPENSES

The Company recognizes expenses related to advertising costs in the period in
which these costs are incurred. Total advertising expenses in the ten months
ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and
February 23, 1997 were $101,000, $166,000 and $795,000, respectively.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Substantially all
research and development expenses are related to developing new products and
designing significant improvements to existing products.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS 123"), the Company
applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations
in accounting for its employee stock option and purchase plans and, accordingly,
has not recognized compensation cost in connection with such plans. Note 6 to
the consolidated financial statements contains a summary of the pro forma
effects to reported net loss and net loss per share for the ten months ended
December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and February 23,
1997 as if the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the
fair value of the options at grant date as prescribed by SFAS 123.


                                                                              39
<PAGE>   40

INCOME TAXES

The Company uses the liability method to account for deferred taxes, which
requires an asset and liability approach to recognize deferred tax assets and
liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Under this
method of accounting, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based
upon the differences between the financial reporting basis and the income tax
basis of the Company's assets and liabilities at the enacted income tax rates
expected to apply when such differences are expected to reverse.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The Company's foreign entities use the local currency as the functional
currency. The Company translates all foreign entity assets and liabilities at
year-end exchange rates, all income and expense accounts at average rates, and
records adjustments resulting from translation as a separate component of
shareholders' equity.

Foreign currency exchange gains (losses) included in the determination of loss
from operations before taxes were $31,000, $10,000 and $(42,000) for the
ten-month period ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 22,
1998 and February 23, 1997, respectively. The Company had no forward exchange
contracts outstanding at December 31, 1998.

PER SHARE DATA

Basic and diluted net loss per share is based on the weighted average common
shares outstanding during the periods presented and excludes the anti-dilutive
effects of options and warrants. The net loss has been adjusted to reflect
dividends earned and accretion related to redeemable preferred shares
outstanding, as shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
                                                    Ten Months Ended        Year Ended            Year Ended
                                                    December 31, 1998    February 22, 1998    February 23, 1997
                                                    -----------------    -----------------    ------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>     
Net loss                                                 $(9,542)             $(3,297)              $(2,770)
Accretion on redeemable preferred stock                      (72)                   -                     -
Dividends on redeemable preferred stock                     (364)                   -                     -
                                                         --------            --------               -------
Net loss to common shareholders                          $(9,978)             $(3,297)              $(2,770)
                                                         =======              =======               =======
</TABLE>

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

As of February 22, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income ("SFAS 130"). SFAS 130
establishes new rules for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and
its components; however, the adoption of this Statement had no impact on the
Company's results of operations or shareholders' equity. SFAS 130 requires
foreign currency translation adjustments, which prior to adoption were reported
separately in shareholders' equity, to be included in other comprehensive
income.

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

ACQUISITIONS

On September 1, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Delta CompuTec
Inc. ("DCI"). DCI provides management and consulting services, as well as
services that include network design, installation and maintenance. The Merger
Agreement provided for the payment of $3.4 million in exchange for all of the
outstanding shares of DCI at the time of closing, and a net payment of DCI's
then 


                                                                              40
<PAGE>   41

outstanding debt in the amount of $4.6 million. Under the Merger Agreement, DCI
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alpha Microsystems. The acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase and is reflected in the pro forma information below
based upon available information and upon certain assumptions that the Company
believes are reasonable in the circumstances. The Company's initial purchase
price allocation is preliminary and subject to change as the Company obtains all
the information necessary to complete the allocation process.

The unaudited pro forma financial information below reflects the acquisition of
DCI and the related purchase price financing through the sale of redeemable
preferred stock, warrants and term loan borrowings as if the acquisition
occurred at the beginning of the periods presented below (in thousands, except
per share amounts).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Ten Months Ended             Year Ended
                                                        December 31, 1998         February 22, 1998
                                                        -----------------         -----------------
<S>                                                          <C>                       <C>    
Revenue                                                      $31,508                   $32,306
                                                             =======                   =======
Net loss                                                     $(9,193)                  $(2,055)
                                                             =======                   =======
Basic and diluted net loss per common share                  $ (0.90)                  $ (0.27)
                                                             =======                   =======
</TABLE>

On February 27, 1998, the Company acquired the ongoing IT service contracts and
certain related assets of M&J Technologies for an estimated purchase price of
$950,000. The purchase price, which is contingent on future annualized revenues,
is to be paid over 18 months, with 50% of the purchase price paid on the closing
date of the acquisition.

On December 23, 1997, the Company acquired the telephone installation and IT
service business and certain related assets of Applied Cellular Technology, Inc.
for a purchase price estimated to be $2.6 million, of which, $1.1 million has
been paid from the Company's cash reserves through December 31, 1998. All
amounts paid, and any future payments, are contingent on future annualized
revenues.

All acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and the acquired
operations have been included in the consolidated statements of operations from
the dates of acquisition. Pro forma information for acquisitions other than DCI
has not been presented as it would not be materially different from the
historical information presented.

DIVESTITURES

In January 1997, the Company sold its PANDA and AlphaHealthCare operations. Each
was sold for a base price, consisting of cash and notes which approximated the
Company's net book value, and a contingent or "Earnout" amount which depends on
the future performance of the businesses sold. Contingent or earnout amounts
realized in the future, if any, will be included in the Company's results of
operations at that time.

On August 19, 1996, the Company sold its UK subsidiary, Alpha Microsystems Great
Britain ("AMGB"), to Sanderson Electronics PLC ("Sanderson"), for 907,792
ordinary shares of Sanderson. In connection with the sale, the Company and
Sanderson signed a three-year hardware distribution agreement allowing Sanderson
to sell Alpha Microsystems hardware products in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Company recognized a gain of approximately $37,000 from this sale. On
September 17, 1996, the Company sold the Sanderson shares for approximately
$2,088,000.


                                                                              41
<PAGE>   42

3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Major classes of property and equipment are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     (In thousands)
                                                   December 31, 1998   February 22, 1998
                                                   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>        
Machinery and equipment                                 $ 8,474            $ 7,237

Leasehold improvements                                    1,434              1,396

IT Service parts                                          3,149              4,032
                                                        -------            -------
                                                         13,057             12,665

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization            9,281              9,479
                                                        -------            -------
Property and equipment, net                             $ 3,776            $ 3,186
                                                        =======            =======
</TABLE>


Depreciation expense was $1,265,000, $1,254,000 and $1,547,000 for the ten
months ended December 31, 1998, and for the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998
and February 23, 1997, respectively.

4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     (In thousands)
                                                                 December 31, 1998   February 22, 1998
                                                                 -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>   
     Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $135                 $8,158             $   --

     IT Service contracts, net of accumulated amortization
       of $60 and $2,960 at December 31, 1998 and February
       22, 1998, respectively                                             479              1,192

     Software development costs, net of accumulated
       amortization of $1,613 and $1,625 at December 31, 1998
       and February 22, 1998, respectively                                460              1,067
                                                                       ------             ------
                                                                       $9,097             $2,259
                                                                       ======             ======
</TABLE>


Related amortization expense charged to operations is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                         Ten Months Ended      Year Ended          Year Ended
                                       December 31, 1998  February 22, 1998   February 23, 1997
                                       -----------------  -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>                 <C> 
Goodwill                                      $135              $ --                $ --
IT Service contracts                           311               248                 389
Capitalized software development               259               200                 131
                                              ----              ----                ----
                                              $705              $448                $520
                                              ====              ====                ====
</TABLE>

5. DEBT

On June 9, 1998, the Company signed a $3 million credit facility with a bank.
Advances under the facility are subject to availability based on eligible
accounts receivable and certain financial covenants, including tangible net
worth, debt to tangible net worth and quick ratio minimum requirements. Under
the facility, a $2 million accounts receivable line of revolving credit has been
designated for working capital and $1 million has been designated to finance
potential acquisitions under the Company's current business plan. Amounts drawn
under the accounts receivable line bear interest at the bank's prime rate plus 2
percent. There were no outstanding borrowings at 


                                                                              42
<PAGE>   43

December 31, 1998 under the accounts receivable line of revolving credit.
Borrowings for acquisitions approved by the bank mature four years from the date
of funding and bear interest at the bank's prime rate plus 2.5 percent (10.25%
at December 31, 1998). A portion of the DCI acquisition was financed with $1.0
million of cash proceeds under the acquisition portion of the credit facility
provided by the bank. At December 31, 1998, the outstanding balance on this loan
is $937,501. Should the Company desire to pay dividends, any such dividends
would be subject to the prior written consent of the Company's bank and to any
preferential rights to receive dividend payments contained in any securities
subsequently issued by the Company. The line of credit is secured by
substantially all of the Company's assets. As additional consideration for
granting the credit facility, the Company issued to the bank warrants to
purchase 33,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $2.50 per share.

6. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

PREFERRED STOCK

In addition to the $1.0 million of cash proceeds provided under a four year bank
term-loan (Note 5), the acquisition of DCI was financed with $8.0 million
obtained under a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"). Under
the Purchase Agreement, ING Equity Partners II, L.P. ("ING") agreed, subject to
certain conditions, to invest up to $20 million in redeemable exchangeable
preferred stock (the "Redeemable Preferred Stock") of the Company. The Purchase
Agreement provides for the purchase of Redeemable Preferred Stock in three
tranches of $8 million, $7 million, and up to $5 million. The first tranche was
completed concurrent with the acquisition of DCI and the second tranche was
funded on October 20, 1998 after shareholder approval. In connection with its
investment, ING was granted warrants to purchase 5,833,188 shares of the
Company's common stock for $2.50 per share. Warrants were assigned a value of
$1.7 million, determined by an independent appraisal. The value assigned to
warrants and direct costs associated with issuance aggregating approximately
$484,000 reduced the initial carrying value of the Redeemable Preferred Stock to
$12,752,000. The difference between the initial carrying value and the
Redeemable Preferred Stock's liquidation value of $15,000,000 is being accreted
through periodic charges to accumulated deficit. Such accretion aggregated
$72,000 during the ten months ended December 31, 1998.

The redeemable preferred stock is non-voting, except for one share that entitles
ING to vote on all matters an aggregate number of votes equal to the number of
unexercised warrants held by ING as of the record date.

Dividends are cumulative and are payable quarterly in arrears on the Redeemable
Preferred Stock at an initial 9% cumulative annual dividend rate, which
increases to 11% on July 1, 2000 and thereafter increases an additional 1%
annually. All outstanding preferred shares mature on June 30, 2005 or earlier in
the event of default, and may be redeemed at any time by the Company in cash. In
the event of a public offering, the Company is required to apply 50% of the net
proceeds toward the redemption of the then outstanding redeemable preferred
stock. In the period ended December 31, 1998, dividends aggregating $364,000
were charged to accumulated deficit, of which $58,000 were paid.

All outstanding non-voting preferred stock is exchangeable, upon approval of the
Board of Directors, into subordinated debentures whose maturity, variable
interest rate and liquidation preference would be equal to the exchanged
preferred stock. The subordinated debentures also have mandatory redemption
rights payable in cash on terms equal to the exchanged preferred stock.

If the Company elects to close the third tranche, subject to certain conditions,
ING will invest up to an additional $5 million, the proceeds from which must be
used for certain acquisitions. In such event, ING will be granted warrants to
purchase additional shares of common stock which, together with previously
issued warrants will total up to 8,753,626 shares, at $2.50 per share. The third
closing must occur, if at all, on or before June 30, 1999.

There is no assurance that the third tranche of the ING transaction will be
consummated. If the Company elects to redeem the Redeemable Preferred Stock
prior to June 30, 2000, the shares purchasable pursuant to the Warrants
outstanding at December 31, 1998 


                                                                              43
<PAGE>   44

will be reduced by approximately 600,000 shares, assuming all three tranches are
closed.

PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET - UNAUDITED

During February 1999, the Company restructured $12.5 million liquidation value
of its outstanding $15.0 million liquidation value redeemable preferred stock.
The restructured redeemable preferred stock carry the same terms as described
above except that each share is automatically convertible at maturity into one
share of a new class of non-redeemable preferred stock with a 40% annual
dividend rate. Accordingly, the restructured redeemable preferred stock is
reflected as a component of shareholders' equity on the accompanying pro forma
balance sheet. The pro forma balance sheet is presented herein to show the
effects of the preferred restructuring as if the restructuring occurred on
December 31, 1998. The remaining originally issued redeemable preferred stock,
not presented as a component of shareholders' equity, will be accreted over
seven years to its redemption value of $2.5 million.

COMMON STOCK

Under the terms of the Company's Stock Incentive Award Plan, the Board of
Directors is authorized to award up to 150,000 restricted shares of common
stock. These shares are issued subject to certain transfer restrictions,
including the passage of time, ranging from one to ten years. The Company has
granted 131,050 restricted shares of common stock to certain employees, without
cost. The shares are subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances, and 25%
of such shares vests each year, beginning on the date of grant. As of December
31, 1998, all restricted shares granted have vested.

The Company's 1996 Non-employee Director Stock Compensation Plan provides to
non-employee directors the opportunity to receive shares of common stock in lieu
of cash compensation paid for services as a director, in an amount equal to the
value of cash compensation otherwise paid for service as a director. The total
number of shares reserved is 100,000 shares. As of December 31, 1998, 99,999
shares have been issued. The fair market value of these shares totaling $56,000
and $90,000 was charged to expense in fiscal years 1998 and 1997, respectively.
No additional stock is available under this plan.

WARRANTS

In addition to the warrants granted to ING (see above), the Company has granted
additional warrants as follows:

In connection with a public offering in fiscal 1993, Company granted to its
underwriter a warrant to purchase 139,315 units with an exercise price of $1.95
per unit. Those warrants were exercised during the ten-month period ended
December 31, 1998, providing net proceeds to the Company of $272,000. Pursuant
to the terms of an amendment to a loan agreement signed in October 1996, the
Company issued 25,000 warrants to a bank which are exercisable for five years at
$1.81 per share. Also in October 1996, the Company issued a warrant to purchase
300,000 shares of common stock exercisable for five years at $3.00 per share to
its financial advisor. In June 1998, the Company issued 33,000 warrants to a
bank which are exercisable for seven years at $2.50 per share. In October 1998,
the Company granted an additional 200,000 warrants to a financial advisor,
exercisable for five years at $3.23 per share.

On May 14, 1996, the Company filed a Registration Statement to register
4,442,069 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants issued
by the Company, of which 4,082,069 were issued in connection with its November
29, 1993, Shareholder Rights Offering and subsequent Public Offering, and the
remainder were issued in consideration of services rendered to the Company. The
Company redeemed its Redeemable Public Warrants on June 17, 1996, pursuant to
its notice of redemption issued on May 14, 1996. Total shares issued from the
exercise of redeemed warrants and other concurrently exercised warrants were
4,103,719, resulting in total gross proceeds of approximately $10,102,000. The
proceeds from the exercise of all warrants, net of expenses, were $9,486,000.


                                                                              44
<PAGE>   45

OPTIONS

In October 1998, the shareholders approved a new Stock Option and Award Plan
(the "1998 Plan") which provides for the grants of (i) qualified incentive stock
options ("ISOs") which meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code; (ii) stock options not so qualified ("NQSOs"); (iii) deferred
stock in which delivery of common stock occurs upon expiration of a deferral
period; (iv) restricted stock, in which common stock is granted to participants
subject to restrictions on transferability and other restrictions, which lapse
over time; (v) performance shares, consisting of a right to receive common stock
subject to restrictions based upon the attainment of specified performance
criteria; and (vi) stock appreciation rights, whether in conjunction with the
grant of stock options or independent of such grant, or stock appreciation
rights that are only exercisable in the event of a change in control of the
Company or upon other events. A total of 2,000,000 shares of common stock are
available for issuance under this Plan.

As of December 31, 1998, the Company's 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan provides
for the Board to award up to 925,000 shares of common stock to employees of the
Company.

In connection with the DCI acquisition , 195,000 non-qualified stock options
were issued to employees outside of the above Plans.


                                                                              45
<PAGE>   46

The following table contains a summary of transactions related to options for
the ten months ended December 31, 1998, and the fiscal years ended February 22,
1998 and February 23, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Weighted Average
                                            Options       Price per Share
                                           ---------      ----------------
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>     
Outstanding at February 25, 1996             546,849           $1.04
Granted                                      628,500           $2.62
Expired/canceled                            (262,140)          $2.55
Exercised                                    (62,770)          $1.69
                                           ---------                
                                                                    
Outstanding at February 23, 1997             850,439           $2.16
Granted                                      337,500           $1.24
Expired/canceled                            (143,000)          $1.63
Exercised                                    (40,000)          $0.94
                                           ---------                
                                                                    
Outstanding at February 22, 1998           1,004,939           $1.97
Granted                                    1,713,578           $2.29
Expired/canceled                            (272,689)          $1.89
Exercised                                     (6,250)          $1.44
                                           ---------                
                                                                    
Outstanding at December 31, 1998           2,439,578           $2.21
                                           =========                
                                                                    
Exercisable at:                                                     
   February 23, 1997                         464,689           $1.93
   February 22, 1998                         457,064           $2.13
   December 31, 1998                         823,179           $2.21

Available for grant:
   February 23, 1997                         269,561
   February 22, 1998                          65,061
   December 31, 1998                         699,172
</TABLE>

Options outstanding at December 31, 1998 have exercise prices and weighted
average remaining lives as follows: 22,500 shares at $0.78 with a remaining life
of 1.3 years, 337,500 shares at $1.03 to $1.44 per share with a remaining life
of 3.7 years, 1,383,781 shares at $1.63 to $2.06 with a remaining life of 9.5
years, and 695,797 shares at $2.69 to $3.94 per share with a remaining life of
6.5 years.

Pro forma information regarding net loss and loss per share is required by
Statement 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its
employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair
value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option pricing method with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free
interest rate of 5.8% for the fiscal periods presented; volatility factors of
the expected market price of the Company's common stock of 0.6 for all three
fiscal periods; and a weighted average expected life of the options of five
years.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.


                                                                              46
<PAGE>   47

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's pro
forma information follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Ten Months Ended        Year Ended            Year Ended
(In thousands, except per share information)         December 31, 1998    February 22, 1998     February 23, 1997
                                                     -----------------    -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                                  <C>                      <C>                   <C>     
Pro forma net loss                                        $(10,403)           $ (3,516)             $ (2,873)
Pro forma net loss attributable to common shares          $(10,839)           $ (3,516)             $ (2,873)
Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share                $  (0.98)           $  (0.32)             $  (0.30)
</TABLE>

The per share weighted average fair value of options granted during the ten
months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 23, 1997 and
February 22, 1998 were $1.30, $1.24, and $2.62, respectively. Because Statement
123 is applicable only to options issued after February 24, 1996, its pro forma
effect will not fully be reflected until 1999. Accordingly, the effect of
applying Statement 123 for providing pro forma disclosures is not likely to be
representative of the effects on reported net income (loss) for future years.

As of December 31, 1998, the Company has 6,402,826 warrants outstanding and
2,439,578 options outstanding, or a total of 8,842,404 shares of common stock
reserved for issuance pursuant to option and warrant agreements.

7. OPERATING CHARGES

Significant to the comparative results of operations for the ten months ended
December 31, 1998 are charges totaling $4,679,000. These charges are comprised
of the following: (i) $2,230,000 to write-down impaired tangible and intangible
assets from non-core business acquired prior to 1998 to their estimated fair
values based on estimated cash flows, and write-down of accounts receivable
related to non-core operations, (ii) $910,000 to write-down impaired fixed
assets and inventory related to end-of-life proprietary product lines to their
estimated fair values, (iii) $813,000 related to software products obsolesced by
the introduction of new products, (iv) $379,000 resulting from the write-off of
notes receivable from previously sold assets and subsidiaries, (v) $256,000 of
indirect financing costs related to the sale of redeemable preferred stock and
warrants and the expensing of previously capitalized costs associated with
abandoned acquisitions, and (vi) $91,000 in write-offs of costs related to Year
2000 issues and adjustments of warranty and other liabilities. The table below
summarizes where these charges have been recognized on the statement of
operations for the periods ended December 31, 1998 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Cost of     Operating    Impairment
                                                     Sales       Expenses      Charge       Other       Total
                                                    -------     ---------    ----------     ------      ------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>   
Impairment of tangible and intangible assets        $  147        $  495        $1,588      $   --      $2,230
Write-down of fixed assets and inventory                60            --           850          --         910
Software obsolescence                                  730            83            --          --         813
Loss on sale of assets and subsidiaries                 --            --            --         379         379
Indirect financing costs                                --           256            --          --         256
Year 2000 issues and operating expenses                 25            66            --          --          91
                                                    ------        ------        ------      ------      ------
    Total                                           $  962        $  900        $2,438      $  379      $4,679
                                                    ======        ======        ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>


                                                                              47
<PAGE>   48

8. INCOME TAXES

The current provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
                Ten Months Ended           Year Ended             Year Ended
                December 31, 1998       February 22, 1998      February 23, 1997
                -----------------       -----------------      -----------------
<S>             <C>                     <C>                    <C> 
Foreign                 $ --                $(31)                     $ 25
State                     15                  10                         3
                        ----                ----                      ----
                        $ 15                $(21)                     $ 28
                        ====                ====                      ====
</TABLE>

Temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards that give rise to
deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
                                              December 31, 1998   February 22, 1998
                                              -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>     
Deferred tax assets:
   Net operating loss carryforward                 $ 13,573           $  8,793
   Tax credits                                          991                899
   Accruals not currently deductible for tax                      
     purposes                                         1,400                123
   Depreciation and capitalized software                (57)                33
   Translation adjustment                                20                 25
   Other                                                 80                 38
   Valuation allowance                              (16,007)            (9,911)
                                                   --------           --------
     Total deferred tax asset                            --                 --
                                                   --------           --------
Deferred tax liabilities                                 --                 --
                                                   --------           --------
Net deferred taxes                                 $     --           $     --
                                                   ========           ========
</TABLE>

The change in the valuation allowance was a net increase of $6,096,000 and
$829,000 for ten months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal year ended
February 22, 1998, respectively. The valuation allowance was increased since the
realization of deferred tax assets is uncertain.

The Company has federal net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately
$37,000,000 at December 31, 1998, which begin to expire in 2006, if not
utilized. Due to the exercise of the Redeemable Public Warrants in fiscal year
ended February 23, 1997, the Company experienced a change of ownership as
defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result of the
ownership change, utilization of approximately $19,000,000 of the net operating
loss carryforwards is limited to approximately $1,300,000 per year. In addition,
approximately $6,500,000 of acquired net operating loss carryforwards is limited
to approximately $400,000 per year as a result of another change in ownership.

The recognition of tax benefits associated with approximately $13.6 million of
net operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences arising as
a result of the acquisition of Delta CompuTec Inc., will first reduce goodwill
and other noncurrent intangible assets related to the acquisition, and then
income tax expense.


                                                                              48
<PAGE>   49

A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) to the statutory U.S. federal
income tax rate follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Ten Months Ended       Year Ended           Year Ended
                                   December 31, 1998   February 22, 1998    February 23, 1997
                                   -----------------   -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                <C>                 <C>                  <C>    
Statutory U.S. federal
  income tax rate (benefit)              (34.0)%             (34.0)%             (34.0)%
Changes in taxes resulting from:
   Foreign losses and excess rates         0.3                (1.0)                1.2
   Domestic losses with no tax
      benefit                             33.4                34.0                32.7
   Other items, net                        0.5                 0.4                 1.1
                                         -----               -----               -----
Effective tax rate                         0.2%               (0.6)%               1.0%
                                         =====               =====               =====
</TABLE>

United States and foreign income (loss) before taxes are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
                                   Ten Months Ended       Year Ended           Year Ended
                                   December 31, 1998   February 22, 1998    February 23, 1997
                                   -----------------   -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                <C>                 <C>                  <C>    
Domestic                                $(9,439)            $(3,524)             $(2,933)
Foreign                                     (88)                206                  191
                                        -------             -------              -------
                                        $(9,527)            $(3,318)             $(2,742)
                                        =======             =======              =======
</TABLE>

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases its manufacturing and office facilities and certain equipment
under operating leases that expire on various dates through 2001. Rent expense
during the ten months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended
February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997 was $1,415,000, $1,213,000, and
$1,318,000, respectively. The Company's annual minimum lease commitments under
non-cancelable operating leases, net of sublease income of $186,000 for 1999,
are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              (In thousands)
<S>                           <C>   
          1999                    $1,140
          2000                       711
          2001                       241
                                  ------
                                  $2,092
                                  ======
</TABLE>

The Company is currently involved in certain claims and litigation. The Company
does not consider any of these claims or litigation to be material. Management
has made provisions in the Company's financial statements for the settlement of
lawsuits for which unfavorable outcomes are both probable and estimable. In the
opinion of management, results of known existing claims and litigation will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.

10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has a defined contribution profit sharing plan, which has been
qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering
substantially all of its full-time employees. Company contributions to the plan
are at the sole discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and cannot exceed
the maximum allowable deduction for federal income tax purposes. There were no
discretionary Company contributions for the ten-month period ended December 31,
1998 or for the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997.
Voluntary employee contributions are matched at a rate of 20% of employee
contributions up to a total of 5.0% of the employee's salary for participants
with an annual income of less than $29,999. Matching contributions were $21,000,
$20,000, and $29,000 for the ten-month period ended December 31, 1998 and the
fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and February 23, 1997, respectively. 

In fiscal 1997, the Company adopted a new Employee Stock Purchase Plan, covering
substantially all of its full-time employees, enabling 


                                                                              49
<PAGE>   50

employees to acquire shares of the Company's stock at 85% of the lower of (i)
the fair market value of a share on the first trading day of the date of grant,
or (ii) the fair market value of a share on the date of exercise, up to an
aggregate of 350,000 shares of common stock. Voluntary employee purchases under
the plan in the ten months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal year ended
February 22, 1998 were $26,000 and $20,000, respectively.

11. INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("SFAS 131") which supercedes Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
14. This statement changes the way that publicly-held companies report
information about operating segments as well as disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating segments are defined
as revenue-producing components of the enterprise, which are generally used
internally for evaluating segment performance. SFAS 131 is effective for the
Company's ten-month period ended December 31, 1998 and does not affect the
Company's financial position or results of operations, but did affect the
following disclosure of segment information.

The Company operates in two business segments: the servicing of computer
systems, networks and related products and the manufacture and sale of computer
systems, software and related products. The accounting policies of the
reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies except that certain expenses, such as interest,
amortization of certain intangibles, special charges and general corporate
expenses are not allocated to the segments. In addition, certain assets
including cash and cash equivalents, deferred taxes and certain intangible
assets are held at corporate. The effect of capitalizing software costs is
included in the product segment.


                                                                              50
<PAGE>   51

Selected financial information for the Company's reportable segments for the ten
months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February 22, 1998 and
February 23, 1997 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Corporate
(In thousands)                             IT Services     Product           Expenses       Consolidated
- --------------                             -----------     -------           ---------      ------------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>     
TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
Revenues from external customers            $ 20,072       $  4,068          $     --       $ 24,140
Significant operating charges (Note 7)         1,042            534             3,103          4,679
Segment income (loss)                         (2,047)        (2,067)(1)        (5,428)        (9,542)
Segment assets                                16,547          2,240             7,644         26,431
Depreciation and amortization                  1,330            318               322          1,970
Expenditures for long-lived assets             1,083            291               742          2,116

FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 22, 1998
Revenues from external customers            $ 13,223       $  6,104          $     --       $ 19,327
Segment income (loss)                            432         (1,862)(1)        (1,867)        (3,297)
Segment assets                                 5,527          4,469             5,792         15,788
Depreciation and amortization                  1,037            400               265          1,702
Expenditures for long-lived assets               571            560               671          1,802

FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 23, 1997
Revenues from external customers            $ 14,627       $  8,885          $     --       $ 23,512
Segment income (loss)                          1,361         (2,572)(1)        (1,559)        (2,770)
Segment assets                                 2,991          4,893             9,311         17,195
Depreciation and amortization                  1,096            637               334          2,067
Expenditures for long-lived assets               370            997                31          1,398
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes expenses attributable to the marketing and launching of the
     AlphaCONNECT software products of $1,684,000, $2,281,000 and $1,162,000 for
     the ten months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal years ended February
     22, 1998 and February 23, 1997, respectively.

During the ten months ended December 31, 1998 and the fiscal year ended February
22, 1998 there were no significant revenues or long-lived assets outside of the
United States. During the fiscal year ended February 23, 1997, revenues of
$2,728,000 were in Europe and Australia combined, and all other significant
revenues were in the United States. Also, all significant long-lived assets held
at February 23, 1997 were in the United States.

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's sales.


                                                                              51
<PAGE>   52

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
                 SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Balance at              Additions                 Balance at
                                   Beginning               Charged to                   End
                                   of Period     Other      Expense     Deductions   of Period
                                   ---------     -----     ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C> 
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
 December 31, 1998                    $294      $ 94(1)      $548(2)      $236(3)      $700
 February 22, 1998                     139                    194           39          294
 February 23, 1997                     927                     64          852(4)       139
</TABLE>

(1)  Balance transferred as part of the acquisition of DCI.

(2)  Includes $495,000 for the write-down of accounts receivable related to
     non-core operations.

(3)  Includes the write-off of $108,000 of accounts receivable related to
     non-core operations.

(4)  Deduction is primarily the result of the sale of AMGB, AlphaHealthCare and
     PANDA and the disposition of a fully reserved individual account of
     approximately $362,000.


                                                                              52
<PAGE>   53

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                          ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS

Date:  March 29, 1999                     By: /s/ DOUGLAS J. TULLIO
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Douglas J. Tullio
                                              President, Chief Executive Officer


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Douglas J. Tullio and
Jeffrey J. Dunnigan, and each and any of them, as attorneys-in-fact and agents
with full powers of substitution to sign on his behalf, individually and in the
capacity stated below, and to file any amendments to this Transition Report on
Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said
attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to perform any other act
on behalf of the undersigned required to be done in the premises.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ DOUGLAS J. TULLIO
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Douglas J. Tullio
                                        Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
                                        Executive Officer, Director
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ JEFFREY J. DUNNIGAN
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Jeffrey J. Dunnigan
                                        Vice President
                                        Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ ROCKELL N. HANKIN
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Rockell N. Hankin
                                        Director
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ RICHARD E. MAHMARIAN
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Richard E. Mahmarian
                                        Director
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ CLARKE E. REYNOLDS
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Clarke E. Reynolds
                                        Director
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ BENJAMIN P. GIESS
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Benjamin P. Giess
                                        Director
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ CARLOS D. DE MATTOS
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Carlos D. DeMattos
                                        Director
                                    
Date:  March 29, 1999               By: /s/ SAM YAU
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        Sam Yau
                                        Director


                                                                              53

<PAGE>   54

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


  4.9   Certificate of Determination of Rights and Preferences of Class A1
        Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class A2
        Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class B1
        Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class C1
        Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock and Class D
        Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock

  4.10  Preferred Shareholder Agreement by and between Registrant and sole
        holder of shares of issued and outstanding Class A Cumulative,
        Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock and Class B Cumulative,
        Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock dated January 22, 1999

*10.42  Management Deferred Compensation Plan dated November 1, 1998

 10.43  First Amendment to Security and Loan Agreement and Addendum Thereto by
        and between Registrant and Imperial Bank dated November 22, 1998

 10.44  First Amendment to Credit Terms and Conditions by and between Registrant
        and Imperial Bank dated November 22, 1998

*10.45  Consulting Agreement by and between Registrant and Randy Parks dated
        March 15, 1999

 21     Subsidiaries

 23     Consent of Independent Auditors

 24     Power of Attorney (included on signature pages of this Transition Report
        on Form 10-K)

 27     Financial Data Schedule

(* Denotes Management Contract or Compensation Plan)


<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.9


                                 CERTIFICATE OF

                     DETERMINATION OF RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES

                                       OF

        CLASS A1 CUMULATIVE, REDEEMABLE AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK,

        CLASS A2 CUMULATIVE, REDEEMABLE AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK,

        CLASS B1 CUMULATIVE, REDEEMABLE AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK,

        CLASS C1 CUMULATIVE, REDEEMABLE AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK

                                       AND

         CLASS D CUMULATIVE, REDEEMABLE AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK

                                       OF

                  ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS, a California corporation

                    PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 401

            OF THE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA


        Douglas J. Tullio and Jeffrey J. Dunnigan hereby certify that:

        FIRST: They are the President and Secretary, respectively, of Alpha
Microsystems, a California corporation (the "Company").

        SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to the
authority so vested in it by the Articles of Incorporation of the Company and in
accordance with the provisions of Section 401 of the General Corporation Law of
the State of California (the "California Corporation Law"), duly adopted the
following resolutions creating the following series of Preferred Stock
designated as (i) Class A1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred
Stock (the "Class A1 Preferred Stock"), (ii) Class A2 Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class A2 Preferred Stock"), (iii)


<PAGE>   2

Class B1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class B1
Preferred Stock"), (iv) Class C1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable
Preferred Stock (the "Class C1 Preferred Stock") and (v) Class D Cumulative
Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class D Preferred Stock").

        THIRD: That, as required by subsection A, subsection B, subsection C and
subsection D, respectively, of the Certificate of Determination of Rights and
Preferences of Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock,
Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class C
Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred
Stock of the Company, as filed with the California Secretary of State on August
25, 1998 (the "8/25/98 Certificate of Determination"), the creation of the Class
A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1
Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock has been consented to by the
Requisite Preferred Holders, the Requisite Preferred A Holders, the Requisite
Preferred B Holders, the Requisite Preferred C Holders and the Requisite Voting
Preferred Holders (as each such term is defined in the 8/25/98 Certificate of
Determination).

        FOURTH: That the following resolutions designate (i) 2,500 shares of
Class A1 Preferred Stock, (ii) 5,500 shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock, (iii)
7,000 shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock, (iv) 5,000 shares of Class C1
Preferred Stock, and (v) 17,500 shares of Class D Preferred Stock, and that as
of the date hereof, no shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred
Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock or Class D Preferred
Stock have been issued.

        FIFTH: The resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Company are as follows:

        WHEREAS the Articles of Incorporation of the Company authorize Preferred
Stock consisting of 5,000,000 shares, no par value per share, issuable from time
to time in one or more series; and

        WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company is authorized, subject to
limitations prescribed by law and by the provisions of Article IV of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to establish and fix the number
of shares to be included in any series of Preferred Stock and the designation of
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the shares of such series;
and

        WHEREAS it is the desire of the Board of Directors to establish and fix
the number of shares to be included in new series of Preferred Stock and the
designation of rights, preferences privileges and restrictions of the shares of
such new series;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to Article IV of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, there is hereby established the
following new series of Preferred Stock with such designations and authorized
number of shares as set forth herein: (i) 2,500 shares of Class A1 Cumulative,
Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class A1 Preferred Stock"),
(ii) 5,500 shares of Class A2 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred
Stock (the "Class A2 Preferred Stock"), (iii) 7,000 shares of Class B1
Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class B1 Preferred
Stock"), (iv) 5,000 shares of Class C1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable



                                       2
<PAGE>   3

Preferred Stock (the "Class C1 Preferred Stock") and (v) 17,500 shares of Class
D Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class D
Preferred Stock"). Each share of such Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2
Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D
Preferred Stock shall have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions
set forth in the following Determination of Rights, Preferences, Privileges and
Restrictions of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1
Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock (the "Determination of Preferred
Stock"):

A1.     Class A1 Preferred Stock.

        1. Definitions. As used in this subsection A1 of this Determination of
Preferred Stock, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. In addition, the
following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

        "Articles of Incorporation" means the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company as amended and restated and in effect at the time in question.

        "By-laws" means the By-laws of the Company, as amended and in effect
from time to time.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Class A Preferred Stock" means the Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class B Preferred Stock" means the Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class C Preferred Stock" means the Class C Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Common Stock" means, collectively, all of the Common Stock, no par
value, of the Company of any class, and any other class of capital stock of the
Company hereafter authorized that is not limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.

        "Dividend Reference Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section
A1.2(c).

        "Exchange Triggering Date" means December 31, 1999.

        "Liquidation" means, subject to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this
subsection A1, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Company.



                                       3
<PAGE>   4

        "Liquidation Value" shall mean Original Cost plus any accrued and unpaid
dividends as determined pursuant to Section 2(c) of this subsection A1.

        "Maturity Date" means, with respect to any Class A1 Preferred Stock or
Notes issued in exchange for Class A1 Preferred Stock, the earliest to occur of
(i) a Maturity Default, (ii) a Change of Control or (iii) June 30, 2005 (the
"Calendar Maturity Date").

        "Maturity Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of
this subsection A1.

        "Net Proceeds" of any transaction shall mean the gross proceeds of such
transaction net of any commissions or transaction fees and expenses paid by the
Company in connection with such transaction.

        "Original Cost" means, with respect to any share of Class A1 Preferred
Stock, $1,000.

        "Person" shall be construed broadly and shall include without limitation
an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock
company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.

        "Preferred A1/A2 Holders" means, collectively, Preferred A1 Holders and
Preferred A2 Holders.

        "Preferred A1 Holders" means holders of Class A1 Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred A2 Holders" means holders of Class A2 Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred Shareholder Agreement" shall mean the Preferred Shareholder
Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and the Holder (as
defined therein).

        "Preferred Stock" means, collectively, the Class A Preferred Stock,
Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock,
Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock,
Class D Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred Stock.

        "Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Investor (as defined therein), as
amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

        "Rate per Annum" means the specified rate per annum computed on the
basis of a 360-day year; provided, that in the event dividends are not paid in
full in cash on any applicable Dividend Reference Date or upon any Redemption
Date, the Rate per Annum for the applicable period shall be increased by 500
basis points (e.g., a 9.0% Rate per Annum would be increased to a 14.0% Rate per
Annum) until such dividends are paid in full in cash.

        "Redemption Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section A1.5(a) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.



                                       4
<PAGE>   5

        "Requisite Preferred A1/A2 Holders" means the holders representing a
majority of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock and Class A2
Preferred Stock voting together as a group.

        "Requisite Preferred A1 Holders" means the holders representing a
majority of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred Holders" means the holders representing a majority
of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred
Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred
Stock voting together as a group.

        "Transaction Documents" means the Purchase Agreement, the Exhibits and
Schedules attached thereto in their final and executed form, as applicable, and
each of the agreements contemplated thereby.

        "Voting Preferred Stock" means the Voting Preferred Stock of the
Company.

        "Warrant" has the meaning given to such term in the Purchase Agreement.

        2.     Dividends.

        (a) The Preferred A1 Holders shall be entitled to receive, out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends on the Liquidation Value at the
Rate per Annum and for the periods set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Rate Per
                       Period                                    Annum
                       ------                                    -----
<S>                                                               <C> 
               Until June 30, 2000.........................       9.0%
               July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001...............      11.0%
               July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002...............      12.0%
               July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003...............      13.0%
               July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004...............      14.0%
               July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005...............      15.0%
</TABLE>

(subject to appropriate adjustments in the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, combination or other similar recapitalization affecting such shares) per
share per annum, and no more, payable in preference and priority to any payment
of any cash dividend on Common Stock or any other shares of capital stock of the
Company other than the Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock, Class C
Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock (which
shall rank on a par with the Class A1 Preferred Stock) or other class or series
of stock ranking on a par with, or senior to the Class A1 Preferred Stock in



                                       5
<PAGE>   6

respect of dividends (such Common Stock and other inferior stock being
collectively referred to as "Junior Stock"), when and as declared by the Board.

        (b) Such dividends shall accrue with respect to each share of Class A1
Preferred Stock from the date on which such share is issued and outstanding and
thereafter shall be deemed to accrue from day to day whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there exists profits, surplus or other funds legally
available for the payment of dividends, and shall be cumulative so that if such
dividends on the Class A1 Preferred Stock shall not have been paid, or declared
and set apart for payment, the deficiency shall be fully paid or declared and
set apart for payment before any dividend shall be paid or declared or set apart
for any Junior Stock and before any purchase or acquisition of any Junior Stock
is made by the Company, except the repurchase of Junior Stock from employees of
the Company upon termination of employment or as otherwise approved by the
Requisite Preferred A1 Holders.

        (c) Dividends shall be payable in cash, quarterly in arrears. To the
extent dividends are not paid on each September 30, December 31, March 31 and
June 30, (each a "Dividend Reference Date") all dividends which have accrued on
each share of Class A1 Preferred Stock during the three-month period (or shorter
period in the case of the first or last period) ending on each Dividend
Reference Date will be added to the Liquidation Value of such share and will
remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid in full in cash. Each
dividend paid in cash shall be mailed to the holders of record of the Class A1
Preferred Stock as their names and addresses appear on the share register of the
Company or at the office of the transfer agent on the corresponding dividend
payment date.

        3.     Liquidation.

        (a) In the event of any Liquidation of the Company, the Preferred A1
Holders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to its stockholders, after and subject to the payment
in full of all amounts required to be distributed to the holders of Voting
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking on
liquidation prior and in preference to the Class A1 Preferred Stock
(collectively referred to as "Senior Preferred Stock"), but before any payment
shall be made to the holders of Junior Stock by reason of their ownership
thereof, an amount equal to the Liquidation Value per share of Class A1
Preferred Stock. If upon any such Liquidation of the Company the remaining
assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders shall be
insufficient to pay the holders of shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock the full
amount to which they shall be entitled, the holders of shares of Class A1
Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of Class A Preferred Stock, Class B
Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock, Class D Preferred Stock and any other
class or series of stock ranking on liquidation on a parity with the Class A1
Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets
and funds of the Company in proportion to the respective amounts which would
otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such
distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid
in full.

        (b) The merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another
corporation which results in the exchange of outstanding shares of the Company
for securities or other consideration issued



                                       6
<PAGE>   7

or paid or caused to be issued or paid by such other corporation or an affiliate
thereof (except if such merger or consolidation does not result in the transfer
of more than 50 percent of the voting securities of the Company), or the sale of
all or substantially all the assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be a
Liquidation of the Company for purposes of this Section 3 of this subsection A1,
unless the Requisite Preferred A1 Holders vote otherwise. The amount deemed
distributed to the holders of Class A1 Preferred Stock upon any such merger or
consolidation shall be the cash or the value of the property, rights and/or
securities distributed to such holders by the acquiring person, firm or other
entity. The value of such property, rights or other securities shall be
determined in good faith by the Board.

        4.     Voting Rights.

        (a) Except as required by law and pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d) below, the Preferred A1 Holders shall not be entitled to vote.

        (b) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred A1 Holders:

               (i) in any manner authorize, issue or sell any shares of Class A1
        Preferred Stock other than as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement,
        the Preferred Shareholder Agreement or this Determination of Preferred
        Stock;

               (ii) reclassify, cancel or in any manner alter or change the
        designations, preferences, privileges or relative, optional or other
        special rights, or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
        thereof, of the Class A1 Preferred Stock;

               (iii) amend, repeal or modify any provision of this subsection A1
        of this Determination of Preferred Stock; or

               (iv) amend, repeal or modify any provision of the Articles of
        Incorporation or By-laws in a manner that would adversely affect the
        preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred A1 Holders.

        (c)    (i) The Company hereby covenants that the Requisite Preferred
        A1/A2 Holders shall have the right to have that number of
        representatives (each such representative, an "Observer") determined as
        hereinafter provided present at all meetings of the Board. Such right
        shall from time to time be exercisable by delivery to the Company of
        written notice from the Requisite Preferred A1/A2 Holders specifying the
        names of such Observers. The number of Observers shall at all times and
        from time to time be equal to that number of nominees to the Board that
        the Preferred A1/A2 Holders are then entitled to designate less the
        number of such nominees as are then members of the Board.

               (ii) The Company will give each Observer reasonable prior notice
        (it being agreed that the same prior notice given to the Board shall be
        deemed reasonable prior notice) in any



                                       7
<PAGE>   8

        manner permitted in the Company's By-laws for notices to directors of
        the time and place of any proposed meeting of the Board, such notice in
        all cases to include true and complete copies of all documents furnished
        to any director in connection with such meeting. Each such Observer will
        be entitled to be present in person as an observer at any such meeting
        or, if a meeting is held by telephone conference, to participate therein
        for the purpose of listening thereto.

               (iii) The Company will deliver to each Observer copies of all
        papers which may be distributed from time to time to the directors of
        the Company at such time as such papers are so distributed to them,
        including copies of any written consent.

        (d) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred Holders:

               (i) take any action, or enter into or authorize any material
        agreement or material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (ii) agree to acquire the stock or assets of, or otherwise agree
        to any joint venture, licensing arrangement with, any other person.

               (iii) enter into any arrangement which would reasonably be
        expected to result in a Change of Control;

               (iv) sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any
        of its material assets or properties, or spinoff or splitoff any
        material assets, properties or Securities except sales of inventory and
        used, obsolete, worn out or unnecessary equipment or fixtures in the
        ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

               (v) sell, transfer, convey, assign, license or otherwise dispose
        of any significant portion of its Intellectual Property Rights;

               (vi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, waive, release or cancel any material claims against
        third parties or material debts owing to it, or any material rights
        which have any material value;

               (vii) make any material changes in its accounting systems,
        policies, principles or practices except in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (viii) enter into, authorize, or permit any transaction with
        Affiliates, or modify in any material respect the employment,
        compensation or other arrangements with the executive officers of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (ix) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
        commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether through the issuance or
        granting of options, warrants or exchangeable


                                       8
<PAGE>   9

        Securities, commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise)
        any shares of capital stock or any other Securities of the Company or
        any Subsidiary, or amend any of the terms of any such capital stock or
        other Securities;

               (x) split, combine, or reclassify any shares of its capital
        stock, declare, set aside or pay any dividend (other than dividends on
        the Preferred Stock) or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
        property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or
        redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other Securities of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (xi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any borrowings, incur any Indebtedness, or
        assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable (whether directly,
        contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other Person;

               (xii) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any loans, advances or capital contributions
        to, or investments in, any other Person.

        5.     Redemption.

        (a) Subject to the Company having funds legally available for such
purpose, the Company shall redeem all of the shares of the Class A1 Preferred
Stock then outstanding, on the Maturity Date. The per share redemption price at
which shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to this
Section 5(a) of this subsection A1 shall be equal to the Liquidation Value (the
"Redemption Price").

        (b) In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates a
public or private offering for cash of capital stock or other equity interests,
the Company shall be required to apply 50% of the Net Proceeds of such offering
toward the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock), on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the number of shares of
Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred Stock), held by such holder over
the total number of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock) outstanding) from the Holders of Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.

        (c) In addition to the Company's mandatory redemption obligations as set
forth in Sections 5(a) and (b) of this subsection A1, the Company shall have the
option to redeem a minimum of $1 million of Original Cost of Class A1 Preferred
Stock and integral multiples of $100,000 thereafter at the Liquidation Value
thereof. Any shares to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(c) of this
subsection A1 shall be selected for redemption at the discretion of, or in a
manner approved by, the Board. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of
this Section 5 of this subsection A1, so long as any Preferred A1/A2 Holder
remains a Significant Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to redeem or
retire all outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, but shall instead
allow such Significant Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class A1
Preferred Stock.



                                       9
<PAGE>   10

        (d) On and after any date set for redemption (the "Redemption Date")
pursuant to this Section 5 of this subsection A1 (unless default shall be made
by the Company in the payment of the Redemption Price, in which event such
rights shall be exercisable until such default is cured), all rights in respect
of the shares of the Class A1 Preferred Stock to be redeemed, except the right
to receive the Redemption Price, shall cease and terminate, and such shares
shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, whether or not the certificates
representing such shares have been received by the Company.

        (e) Any communication or notice relating to redemption given pursuant to
this Section 5 of this subsection A1 shall be sent by first-class certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Preferred A1 Holders at
their respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the Company,
or to the Company at the address of its principal, or registered office, as the
case may be.

        (f) At any time on or after the Redemption Date, the Preferred A1
Holders shall be entitled to receive the Redemption Price upon actual delivery
to the Company or its agents of the certificates representing the shares of the
Class A1 Preferred Stock to be redeemed.

        (g) Any redemption payments by the Company pursuant to this Section 5 of
this subsection A1 shall be paid in cash.

        (h) Any shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock which are redeemed or
otherwise acquired by the Company shall be canceled and shall not be reissued,
sold or transferred as Class A1 Preferred Stock and the Board shall reduce the
number of authorized shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock by the number of shares
so redeemed or otherwise acquired.

        6.     Maturity Default.

        (a) The occurrence of any of the following events of default shall, at
the option of the Requisite Preferred Holders, constitute a Maturity Default:

               (i) the Company fails to comply in any material respect with any
        of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents or the
        Fundamental Documents;

               (ii) a material default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or
        other instrument under which there may be secured or evidenced any
        indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company if the principal amount
        of such indebtedness aggregates $1,000,000 or more; or

               (iii) the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section
        7.2(g)(iv) of the Purchase Agreement.

        (b) A default under clauses (a)(i) or (a)(ii) is not a Maturity Default
until the Company does not cure the default within 30 days of the Company having
Knowledge of such default. When a default is cured, it ceases.



                                       10
<PAGE>   11

        (c) The Requisite Preferred Holders by notice to the Company may waive
an existing default or Maturity Default and its consequences. When a default or
Maturity Default is waived, it ceases.

        7.     Exchange.

        (a) Subject to the requirements of Section 500 of the California
Corporation Law, the Requisite Preferred A1 Holders and the Company may agree at
any time and from time to time following the Exchange Triggering Date to
exchange all or any portion of the shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock
outstanding into the Company's Subordinated Debentures (the "Notes") to be
issued substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Purchase Agreement
in the amount of $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each $1,000 of Liquidation
Value of Class A1 Preferred Stock; provided, however, that no such exchange may
be consummated unless full cumulative dividends (including, without duplication,
full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion of the current
dividend period) on the Class A1 Preferred Stock to the date of exchange shall
have been paid. Notes shall be issued only in integral multiples of $1,000 at
the time of exchange. If any additional amounts ("Fractional Principal Amounts")
would otherwise be issuable to any holders of Preferred Stock, then the Company
shall, in lieu of issuing a Fractional Principal Amount therefor, pay in full
payment of the Company's obligation with respect to such Fractional Principal
Amounts, to each Preferred A1 Holder an amount in cash equal to such Fractional
Principal Amount. Any and all exchange rights set forth in this Section 7 of
this subsection A1 shall be deemed to be a right of redemption subject to
Section 402 of the California Corporation Law. In the event that the Company
exercises its option to exchange any portion of the outstanding shares of Class
A1 Preferred Stock into Notes pursuant to this Section 7 of this subsection A1,
such shares to be exchanged shall be selected for exchange at the discretion of,
or in a manner approved by, the Board. Notwithstanding any of the other
provisions of this Section 7 of this subsection A1, so long as any Preferred A1
Holder remains a Significant Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to
exchange all outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, but shall instead
allow such Significant Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class A1
Preferred Stock.

        (b) Any exchange pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made upon not less
than 30 days' notice prior to the date fixed for exchange (the "Exchange Date").
The notice given shall state that, upon surrender of their certificate or
certificates to the Company, the holders of Class A1 Preferred Stock will
receive Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection A1
above and that, at the close of business on the Exchange Date, all rights of the
holders with respect to such shares so called for exchange shall cease, except
the right to receive the Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this
subsection A1. Except as may be otherwise required by applicable law, the form
of the Notes may only be amended or supplemented before the first Exchange Date
which occurs with the affirmative vote or consent of the Requisite Preferred A1
Holders. On or after such first Exchange Date, the Notes may only be amended or
supplemented as provided in the Notes. The Company will cause the Notes to be
authenticated on the Exchange Date, and the Company will pay interest on the
Notes at the rate and on the dates specified in Notes from and after the
relevant Exchange Date.

A2.     Class A2 Preferred Stock.



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

        1.     Definitions. As used in this subsection A2 of this Determination
of Preferred Stock, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. In addition, the
following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

        "Articles of Incorporation" means the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company as amended and restated and in effect at the time in question.

        "By-laws" means the By-laws of the Company, as amended and in effect
from time to time.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Class A Preferred Stock" means the Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class B Preferred Stock" means the Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class C Preferred Stock" means the Class C Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Common Stock" means, collectively, all of the Common Stock, no par
value, of the Company of any class, and any other class of capital stock of the
Company hereafter authorized that is not limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.

        "Dividend Reference Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section
A2.2(c).

        "Exchange Triggering Date" means December 31, 1999.

        "Liquidation" means, subject to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this
subsection A2, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Company.

        "Liquidation Value" shall mean Original Cost plus any accrued and unpaid
dividends as determined pursuant to Section 2(c) of this subsection A2.

        "Maturity Date" means, with respect to any Class A2 Preferred Stock or
Notes issued in exchange for Class A2 Preferred Stock, the earliest to occur of
(i) a Maturity Default, (ii) a Change of Control or (iii) June 30, 2005 (the
"Calendar Maturity Date").

        "Maturity Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of
this subsection A2.



                                       12
<PAGE>   13

        "Net Proceeds" of any transaction shall mean the gross proceeds of such
transaction net of any commissions or transaction fees and expenses paid by the
Company in connection with such transaction.

        "Original Cost" means, with respect to any share of Class A2 Preferred
Stock, $1,000.

        "Person" shall be construed broadly and shall include without limitation
an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock
company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.

        "Preferred A1/A2 Holders" means, collectively, Preferred A1 Holders and
Preferred A2 Holders.

        "Preferred A1 Holders" means holders of Class A1 Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred A2 Holders" means holders of Class A2 Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred Shareholder Agreement" shall mean the Preferred Shareholder
Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and the Holder (as
defined therein).

        "Preferred Stock" means, collectively, the Class A Preferred Stock,
Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock,
Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock,
Class D Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred Stock.

        "Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Investor (as defined therein), as
amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

        "Rate per Annum" means the specified rate per annum computed on the
basis of a 360-day year; provided, that in the event dividends are not paid in
full in cash on any applicable Dividend Reference Date or upon any Redemption
Date, the Rate per Annum for the applicable period shall be increased by 500
basis points (e.g., a 9.0% Rate per Annum would be increased to a 14.0% Rate per
Annum) until such dividends are paid in full in cash.

        "Redemption Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section A2.5(a) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred A1/A2 Holders" means the holders representing a
majority of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock and Class A2
Preferred Stock voting together as a group.

        "Requisite Preferred A2 Holders" means the holders representing a
majority of the then outstanding shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock.



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

        "Requisite Preferred Holders" means the holders representing a majority
of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred
Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred
Stock voting together as a group.

        "Transaction Documents" means the Purchase Agreement, the Exhibits and
Schedules attached thereto in their final and executed form, as applicable, and
each of the agreements contemplated thereby.

        "Voting Preferred Stock" means the Voting Preferred Stock of the
Company.

        "Warrant" has the meaning given to such term in the Purchase Agreement.

        2.     Dividends.

        (a) The Preferred A2 Holders shall be entitled to receive, out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends on the Liquidation Value at the
Rate per Annum and for the periods set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Rate Per
                       Period                                    Annum
                       ------                                    -----
<S>                                                               <C> 
               Until June 30, 2000.........................       9.0%
               July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001...............      11.0%
               July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002...............      12.0%
               July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003...............      13.0%
               July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004...............      14.0%
               July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005...............      15.0%
</TABLE>

(subject to appropriate adjustments in the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, combination or other similar recapitalization affecting such shares) per
share per annum, and no more, payable in preference and priority to any payment
of any cash dividend on Common Stock or any other shares of capital stock of the
Company other than the Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock, Class C
Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock (which
shall rank on a par with the Class A2 Preferred Stock) or other class or series
of stock ranking on a par with, or senior to the Class A2 Preferred Stock in
respect of dividends (such Common Stock and other inferior stock being
collectively referred to as "Junior Stock"), when and as declared by the Board.

        (b) Such dividends shall accrue with respect to each share of Class A2
Preferred Stock from the date on which such share is issued and outstanding and
thereafter shall be deemed to accrue from day to day whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there exists profits, surplus or other funds legally
available for the payment of dividends, and shall be cumulative so that if such
dividends on the Class A2 Preferred Stock shall not have been paid, or declared
and set apart for payment, the deficiency



                                       14
<PAGE>   15

shall be fully paid or declared and set apart for payment before any dividend
shall be paid or declared or set apart for any Junior Stock and before any
purchase or acquisition of any Junior Stock is made by the Company, except the
repurchase of Junior Stock from employees of the Company upon termination of
employment or as otherwise approved by the Requisite Preferred A2 Holders.

        (c) Dividends shall be payable in cash, quarterly in arrears. To the
extent dividends are not paid on each September 30, December 31, March 31 and
June 30, (each a "Dividend Reference Date") all dividends which have accrued on
each share of Class A2 Preferred Stock during the three-month period (or shorter
period in the case of the first or last period) ending on each Dividend
Reference Date will be added to the Liquidation Value of such share and will
remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid in full in cash. Each
dividend paid in cash shall be mailed to the holders of record of the Class A2
Preferred Stock as their names and addresses appear on the share register of the
Company or at the office of the transfer agent on the corresponding dividend
payment date.

        3.     Liquidation.

        (a) In the event of any Liquidation of the Company, the Preferred A2
Holders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to its stockholders, after and subject to the payment
in full of all amounts required to be distributed to the holders of Voting
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking on
liquidation prior and in preference to the Class A2 Preferred Stock
(collectively referred to as "Senior Preferred Stock"), but before any payment
shall be made to the holders of Junior Stock by reason of their ownership
thereof, an amount equal to the Liquidation Value per share of Class A2
Preferred Stock. If upon any such Liquidation of the Company the remaining
assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders shall be
insufficient to pay the holders of shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock the full
amount to which they shall be entitled, the holders of shares of Class A2
Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of Class A Preferred Stock, Class B
Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class B1
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock, Class D Preferred Stock and any other
class or series of stock ranking on liquidation on a parity with the Class A2
Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets
and funds of the Company in proportion to the respective amounts which would
otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such
distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid
in full.

        (b) The merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another
corporation which results in the exchange of outstanding shares of the Company
for securities or other consideration issued or paid or caused to be issued or
paid by such other corporation or an affiliate thereof (except if such merger or
consolidation does not result in the transfer of more than 50 percent of the
voting securities of the Company), or the sale of all or substantially all the
assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be a Liquidation of the Company for
purposes of this Section 3 of this subsection A2, unless the Requisite Preferred
A2 Holders vote otherwise. The amount deemed distributed to the holders of Class
A2 Preferred Stock upon any such merger or consolidation shall be the cash or
the value of the property, rights and/or securities distributed to such holders
by the acquiring person, firm or other entity. The value of such property,
rights or other securities shall be determined in good faith by the Board.



                                       15
<PAGE>   16

        4.     Voting Rights.

        (a) Except as required by law and pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d) below, the Preferred A2 Holders shall not be entitled to vote.

        (b) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred A2 Holders:

               (i) in any manner authorize, issue or sell any shares of Class A2
        Preferred Stock other than as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement,
        the Preferred Shareholder Agreement or this Determination of Preferred
        Stock;

               (ii) reclassify, cancel or in any manner alter or change the
        designations, preferences, privileges or relative, optional or other
        special rights, or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
        thereof, of the Class A2 Preferred Stock;

               (iii) amend, repeal or modify any provision of this subsection A2
        of this Determination of Preferred Stock; or

               (iv) amend, repeal or modify any provision of the Articles of
        Incorporation or By-laws in a manner that would adversely affect the
        preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred A2 Holders.

        (c)    (i) The Company hereby covenants that the Requisite Preferred
        A1/A2 Holders shall have the right to have that number of
        representatives (each such representative, an "Observer") determined as
        hereinafter provided present at all meetings of the Board. Such right
        shall from time to time be exercisable by delivery to the Company of
        written notice from the Requisite Preferred A1/A2 Holders specifying the
        names of such Observers. The number of Observers shall at all times and
        from time to time be equal to that number of nominees to the Board that
        the Preferred A1/A2 Holders are then entitled to designate less the
        number of such nominees as are then members of the Board.

               (ii) The Company will give each Observer reasonable prior notice
        (it being agreed that the same prior notice given to the Board shall be
        deemed reasonable prior notice) in any manner permitted in the Company's
        By-laws for notices to directors of the time and place of any proposed
        meeting of the Board, such notice in all cases to include true and
        complete copies of all documents furnished to any director in connection
        with such meeting. Each such Observer will be entitled to be present in
        person as an observer at any such meeting or, if a meeting is held by
        telephone conference, to participate therein for the purpose of
        listening thereto.

               (iii) The Company will deliver to each Observer copies of all
        papers which may be distributed from time to time to the directors of
        the Company at such time as such papers are so distributed to them,
        including copies of any written consent.



                                       16
<PAGE>   17

        (d) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred Holders:

               (i) take any action, or enter into or authorize any material
        agreement or material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (ii) agree to acquire the stock or assets of, or otherwise agree
        to any joint venture, licensing arrangement with, any other person.

               (iii) enter into any arrangement which would reasonably be
        expected to result in a Change of Control;

               (iv) sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any
        of its material assets or properties, or spinoff or splitoff any
        material assets, properties or Securities except sales of inventory and
        used, obsolete, worn out or unnecessary equipment or fixtures in the
        ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

               (v) sell, transfer, convey, assign, license or otherwise dispose
        of any significant portion of its Intellectual Property Rights;

               (vi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, waive, release or cancel any material claims against
        third parties or material debts owing to it, or any material rights
        which have any material value;

               (vii) make any material changes in its accounting systems,
        policies, principles or practices except in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (viii) enter into, authorize, or permit any transaction with
        Affiliates, or modify in any material respect the employment,
        compensation or other arrangements with the executive officers of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (ix) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
        commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether through the issuance or
        granting of options, warrants or exchangeable Securities, commitments,
        subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any shares of capital
        stock or any other Securities of the Company or any Subsidiary, or amend
        any of the terms of any such capital stock or other Securities;

               (x) split, combine, or reclassify any shares of its capital
        stock, declare, set aside or pay any dividend (other than dividends on
        the Preferred Stock) or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
        property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or
        redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other Securities of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;



                                       17
<PAGE>   18

               (xi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any borrowings, incur any Indebtedness, or
        assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable (whether directly,
        contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other Person;

               (xii) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any loans, advances or capital contributions
        to, or investments in, any other Person.

        5      Redemption.

        (a) Subject to the Company having funds legally available for such
purpose, the Company, on the Maturity Date, shall have the option of redeeming
all the shares of outstanding Class A2 Preferred Stock for cash as described in
Section 5(d)-(h) below. If the Company does not redeem such shares on the
Maturity Date, the Company shall pay full cumulative dividends (including,
without duplication, full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion
of the current dividend period) on the Class A2 Preferred Stock to the Maturity
Date and, immediately thereafter, each share of Class A2 Preferred Stock shall
automatically be converted into one share of Class D Preferred Stock. The per
share redemption price at which shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock are to be
redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(a) of this subsection A2 shall be equal to
the Liquidation Value (the "Redemption Price").

        (b) In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates a
public or private offering for cash of capital stock or other equity interests,
the Company shall be required to apply 50% of the Net Proceeds of such offering
toward the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock), on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the number of shares of
Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred Stock), held by such holder over
the total number of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock) outstanding) from the Holders of Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.

        (c) In addition to the Company's obligations as set forth in Sections
5(a) and (b) of this subsection A2, the Company shall have the option to redeem
a minimum of $1 million of Original Cost of Class A2 Preferred Stock and
integral multiples of $100,000 thereafter at the Liquidation Value thereof. Any
shares to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(c) of this subsection A2 shall
be selected for redemption at the discretion of, or in a manner approved by, the
Board. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this Section 5 of this
subsection A2, so long as any Preferred A1/A2 Holder remains a Significant
Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to redeem or retire all outstanding
shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock, but shall instead allow such Significant
Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class A2 Preferred Stock.

        (d) On and after any date set for redemption (the "Redemption Date")
pursuant to this Section 5 of this subsection A2 (unless default shall be made
by the Company in the payment of the Redemption Price, in which event such
rights shall be exercisable until such default is cured), all rights in respect
of the shares of the Class A2 Preferred Stock to be redeemed, except the right
to receive the Redemption Price, shall cease and terminate, and such shares
shall no longer be deemed to be



                                       18
<PAGE>   19

outstanding, whether or not the certificates representing such shares have been
received by the Company.

        (e) Any communication or notice relating to redemption given pursuant to
this Section 5 of this subsection A2 shall be sent by first-class certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Preferred A2 Holders at
their respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the Company,
or to the Company at the address of its principal, or registered office, as the
case may be.

        (f) At any time on or after the Redemption Date, the Preferred A2
Holders shall be entitled to receive the Redemption Price upon actual delivery
to the Company or its agents of the certificates representing the shares of the
Class A2 Preferred Stock to be redeemed.

        (g) Any redemption payments by the Company pursuant to this Section 5 of
this subsection A2 shall be paid in cash.

        (h) Any shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock which are redeemed or
otherwise acquired by the Company shall be canceled and shall not be reissued,
sold or transferred as Class A2 Preferred Stock and the Board shall reduce the
number of authorized shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock by the number of shares
so redeemed or otherwise required.

        6      Maturity Default.

        (a) The occurrence of any of the following events of default shall, at
the option of the Requisite Preferred Holders, constitute a Maturity Default:

               (i) the Company fails to comply in any material respect with any
        of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents or the
        Fundamental Documents;

               (ii) a material default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or
        other instrument under which there may be secured or evidenced any
        indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company if the principal amount
        of such indebtedness aggregates $1,000,000 or more; or

               (iii) the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section
        7.2(g)(iv) of the Purchase Agreement.

        (b) A default under clauses (a)(i) or (a)(ii) is not a Maturity Default
until the Company does not cure the default within 30 days of the Company having
Knowledge of such default. When a default is cured, it ceases.

        (c) The Requisite Preferred Holders by notice to the Company may waive
an existing default or Maturity Default and its consequences. When a default or
Maturity Default is waived, it ceases.

        7      Exchange.


                                       19
<PAGE>   20

        (a) Subject to the requirements of Section 500 of the California
Corporation Law, the Requisite Preferred A2 Holders and the Company may agree at
any time and from time to time following the Exchange Triggering Date to
exchange all or any portion of the shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock
outstanding into the Company's Subordinated Debentures (the "Notes") to be
issued substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Purchase Agreement
in the amount of $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each $1,000 of Liquidation
Value of Class A2 Preferred Stock; provided, however, that no such exchange may
be consummated unless full cumulative dividends (including, without duplication,
full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion of the current
dividend period) on the Class A2 Preferred Stock to the date of exchange shall
have been paid. Notes shall be issued only in integral multiples of $1,000 at
the time of exchange. If any additional amounts ("Fractional Principal Amounts")
would otherwise be issuable to any holders of Preferred Stock, then the Company
shall, in lieu of issuing a Fractional Principal Amount therefor, pay in full
payment of the Company's obligation with respect to such Fractional Principal
Amount, to each Preferred A2 Holder an amount in cash equal to such Fractional
Principal Amount. Any and all exchange rights set forth in this Section 7 of
this subsection A2 shall be deemed to be a right of redemption subject to
Section 402 of the California Corporation Law. In the event that the Company
exercises its option to exchange any portion of the outstanding shares of Class
A2 Preferred Stock into Notes pursuant to this Section 7 of this subsection A2,
such shares to be exchanged shall be selected for exchange at the discretion of,
or in a manner approved by, the Board. Notwithstanding any of the other
provisions of this Section 7 of this subsection A2, so long as any Preferred A2
Holder remains a Significant Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to
exchange all outstanding shares of Class A2 Preferred Stock, but shall instead
allow such Significant Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class A2
Preferred Stock.

        (b) Any exchange pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made upon not less
than 30 days' notice prior to the date fixed for exchange (the "Exchange Date").
The notice given shall state that, upon surrender of their certificate or
certificates to the Company, the holders of Class A2 Preferred Stock will
receive Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection A2
above and that, at the close of business on the Exchange Date, all rights of the
holders with respect to such shares so called for exchange shall cease, except
the right to receive the Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this
subsection A2. Except as may be otherwise required by applicable law, the form
of the Notes may only be amended or supplemented before the first Exchange Date
which occurs with the affirmative vote or consent of the Requisite Preferred A2
Holders. On or after such first Exchange Date, the Notes may only be amended or
supplemented as provided in the Notes. The Company will cause the Notes to be
authenticated on the Exchange Date, and the Company will pay interest on the
Notes at the rate and on the dates specified in the Notes from and after the
relevant Exchange Date.

B1      Class B1 Preferred Stock.

        1 Definitions. As used in subsection B of this Determination of
Preferred Stock, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. In addition, the
following capitalized terms have the following meanings:



                                       20
<PAGE>   21

        "Articles of Incorporation" means the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company as amended and restated and in effect at the time in question.

        "By-laws" means the By-laws of the Company, as amended and in effect
from time to time.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Class A Preferred Stock" means the Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class B Preferred Stock" means the Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class C Preferred Stock" means the Class C Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Common Stock" means, collectively, all of the Common Stock, no par
value, of the Company of any class, and any other class of capital stock of the
Company hereafter authorized that is not limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.

        "Dividend Reference Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section
B.2(c).

        "Exchange Triggering Date" means December 31, 1999.

        "Liquidation" means, subject to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this
subsection B, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Company.

        "Liquidation Value" shall mean Original Cost plus any accrued and unpaid
dividends as determined pursuant to Section 2(c) of this subsection B.

        "Maturity Date" means, with respect to any Class B1 Preferred Stock or
Notes issued in exchange for Class B1 Preferred Stock, the earliest to occur of
(i) a Maturity Default, (ii) a Change of Control or (iii) June 30, 2005;
provided, that the Maturity Date shall be December 31, 2000 with respect to
Class B1 Preferred Stock which is issued in connection with a Spinoff
Transaction.

        "Maturity Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of
this subsection B.

        "Net Proceeds" of any transaction shall mean the gross proceeds of such
transaction net of any commissions or transaction fees and expenses paid by the
Company in connection with such transaction.

        "Original Cost" means, with respect to any share of Class B1 Preferred
Stock, $1,000.



                                       21
<PAGE>   22

        "Person" shall be construed broadly and shall include without limitation
an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock
company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.

        "Preferred B1 Holders" means holders of Class B1 Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred Shareholder Agreement" shall mean the Preferred Shareholder
Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and the Holder (as
defined therein).

        "Preferred Stock" means, collectively, the Class A Preferred Stock,
Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock,
Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock,
Class D Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred Stock.

        "Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Investor (as defined therein), as
amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

        "Rate per Annum" means the specified rate per annum computed on the
basis of a 360-day year; provided, that in the event dividends are not paid in
full in cash on any applicable Dividend Reference Date or upon any Redemption
Date, the Rate per Annum for the applicable period shall be increased by 500
basis points (e.g., a 9.0% Rate per Annum would be increased to a 14.0% Rate per
Annum) until such dividends are paid in full in cash.

        "Redemption Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section B.5(a) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred B1 Holders" means the holders representing a
majority of the then outstanding shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred Holders" means the holders representing a majority
of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred
Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred
Stock voting together as a group.

        "Transaction Documents" means the Purchase Agreement, the Exhibits and
Schedules attached thereto in their final and executed form, as applicable, and
each of the agreements contemplated thereby.

        "Voting Preferred Stock" means the Voting Preferred Stock of the
Company.

        "Warrant" has the meaning given to such term in the Purchase Agreement.

        2      Dividends.



                                       22
<PAGE>   23

        (a) The Preferred B1 Holders shall be entitled to receive, out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends on the Liquidation Value at the
Rate per Annum and for the periods set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Rate Per
                       Period                                    Annum
                       ------                                    -----
<S>                                                               <C> 
               Until June 30, 2000.........................       9.0%
               July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001...............      11.0%
               July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002...............      12.0%
               July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003...............      13.0%
               July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004...............      14.0%
               July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005...............      15.0%
</TABLE>

(subject to appropriate adjustments in the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, combination or other similar recapitalization affecting such shares) per
share per annum, and no more, payable in preference and priority to any payment
of any cash dividend on Common Stock or any other shares of capital stock of the
Company other than the Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock, Class C
Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock (which
shall rank on a par with the Class B1 Preferred Stock) or other class or series
of stock ranking on a par with, or senior to the Class B1 Preferred Stock in
respect of dividends (such Common Stock and other inferior stock being
collectively referred to as "Junior Stock"), when and as declared by the Board.

        (b) Such dividends shall accrue with respect to each share of Class B1
Preferred Stock from the date on which such share is issued and outstanding and
thereafter shall be deemed to accrue from day to day whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there exists profits, surplus or other funds legally
available for the payment of dividends, and shall be cumulative so that if such
dividends on the Class B1 Preferred Stock shall not have been paid, or declared
and set apart for payment, the deficiency shall be fully paid or declared and
set apart for payment before any dividend shall be paid or declared or set apart
for any Junior Stock and before any purchase or acquisition of any Junior Stock
is made by the Company, except the repurchase of Junior Stock from employees of
the Company upon termination of employment or as otherwise approved by the
Requisite Preferred B1 Holders.

        (c) Dividends shall be payable in cash, quarterly in arrears. To the
extent dividends are not paid on each September 30, December 31, March 31 and
June 30, (each a "Dividend Reference Date") all dividends which have accrued on
each share of Class B1 Preferred Stock during the three-month period (or shorter
period in the case of the first or last period) ending on each Dividend
Reference Date will be added to the Liquidation Value of such share and will
remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid in full in cash. Each
dividend paid in cash shall be mailed to the holders of record of the Class B1
Preferred Stock as their names and addresses appear on the share register of the
Company or at the office of the transfer agent on the corresponding dividend
payment date.



                                       23
<PAGE>   24

        3      Liquidation.

        (a) In the event of any Liquidation of the Company, the Preferred B1
Holders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to its stockholders, after and subject to the payment
in full of all amounts required to be distributed to the holders of Voting
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking on
liquidation prior and in preference to the Class B1 Preferred Stock
(collectively referred to as "Senior Preferred Stock"), but before any payment
shall be made to the holders of Junior Stock by reason of their ownership
thereof, an amount equal to the Liquidation Value per share of Class B1
Preferred Stock. If upon any such Liquidation of the Company the remaining
assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders shall be
insufficient to pay the holders of shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock the full
amount to which they shall be entitled, the holders of shares of Class B1
Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of Class A Preferred Stock, Class B
Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock, Class D Preferred Stock and any other
class or series of stock ranking on liquidation on a parity with the Class B1
Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets
and funds of the Company in proportion to the respective amounts which would
otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such
distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid
in full.

        (b) The merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another
corporation which results in the exchange of outstanding shares of the Company
for securities or other consideration issued or paid or caused to be issued or
paid by such other corporation or an affiliate thereof (except if such merger or
consolidation does not result in the transfer of more than 50 percent of the
voting securities of the Company), or the sale of all or substantially all the
assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be a Liquidation of the Company for
purposes of this Section 3 of this subsection B, unless the Requisite Preferred
B1 Holders vote otherwise. The amount deemed distributed to the holders of Class
B1 Preferred Stock upon any such merger or consolidation shall be the cash or
the value of the property, rights and/or securities distributed to such holders
by the acquiring person, firm or other entity. The value of such property,
rights or other securities shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

        4      Voting Rights.

        (a) Except as required by law and pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d) below, the Preferred B1 Holders shall not be entitled to vote.

        (b) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred B1 Holders:

               (i) in any manner authorize, issue or sell any shares of Class B1
        Preferred Stock other than as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement,
        the Preferred Shareholder Agreement or this Determination of Preferred
        Stock;



                                       24
<PAGE>   25

               (ii) reclassify, cancel or in any manner alter or change the
        designations, preferences, privileges or relative, optional or other
        special rights, or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
        thereof, of the Class B1 Preferred Stock;

               (iii) amend, repeal or modify any provision of this subsection B
        of this Determination of Preferred Stock; or

               (iv) amend, repeal or modify any provision of the Articles of
        Incorporation or By-laws in a manner that would adversely affect the
        preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred B1 Holders.

        (c)    (i) The Company hereby covenants that the Requisite Preferred B1
        Holders shall have the right to have that number of representatives
        (each such representative, an "Observer") determined as hereinafter
        provided present at all meetings of the Board. Such right shall from
        time to time be exercisable by delivery to the Company of written notice
        from the Requisite Preferred B1 Holders specifying the names of such
        Observers. The number of Observers shall at all times and from time to
        time be equal to that number of nominees to the Board that the Preferred
        B1 Holders are then entitled to designate less the number of such
        nominees as are then members of the Board.

               (ii) The Company will give each Observer reasonable prior notice
        (it being agreed that the same prior notice given to the Board shall be
        deemed reasonable prior notice) in any manner permitted in the Company's
        By-laws for notices to directors of the time and place of any proposed
        meeting of the Board, such notice in all cases to include true and
        complete copies of all documents furnished to any director in connection
        with such meeting. Each such Observer will be entitled to be present in
        person as an observer at any such meeting or, if a meeting is held by
        telephone conference, to participate therein for the purpose of
        listening thereto.

               (iii) The Company will deliver to each Observer copies of all
        papers which may be distributed from time to time to the directors of
        the Company at such time as such papers are so distributed to them,
        including copies of any written consent.

        (d) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred Holders:

               (i) take any action, or enter into or authorize any material
        agreement or material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (ii) agree to acquire the stock or assets of, or otherwise agree
        to any joint venture, licensing arrangement with, any other person.

               (iii) enter into any arrangement which would reasonably be
        expected to result in a Change of Control;



                                       25
<PAGE>   26

               (iv) sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any
        of its material assets or properties, or spinoff or splitoff any
        material assets, properties or Securities except sales of inventory and
        used, obsolete, worn out or unnecessary equipment or fixtures in the
        ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

               (v) sell, transfer, convey, assign, license or otherwise dispose
        of any significant portion of its Intellectual Property Rights;

               (vi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, waive, release or cancel any material claims against
        third parties or material debts owing to it, or any material rights
        which have any material value;

               (vii) make any material changes in its accounting systems,
        policies, principles or practices except in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (viii) enter into, authorize, or permit any transaction with
        Affiliates, or modify in any material respect the employment,
        compensation or other arrangements with the executive officers of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (ix) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
        commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether through the issuance or
        granting of options, warrants or exchangeable Securities, commitments,
        subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any shares of capital
        stock or any other Securities of the Company or any Subsidiary, or amend
        any of the terms of any such capital stock or other Securities;

               (x) split, combine, or reclassify any shares of its capital
        stock, declare, set aside or pay any dividend (other than dividends on
        the Preferred Stock) or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
        property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or
        redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other Securities of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (xi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any borrowings, incur any Indebtedness, or
        assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable (whether directly,
        contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other Person;

               (xii) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any loans, advances or capital contributions
        to, or investments in, any other Person.

        5      Redemption.

        (a) Subject to the Company having funds legally available for such
purpose, the Company, on the Maturity Date, shall have the option of redeeming
all the shares of outstanding Class B1 Preferred Stock for cash as described in
Section 5(d)-(h) below. If the Company does not redeem such shares on



                                       26
<PAGE>   27

the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay full cumulative dividends (including,
without duplication, full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion
of the current dividend period) on the Class B1 Preferred Stock to the Maturity
Date and, immediately thereafter, each share of Class B1 Preferred Stock shall
automatically be converted into one share of Class D Preferred Stock. The per
share redemption price at which shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock are to be
redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(a) of this subsection B1 shall be equal to
the Liquidation Value (the "Redemption Price").

        (b) In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates a
public or private offering for cash of capital stock or other equity interests,
the Company shall be required to apply 50% of the Net Proceeds of such offering
toward the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock), on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the number of shares of
Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred Stock), held by such holder over
the total number of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock) outstanding) from the Holders of Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.

        (c) In addition to the Company's obligations as set forth in Sections
5(a) and (b) of this subsection B, the Company shall have the option to redeem a
minimum of $1 million of Original Cost of Class B1 Preferred Stock and integral
multiples of $100,000 thereafter at the Liquidation Value thereof. Any shares to
be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(c) of this subsection B shall be selected
for redemption at the discretion of, or in a manner approved by, the Board.
Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this Section 5 of this subsection
B, so long as any Preferred B1 Holder remains a Significant Holder, the Company
shall not be permitted to redeem or retire all outstanding shares of Class B1
Preferred Stock, but shall instead allow such Significant Holder to remain the
holder of one (1) share of Class B1 Preferred Stock.

        (d) On and after any date set for redemption (the "Redemption Date")
pursuant to this Section 5 of this subsection B (unless default shall be made by
the Company in the payment of the Redemption Price, in which event such rights
shall be exercisable until such default is cured), all rights in respect of the
shares of the Class B1 Preferred Stock to be redeemed, except the right to
receive the Redemption Price, shall cease and terminate, and such shares shall
no longer be deemed to be outstanding, whether or not the certificates
representing such shares have been received by the Company.

        (e) Any communication or notice relating to redemption given pursuant to
this Section 5 of this subsection B shall be sent by first-class certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Preferred B1 Holders, at their
respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the Company, or to
the Company at the address of its principal, or registered office, as the case
may be.

        (f) At any time on or after the Redemption Date, the Preferred B1
Holders shall be entitled to receive the Redemption Price upon actual delivery
to the Company or its agents of the certificates representing the shares of the
Class B1 Preferred Stock to be redeemed.



                                       27
<PAGE>   28

        (g) Any redemption payments by the Company pursuant to this Section 5 of
this subsection B shall be paid in cash.

        (h) Any shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock which are redeemed or
otherwise acquired by the Company shall be canceled and shall not be reissued,
sold or transferred as Class B1 Preferred Stock and the Board shall reduce the
number of authorized shares of Class B1 Preferred stock by the number of shares
so redeemed or otherwise acquired.

        6      Maturity Default.

        (a) The occurrence of any of the following events of default shall, at
the option of the Requisite Preferred Holders, constitute a Maturity Default:

               (i) the Company fails to comply in any material respect with any
        of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents or the
        Fundamental Documents;

               (ii) a material default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or
        other instrument under which there may be secured or evidenced any
        indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company if the principal amount
        of such indebtedness aggregates $1,000,000 or more; or

               (iii) the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section
        7.2(g)(iv) of the Purchase Agreement.

        (b) A default under clauses (a)(i) or (a)(ii) is not a Maturity Default
until the Company does not cure the default within 30 days of the Company having
Knowledge of such default. When a default is cured, it ceases.

        (c) The Requisite Preferred Holders by notice to the Company may waive
an existing default or Maturity Default and its consequences. When a default or
Maturity Default is waived, it ceases.

        7      Exchange.

        (a) Subject to the requirements of Section 500 of the California
Corporation Law, the Requisite Preferred B1 Holders and the Company may agree at
any time and from time to time following the Exchange Triggering Date to
exchange all or any portion of the shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock
outstanding into the Company's Subordinated Debentures (the "Notes") to be
issued substantially in the form of Exhibit D of the Purchase Agreement in the
amount of $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each $1,000 of Liquidation Value
of Class B1 Preferred Stock; provided, however, that no such exchange may be
consummated unless full cumulative dividends (including, without duplication,
full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion of the current
dividend period) on the Class B1 Preferred Stock to the date of exchange shall
have been paid. Notes shall be issued only in integral multiples of $1,000 at
the time of exchange. If any additional amounts ("Fractional Principal Amounts")
would otherwise be issuable to any holders of Preferred Stock, then the Company
shall, in



                                       28
<PAGE>   29

lieu of issuing a Fractional Principal Amount therefor, pay in full payment of
the Company's obligation with respect to such Fractional Principal Amount, to
each Preferred B1 Holder an amount in cash equal to such Fractional Principal
Amount. Any and all exchange rights set forth in this Section 7 of this
subsection B shall be deemed to be a right of redemption subject to Section 402
of the California Corporation Law. In the event that the Company exercises its
option to exchange any portion of the outstanding shares of Class B1 Preferred
Stock into Notes pursuant to this Section 7 of this subsection B, such shares to
be exchanged shall be selected for exchange at the discretion of, or in a manner
approved by, the Board. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this
Section 7 of this subsection B, so long as any Preferred B1 Holder remains a
Significant Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to exchange all
outstanding shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock, but shall instead allow such
Significant Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class B1 Preferred
Stock.

        (b) Any exchange pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made upon not less
than 30 days' notice prior to the date fixed for exchange (the "Exchange Date").
The notice given shall state that, upon surrender of their certificate or
certificates to the Company, the holders of Class B1 Preferred Stock will
receive Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection B and
that, at the close of business on the Exchange Date, all rights of the holders
with respect to such shares so called for exchange shall cease, except the right
to receive the Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection
B. Except as may be otherwise required by applicable law, the form of the Notes
may only be amended or supplemented before the first Exchange Date which occurs
with the affirmative vote or consent of the Requisite Preferred B1 Holders. On
or after such first Exchange Date, the Notes may only be amended or supplemented
as provided in the Notes. The Company will cause the Notes to be authenticated
on the Exchange Date, and the Company will pay interest on the Notes at the rate
and on the dates specified in the Notes from and after the relevant Exchange
Date.

C1      Class C1 Preferred Stock.

        1 Definitions. As used in this subsection C of this Determination of
Preferred Stock, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. In addition, the
following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

        "Articles of Incorporation" means the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company as amended and restated and in effect at the time in question.

        "By-laws" means the By-laws of the Company, as amended and in effect
from time to time.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Class A Preferred Stock" means the Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class B Preferred Stock" means the Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.



                                       29
<PAGE>   30

        "Class C Preferred Stock" means the Class C Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Common Stock" means, collectively, all of the Common Stock, no par
value, of the Company of any class, and any other class of capital stock of the
Company hereafter authorized that is not limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.

        "Dividend Reference Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section
C.2(c).

        "Exchange Triggering Date" means December 31, 1999.

        "Liquidation" means, subject to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this
subsection C, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Company.

        "Liquidation Value" shall mean Original Cost plus any accrued and unpaid
dividends as determined pursuant to Section 2(c) of this subsection C.

        "Maturity Date" means, with respect to any Class C1 Preferred Stock or
Notes issued in exchange for Class C1 Preferred Stock, the earliest to occur of
(i) a Maturity Default, (ii) a Change of Control or (iii) June 30, 2005.

        "Maturity Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of
this subsection C.

        "Net Proceeds" of any transaction shall mean the gross proceeds of such
transaction net of any commissions or transaction fees and expenses paid by the
Company in connection with such transaction.

        "Original Cost" means, with respect to any share of Class C1 Preferred
Stock, $1,000.

        "Person" shall be construed broadly and shall include without limitation
an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock
company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.

        "Preferred C1 Holders" means holders of Class C1 Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred Shareholder Agreement" shall mean the Preferred Shareholder
Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1999, between the Company and the Holder (as
defined therein).

        "Preferred Stock" means, collectively, the Class A Preferred Stock,
Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock,
Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock,
Class D Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred Stock.



                                       30
<PAGE>   31

        "Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of
August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Investor (as defined therein), as
amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

        "Rate per Annum" means the specified rate per annum computed on the
basis of a 360-day year; provided, that in the event dividends are not paid in
full in cash on any applicable Dividend Reference Date or upon any Redemption
Date, the Rate per Annum for the applicable period shall be increased by 500
basis points (e.g., a 9.0% Rate per Annum would be increased to a 14.0% Rate per
Annum) until such dividends are paid in full in cash.

        "Redemption Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section C.5(a) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred C1 Holders" means the holders of a majority of the
then outstanding shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred Holders" means the holders representing a majority
of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred
Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred
Stock voting together as a group.

        "Transaction Documents" means the Purchase Agreement, the Exhibits and
Schedules attached thereto in their final and executed form, as applicable, and
each of the agreements contemplated thereby.

        "Voting Preferred Stock" means the Voting Preferred Stock of the
Company.

        "Warrant" has the meaning given to such term in the Purchase Agreement.

        2      Dividends.

        (a) The Preferred C1 Holders shall be entitled to receive, out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends on the Liquidation Value at the
Rate per Annum and for the periods set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Rate Per
                       Period                                    Annum
                       ------                                    -----
<S>                                                               <C> 
               Until June 30, 2000.........................       9.0%
               July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001...............      11.0%
               July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002...............      12.0%
               July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003...............      13.0%
               July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004...............      14.0%
               July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005...............      15.0%
</TABLE>



                                       31
<PAGE>   32

(subject to appropriate adjustments in the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, combination or other similar recapitalization affecting such shares) per
share per annum, and no more, payable in preference and priority to any payment
of any cash dividend on Common Stock or any other shares of capital stock of the
Company other than the Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock, Class C
Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1
Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred Stock (which
shall rank on a par with the Class C1 Preferred Stock) or other class or series
of stock ranking on a par with, or senior to the Class C1 Preferred Stock in
respect of dividends (such Common Stock and other inferior stock being
collectively referred to as "Junior Stock"), when and as declared by the Board.

        (b) Such dividends shall accrue with respect to each share of Class C1
Preferred Stock from the date on which such share is issued and outstanding and
thereafter shall be deemed to accrue from day to day whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there exists profits, surplus or other funds legally
available for the payment of dividends, and shall be cumulative so that if such
dividends on the Class C1 Preferred Stock shall not have been paid, or declared
and set apart for payment, the deficiency shall be fully paid or declared and
set apart for payment before any dividend shall be paid or declared or set apart
for any Junior Stock and before any purchase or acquisition of any Junior Stock
is made by the Company, except the repurchase of Junior Stock from employees of
the Company upon termination of employment, except as otherwise approved by the
Requisite Preferred C1 Holders.

        (c) Dividends shall be payable in cash, quarterly in arrears. To the
extent dividends are not paid on each September 30, December 31, March 31 and
June 30, (each a "Dividend Reference Date") all dividends which have accrued on
each share of Class C1 Preferred Stock during the three-month period (or shorter
period in the case of the first or last period) ending on each Dividend
Reference Date will be added to the Liquidation Value of such share and will
remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid in full in cash. Each
dividend paid in cash shall be mailed to the holders of record of the Class C1
Preferred Stock as their names and addresses appear on the share register of the
Company or at the office of the transfer agent on the corresponding dividend
payment date.

        3      Liquidation.

        (a) In the event of any Liquidation of the Company, the Preferred C1
Holders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to its stockholders, after and subject to the payment
in full of all amounts required to be distributed to the holders of Voting
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking on
liquidation prior and in preference to the Class C1 Preferred Stock
(collectively referred to as "Senior Preferred Stock"), but before any payment
shall be made to the holders of Junior Stock by reason of their ownership
thereof, an amount equal to the Liquidation Value per share of Class C1
Preferred Stock. If upon any such Liquidation of the Company the remaining
assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders shall be
insufficient to pay the holders of shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock the full
amount to which they shall be entitled, the holders of shares of Class C1
Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of Class A Preferred Stock, Class B
Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2
Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class D Preferred Stock and any



                                       32
<PAGE>   33

other class or series of stock ranking on liquidation on a parity with the Class
C1 Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining
assets and funds of the Company in proportion to the respective amounts which
would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such
distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid
in full.

        (b) The merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another
corporation which results in the exchange of outstanding shares of the Company
for securities or other consideration issued or paid or caused to be issued or
paid by such other corporation or an affiliate thereof (except if such merger or
consolidation does not result in the transfer of more than 50 percent of the
voting securities of the Company), or the sale of all or substantially all the
assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be a Liquidation of the Company for
purposes of this Section 3 of this subsection C, unless the Requisite Preferred
C1 Holders vote otherwise. The amount deemed distributed to the holders of Class
C1 Preferred Stock upon any such merger or consolidation shall be the cash or
the value of the property, rights and/or securities distributed to such holders
by the acquiring person, firm or other entity. The value of such property,
rights or other securities shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

        4      Voting Rights.

        (a) Except as required by law and pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d) below, the Preferred C1 Holders shall not be entitled to vote.

        (b) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred C1 Holders:

               (i) in any manner authorize, issue or sell any shares of Class C1
        Preferred Stock other than as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement or
        this Determination of Preferred Stock;

               (ii) reclassify, cancel or in any manner alter or change the
        designations, privileges or relative, optional or other special rights,
        or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the Class
        C1 Preferred Stock;

               (iii) amend, repeal or modify any provision of this subsection C
        of this Determination of Preferred Stock; or

               (iv) amend, repeal or modify any provision of the Articles of
        Incorporation or By-laws in a manner that would adversely affect the
        preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred C1 Holders.

        (c)    (i) The Company hereby covenants that the Requisite Preferred C1
        Holders shall have the right to have that number of representatives
        (each such representative, an "Observer") determined as hereinafter
        provided present at all meetings of the Board. Such right shall from
        time to time be exercisable by delivery to the Company of written notice
        from the Requisite Preferred C1 Holders specifying the names of such
        Observers. The number of Observers shall at



                                       33
<PAGE>   34

        all times and from time to time be equal to that number of nominees to
        the Board that the Preferred C1 Holders are then entitled to designate
        less the number of such nominees as are then members of the Board.

               (ii) The Company will give each Observer reasonable prior notice
        (it being agreed that the same prior notice given to the Board shall be
        deemed reasonable prior notice) in any manner permitted in the Company's
        By-laws for notices to directors of the time and place of any proposed
        meeting of the Board, such notice in all cases to include true and
        complete copies of all documents furnished to any director in connection
        with such meeting. Each such Observer will be entitled to be present in
        person as an observer at any such meeting or, if a meeting is held by
        telephone conference, to participate therein for the purpose of
        listening thereto.

               (iii) The Company will deliver to each Observer copies of all
        papers which may be distributed from time to time to the directors of
        the Company at such time as such papers are so distributed to them,
        including copies of any written consent.

        (d) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred Holders:

               (i) take any action, or enter into or authorize any material
        agreement or material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (ii) agree to acquire the stock or assets of, or otherwise agree
        to any joint venture, licensing arrangement with, any other person.

               (iii) enter into any arrangement which would reasonably be
        expected to result in a Change of Control;

               (iv) sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any
        of its material assets or properties, or spinoff or splitoff any
        material assets, properties or Securities except sales of inventory and
        used, obsolete, worn out or unnecessary equipment or fixtures in the
        ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

               (v) sell, transfer, convey, assign, license or otherwise dispose
        of any significant portion of its Intellectual Property Rights;

               (vi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, waive, release or cancel any material claims against
        third parties or material debts owing to it, or any material rights
        which have any material value;

               (vii) make any material changes in its accounting systems,
        policies, principles or practices except in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;



                                       34
<PAGE>   35

               (viii) enter into, authorize, or permit any transaction with
        Affiliates, or modify in any material respect the employment,
        compensation or other arrangements with the executive officers of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (ix) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
        commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether through the issuance or
        granting of options, warrants or exchangeable Securities, commitments,
        subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any shares of capital
        stock or any other Securities of the Company or any Subsidiary, or amend
        any of the terms of any such capital stock or other Securities;

               (x) split, combine, or reclassify any shares of its capital
        stock, declare, set aside or pay any dividend (other than dividends on
        the Preferred Stock) or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
        property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or
        redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other Securities of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (xi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any borrowings, incur any Indebtedness, or
        assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable (whether directly,
        contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other Person;

               (xii) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any loans, advances or capital contributions
        to, or investments in, any other Person.

        5.     Redemption.

        (a) Subject to the Company having funds legally available for such
purpose, the Company, on the Maturity Date shall have the option of redeeming
all the shares of outstanding Class C1 Preferred Stock for cash as described in
Section 5(d)-(h) below. If the Company does not redeem such shares on the
Maturity Date, the Company shall pay full cumulative dividends (including,
without duplication, full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion
of the current dividend period) on the Class C1 Preferred Stock to the Maturity
Date and, immediately thereafter, each share of Class C1 Preferred Stock shall
automatically be converted into one share of Class D Preferred Stock. The per
share redemption price at which shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock are to be
redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(a) of this subsection C1 shall be equal to
the Liquidation Value (the "Redemption Price").

        (b) In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates a
public or private offering for cash of capital stock or other equity interests,
the Company shall be required to apply 50% of the Net Proceeds of such offering
toward the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock), on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the number of shares of
Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred Stock), held by such holder over
the total number of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock) outstanding) from the Holders of Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.



                                       35
<PAGE>   36

        (c) In addition to the Company's obligations as set forth in Sections
5(a) and (b), of this subsection C, the Company shall have the option to redeem
a minimum of $1 million of Original Cost of Class C1 Preferred Stock and
integral multiples of $100,000 thereafter at the Liquidation Value thereof. Any
shares to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(c) of this subsection C shall
be selected for redemption at the discretion of, or in a manner approved by, the
Board. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this Section 5 of this
subsection C, so long as any Preferred C1 Holder remains a Significant Holder,
the Company shall not be permitted to redeem or retire all outstanding shares of
Class C1 Preferred Stock, but shall instead allow such Significant Holder to
remain the holder of one (1) share of Class C1 Preferred Stock.

        (d) On and after any date set for redemption (the "Redemption Date")
pursuant to this Section 5 of this subsection C (unless default shall be made by
the Company in the payment of the Redemption Price, in which event such rights
shall be exercisable until such default is cured), all rights in respect of the
shares of the Class C1 Preferred Stock to be redeemed, except the right to
receive the Redemption Price, shall cease and terminate, and such shares shall
no longer be deemed to be outstanding, whether or not the certificates
representing such shares have been received by the Company.

        (e) Any communication or notice relating to redemption given pursuant
to this Section 5 of this subsection C shall be sent by first-class certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Preferred C1 Holders, at
their respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the Company,
or to the Company at the address of its principal, or registered office, as the
case may be.

        (f) At any time on or after the Redemption Date, the Preferred C1
Holders shall be entitled to receive the Redemption Price upon actual delivery
to the Company or its agents of the certificates representing the shares of the
Class C1 Preferred Stock to be redeemed.

        (g) Any redemption payments by the Company pursuant to this Section 5
of this subsection C shall be paid in cash.

        (h) Any shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock which are redeemed or
otherwise acquired by the Company shall be canceled and shall not be reissued,
sold or transferred as Class C1 Preferred Stock and the Board shall reduce the
number of authorized shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock by the number of shares
so redeemed or otherwise acquired.

        6.     Maturity Default.

        (a) The occurrence of any of the following events of default shall, at
the option of the Requisite Preferred Holders, constitute a Maturity Default:

               (i) the Company fails to comply in any material respect with
        any of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents or the
        Fundamental Documents;



                                       36
<PAGE>   37

               (ii) a material default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or
        other instrument under
        which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money
        borrowed by the Company if the principal amount of such indebtedness
        aggregates $1,000,000 or more; or

               (iii) the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section
        7.2(g)(iv) of the Purchase Agreement.

        (b) A default under clauses (a)(i) or (a)(ii) is not a Maturity Default
until the Company does not cure the default within 30 days of the Company having
Knowledge of such default. When a default is cured, it ceases.

        (c) The Requisite Preferred Holders by notice to the Company may waive
an existing default or Maturity Default and its consequences. When a default or
Maturity Default is waived, it ceases.

        7.     Exchange.

        (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 500 of California Corporation
Law, the Requisite Preferred C1 Holders and the Company may agree at any time
and from time to time following the Exchange Triggering Date to exchange all or
any portion of the shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock outstanding into the
Company's Subordinated Debentures (the "Notes") to be issued substantially in
the form attached to the Purchase Agreement as Exhibit D, in the amount of
$1,000 principal amount of Notes for each $1,000 of Liquidation Value of Class
C1 Preferred Stock; provided, however, that no such exchange may be consummated
unless full cumulative dividends (including, without duplication, full
cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion of the current dividend
period) on the Class C1 Preferred Stock to the date of exchange shall have been
paid. Notes shall be issued only in integral multiples of $1,000 at the time of
exchange. If any additional amounts ("Fractional Principal Amounts") would
otherwise be issuable to any holders of Preferred Stock, then the Company shall,
in lieu of issuing a Fractional Principal Amount therefor, pay in full payment
of the Company's obligation with respect to such Fractional Principal Amount, to
each Preferred C1 Holder an amount in cash equal to the Fractional Principal
Amount. Any and all exchange rights set forth in this Section 7 of this
subsection C shall be deemed to be a right of redemption subject to Section 402
of the California Corporation Law. In the event that the Company exercises its
option to exchange any portion of the outstanding shares of Class C1 Preferred
Stock into Notes pursuant to this Section 7 of this subsection C, such shares to
be exchanged shall be selected for exchange at the discretion of, or in a manner
approved by, the Board. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this
Section 7 of this subsection C, so long as any Preferred C1 Holder remains a
Significant Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to exchange all
outstanding shares of Class C1 Preferred Stock, but shall instead allow such
Significant Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class C1 Preferred
Stock.

        (b) Any exchange pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made upon not less
than 30 days' notice prior to the date fixed for exchange (the "Exchange Date").
The notice given shall state that, upon surrender of their certificate or
certificates to the Company, the holders of Class C1 Preferred Stock will
receive Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection C above
and that, at the close of



                                       37
<PAGE>   38

business on the Exchange Date, all rights of the holders with respect to such
shares so called for exchange shall cease, except the right to receive the Notes
in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection C. Except as may be
otherwise required by applicable law, the form of the Notes may only be amended
or supplemented before the first Exchange Date which occurs with the affirmative
vote or consent of the Requisite Preferred C1 Holders. On or after such first
Exchange Date, the Notes may only be amended or supplemented as provided in the
Notes. The Company will cause the Notes to be authenticated on the Exchange
Date, and the Company will pay interest on the Notes at the rate and on the
dates specified in the Notes from and after the relevant Exchange Date.

D.      Class D Preferred Stock.

        1.     Definitions. As used in this subsection D of this Determination
of Preferred Stock, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. In addition, the
following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

        "Articles of Incorporation" means the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company as amended and restated and in effect at the time in question.

        "By-laws" means the By-laws of the Company, as amended and in effect
from time to time.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Class A Preferred Stock" means the Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class B Preferred Stock" means the Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Class C Preferred Stock" means the Class C Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

        "Common Stock" means, collectively, all of the Common Stock, no par
value, of the Company of any class, and any other class of capital stock of the
Company hereafter authorized that is not limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.

        "Dividend Reference Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section
D.2(c).

        "Exchange Triggering Date" means December 31, 1999.



                                       38
<PAGE>   39

        "Liquidation" means, subject to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this
subsection D, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Company.

        "Liquidation Value" shall mean Original Cost plus any accrued and unpaid
dividends as determined pursuant to Section 2(c) of this subsection D.

        "Maturity Date" means, with respect to any Class D Preferred Stock or
Notes issued in exchange for Class D Preferred Stock, the earliest to occur of
(i) a Maturity Default, (ii) a Change of Control or (iii) June 30, 2005 (the
"Calendar Maturity Date").

        "Maturity Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of
this subsection D.

        "Net Proceeds" of any transaction shall mean the gross proceeds of such
transaction net of any commissions or transaction fees and expenses paid by the
Company in connection with such transaction.

        "Original Cost" means, with respect to any share of Class D Preferred
Stock, $1,000.

        "Person" shall be construed broadly and shall include without limitation
an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock
company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.

        "Preferred D Holders" means holders of Class D Preferred Stock.

        "Preferred Stock" means, collectively, the Class A Preferred Stock,
Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock,
Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock,
Class D Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred Stock.

        "Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Investor (as defined therein), as
amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

        "Rate per Annum" means the specified rate per annum computed on the
basis of a 360-day year; provided, that in the event dividends are not paid in
full in cash on any applicable Dividend Reference Date, the Rate per Annum for
the applicable period shall be increased by 500 basis points (e.g., a 40.0% Rate
per Annum would be increased to a 45% Rate per Annum) until such dividends are
paid in full in cash.

        "Redemption Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section D.5(b) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.

        "Requisite Preferred D Holders" means the holders representing a
majority of the then outstanding shares of Class D Preferred Stock.



                                       39
<PAGE>   40

        "Requisite Preferred Holders" means the holders representing a majority
of the then outstanding shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred
Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and Class D Preferred
Stock voting together as a group.

        "Transaction Documents" means the Purchase Agreement, the Exhibits and
Schedules attached thereto in their final and executed form, as applicable, and
each of the agreements contemplated thereby.

        "Voting Preferred Stock" means the Voting Preferred Stock of the
Company.

        "Warrant" has the meaning given to such term in the Purchase Agreement.

        2.     Dividends.

        (a) The Preferred D Holders shall be entitled to receive, out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends on the Liquidation Value at the
Rate per Annum of 40.0% (subject to appropriate adjustments in the event of any
stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization
affecting such shares) per share per annum, and no more, payable in preference
and priority to any payment of any cash dividend on Common Stock or any other
shares of capital stock of the Company other than the Class A Preferred Stock,
Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred Stock, Class D Preferred Stock, Class
A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock and Class
C1 Preferred Stock (which shall rank on a par with the Class D Preferred Stock)
or other class or series of stock ranking on a par with, or senior to the Class
D Preferred Stock in respect of dividends (such Common Stock and other inferior
stock being collectively referred to as "Junior Stock"), when and as declared by
the Board.

        (b) Such dividends shall accrue with respect to each share of Class D
Preferred Stock from the date on which such share is issued and outstanding and
thereafter shall be deemed to accrue from day to day whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there exists profits, surplus or other funds legally
available for the payment of dividends, and shall be cumulative so that if such
dividends on the Class D Preferred Stock shall not have been paid, or declared
and set apart for payment, the deficiency shall be fully paid or declared and
set apart for payment before any dividend shall be paid or declared or set apart
for any Junior Stock and before any purchase or acquisition of any Junior Stock
is made by the Company, except the repurchase of Junior Stock from employees of
the Company upon termination of employment or as otherwise approved by the
Requisite Preferred D Holders.

        (c) Dividends shall be payable in cash, quarterly in arrears. To the
extent dividends are not paid on each September 30, December 31, March 31 and
June 30, (each a "Dividend Reference Date") all dividends which have accrued on
each share of Class D Preferred Stock during the three-month period (or shorter
period in the case of the first or last period) ending on each Dividend
Reference Date will be added to the Liquidation Value of such share and will
remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid in full in cash. Each
dividend paid in cash shall be mailed to the holders of record of the Class D
Preferred Stock as their names and addresses appear on the share register of the
Company or at the office of the transfer agent on the corresponding dividend
payment date.



                                       40
<PAGE>   41

        3.     Liquidation.

        (a) In the event of any Liquidation of the Company, the Preferred D
Holders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to its stockholders, after and subject to the payment
in full of all amounts required to be distributed to the holders of Voting
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking on
liquidation prior and in preference to the Class D Preferred Stock (collectively
referred to as "Senior Preferred Stock"), but before any payment shall be made
to the holders of Junior Stock by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount
equal to the Liquidation Value per share of Class D Preferred Stock. If upon any
such Liquidation of the Company the remaining assets of the Company available
for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the holders of
shares of Class D Preferred Stock the full amount to which they shall be
entitled, the holders of shares of Class D Preferred Stock and the holders of
shares of Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock, Class C Preferred
Stock, Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred
Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock ranking
on liquidation on a parity with the Class D Preferred Stock shall share ratably
in any distribution of the remaining assets and funds of the Company in
proportion to the respective amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect
of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or
with respect to such shares were paid in full.

        (b) The merger or consolidation of the Company into or with another
corporation which results in the exchange of outstanding shares of the Company
for securities or other consideration issued or paid or caused to be issued or
paid by such other corporation or an affiliate thereof (except if such merger or
consolidation does not result in the transfer of more than 50 percent of the
voting securities of the Company), or the sale of all or substantially all the
assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be a Liquidation of the Company for
purposes of this Section 3 of this subsection D, unless the Requisite Preferred
D Holders vote otherwise. The amount deemed distributed to the holders of Class
D Preferred Stock upon any such merger or consolidation shall be the cash or the
value of the property, rights and/or securities distributed to such holders by
the acquiring person, firm or other entity. The value of such property, rights
or other securities shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

        4.     Voting Rights.

        (a) Except as required by law and pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d) below, the Preferred D Holders shall not be entitled to vote.

        (b) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred D Holders:

               (i) in any manner authorize, issue or sell any shares of Class D
        Preferred Stock other than as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement or
        this Determination of Preferred Stock;



                                       41
<PAGE>   42

               (ii) reclassify, cancel or in any manner alter or change the
        designations, preferences, privileges or relative, optional or other
        special rights, or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
        thereof, of the Class D Preferred Stock;

               (iii) amend, repeal or modify any provision of this subsection D
        of this Determination of Preferred Stock; or

               (iv) amend, repeal or modify any provision of the Articles of
        Incorporation or By-laws in a manner that would adversely affect the
        preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred D Holders.

        (c)    (i) The Company hereby covenants that the Requisite Preferred D
        Holders shall have the right to have that number of representatives
        (each such representative, an "Observer") determined as hereinafter
        provided present at all meetings of the Board. Such right shall from
        time to time be exercisable by delivery to the Company of written notice
        from the Requisite Preferred D Holders specifying the names of such
        Observers. The number of Observers shall at all times and from time to
        time be equal to that number of nominees to the Board that the Preferred
        D Holders are then entitled to designate less the number of such
        nominees as are then members of the Board.

               (ii) The Company will give each Observer reasonable prior notice
        (it being agreed that the same prior notice given to the Board shall be
        deemed reasonable prior notice) in any manner permitted in the Company's
        By-laws for notices to directors of the time and place of any proposed
        meeting of the Board, such notice in all cases to include true and
        complete copies of all documents furnished to any director in connection
        with such meeting. Each such Observer will be entitled to be present in
        person as an observer at any such meeting or, if a meeting is held by
        telephone conference, to participate therein for the purpose of
        listening thereto.

               (iii) The Company will deliver to each Observer copies of all
        papers which may be distributed from time to time to the directors of
        the Company at such time as such papers are so distributed to them,
        including copies of any written consent.

        (d) The Company shall not, without the affirmative consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred Holders:

               (i) take any action, or enter into or authorize any material
        agreement or material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (ii) agree to acquire the stock or assets of, or otherwise agree
        to any joint venture, licensing arrangement with, any other person.

               (iii) enter into any arrangement which would reasonably be
        expected to result in a Change of Control;



                                       42
<PAGE>   43

               (iv) sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of any
        of its material assets or properties, or spinoff or splitoff any
        material assets, properties or Securities except sales of inventory and
        used, obsolete, worn out or unnecessary equipment or fixtures in the
        ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

               (v) sell, transfer, convey, assign, license or otherwise dispose
        of any significant portion of its Intellectual Property Rights;

               (vi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, waive, release or cancel any material claims against
        third parties or material debts owing to it, or any material rights
        which have any material value;

               (vii) make any material changes in its accounting systems,
        policies, principles or practices except in the ordinary course of
        business and consistent with past practice;

               (viii) enter into, authorize, or permit any transaction with
        Affiliates, or modify in any material respect the employment,
        compensation or other arrangements with the executive officers of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (ix) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
        commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether through the issuance or
        granting of options, warrants or exchangeable Securities, commitments,
        subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any shares of capital
        stock or any other Securities of the Company or any Subsidiary, or amend
        any of the terms of any such capital stock or other Securities;

               (x) split, combine, or reclassify any shares of its capital
        stock, declare, set aside or pay any dividend (other than dividends on
        the Preferred Stock) or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
        property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or
        redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other Securities of the
        Company or any Subsidiary;

               (xi) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any borrowings, incur any Indebtedness, or
        assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become liable (whether directly,
        contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other Person;

               (xii) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
        with past practice, make any loans, advances or capital contributions
        to, or investments in, any other Person.

        5.     Redemption.

        (a)    [Intentionally Deleted.]



                                       43
<PAGE>   44

        (b) In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates a
public or private offering for cash of capital stock or other equity interests,
the Company shall be required to apply 50% of the Net Proceeds of such offering
toward the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock), on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the number of shares of
Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred Stock), held by such holder over
the total number of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting Preferred
Stock) outstanding) from the Holders of Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.
The per share redemption price at which shares of Class D Preferred Stock are to
be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(b) of this subsection D shall be equal to
the Liquidation Value (the "Redemption Price").

        (c) In addition to the Company's mandatory redemption obligations as
set forth in Section 5(b) of this subsection D, the Company shall have the
option to redeem a minimum of $1 million of Original Cost of Class D Preferred
Stock and integral multiples of $100,000 thereafter at the Liquidation Value
thereof. Any shares to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5(c) of this
subsection D shall be selected for redemption at the discretion of, or in a
manner approved by, the Board. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of
this Section 5 of this subsection D, so long as any Preferred D Holder remains a
Significant Holder, the Company shall not be permitted to redeem or retire all
outstanding shares of Class D Preferred Stock, but shall instead allow such
Significant Holder to remain the holder of one (1) share of Class D Preferred
Stock.

        (d) On and after any date set for redemption (the "Redemption Date")
pursuant to this Section 5 of this subsection D (unless default shall be made by
the Company in the payment of the Redemption Price, in which event such rights
shall be exercisable until such default is cured), all rights in respect of the
shares of the Class D Preferred Stock to be redeemed, except the right to
receive the Redemption Price, shall cease and terminate, and such shares shall
no longer be deemed to be outstanding, whether or not the certificates
representing such shares have been received by the Company.

        (e) Any communication or notice relating to redemption given pursuant to
this Section 5 of this subsection D shall be sent by first-class certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the Preferred D Holders, at their
respective addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the Company, or to
the Company at the address of its principal, or registered office, as the case
may be.

        (f) At any time on or after the Redemption Date, the Preferred D Holders
shall be entitled to receive the Redemption Price upon actual delivery to the
Company or its agents of the certificates representing the shares of the Class D
Preferred Stock to be redeemed.

        (g) Any redemption payments by the Company pursuant to this Section 5 of
this subsection D shall be paid in cash.

        (h) Any shares of Class D Preferred Stock which are redeemed or
otherwise acquired by the Company shall be canceled and shall not be reissued,
sold or transferred as Class D Preferred Stock and



                                       44
<PAGE>   45

the Board shall reduce the number of authorized shares of Class D Preferred
Stock by the number of shares so redeemed or otherwise acquired.

        6.     Maturity Default.

        (a) The occurrence of any of the following events of default shall, at
the option of the Requisite Preferred Holders, constitute a Maturity Default:

               (i) the Company fails to comply in any material respect with any
        of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents or the
        Fundamental Documents;

               (ii) a material default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or
        other instrument under which there may be secured or evidenced any
        indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company if the principal amount
        of such indebtedness aggregates $1,000,000 or more; or

               (iii) the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section
        7.2(g)(iv) of the Purchase Agreement.

        (b) A default under clauses (a)(i) or (a)(ii) is not a Maturity Default
until the Company does not cure the default within 30 days of the Company having
Knowledge of such default. When a default is cured, it ceases.

        (c) The Requisite Preferred Holders by notice to the Company may waive
an existing default or Maturity Default and its consequences. When a default or
Maturity Default is waived, it ceases.

        7.     Exchange.

        (a) Subject to the requirements of Section 500 of the California
Corporation Law, the Requisite Preferred D Holders and the Company may agree at
any time and from time to time following the Exchange Triggering Date to
exchange all or any portion of the shares of Class D Preferred Stock outstanding
into the Company's Subordinated Debentures (the "Notes") to be issued
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Purchase Agreement in the
amount of $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each $1,000 of Liquidation Value
of Class D Preferred Stock; provided, however, that no such exchange may be
consummated unless full cumulative dividends (including, without duplication,
full cumulative dividends pro rata for the elapsed portion of the current
dividend period) on the Class D Preferred Stock to the date of exchange shall
have been paid. Notes shall be issued only in integral multiples of $1,000 at
the time of exchange. If any additional amounts ("Fractional Principal Amounts")
would otherwise be issuable to any holders of Preferred Stock, then the Company
shall, in lieu of issuing a Fractional Principal Amount therefor, pay in full
payment of the Company's obligation with respect to such Fractional Principal
Amounts, to each Preferred D Holder an amount in cash equal to such Fractional
Principal Amount. Any and all exchange rights set forth in this Section 7 of
this subsection D shall be deemed to be a right of redemption subject to Section
402 of the California Corporation Law. In the event that the Company exercises
its option to exchange any portion



                                       45
<PAGE>   46

of the outstanding shares of Class D Preferred Stock into Notes pursuant to this
Section 7 of this subsection D, such shares to be exchanged shall be selected
for exchange at the discretion of, or in a manner approved by, the Board.
Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this Section 7 of this subsection
D, so long as any Preferred D Holder remains a Significant Holder, the Company
shall not be permitted to exchange all outstanding shares of Class D Preferred
Stock, but shall instead allow such Significant Holder to remain the holder of
one (1) share of Class D Preferred Stock.

        (b) Any exchange pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made upon not less
than 30 days' notice prior to the date fixed for exchange (the "Exchange Date").
The notice given shall state that, upon surrender of their certificate or
certificates to the Company, the holders of Class D Preferred Stock will receive
Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection D above and
that, at the close of business on the Exchange Date, all rights of the holders
with respect to such shares so called for exchange shall cease, except the right
to receive the Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this subsection
D. Except as may be otherwise required by applicable law, the form of the Notes
may only be amended or supplemented before the first Exchange Date which occurs
with the affirmative vote or consent of the Requisite Preferred D Holders. On or
after such first Exchange Date, the Notes may only be amended or supplemented as
provided in the Notes. The Company will cause the Notes to be authenticated on
the Exchange Date, and the Company will pay interest on the Notes at the rate
and on the dates specified in Notes from and after the relevant Exchange Date.



                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Douglas J. Tullio
                                        President



                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Jeffrey J. Dunnigan
                                        Secretary






                                       46
<PAGE>   47



               We further declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the
State of California that the matters set forth in this Certificate are true and
correct of our own knowledge. Executed at Santa Ana, California, on February __,
1999.



                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Douglas J. Tullio
                                        President



                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Jeffrey J. Dunnigan
                                        Secretary












                                       47

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.10



                         PREFERRED SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT

        This Preferred Shareholder Agreement, (the "Agreement"), dated as of
January 22, 1999, is by and between Alpha Microsystems, a California corporation
(the "Company") and the sole holder (the "Holder") of shares of the Company's
issued and outstanding Class A Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred
Stock (the "Class A Preferred Stock") and Class B Cumulative, Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class B Preferred Stock").

        WHEREAS, the Nasdaq Stock Market believes that the Company no longer has
net tangible assets of at least $4,000,000, as required for continued listing on
the Nasdaq National Market;

        WHEREAS, the Company has been informed by its independent accountants
that the mandatory redemption feature of its issued and outstanding Class A
Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock has caused $15,000,000 in
Liquidation Value of such Preferred Stock to be treated as redeemable stock and
thereby classified other than as stockholder's equity pursuant to
interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; thereby causing the
Company's net tangible assets to fall below $4,000,000;

        WHEREAS, the Company and the Holder have agreed to exchange the
outstanding Preferred Stock for shares of the Company's Class A1 Cumulative,
Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class A1 Preferred Stock"),
Class A2 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Class A2
Preferred Stock") and Class B1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred
Stock (the "Class B1 Preferred Stock"), in each case having the rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions set forth in the Certificate of
Determination of Rights and Preferences attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
"Certificate of Determination");

        WHEREAS, the Company's independent accountants have confirmed that the
foregoing exchange will permit $12,500,000 in Liquidation Value of such Class A1
Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock and Class B1 Preferred Stock to be
treated as stockholder's equity, such that the Company's reported net tangible
assets, giving pro forma effect to the Certificate of Determination and the
exchange contemplated hereunder as of November 22, 1998, would be $6,731,000;
and

        WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company, in order to establish
the new series of Preferred Stock and designate the terms thereof, will cause
the Certificate of Determination to be filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of California on or about January 25, 1999;



<PAGE>   2

        WHEREAS, the Company and the Holder desire to effect the exchange
contemplated hereunder as of the date the Certificate of Determination becomes
effective with the Secretary of State of the State of California;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
and obligations hereinafter set forth, the Company and the Holder hereby agree
as follows:

        SECTION 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined
herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Certificate of Determination.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

        "Dividend Reference Date" means each September 30, December 31, March 31
and June 30.

        "Preferred Stock" means preferred stock authorized by the Company.

        "Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as
of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Holder (as defined therein).

        SECTION 2. Exchange of Outstanding Shares. The Holder and the Company
hereby agree to exchange: (i) 8,000 shares of outstanding Class A Preferred
Stock for 2,500 shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock and 5,500 shares of Class A2
Preferred Stock; and (ii) 7,000 shares of outstanding Class B Preferred Stock
for 7,000 shares of Class B1 Preferred Stock.

        SECTION 3. Effectiveness. This Agreement and the exchanges of Preferred
Stock contemplated hereby shall be effective immediately following the
effectiveness of the Certificate of Determination (the "Effective Date").

        SECTION 4. Accrued Dividends. The Holder acknowledges that full
cumulative dividends on the Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock
have been paid through the most recent Dividend Reference Date. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in the Purchase Agreement, full cumulative
dividends on the Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock, pro rata
for the elapsed portion of the current dividend period to the date of exchange,
shall be paid to the Holder on March 31, 1999.

        SECTION 5. Stock Certificates. As of the Effective Date, the Company
will deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates, registered in the
Holder's name or its nominee's name, evidencing the Preferred Stock being
acquired by the Holder hereunder, against receipt by the Company of the
certificates evidencing the Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock
being acquired by the Company hereunder.

        SECTION 6. Cancellation of Shares. The shares of Class A Preferred Stock
and Class B Preferred Stock which are acquired by the Company hereunder shall be
canceled and shall not be



                                       2
<PAGE>   3

reissued, sold or transferred as Class A Preferred Stock or Class B Preferred
Stock, as the case may be, and the Board of Directors of the Company shall
reduce the number of authorized shares of Class A Preferred Stock and Class B
Preferred Stock to zero.

        SECTION 7. Headings. The headings of the various sections of this
Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be
deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

        SECTION 8. Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties that
the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible
under the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which
enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any provision of this Agreement would be
held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any
reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without
invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the
validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so
as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it
shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the
remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

        SECTION 9. Governing Law; Etc. All questions concerning the
construction, interpretation and validity of this Agreement shall be governed by
and construed and enforced in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of
New York, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or
rule (whether in the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would
cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of
New York. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the State of New
York will control the interpretation and construction of this Agreement, even if
under such jurisdiction's choice of law or conflict of law analysis, the
substantive law of some other jurisdiction would ordinarily apply.

        SECTION 10. Counterparts; Validity. This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and telecopied
signatures shall be effective.

        SECTION 11. Entire Agreement; Notice. This Agreement and the other
documents, certificates, instruments, writings and agreements referred to herein
or delivered pursuant hereto contain the entire understanding of the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety any
and all prior agreements and understandings between any of the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto hereby waive any
and all calls and notices of meeting in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.

        SECTION 12. Further Assurances. The parties hereto shall, at any time
and from time to time following the execution of this Agreement, execute and
deliver all such further instruments



                                       3
<PAGE>   4

and take all such further actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate
in order to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the Certificate of
Determination.


                                     * * * *



















                                       4
<PAGE>   5


               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as
of the date first above-written.


                                ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS


                                By: ____________________________________________
                                    Name: Douglas J. Tullio
                                    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer



                                LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, L.P.

                                By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, L.P.,
                                    its General Partner


                                By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS, INC.,
                                    Its General Partner



                                By: ____________________________________________
                                    Name: Benjamin P. Giess
                                    Title: Authorized Signatory




<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.42



                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS

                               MANAGEMENT DEFERRED

                                COMPENSATION PLAN


<PAGE>   2



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>     <C>                                                                               <C>
ARTICLE 1 - TITLE AND DEFINITIONS                                                          1

        1.1    Title                                                                       1
        1.2    Definitions                                                                 1
               A.     Account or Accounts                                                  1
               B.     Base Salary                                                          1
               C.     Beneficiary or Beneficiaries                                         1
               D.     Board of Directors or Board                                          2
               E.     Bonuses                                                              2
               F.     Code                                                                 2
               G.     Committee                                                            3
               H.     Corporation                                                          3
               1.     Corporation's Residual Trust Interests                               3
               J.     Compensation                                                         3
               K.     Deferral Account                                                     3
               L.     Discretionary Corporation Contributions                              3
               M.     Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account                      3
               14.    Distributable Amount                                                 3
               O.     Early Distribution                                                   3
               P.     Effective Date                                                       3
               Q.     Eligible Employee                                                    4
               R.     Fund or Funds                                                        4
               S.     Initial Election Period                                              4
               T.     Interest Rate                                                        4
               U.     Net Policy Benefit                                                   4
               V.     Participant                                                          4
               W.     Payment Date                                                         4
               X.     Plan                                                                 4
               Y.     Plan Year                                                            4
               Z.     Policy                                                               4
               AA.    Scheduled Withdrawal Date                                            4
               BB.    Trust                                                                5
               CC.    Trustee                                                              5

ARTICLE 2 - PARTICIPATION                                                                  5

ARTICLE 3 - DEFERRAL ELECTIONS                                                             5

        3.1    Elections to Defer Compensation                                             5
               A.     Initial Election Period                                              5
</TABLE>



                                      -i-
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<S>     <C>                                                                               <C>
               B.     General Rule                                                         5
               C.     Duration of Compensation Deferral Election                           6
               D.     Elections other than Elections during the Initial Election Period    6
        3.2    Investment Elections                                                        6

ARTICLE 4 - DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS AND TRUST FUNDING                                            7

        4.1    Deferral Accounts                                                           7
        4.2    Discretionary Corporation Contribution Account                              8
        4.3    Trust Funding                                                               9

ARTICLE 5 - VESTING                                                                        9

ARTICLE 6 - CONTRIBUTION AND DISTRIBUTIONS                                                10

        6.1    Contribution                                                               10
        6.2    Distribution of Deferred Compensation.                                     10
               A.     Distribution Without Scheduled Withdrawal Date                      10
               B.     Distribution with Scheduled Withdrawal Date                         11
3.      Hardship Withdrawals                                                              11
               D.     Death Benefit                                                       12
               E.     Death After Benefit Commencement                                    12
        6.3    Early Distributions                                                        13
        6.4    Inability to Locate Participant                                            13
        6.5    Payment of Policy Premiums                                                 13

ARTICLE 7 - ADMINISTRATION                                                                13

        7.1    Committee                                                                  13
        7.2    Committee Action                                                           13
        7.3    Powers and Duties of the Committee                                         14
        7.4    Construction and Interpretation                                            15
        7.5    Information                                                                15
        7.6    Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity                                       15
        7.7    Quarterly Statements                                                       15
        7.8    Disputes                                                                   16
               A.     Claim                                                               16
               B.     Claim Decision                                                      16
               C.     Request for Review                                                  16
               D.     Review of Decision                                                  16

ARTICLE 8 - MISCELLANEOUS                                                                 17
</TABLE>



                                      -ii-
<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<S>     <C>                                                                               <C>
        8.1    Unsecured General Creditor                                                 17
        8.2    Restriction Against Assignment                                             17
        8.3    Withholding                                                                17
        8.4    Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination                         17
        8.5    Governing Law                                                              18
        8.6    Receipt or Release                                                         18
        8.7    Payment on Behalf of Persons Under Incapacity                              18
        8.8    Limitation of Rights and Employment Relationship                           18
        8.9    Headings                                                                   18
</TABLE>















                                     -iii-
<PAGE>   5


EXHIBIT 1 - ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS DEFERRED COMPENSATION TRUST                    20

EXHIBIT 2 - INVESTMENT FUNDS                                                  21








                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS

                           DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

        WHEREAS, ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS, a California corporation ("Corporation"),
desires to establish a Deferred Compensation Plan ("Plan") to provide
supplemental retirement income benefits for a select group of management on
highly compensated employees through deferrals of salary and bonuses effective
as of November 1, 1998;

        NOW, THEREFORE, effective as of November 1, 1998, the Plan is hereby
adopted to read as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1
<PAGE>   6


                              TITLE AND DEFINITIONS

        1.1 Title. This Plan shall be known as the ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN ("Plan").

        1.2 Definitions. Whenever the following words and phrases are used in
this Plan, with the first letter capitalized, they shall have the meanings
specified below.

               A. Account or Accounts. Shall mean a Participant's Deferral
Account and Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account.

               B. Base Salary. Shall mean a Participant's annual base salary,
excluding bonus, incentive and all other remuneration for services rendered to
Corporation and prior to reduction for any salary contributions to a plan
established pursuant to Section 125 of the Code or qualified pursuant to Section
401(k) of the Code.

               C. Beneficiary or Beneficiaries. Shall mean the person or
persons, including a trustee, personal representative or other fiduciary, last
designated in writing by a Participant in accordance with procedures established
by the Committee to receive the benefits specified hereunder in the event of the
Participant's death (other than the death benefits described in Article 6.2(D)
unless such person is also designated as a beneficiary under the Policy
described therein). No beneficiary shall become effective until it is filed with
the Committee. Any designation shall be revocable at any time through a written
instrument filed by the Participant with the Committee with or without the
consent of the previous Beneficiary. If there is no Beneficiary designation in
effect, then the person designated to receive the death benefit specified in
Article 6.2(D) shall be the Beneficiary. However, no designation of a
Beneficiary other than the Participant's spouse shall be valid unless consented
to in writing by Participant's spouse. If there is no such designation or if
there is no surviving designated Beneficiary, then the Participant's surviving
spouse shall be the Beneficiary. If there is no surviving spouse to receive any
benefits payable in accordance with the preceding sentence, the duly appointed
and currently acting personal representative of the Participant's estate (which
shall include either the Participant's probate estate or living trust) shall be
the Beneficiary. In any case where there is no such personal representative of
the Participant's estate duly appointed and acting in that capacity within
ninety (90) days after the Participant's death (or such extended period as the
Committee determines is reasonably necessary to allow such personal
representative to be appointed, but not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days
after the Participant's death), then Beneficiary shall mean the person or
persons who can verify by affidavit or court order to the satisfaction of the
Committee that they are legally entitled to receive the benefits specified
hereunder. In the event any amount is payable under the Plan to a minor, payment
shall not be made to the minor, but instead be paid (i) to that person's living
parent(s) to act as custodian, (ii) if that person's parents are then divorced,
and



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   7

one parent is the sole custodial parent, to such custodial parent, or (iii) if
no parent of that person is then living, to a custodian selected by the
Committee to hold the funds for the minor under the Uniform Transfers or Gifts
to Minors Act in effect in the jurisdiction in which the minor resides. If no
parent is living and the Committee decides not to select another custodian to
hold the funds for the minor, then payment shall be made to the duly appointed
and currently acting guardian of the estate for the minor or, if no guardian of
the estate for the minor is duly appointed and currently acting within sixty
(60) days after the date the amount becomes payable, payment shall be deposited
with the court having jurisdiction over the estate of the minor. Payment by the
Corporation pursuant to any unrevoked Beneficiary designation, or to the
Participant's estate if no such designation exists, of all benefits owed
hereunder shall terminate any and all liability of Corporation.

               D. Board of Directors or Board. Shall mean the Board of Directors
of ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS, a California corporation.

               E. Bonuses. Shall mean such additional amounts of income as
Corporation may determine to pay to an employee, as determined in the sole and
absolute discretion of the Corporation. Bonuses shall be deemed earned at such
time as Corporation communicates its determination of bonuses to the affected
eligible employee.

               F. Code. Shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

               G. Committee. Shall mean the Committee appointed by the Board to
administer the Plan in accordance with Article 7.

               H. Corporation. Shall mean ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS, a California
corporation, and any successor corporations. Corporation shall include each
corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations (within the
meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code) of which is a component member, if the
Board provides that such corporation shall participate in the Plan.

               I. Corporation's Residual Trust Interest. Shall mean the
accumulated cash surrender value of the Policy obtained pursuant to this Plan.

               J. Compensation. Shall mean solely Base Salary and/or Bonuses
that the Participant is entitled to receive for services rendered to the
Corporation.

               K. Deferral Account. Shall mean the bookkeeping account
maintained by the Committee for each Participant that is credited with amounts
equal to (i) the portion of the Participant's Compensation that Participant
elects to defer; and (ii) interest pursuant to Article 4.1.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   8

               L. Discretionary Corporation Contributions. Shall mean
contributions made by Corporation, in its discretion, to Trust on behalf of an
Eligible Employee apart from and in addition to elective deferral contributions
by Eligible Employee in accordance with this Plan.

               M. Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account. Shall mean
the bookkeeping account maintained by the Committee for each Participant that is
credited with amounts equal to Discretionary Corporation Contributions, if any,
and interest pursuant to Article 4.2.

               N. Distributable Amount. Shall mean the balance in the
Participant's Deferral Account and the vested balance in the Participant's
Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account.

               O. Early Distribution. Shall mean an election by a Participant in
accordance with Article 6.2, to receive a withdrawal of vested amounts from
Participant's Deferral Account and Discretionary Corporation Contributions
Account prior to the time in which such Participant would otherwise be entitled
to such amounts.

               P. Effective Date. Shall mean November 1, 1998.

               Q. Eligible Employee. Shall mean such management or highly
compensated employees as are designated by the Corporation for participation in
this Plan.

               R. Fund or Funds. Shall mean one or more of the investment funds
selected by the Committee pursuant to Article 3.2(B).

               S. Initial Election Period. The Initial Election Period for an
Eligible Employee shall mean the thirty (30) day period ending on November 1,
1998; or the thirty (30) day period following the time an employee shall be
designated by the Corporation as an Eligible Employee.

               T. Interest Rate. Shall mean, for each Fund, an amount equal to
the net rate of gain or loss on the assets of such Fund during each month.

               U. Net Policy Benefit. Shall mean the Death Benefit or the face
value of the Policy reduced by Corporation's Residual Trust Interest.

               V. Participant. Shall mean any Eligible Employee who becomes a
Participant in accordance with Article 2.1.

               W. Payment Date. Shall mean the time as soon as practicable after
the earlier of (i) the first day of the month following the end of the calendar
quarter in which the Participant's employment terminates for any reason, or (ii)
the Scheduled Withdrawal Date.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   9

               X. Plan. Shall mean this ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS MANAGEMENT DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN as set forth herein, now in effect, or as amended from time to
time ("Plan").

               Y. Plan Year. Shall mean the twelve (12) consecutive month period
beginning on each January 1 and ending on December 31, except for the Short Plan
Year for implementation of this Plan which shall be from November 1, 1998 to
December 31, 1998.

               Z. Policy. Shall mean an insurance policy purchased in accordance
with the terms of this Plan ("Policy").

               AA. Scheduled Withdrawal Date. Shall mean the distribution date
elected by the Participant for an in-service withdrawal of all amounts of
Compensation deferred in a given Plan Year, and earnings and losses attributable
thereto, as set forth on the election form for such Plan Year.

               BB. Trust. Shall mean the ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS DEFERRED
COMPENSATION Trust, effective November 1, 1998 ("Trust"), attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit "1".

               CC. Trustee. Shall mean the Trustee under the Trust.

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                  PARTICIPATION

        An Eligible Employee shall be specifically selected for participation by
the Committee. An Eligible Employee shall become a Participant in the Plan by
(i) electing to defer a portion of Eligible Employee's Compensation in
accordance with Article 3.1, (ii) filing a life insurance application form along
with Eligible Employee's deferral election form, and (iii) complying with such
medical underwriting requirements as determined by the life insurance carrier
selected by the Corporation. An Eligible Employee who completes the requirements
of the preceding sentence shall commence participation in this Plan as of the
first day of the month in which Compensation is deferred. In the event it is
determined by the Committee, that the proposed life insurance policy cannot be
obtained in a cost efficient manner after medical underwriting requirements have
been met, the Participant shall not be eligible to receive death benefits in
accordance with Article 6.2(D), of this Plan. Notwithstanding any provision to
the contrary, if it is determined or reasonably believed, based on a judicial or
administrative determination or an opinion of Corporation's legal counsel that a
Plan Participant is not a management or highly compensated employee, such
individual shall cease to be a Participant and Participant's Distributable
Amount shall be paid to Participant in a lump sum as soon as practicable after
the determination is made that Participant is not a management or highly
compensation employee.

                                    ARTICLE 3


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   10

                               DEFERRAL ELECTIONS

        3.1    Elections to Defer Compensation.

               A. Initial Election Period. Subject to the provisions of Article
2, each Eligible Employee may elect to defer Base Salary and/or Bonuses by
filing with the Committee an election that conforms to the requirements of this
Article 3.1, on a form provided by the Committee, no later than the last day of
Eligible Employee's Initial Election Period, as defined in Article 1.2(S) of
this Plan

               B. General Rule. The amount of Compensation which an Eligible
Employee may elect to defer is such Compensation earned on or after the time at
which the Eligible Employee elects to defer in accordance with Articles 1.2(S)
and 3.1(A) and shall be a flat dollar amount or percentage which shall not
exceed FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the Eligible Employee's Base Salary, ONE HUNDRED
PERCENT (100%) of Bonuses, annual or otherwise; provided, that the total amount
deferred by a Participant shall be limited in any calendar year, if necessary,
to satisfy Social Security tax (including Medicare), income tax and employee
benefit plan withholding requirements as determined in the sole and absolute
discretion of the Committee. The minimum contribution which may be made in any
Plan Year by an Eligible Employee shall not be less than FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
($5,000), provided, such minimum contribution can be satisfied from any
combination of either Base Salary, or Bonus.

               C. Duration of Compensation Deferral Election. Subject to Article
1.2(S), an Eligible Employee's initial election of Deferrals must be filed
within the thirty (30) day period following the time an employee shall be
designated by the Corporation as an Eligible Employee. Such election shall be
for the remainder of the Plan Year, in the event the Plan Year has commenced. A
Participant may not suspend Participant's election during the Plan Year. A
Participant may increase, decrease or terminate a deferral election with respect
to Deferrals for any subsequent Plan Year by filing a new election on or before
December 15th which election shall be effective on the first day of the next
following Plan Year.

               D. Elections other than Elections during the Initial Election
Period. Subject to the limitations of Article 3.1(B) above, any Eligible
Employee who fails to elect to defer Compensation during Eligible Employee's
Initial Election Period may subsequently become a Participant, and any Eligible
Employee who has terminated a prior Deferral election may elect to again defer
Compensation, by filing an election, on a form provided by the Committee, to
defer Compensation as described in Articles 3.1(B) and 3.1(C) above. An election
to defer Compensation must be filed on or before December 15th and will be
effective from Compensation earned during pay periods beginning on or after the
following January 1st in a timely manner in accordance with Article 3.1(C).

        3.2    Investment Elections.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   11

               A. At the time of making the deferral elections described in
Article 3.1, the Participant shall designate, on a form provided by the
Committee, the types of investment funds the Participant's Account will be
deemed to be invested in for purposes of determining the amount of earnings to
be credited to that Account.

               1. Initial investment funds available for designation are
included as Exhibit "2" to this Plan.

               2. In making the designation pursuant to this Article 3.2, the
Participant may specify that all or any multiple of Participant's Deferral
Account and Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account (in whole percentage
increments) be deemed to be invested in one or more of the types of investment
funds provided under the Plan as communicated from time to time by the
Committee. Effective as of the end of any calendar month, a Participant may
change the designation made under this Article 3.2 by filing an election, on a
form provided by the Committee, at least five (5) days prior to the end of such
month. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 3.2(A),
Participant may make a separate investment election with respect to Compensation
indicated to Participant's Deferral Account for each and every Plan Year.

               3. If a Participant fails to elect a type of fund under this
Article 3.2, Participant shall be deemed to have elected the Money Market type
of investment fund.

               B. Although the Participant may designate the type of
investments, the Committee shall not be bound by such designation. The Committee
shall select from time to time, in the Committee's sole discretion, commercially
available investments of each of the types communicated by the Committee to the
Participant pursuant to Article 3.2(A) above to be the Funds. The Interest Rate
of each such commercially available investment fund shall be used to determine
the amount of earnings or losses to be credited to Participant's Account under
Article 4.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                       DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS AND TRUST FUNDING

        4.1 Deferral Accounts. The Committee shall establish and maintain a
Deferral Account for each Participant under the Plan. Each Participant's
Deferral Account shall be further divided into separate subaccounts ("investment
fund subaccounts"), each of which corresponds to an investment fund elected by
the Participant pursuant to Article 3.2(A). A Participant's Deferral Account
shall be credited as follows:

               A. As of the fifth business day following each payroll date, the
Committee shall credit the investment fund subaccounts of the Participants
Deferral Account with an amount equal to Compensation deferred by the
Participant during each pay period ending in that month in accordance with the
Participant's election under Article 3.2(A); that is, the portion of the
Participant's deferred Compensation that the Participant has elected to be
deemed to be invested



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   12

in a certain type of investment fund shall be credited to the investment fund
subaccount corresponding to that investment fund;

               B. As of the last day of each month, each investment fund
subaccount of a Participant's Deferral Account shall be adjusted with earnings
or losses in an amount equal to that determined by multiplying the balance
credited to such investment fund subaccount as of the last day of the preceding
month plus Compensation deferred during the current month commencing on the date
such deferred Compensation is credited to the investment fund subaccount by the
Interest Rate for the corresponding fund selected by the Corporation pursuant to
Article 3.2(B).

               C. As of the last day of each month, each investment fund
subsequent of a Participant's Deferral Account shall be charged reasonable
expenses and fees in connection with the administration of this Plan. Such
expenses and fees may include, but shall not be limited to: monthly
administration fee, monthly cost of insurance, a charge on each month's
deferrals not to exceed five percent (5%), and applicable policy surrender
charges. Such expenses and fees may be subject to charge fees time to time by
the Committee, and shall be disclosed to Participants on the election form
provided by the Committee to Participants, pursuant to Article 3.1(D) of this
Plan.

               D. In the event that a Participant elects for a given Plan Year's
deferral of Compensation to have a Scheduled Withdrawal Date, all amounts
attributed to the deferral of Compensation for such Plan Year shall be accounted
for in a manner which allows separate accounting for the deferral of
Compensation and investment gains and losses associated with such Plan Year's
deferral of Compensation.

        4.2 Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account. The Committee shall
establish and maintain a Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account for
each Participant under the Plan. Each Participant's Discretionary Corporation
Contributions Account shall be further divided into separate subaccounts
("investment fund subaccount"), each of which correspond to the investment fund
elected by the Participant pursuant to Article 3.2(a). A Participant's
Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account shall be credited as follows:

               A. As of the fifth business day following the payroll date during
each Plan Year, the Committee shall credit the investment fund subaccounts of
the Participant's Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account with an amount
equal to the Discretionary Corporation Contributions, if any, applicable to that
Participant, that is, the proportion of the Participant's Discretionary
Corporation Contributions, if any, which the Participant elected to be deemed to
be invested in a certain type of investment fund shall be credited to the
corresponding investment fund subaccount; and

               B. As of the last day of each month, each investment fund
subaccount of a Participant's Discretionary Corporation Contributions Account
shall be adjusted with earnings or losses in an amount equal to that determined
by multiplying the balance credited to such



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   13

investment fund subaccount as of the last day of the preceding month plus
Discretionary Corporation Contributions during the current month commencing on
the date such contributions are credited to the investment fund subaccount, by
the Interest Rate for the corresponding fund selected by the Corporation
pursuant to Article 3.2(a).

               C. In the event that a Participant elects for a given Plan Year's
Discretionary Corporation Contributions to have a Scheduled Withdrawal Date, all
amounts attributed to the Discretionary Corporation Contributions for such Plan
Year shall be accounted for in a manner which allows separate accounting for the
Discretionary Corporation Contributions and investment gains and losses
associated with such Plan Year's Discretionary Corporation Contributions.

        4.3 Trust Funding. The Corporation has created a Trust with FIRST
AMERICAN TRUST COMPANY serving as initial trustee. The Corporation shall cause
the Trust to be funded each year pursuant to Article 2 of the Trust Agreement.
The Corporation shall contribute to the Trust an amount equal to the amount
deferred by each Participant for the Plan Year. The Corporation may also
contribute such additional amounts as it shall deem necessary or appropriate.

               Although the principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon
shall be held separate and apart from other funds of Corporation and shall be
used exclusively for the uses and purposes of Plan Participants and
Beneficiaries as set forth therein, neither the Participants nor Participants
Beneficiaries shall have any preferred claim on, or any beneficial ownership in,
any assets of the Trust prior to the time such assets are paid to the
Participants or Beneficiaries as benefits; and all rights created under this
Plan shall be unsecured contractual rights of Plan Participants and
Beneficiaries against the Corporation. Any assets held in the Trust will be
subject to the claims of Corporation's general creditors under federal and state
law in the event of insolvency as defined in Article 5 of the Trust.

                                    ARTICLE 5
                                     VESTING

               A Participant's Deferral Account shall be ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
(100%) vested at all times. Provided, however, Discretionary Corporation
Contributions pursuant to Article 6.1 below may be subject to a different
vesting schedule (as put forth by the Committee) than elective Deferrals.

                                    ARTICLE 6
                  CONTRIBUTIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TERMINATION

        6.1 Contributions. Minimum elective deferral contributions and
Discretionary Corporation Contributions under this Plan shall be made in
accordance with Article 3 of the Trust Agreement.



                                      -9-
<PAGE>   14

        6.2  Distribution of Deferred Compensation and Discretionary Corporation
             Contributions.

               A. Distribution Without Scheduled Withdrawal Date. In the case of
a Participant who terminates employment with Corporation and has an Account
balance of more than FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000), the Distributable Amount
shall be paid to the Participant (and after Participant's death to Participant's
Beneficiary) as elected by the Participant on the form provided by the Committee
during Participant's Initial Election Period. The normal of distribution shall
be a lump sum. The Participant may elect to receive his or her distribution in
substantially equal quarterly installments over five (5) years, payable pursuant
to terms elected on the form.

               1. A Participant may modify the optional form of benefit that
Participant has previously elected, provided such modification occurs at least
one (1) year before the Participant terminates employment with Corporation.

               2. The election to receive payment of deferrals at termination of
employment is irrevocable.

               3. In the event a Participant fails to elect an optional form of
benefit during Participant's Initial Election Period, the Participant's
Distributable Amount will be distributed in a lump sum beginning on
Participant's Payment Date.

               4. In the case of a Participant who terminates employment with
Corporation and has an Account balance of FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000) or
less, the Distributable Amount shall be paid to the Participant (and after
Participant's death to Participant's Beneficiary) in a lump sum distribution on
the Participant's Payment Date.

               5. The Participant's Account shall continue to be credited with
earnings pursuant to Article 4.1 of this Plan until all amounts credited to
Participant's Account under the Plan have been distributed.

               B. Distribution with Scheduled Withdrawal Date. In the case of a
Participant who has elected a Scheduled Withdrawal Date for a distribution while
still employed by Corporation, such Participant shall receive Participant's
Distributable Amount, but only with respect to those deferrals of Compensation
vested Discretionary Corporation Contributions and earnings on such deferrals of
Compensation and vested Discretionary Corporation Contributions as shall have
been elected by the Participant to be subject to the Scheduled Withdrawal Date
as defined in Article 1.2(AA) of this Plan. The distribution shall be a lump sum
payment. If the distribution is more that FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000), the
Participant may elect to receive the distribution in equal annual installments
over a two (2), three (3), four (4) or five (5) year period.



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   15

               1. A Participant's Scheduled Withdrawal Date with respect to
amounts of Compensation and vested Discretionary Corporation Contributions
deferred in a given Plan Year can be no earlier than two (2) years from the last
day of the Plan Year for which the deferrals of Compensation are made.

               2. A Participant may extend the scheduled Withdrawal Date for the
deferral of Compensation and vested Discretionary Corporation Contributions for
any Plan Year, provided such extension occurs at least one (1) year before the
Scheduled Withdrawal Date and is for a period of not less than two (2) years
from the Scheduled Withdrawal Date.

               3. The Participant shall have the right to twice modify any
Scheduled Withdrawal Date, provided the second such modification shall only be
effective with the consent of Corporation.

               4. In the event a Participant terminates employment with
Corporation prior to a Scheduled Withdrawal Date, other than by reason of death,
the portion of the Participant's Account associated with Scheduled Withdrawal
Dates which have not occurred prior to such termination shall be distributed in
a lump sum.

               C. Hardship Withdrawals. Hardship withdrawals may be permitted
without penalty, subject to approval by the Committee. The following reasons
will be considered as hardships:

               1. Participant or dependants illness or accident,

               2. Casualty loss of Participant's property, and

               3. Other similar circumstances existing out of events beyond the
control of Participant.

               D. Death Benefit. In the case of a Participant who dies while
employed by the Corporation, the following benefits shall be provided:

                      1. That portion of the death benefit of any life insurance
policy purchased to insure the life of the Participant and which is subject to
the particular "Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement" of Participant with the
Trust under this Plan, which is the Net Benefit, equal to the Death Benefit in
the face value of such Policy reduced by Corporation's Residual Trust Interest
as defined at Article 1.2(I) of this Plan, shall be distributed directly to
Participant's Beneficiary as designated in the Policy. Such distributions shall
be considered as proceeds from Participant's life insurance Policy for tax
purposes. Any such Policy shall be subject to certain conditions set forth in
the particular "Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement" between a specific Plan
Participant and Trustee, pursuant to which the Participant may designate a
beneficiary with respect to the portion of the Policy proceeds described in this
Article 6.2(D) in the event the Participant dies prior to terminating employment
with the Corporation. The Participant shall have the right to designate and
change such beneficiary (which need not be Participant's Beneficiary)



                                      -11-
<PAGE>   16

at any time on a form provided by and filed with the insurance company. If no
such form is on file with the insurance company, the insurance proceeds
designated in this paragraph (1) shall be paid to the Beneficiary. The benefit
playable pursuant to this paragraph (1) shall only be paid if the insurance
company agrees that the Participant is insurable and shall be subject to all
conditions and exceptions set forth in the applicable insurance policy.
Notwithstanding the provision of this Plan or any other document to the
contrary, the Corporation shall not have any obligation to pay the Participant
or Participant's beneficiary any amounts described in this Article 6.2(D). Any
amounts due pursuant to this Article 6.2(D) shall be payable solely from the
proceeds of the Policy, if any, remitted to the Trustee pursuant to the Trust
and the particular "Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement" of Participant with
the Trust. Furthermore, the Corporation is not obligated to maintain the Policy;
no death benefit shall be payable hereunder if the Policy has been discontinued
for any reason for the Participant. In addition, no Policy shall be allocated to
any Account.

                      2. The Account balance of Participant shall be distributed
to Participant's Beneficiary as designated in the Plan, by Corporation or
through Trust, at the sole discretion of Corporation, in a lump sum
distribution. Participant's Beneficiary designated under the Policy may be
different from Participant's Beneficiary designated under this Plan. Such
Account balance distributions shall be considered Deferred Compensation payments
to Participant for tax purposes.

               E. Death After Benefit Commencement. In the event a Participant
dies after Participant has retired from the employ of the Corporation and still
has a balance in Participant's Account, the balance shall continue to be paid
for the remainder of the period as elected by the Participant.

        6.3 Early Distributions. A Participant may be permitted to elect an
Early Distribution from Participant's Deferral Account prior to the Payment
Date, subject to approval by the Committee. Provided, however such Early
Distribution shall be subject to a ten percent (10%) forfeiture of the gross
amount of the distribution. The distribution will be in the form of a single
lump sum payment. If a Participant receives an Early Distribution of all or part
of his or her Deferral Account and vested Discretionary Corporation
Contributions Account, the Participant will be ineligible to participate in the
Plan for the balance of the Plan Year and for the following Plan Year.

        6.4 Inability to Locate Participant. In the event that the Committee is
unable to locate a Participant or Beneficiary with two (2) years following the
required Payment Date, the amount allocated to the Participant's Deferral
Account, shall be forfeited. If, after such forfeiture, the Participant or
Beneficiary later claims such benefit, such benefit shall be reinstated without
interest or earnings.



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   17

        6.5 Payment of Policy Premiums. Premiums on a Policy of Participant
shall be paid pursuant to the Trust and the particular "Split-Dollar Life
Insurance Agreement" of Participant with the Trust.

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                 ADMINISTRATION

        7.1 Committee. A committee shall be appointed by, and serve at the
pleasure of, the Board of Directors. The number of members comprising the
Committee shall be determined by the Board which may from time to time vary the
number of members. A member of the Committee may resign by delivering a written
notice of resignation to the Board. The Board may remove any member by
delivering a certified copy of the Board's resolution of removal to such member.
Vacancies in the membership of the Committee shall be filed promptly by the
Board.

        7.2 Committee Action. The Committee shall act at meetings by affirmative
vote of a majority of the members of the Committee. Any action permitted to be
taken at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if, prior to such action, a
written consent to the action is signed by all members of the Committee and such
written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Committee. A
member of the Committee shall not vote or act upon any matter which relates
solely to said member as a Participant. The Chairman or any other member or
members of the Committee designated by the Chairman may execute any certificate
or other written direction on behalf of the Committee.

        7.3    Powers and Duties of the Committee.

               A. The Committee, on behalf of the Participants and Participants'
Beneficiaries, shall enforce the Plan in accordance with the Plans terms, shall
be charged with the general administration of the Plan, and shall have all
powers necessary to accomplish the Plan's purposes, including, but not by way of
limitation, the following:

                      1. To select the Funds in accordance with Article 3.2(B)
hereof;

                      2. To construe and interpret the terms and provisions of
this Plan;

                      3. To compute and certify to the amount and kind of
benefits payable to Participants and Participants' Beneficiaries;

                      4. To maintain all records that may be necessary for the
administration of the Plan;



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   18

                      5. To provide for the disclosure of all information and
the filing or provision of all reports and statements to Participants,
Beneficiaries or governmental agencies as shall be required by law;

                      6. To make and publish such rules for the regulation of
the Plan and procedures for the administration of the Plan as are not
inconsistent with the terms hereof;

                      7. To appoint a plan administrator or any other agent, and
to delegate to plan administrator such powers and duties in connection with the
administration of the Plan as the Committee may form time to time prescribe;

                      8. To take all actions necessary for the administration of
the Plan, including determining whether to hold or discontinue the Policies; and

                      9. If a Policy is discontinued or a Participant has
terminated employment with the Corporation for a reason other than death, (i) to
notify the insurance company that no death benefits are payable to the
beneficiaries of the applicable Participant under the Policy (and that neither
the Participant nor Participant's beneficiary has any rights under the Policy or
to any benefits under the Policy) and (ii) to file an new beneficiary
designation with the insurance company naming the Corporation as beneficiary or
to cash in the Policy.

        7.4 Construction and Interpretation. The Committee shall have full
discretion to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan,
which interpretations or construction shall be final and binding on all parties,
including but not limited to the Corporation and any Participant or Beneficiary.
The Committee shall administer such terms and provisions in a uniform and
nondiscriminatory manner and in full accordance with any and all laws applicable
to the Plan.

        7.5 Information. To enable the Committee to perform the Committee's
functions, the Corporation shall supply full and timely information to the
Committee on all matters relating to the Compensation of all Participants, the
Participant's death or other events which cause termination of Participant's
participation in this Plan, and such other pertinent facts as the Committee may
require.

        7.6    Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity.

               A. The members of the Committee shall serve without compensation
for the members' services hereunder.

               B. The Committee is authorized at the expense of the Corporation
to employ such legal counsel as it may deem advisable to assist in the
performance of the Committee's duties hereunder. Expenses and fees in connection
with the administration of this Plan shall be allocated to Participant's
sub-account pursuant to Article 4.1(C) of this Plan.



                                      -14-
<PAGE>   19

               C. To the extent permitted by applicable state law, the
Corporation shall indemnify and save harmless the Committee and each member
thereof, the Board of Directors and any delegate of the Committee who is an
employee of the Corporation against any and all expenses, liabilities and
claims, including legal fees to defend against such liabilities and claims
arising out of their discharge in good faith of responsibilities under or
incident to the Plan, other than expenses and liabilities arising out of willful
misconduct. This indemnity shall not preclude such further indemnities as may be
available under insurance purchased by the Corporation or provided by the
Corporation under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise, as such indemnities are
permitted under state law.

        7.7 Quarterly Statements. Under procedures established by the Committee,
a Participant shall receive a statement with respect to such Participant's
Accounts on a quarterly basis as of each March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31.

        7.8 Disputes.

               A. Claim. A person who believes that said person is being denied
a benefit to which said person is entitled under this Agreement (hereinafter
referred to as "Claimant") must file a written request for such benefit with the
Corporation, setting forth Claimant's claim. The request must be addressed to
the President of the Corporation at the Corporation's then principal place of
business.

               B. Claim Decision. Upon receipt of a claim, the Corporation shall
advise the Claimant that a reply will be forthcoming within ninety (90) days and
shall, in fact, deliver such reply within such period. The Corporation may,
however, extend the reply period for an additional ninety (90) days for special
circumstances.

                      If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the
Corporation shall inform the Claimant in writing, using language calculated to
be understood by the Claimant, setting forth: (i) the specified reason or
reasons for such denial; (ii) the specific reference to pertinent provisions of
this Agreement on which such denial is based; (iii) a description of any
additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect
Claimant's claim and an explanation of why such material or such information is
necessary; (iv) appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the
Claimant wishes to submit the claim for review; and (v) the time limits for
requesting a review under subsection (C).

               C. Request for Review. Withing sixty (60) days after the receipt
by the Claimant of the written opinion described above, the Claimant may request
in writing that the Committee review the determination of the Corporation. Such
request must be addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation, at the
Corporation's then principal place of business. The Claimant or Claimant's duly
authorized representative may, but need not, review the pertinent documents and
submit issues and comments in writing for consideration by the Committee. If the
Claimant



                                      -15-
<PAGE>   20

does not request a review within such sixty (60) day period, Claimant shall be
barred and estopped from challenging the Corporation's determination.

               D. Review of Decision. Within sixty (60) days after the
Committee's receipt of a request for review, after considering all materials
presented by the Claimant, the Committee will inform the Participant in writing,
in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, the decision setting
forth the specific reasons for the decision containing specific references to
the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the decision is based. If
special circumstances require that the sixty (60) day time period be extended,
the Committee will so notify the Claimant and will render the decision as soon
as possible, but no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of
the request for review.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

        8.1 Unsecured General Creditor. Participants and Participants'
Beneficiaries, heirs, successors, and assigns shall have no legal or equitable
rights, claims, or interest in any specific property or assets of the
Corporation. No assets of the Corporation shall be held in any way as collateral
security for the fulfilling of the obligations of the Corporation under this
Plan. Any and all of the Corporation's assets shall be, and remain, the general
unpledged, unrestricted assets of the Corporation. The Corporation's obligation
under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise of the
Corporation to pay money in the future, and the rights of the Participants and
Beneficiaries shall be no greater than those of unsecured general creditors. It
is the intention of the Corporation that this Plan be unfunded for purposes of
the Code and for purposes of Title 1 of ERISA.

        8.2 Restriction Against Assignment. The Corporation shall pay all
amounts payable hereunder only to the person or persons designated by the Plan
and not to any other person or corporation. No part of a Participant's Accounts
shall be liable for the debts, contracts, or engagements of any Participant, or
Participant's Beneficiary, or successors in interest, nor shall a Participant's
Accounts be subject to execution by levy, attachment, or garnishment or by any
other legal or equitable proceeding, nor shall any such person have any right to
alienate, anticipate, sell, transfer, commute, pledge, encumber, or assign any
benefits or payments hereunder in any manner whatsoever. If any Participant,
Beneficiary or successor in interest is adjudicated bankrupt or purports to
anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, commute, assign, pledge, encumber or
charge an distribution or payment from the Plan, voluntarily or involuntarily,
the Committee, in the Committee's discretion, may cancel such distribution or
payment (or any part thereof) to or for the benefit of such Participant,
Beneficiary or successor in interest in such manner as the Committee shall
direct.

        8.3 Withholding. There shall be deducted from each payment made under
the Plan or any other Compensation payable to the Participant (or Beneficiary)
all taxes which are required to be withheld by the Corporation in respect to
such payment or this Plan. The Corporation shall



                                      -16-
<PAGE>   21

have the right to reduce any payment (or compensation) by the amount of cash
sufficient to provide the amount of said taxes.

        8.4 Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination. The Committee
may amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part, except
that no amendment, modification, suspension or termination shall have any
retroactive effect to reduce any amounts allocated to a Participant's Accounts
(neither the Policies themselves, nor the death benefit described in Article
6.2(D) shall be treated as allocated to Accounts). In addition, the Committee
has the right to amend or terminate Article 6.2(D). In the event that this Plan
is terminated, the amounts allocated to a Participant's Accounts shall be
distributed to the Participant or, in the event of Participants death,
Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum within thirty (30) days following the
date of termination.

        8.5 Governing Law. This Plan shall be construed, governed and
administered in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

        8.6 Receipt or Release. Any payment to a Participant or the
Participant's Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall,
to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the
Committee and the Corporation. The Committee may require such Participant or
Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and
release to such effect.

        8.7 Payment on Behalf of Persons Under Incapacity. In the event that any
amount becomes payable under the Plan to a person who, in the sole judgment of
the Committee, is considered by reason of physical or mental condition to be
unable to give a valid receipt therefore, the Committee may direct that such
payment be made to any person found by the Committee, in the Committee's sole
judgment, to have assumed the care of such person. Any payment made pursuant to
such determination shall constitute a full release and discharge of the
Committee and the Corporation.

        8.8 Limitation of Rights and Employment Relationship. Neither the
establishment of the Plan and Trust nor any modification thereof, nor the
creating of any fund or account, nor the payment of any benefits shall be
construed as giving to any Participant or other person any legal or equitable
right against the Corporation or the trustee of the Trust except as provided in
the Plan and Trust; and in no event shall the terms of employment of any
Employee or Participant be modified or in any way be affected by the provisions
of the Plan and Trust.

        8.9 Headings. Headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for
convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in the construction
of the provisions hereof.

                                      * * *



                                      -17-
<PAGE>   22


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this document to be
executed by the Corporation's duly authorized officer effective the 1st day of
November, 1998.


WITNESSES:                              ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS, a
                                          California corporation



___________________________             By: __________________________________
First Witness                               DOUGLAS J. TULLIO

                                        Its: President

___________________________
Second Witness














                                      -18-
<PAGE>   23



                                   EXHIBIT "1"

















                                      -19-
<PAGE>   24



                                   EXHIBIT "2"

INVESTMENT FUNDS

Participant may specify that their Deferral Account be invested in one or more
of the following investment funds:

    MONEY MARKET          Manufacturers Money Market Portfolio

    BOND                  Manufacturers Capital Growth Bond Portfolio
                          Miller Anderson & Sherrerd High Yield Portfolio
                          Oechsle International Global Government Bond Portfolio
                          Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Portfolio
                          Salomon Brothers U.S. Govt. Securities Portfolio
                          Wellington Investment Quality Bond Portfolio

    BALANCED              Fidelity Conservative Asset Allocation Portfolio
                          Fidelity Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio
                          Fidelity Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio
                          Manufactures Lifestyle Conservative 280 Portfolio
                          Manufactures Lifestyle Moderate 460 Portfolio
                          Manufactures Lifestyle Balanced 640 Portfolio
                          Manufactures Lifestyle Growth 820 Portfolio
                          Manufactures Lifestyle Aggressive 1000 Portfolio
                          Founders Balanced Portfolio

    GROWTH AND INCOME     Manufactures Equity Index Portfolio
                          Miller Anderson & Sherrerd Value Portfolio
                          T. Rowe Price Equity-Income Portfolio
                          Wellington Growth and Income Portfolio

    GROWTH                Fidelity Equity Portfolio
                          Founders Growth Portfolio
                          Manufacturers Quantitative Equity Portfolio
                          Rosenberg Small Company Value Portfolio
                          T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio

    AGGRESSIVE GROWTH     Alger Small/Mid Cap Portfolio
                          Pilgrim Baxter Growth Portfolio
                          T. Rowe Price Science & Technology Portfolio
                          Warburg, Pincus Emerging Growth Portfolio

    INTERNATIONAL EQUITY  Founders International Small Cap Portfolio
                          Founders Worldwide Growth Portfolio
                          J.P. Morgan International Growth and Income Portfolio
                          Manufacturers Pacific Rim Emerging Markets Portfolio
                          Morgan Stanley Global Equity Portfolio
                          Rowe Price-Fleming International Stock Portfolio

    SPECIALTY             Manufacturers Real Estate Securities Portfolio



                                      -20-

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.43


                               FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                           SECURITY AND LOAN AGREEMENT
                              AND ADDENDUM THERETO

               This First Amendment ("Amendment") amends that certain Security
and Loan Agreement ("Security and Loan Agreement") and the attached Addendum,
("Addendum" and together with the Security and Loan Agreement the "Agreement")
both dated June 9, 1998 between Imperial Bank ("Bank") and Alpha Microsystems
("Borrower") as follows:

1.      The following Section 2.e is hereby added to the Addendum:

        "e. Borrower and its subsidiaries have reviewed the areas within their
        operations and business which could be adversely affected by, and have
        developed or are developing a program to address on a timely basis, the
        Year 2000 Problem and have made related appropriate inquiry of material
        suppliers and vendors, and based on such review and program, the Year
        2000 Problem will not have a Material Adverse Effect upon its financial
        condition, operations or business as now conducted. . "Year 2000
        Problem" means the possibility that any computer applications or
        equipment used by Borrower may be unable to recognize and properly
        perform date-sensitive functions involving certain dates prior to and
        any dates on or after December 31, 1999."

2.      Section 7.a of the Addendum is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:

        "a. On a quarterly basis, maintain a minimum EFFECTIVE TANGIBLE NET
        WORTH (defined as stockholder's equity, plus subordinated debt, if any,
        less any intangible assets) of not less than $6,750,000 through 3/31/99,
        $6,000,000 at 6/30/99, $5,500,000 at 9/30/99 and $5,400,000 at 12/31/99,
        plus 70% of positive net income after taxes, if any, for each period."

3.      7.b of the Addendum is hereby amended to read in full as follows:

        "b. On a quarterly basis, maintain a maximum TOTAL DEBT TO EFFECTIVE
        TANGIBLE NET WORTH (defined as total liabilities excluding deferred
        revenues to effective tangible net worth) of not more than 1.50 to
        1.00."

4.      Section 7.c of the Addendum is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:




<PAGE>   2

        "c. On a quarterly basis, maintain a minimum QUICK RATIO (defined as
        cash and equivalents and accounts receivable to current liabilities less
        deferred revenues) of at least 1.50 to 1.00."

5.      The following is hereby added as Section 7q. to the Addendum:

        "q. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE. Borrower shall perform all acts reasonably
        necessary to ensure that (a) Borrower and any business in which Borrower
        holds a substantial interest, and (b) all customers, suppliers and
        vendors that are material to Borrower's business, become Year 2000
        Compliant in a timely manner. Such acts shall include, without
        limitation, performing a comprehensive review and assessment of all
        Borrower's systems and adopting a detailed plan, with itemized budget,
        for the remediation, monitoring and testing of such systems. As used in
        this paragraph, "Year 2000 Compliant" shall mean, in regard to any
        entity, that all software, hardware, firmware, equipment, goods or
        systems utilized by or material to the business operations or financial
        condition of such entity, will properly perform date sensitive functions
        before, during and after the year 2000. Borrower shall, immediately upon
        request, provide to Bank such certifications or other evidence of
        Borrower's compliance with the terms of this paragraph as Bank may from
        time to time require."

6.      Except as provided above, the Agreement remains unchanged.

7.      This Amendment is effective as of 11/22/98 and the parties hereby
confirm that the Agreement as amended is in full force and effect.


Alpha Microsystems

By: ____________________________

Title: _________________________

By: ____________________________

Title: _________________________


Imperial Bank

By: ____________________________

Title: _________________________

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.44


                 FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

               This First Amendment ("Amendment") amends that certain Credit
Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") dated June 9, 1998 between Imperial Bank
("Bank") and Alpha Microsystems ("Borrower") as follows:

1.      The following Section A.10. Is hereby added to the Agreement:

        "10. YEAR 2000 PROBLEM. Borrower and its subsidiaries have reviewed the
        areas within their operations and business which could be adversely
        affected by, and have developed or are developing a program to address
        on a timely basis, the Year 2000 Problem and have made related
        appropriate inquiry of material suppliers and vendors, and based on such
        review and program, the Year 2000 Problem will not have a Material
        Adverse Effect upon its financial condition, operations or business as
        now conducted. . "Year 2000 Problem" means the possibility that any
        computer applications or equipment used by Borrower may be unable to
        recognize and properly perform date-sensitive functions involving
        certain dates prior to and any dates on or after December 31, 1999."

2.      Section B. 10.a. of the Agreement is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:

        "a. QUICK RATIO. On a quarterly basis, maintain a minimum Quick Ratio
        (defined as cash and equivalents and accounts receivable to current
        liabilities less deferred revenues) of at least 1.50 to 1.00."

3.      Section B 10.b of the Agreement is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:

        "b. EFFECTIVE TANGIBLE NET WORTH. On a quarterly basis, maintain a
        minimum Effective Tangible Net Worth (defined as stockholder's equity,
        plus subordinated debt, if any, less any intangible assets) of not less
        than $6,750,000 through 3/31/99, $6,000,000 at 6/30/99, $5,500,000 at
        9/30/99 and $5,400,000 at 12/31/99, plus 70% of positive net income
        after taxes, if any, for each period."

4.      Section B 10.c of the Agreement is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:

        "c. TOTAL DEBT TO EFFECTIVE TANGIBLE NET WORTH On a quarterly basis,
        maintain a maximum Total Debt to Effective Tangible Net Worth (defined
        as total liabilities excluding deferred revenues to effective tangible
        net worth) of not more than 1.50 to 1.00."
<PAGE>   2

5.      The following is hereby added as Section B.12. to the Agreement:

        "12. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE. Borrower shall perform all acts reasonably
        necessary to ensure that (a) Borrower and any business in which Borrower
        holds a substantial interest, and (b) all customers, suppliers and
        vendors that are material to Borrower's business, become Year 2000
        Compliant in a timely manner. Such acts shall include, without
        limitation, performing a comprehensive review and assessment of all
        Borrower's systems and adopting a detailed plan, with itemized budget,
        for the remediation, monitoring and testing of such systems. As used in
        this paragraph, "Year 2000 Compliant" shall mean, in regard to any
        entity, that all software, hardware, firmware, equipment, goods or
        systems utilized by or material to the business operations or financial
        condition of such entity, will properly perform date sensitive functions
        before, during and after the year 2000. Borrower shall, immediately upon
        request, provide to Bank such certifications or other evidence of
        Borrower's compliance with the terms of this paragraph as Bank may from
        time to time require."

6.      Except as provided above, the Agreement and the Addendum remain
unchanged.

7.      This Amendment is effective as of 11/22/98 and the parties hereby
confirm that the Agreement as amended is in full force and effect.


Alpha Microsystems

By: ____________________________

Title: _________________________

By: ____________________________

Title: _________________________


Imperial Bank

By: ____________________________

Title: _________________________

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.45


                              CONSULTING AGREEMENT

        This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into effective as of
the 15th day of March 1999, by and between Alpha Microsystems ("Alpha Micro"), a
California corporation, and Randy Parks ("Consultant").

        WHEREAS, Consultant will provide consulting services to Alpha Micro,
further described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated by reference.

        WHEREAS, Alpha Micro desires that Consultant provide such services in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

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

1.      Services.

        Consultant shall provide at mutually convenient times and places during
the term of this Agreement, the consulting services described on Exhibit "A" as
may be requested by Alpha Micro from time to time. Such services must be
authorized in writing in advance by Alpha Micro, including the definition of
such services and the time allotted for the services.

2.      Term and Termination.

        This Agreement shall commence as of the date first above written and
shall continue until (a) terminated by either party for any reason upon 30 days
notice to the other party, or (b) terminated by Alpha Micro immediately for
failure to satisfactorily provide the services set forth above.

3.      Payment.

        Alpha Micro shall pay to Consultant, in consideration for the services
to be provided in Exhibit "A", the amount of $440 per hour payable, with the
first 40 hours of exclusive consulting with Alpha Microsystems payable upon
completion of this agreement. Subsequent hours will billed in 40 hour block time
invoice at a rate of $110 per hour and payable upon approval by Doug Tullio or
Jeff Dunnigan.. Payment will be made after receipt by Alpha Micro of a suitable
invoice from Consultant.

4.      Disclosure and Assignment of Ideas and Creation

        Consultant agrees to communicate promptly, completely, and in writing to
Alpha Micro all recommendations, changes, improvements and/or discoveries
("Recommendations") conceived or made by Consultant, either solely or jointly
with others, which arise from or are a consequence of its consulting services to
Alpha Micro, in whole or in part, or which are developed or reduced to practice,
in whole or in part, with facilities, materials, funds, salaries, fees or other
compensation of Alpha Micro, provided such recommendations are within the
general field or interest of Alpha Micro's activities. Consultant agrees that
all such recommendations, as well as all reports, code programs, designs, data
and documentation created by Consultant in the course of providing services to
Alpha Micro hereunder ("Creations") are and shall become the sole property of
Alpha Micro. Consultant hereby assigns, and


<PAGE>   2

        agrees to assign, to Alpha Micro all right, title and interest in and to
        such Recommendations, and Creations and to execute all such documents
        and take all such actions a Alpha Micro shall reasonably request, but at
        no cost to Consultant, to give effect to the foregoing assignment.

5.      Work Product

        Consultant agrees to communicate promptly, completely, and in writing to
Alpha Micro all recommendations, changes, improvements and/or discoveries
("Recommendation") conceived or made by Consultant, either solely or jointly
with others, which arise from or are a consequence of his consulting services to
Alpha Micro, in whole or part, with facilities, materials, funds, salaries, fees
or other compensation of Alpha Micro, provided such recommendations are within
the general field or interest of Alpha Micro's activities.

        Consultant hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, to Alpha Micro all
right, title and interest in and to such recommendations, changes, improvements
and/or discoveries, and to execute all such documents and take all such actions
as Alpha Micro shall reasonably request, but at no cost to Consultant, to give
effect to the foregoing assignment.

6.      Proprietary Information

        It is expressly understood and agreed that the financial information and
other information about Alpha Micro and its business which Consultant obtains
from Alpha Micro constitute confidential information. Consultant agrees to
observe complete confidentiality with regard to such information including,
without limitation, (i) not to disclose or otherwise permit access to such
information by any other person or entity in any manner whatsoever, except that
such disclosure or access shall be permitted to employees of Consultant
requiring access in the fulfillment of the services provided under this
Agreement; (ii) to assure that Consultant's employees, agents, representatives,
and independent contractors are advised of the confidential nature of such
information and to assure by agreement or otherwise that they are prohibited
from copying or reviewing, for any purpose whatsoever, the contents of such
information or any party thereof, or from taking any action otherwise prohibited
under this Paragraph; (iii) not to use such information or any part thereof in
the performance of services to others or for the benefit of others in any form
whatsoever whether gratuitously or for valuable consideration, except as
permitted under this Agreement; (iv) to notify Alpha Micro promptly and in
writing of the circumstances surrounding any possession, use or knowledge of
such information or any part thereof by any person or entity other than those
authorized by this Paragraph; (v) to take at Consultant's expense but at Alpha
Micro's option and in any event under Alpha Micro control, any legal action
necessary to prevent unauthorized use of such information by any third person or
entity which has gained access to such information at least in part to the fault
of Consultant; (vi) to take any and all other actions necessary or desirable to
assure such continued confidentiality and protection of such information and to
prevent access to such by any person or entity not authorized under this
Paragraph; and (vii) to establish specific procedures designed to meet the
obligations of this Paragraph.

7.      Solicitation of Employees

        Consultant and Alpha Micro mutually agree that they shall not, during
the term of this Agreement, nor for a period of three (3) months after
termination, solicit for employment or employ, whether as an employee or
independent contractor, any person who is or has been employed by the other
party during the term of this Agreement without the consent of the said party.



<PAGE>   3

8.      Indemnification

        Consultant agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Alpha Micro, its
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns
against any and all loss, damage, costs or expenses which Alpha Micro, its
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors or assigns
may incur or be required to pay by reason of any injury or property damage
caused by or incurred by Consultant.

Alpha Micro agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Consultant, its agents and
representatives, against any and all loss, damage, costs or expenses which
Consultant, agents and representatives, may incur or be required to pay by
reason of any injury or property damage caused by or incurred by Alpha Micro.

9.      Property and Security

        Without limiting Consultant's obligations with regard to security,
Consultant shall comply with all the rules and regulations established by Alpha
Micro for access to and activity in and around Alpha Micro's plant and property.
Consultant shall be briefed of these procedures at the start of the contract.

10.     Independent Contractor

        It is expressly agreed that Consultant is an independent contractor for
all purposes under state and federal law, and has no authority to act for or on
behalf of Alpha Micro. Consultant shall not, by this Agreement nor anything
contained herein, be appointed the agent or representative of Alpha Micro for
any purpose whatsoever, and Consultant shall not have any right or authority to
assume or to create any obligations or liabilities, express or implied, for or
on behalf of or in the name of Alpha Micro or to bind Alpha Micro in any way or
manner whatsoever. Consultant will make all deductions required by employers by
state, federal and local laws including deductions for social security and
withholding taxes, contributions for unemployment compensation funds, and shall
maintain worker's compensation and liability insurance for each of its
employees. Consultant is engaged in Consultant's own business independent of
Alpha Micro, and the nature of Consultant's independent contractor relationship
with Alpha Micro shall be further defined as follows:

        (a) State and Federal Taxes. Alpha Micro will not withhold any moneys
for any state, local or federal taxing authorities from payments to Consultant
pursuant to this Agreement.

        (b) Fringe Benefits. Consultant shall receive no fringe benefits under
this Agreement whatsoever, and accordingly, shall receive no insurance benefits,
disability income, vacation, holiday pay, sick pay, expense reimbursement, or
any other benefits.

        (c) Workers' Compensation. Alpha Micro shall not provide workers'
compensation for Consultant. Any and all workers' compensation coverage shall be
the sole responsibility of Consultant.

        (d) Consultant's Expenses. Consultant shall be solely responsible for
all expenses incurred by Consultant, including, but not limited to, travel,
entertainment, and business expenses, unless pre-approved in advance by Alpha
Microsystems and shall receive no remuneration or reimbursement of any nature
whatsoever other than the payments referred to herein.


<PAGE>   4

        (e) Alpha Micro Expenses. Consultant shall incur no expenses charged to
Alpha Micro. Any expenses incurred by Consultant shall be the sole
responsibility of Consultant, except as described above.

        (f) Office Space. Consultant shall be solely responsible for
establishing Consultant's office.

        (g) Hours. The time devoted by Consultant to the performance of this
Agreement shall be left to the sole discretion of Consultant. Consultant shall
not be required to work any specified hours or specified days.

        (h) Records. Consultant shall maintain Consultant's own books and
records in whatever format Consultant elects provided such books and records
conform to the requirements of federal and state laws and sufficiently document
the terms and conditions of all testing.

        (i) Reports/Meetings. Consultant shall not be required to render any
reports to Alpha Micro or be required to attend any sales meetings.

        (j) Licensing/Insurance. Consultant shall obtain and maintain at
Consultant's sole expense any licenses or insurance required by federal, state
or local law.

        (k) Non-Exclusivity of Services; Non-Competition. Consultant is free to
pursue any and all outside activities and/or employment as Consultant desires,
and Alpha Micro acknowledges that Consultant will likely be involved in other
business activities, contracting and/or employment. During the first thirty (30)
days of the term of this Agreement, however, Consultant will not, directly or
indirectly, own, manage, operate or control, participate in the ownership,
management, operation or control of, or be connected with, as a shareholder,
director, officer, employee, sales Consultant, partner, agent, consultant or
otherwise, any profit or non-profit business, firm, entity or organization that
competes, directly or indirectly, with, or is similar to, the business of Alpha
Micro.

11.     Waiver.

        Alpha Micro or Consultant's failure to insist upon the performance of
any of the terms, convenants and conditions of this Agreement or to exercise any
rights or remedies hereunder shall not be considered as a waiver of or a
relinquishment of the future performance of any such terms, covenants or
conditions for the future exercise of such terms, covenants or conditions for
the future exercise of such right or remedy unless otherwise provided for
herein.

12.     Assignment

        Neither the benefits nor obligations of this Agreement may be assigned
by a party without the prior written consent of the other party.

13.     Attorneys' Fees

        In any action at law or in equity to enforce any of the provisions or
rights under this Consulting Agreement, each party is responsible for their own
attorney's fees incurred therein by such party or parties including without
limitation such costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees on any appeal.

14.     Notices.


<PAGE>   5

        All notices from either party to the other shall be in writing and shall
be considered delivered when deposited in the United States mail, certified or
registered first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective parties
hereto as follows:



               ALPHA MICRO:                 Alpha Microsystems
                                            2722 S. Fairview Street
                                            Santa Ana, CA   92704
                                            ATTN: Michelle Duggin

               CONSULTANT:                  Randy Parks
                  Address:                  _______________________
                                            Palm Harbor, FL

or to such other address as may be designated by the respective parties in
writing.

15.     Governing Law

        This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted and the legal
relations created hereby shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the
State of California.

16.     Entire Agreement

        This writing represents the entire Agreement between the parties related
to the subject matter of this Agreement, and there are no understandings,
representations or warranties of any kind except as expressly set forth herein.
No waiver, alteration or modification of any of the provisions herein shall be
binding on either party unless in writing and signed by the party against whom
enforcement of such waiver, alteration or modification is sought.

17.     Duplicate Execution.

        This Agreement including the exhibits attached hereto may be executed in
duplicate, and each copy shall have the force and effect of an original. The
undersigned parties represent that they have the authority to legally bind their
companies herein.

        Whenever the masculine gender is used in this Agreement to refer to
Consultant, it shall be construed to apply to the female gender or a business
entity as appropriate.


AGREED TO:

ALPHA MICRO                              CONSULTANT

By: __________________________           ______________________________________

Title: _______________________           Social Security No.: _________________

Date: ________________________           Date: ________________________________



<PAGE>   6



                                   EXHIBIT "A"


Consultant shall perform projects at the request of the Vice President of
Finance and/or President/CEO/Chairman of Alpha Microsystems which may include,
but not be limited to, the following:

1.      Services related to identification, due diligence and integration of
        acquisitions.

2.      Follow up on duties previously performed in your position. Available via
        phone or other means to answer questions regarding customers, vendors
        etc.

<PAGE>   1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


                                  SUBSIDIARIES


                             AMDP, Inc.

                             Alpha Technology Interconnect, Inc.

                             Delta Computec, Inc.



<PAGE>   1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-20771) pertaining to the Alpha Microsystems 1993 Employee Stock
Option Plan, as amended, the 1996 Nonemployee Director Stock Compensation Plan
and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8
No. 333-29252) pertaining to the Third Amended and Restated Incentive Stock
Option Plan, the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the Stock Incentive Award
Plan, and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-62411) pertaining to
the 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan and the 1993 Directors' Stock Option Plan of
Alpha Microsystems of our report dated March 8, 1999, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Alpha Microsystems included in
the Transition Report (Form 10-K) for the ten months ended December 31, 1998.



                                          /s/  Ernst & Young LLP



Orange County, California
March 25, 1999


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-23-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           4,930
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