QUARTERDECK CORP
10-Q, 1998-02-13
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>   1
================================================================================

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                    FORM 10-Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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

                FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-19207

                             QUARTERDECK CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                     DELAWARE                              95-4320650
         (State or  other jurisdiction of               (I.R.S. Employer
          incorporation or organization)               Identification No.)

   13160 MINDANAO WAY, MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA             90292
     (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 309-3700

        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 periods 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 [ ]

        The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock, $.001 par value,
        outstanding as of January 30, 1998 was 43,370,265.

================================================================================

<PAGE>   2

                    QUARTERDECK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                DECEMBER 31, 1997

                                      INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE NO.
                                                                           --------
<S>      <C>                                                               <C>

                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

             Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997
             (unaudited) and September 30, 1997                                3

             Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
             months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)               4

             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
             months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)               5

             Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements              6

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
           FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                      11

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                                                    19

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS                  19

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION                                                    20

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                                     22

SIGNATURES                                                                    23
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                    QUARTERDECK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
         (Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)

                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                DECEMBER 31,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                   1997               1997
                                                                               ------------      -------------
                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>       
Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                                                 $   26,903         $   23,651
      Trade accounts receivable                                                      9,985              7,028
      Inventories                                                                    1,252              1,177
      Other current assets                                                           2,560              4,655
                                                                                ----------         ----------
                                                                                 
               Total current assets                                                 40,700             36,511

      Equipment and leasehold improvements, net                                      6,532             14,153
      Capitalized software costs, net                                                1,560              1,790
      Other assets                                                                   3,244              3,427
                                                                                ----------         ----------

                                                                                $   52,036         $   55,881
                                                                                ==========         ==========
                                 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable                                                          $    2,983         $    3,792
      Accrued liabilities                                                           13,685             14,196
      Accrued acquisition, restructuring and other charges                           3,957              5,385
      Income tax payable                                                               572                627
      Notes payable to bank                                                          1,625              5,579
      Current portion of long-term obligations                                          15                 15
                                                                                ----------         ----------
               Total current liabilities                                            22,837             29,594

      Convertible notes                                                             25,000             25,000
      Long-term obligations, less current portion                                       89                114
                                                                                ----------         ----------
               Total liabilities                                                    47,926             54,708
                                                                                ----------         ----------
Stockholders' equity:
      Series C Preferred stock (Par value $1,000, authorized: 29,000;
         issued and outstanding: 29,000 and 26,025 shares, respectively,
          liquidation preference $29,000,000)                                       27,376             24,594
      Common stock (authorized: 70,000,000 shares; issued
          and outstanding: 43,370,265 and 43,338,838 shares)                            43                 43
      Additional paid-in capital                                                    75,667             75,630
      Accumulated deficit                                                          (97,848)           (98,164)
      Foreign currency translation adjustment                                         (263)              (281)
      Note receivable from directors for sale of stock                                 (18)               (18)
      Net unrealized loss on marketable securities                                    (288)               (72)
      Treasury stock                                                                  (559)              (559)
                                                                                ----------         ----------
                Total stockholders' equity                                           4,110              1,173
                                                                                ----------         ----------
                                                                                $   52,036         $   55,881
                                                                                ==========         ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited
condensed financial statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                    QUARTERDECK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                             -------------------------
                                                               1997             1996
                                                             --------         --------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>     
Net revenues                                                 $ 20,626         $ 24,385
Cost of revenues                                                4,709            7,048
                                                             --------         --------
         Gross profit                                          15,917           17,337

Operating expenses:
         Research and development                               4,681            4,119
         Sales and marketing                                    8,378            7,782
         General and administrative                             2,807            4,922
         Acquisition, restructuring and other charges             (51)              --
                                                             --------         --------
         Total operating expenses                              15,815           16,823
                                                             --------         --------
Operating income                                                  102              514

Interest expense, net                                            (267)            (491)
Other income                                                      497               --
                                                             --------         --------
Income before income taxes                                        332               23
Provision for income taxes                                         16                3
                                                             --------         --------
Net income                                                   $    316         $     20
                                                             ========         ========
Net income per share:
   Basic                                                     $   0.01         $   0.00
                                                             --------         --------
   Diluted                                                   $   0.00         $   0.00
                                                             --------         --------
Shares used to compute net income per share:
   Basic                                                       43,363           37,738
                                                             --------         --------
   Diluted                                                     67,628           39,938
                                                             --------         --------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited
condensed financial statements.


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                    QUARTERDECK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           -------------------------
                                                                             1997             1996
                                                                           --------         --------
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>     
Cash flows from operating activities:
      Net income                                                           $    316         $     20
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
         cash used in operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization of equipment and
         leasehold improvements                                               1,010            1,275
      Amortization of capitalized software costs                                230              662
         Write-off of property and equipment                                     --               48
         Gain on sale of building                                              (497)              --
      Changes in assets and liabilities:
         Trade accounts receivable                                           (2,957)          (2,889)
         Inventories                                                            (75)             802
         Other current assets                                                 1,879            2,017
         Other assets                                                           183              790
         Accounts payable                                                      (809)          (6,729)
         Accrued liabilities                                                   (511)          (1,831)
         Accrued acquisition, restructuring and other charges                (1,328)          (5,599)
         Income tax payable                                                     (55)             175
      Foreign currency translation adjustment                                    18             (196)
                                                                           --------         --------
               Net cash used in operating activities                         (2,596)         (11,455)
                                                                           --------         --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
         Capital expenditures                                                  (692)          (2,675)
         Proceeds from sale of building                                       7,700               --
         Capitalized software costs                                              --              (68)
                                                                           --------         --------
               Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities            7,008           (2,743)
                                                                           --------         --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
         Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, Series C              2,782               --
         Principal debt repayments                                           (3,954)              --
         Notes payable to banks                                                  --              168
         Net payments under long-term obligations                               (25)              --
         Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                              37              349
                                                                           --------         --------
               Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities           (1,160)             517
                                                                           --------         --------
               Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents           3,252          (13,681)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                             23,651           25,554
                                                                           --------         --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                 $ 26,903         $ 11,873
                                                                           ========         ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
         Cash paid during the period for:
               Interest                                                    $    263         $    472
               Income taxes                                                $     --         $     --
                                                                         
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited
condensed financial statements.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                    QUARTERDECK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Quarterdeck
Corporation are unaudited (except for the Balance Sheet as of September 30,
1997) and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim
financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included in Quarterdeck's Annual Report
on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997. In the opinion of
management, the accompanying consolidated unaudited financial statements include
all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation. The results of
operations for the three month period ended December 31, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

2.       GENERAL

         Quarterdeck Corporation is a global leader in the development and
marketing of PC helpware -- software designed to prevent and solve PC
performance problems, especially those encountered in networked -- Internet and
Intranet -- environments. The Company's goal is to make personal computing
trouble-free for users and network administrators alike, while reducing the need
for live technical support. Quarterdeck's current product line, which addresses
storage management, system conflict resolution, virus protection, system
updating, and enhanced access to networked information and communications
resources, is marketed to both end-users and businesses via retail distribution,
corporate resellers and OEM's, direct marketing channels, and the Internet.
Quarterdeck's products are available in over 14,000 outlets throughout the
United States and Canada, as well as in over 29 countries worldwide.

         The Company was incorporated in California in 1982 as Quarterdeck
Office Systems. In June 1991, the Company changed its state of incorporation
from California to Delaware and in February 1995 changed its name to Quarterdeck
Corporation.

         The principal offices of the Company are located at 13160 Mindanao Way,
Third Floor, Marina del Rey, California, 90292, telephone number (310) 309-3700.


                                       6
<PAGE>   7

3.       BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                           1997             1997
                                                                        ------------    -------------
                                                                               (in thousands)
<S>                                                                      <C>              <C>     
Trade accounts receivable:
  Receivables ...................................................        $ 20,114         $ 16,274
  Less: allowance for doubtful accounts .........................          (1,484)          (1,761)
  Less: allowance for sales returns .............................          (4,497)          (4,243)
  Less: allowance for market development funds ..................          (4,148)          (3,242)
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $  9,985         $  7,028
                                                                         ========         ========
Other current assets:
  Prepaid royalties .............................................        $    386         $    352
  Income tax receivable .........................................             526              520
  Other prepaid expenses ........................................             831              800
  Notes receivable ..............................................              40               51
  Advances to employees .........................................              23               24
  Marketable security - Infonautics .............................             576              792
  Other .........................................................             178            2,116
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $  2,560         $  4,655
                                                                         ========         ========
Equipment and leasehold improvements:
  Building (asset held for sale) ................................        $     --         $  7,359
  Computer equipment ............................................           7,999            7,769
  Office furniture and equipment ................................           6,479            6,575
  Office furniture and equipment under capital leases ...........              99               99
  Leasehold improvements ........................................           2,641            2,638
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                           17,218           24,440
  Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ...............         (10,686)         (10,287)
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $  6,532         $ 14,153
                                                                         ========         ========
Capitalized software costs:
  Capitalized software costs ....................................        $  5,498         $  5,498
  Less: accumulated amortization ................................          (3,938)          (3,708)
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $  1,560         $  1,790
                                                                         ========         ========
Other assets:
  Intangible assets acquired, net ...............................           2,572            2,683
  Other .........................................................             672              744
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $  3,244         $  3,427
                                                                         ========         ========
Accrued expenses:
  Accrued expenses, .............................................        $ 11,780         $ 12,291
  Accrued litigation settlement .................................           1,905            1,905
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $ 13,685         $ 14,196
                                                                         ========         ========
Accrued acquisition, restructuring and other charges:
 Acquisition ....................................................        $     50         $     50
 Restructuring ..................................................           3,907            5,335
                                                                         --------         --------
                                                                         $  3,957         $  5,385
                                                                         ========         ========
</TABLE>


                                       7
<PAGE>   8


4.       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

         The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash
equivalents at December 31, 1997 amounted to $26,903,000.

5.       COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER SHARE

         In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." SFAS No. 128 specifies new standards designed to
improve the earnings per share (EPS) information provided in financial
statements by simplifying the existing computational guidelines, revising the
disclosure requirements and increasing the comparability of EPS data on an
international basis. Some of the changes made to simplify the EPS computations
include: (a) eliminating the presentation of primary EPS and replacing it with
basic EPS, for which common stock equivalents are not considered, (b)
eliminating the modified treasury stock method and the three percent materiality
provision and (c) revising the contingent share provision and the supplemental
EPS data requirements. SFAS No. 128 also makes a number of changes to existing
disclosure statements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 128 for the quarter ended
December 31,1997. All prior periods will be restated.

         The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net
income per share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------
                                                                             1997           1996
                                                                            -------        -------
<S>                                                                         <C>            <C>    
Numerator:
Net income, net income available to common stockholders
  and net income available to common stockholders after
  required conversion:                                                      $   316        $    20
                                                                            =======        =======
Denominator:
Shares used for basic net income
  per share calculation - weighted average shares outstanding                43,363         37,738

Effect of dilutive securities:
                  Series C convertible preferred shares and warrants         24,234
                  Series B convertible preferred stock                                         276
                  Stock options                                                  31            724
                  Limbex purchase transaction                                                1,200

Shares used for diluted net income                                          -------        -------
  per share calculation                                                      67,628         39,938
                                                                            =======        =======
</TABLE>

         No adjustment was required in calculating net income available to
common stockholders after assumed conversion as there are no dividend
requirements on the Company's preferred stock.

         Options to purchase 6,873,000 shares at a weighted average exercise
price of $3.52 and 3,184,000 shares at a weighted average exercise price of
$12.38 were outstanding during the three months ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net
income per share because the options' exercise price was greater than the
average market price of the common shares and therefore, the effect would be
anti-dilutive.

         Warrants to purchase 904,000 shares and 1,704,000 shares at a weighted
average exercise price of $7.44 were outstanding during the three months ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, but were not included in the
computation of diluted net income per share because the options' exercise price
was greater than the average market price of the common shares and therefore,
the effect would be anti-dilutive.

         Warrants to purchase 25,000 shares at a weighted average exercise price
of $7.20 were outstanding during the three months ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share
because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of
the common shares and therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
         Approximately 1,180,000 shares issuable upon the conversion of
convertible notes were not included in either period as the effect would be
anti-dilutive. The Company had $25,000,000 of convertible notes outstanding at
December 31, 1997 and 1996.

         Series C preferred stock includes 24,234,000 shares relating to the
potential conversion of the Series C preferred stock and warrants based upon the
conversion price at December 31, 1997 which was $1.252. However, the holders of
the Series C preferred stock are contractually held to a minimum of $5.00 per
share conversion price until March 1, 1998.


6.    RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

         During September 1997, the Company implemented a restructuring plan
which was designed to focus the Company on the new corporate strategy which
resulted in charges totaling $11,051,000. As part of the restructuring, the net
book value of the building in Columbia, Missouri was written down by $5,803,000,
to $7,000,000, the Company's estimated fair market value. (This building and
certain furniture and fixtures were sold during the quarter ended December 31,
1997 resulting in a net gain of $497,000.) See subsequent event footnote 8 for
further discussion of business units closed or divested.

         The following is an analysis of the significant components of the
fiscal 1997 restructuring and other charges (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               DISCONTINUANCE AND   SEVERANCE       WRITE-OFF
                                CONSOLIDATION OF       AND         PROPERTY AND
                                    OFFICES           OTHER          EQUIPMENT         TOTAL
                               ------------------   ---------      -------------      --------
<S>                           <C>                   <C>             <C>               <C>  
Accrued, September 30, 1997 ..          569            4,122              100            4,791
Non-cash costs ...............           --              (51)            (100)            (151)
Cash payments ................          (95)          (1,113)              --           (1,208)
                                   --------         --------         --------         --------
Accrued, December 31, 1997....     $    474         $  2,958         $     --         $  3,432
                                   ========         ========         --------         ========
</TABLE>

         Quarterdeck currently expects this restructuring accrual to be
utilized, primarily through cash disbursements, through the quarter ending March
31, 1999. The Company anticipates the cash effect of such disbursements to be of
declining significance until this time.

         The following is an analysis of the significant components of the
fiscal 1996 restructuring (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DISCONTINUANCE
                                                     AND           SEVERANCE   
                                                CONSOLIDATION         AND      
                                                 OF OFFICES          OTHER         TOTAL
                                               ---------------     ----------     --------
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>            <C> 
Accrued, September 30, 1997 ...........                454                90           544
Cash payments .........................                (57)              (12)          (69)
                                                  --------          --------      --------
Accrued, December 31, 1997 ............           $    397          $     78      $    475
                                                  ========          ========      ========
</TABLE>

         The remainder of this accrual primarily relates to vacant leased
facilities. The leases for the facilities extend several years, however, the
Company is seeking to obtain subleases for this space.

7.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         Federal and state shareholder actions were brought against the Company
and one former and one current officer of the Company alleging among other
things, violations of certain provisions of California and Federal securities
laws relating to statements made about Quarterdeck. On December 19, 1997, the
Company reached an agreement in principle to settle such actions for a total
amount of $12,500,000, of which the Company will be required to pay
approximately $1,905,000, with the balance of $10,595,000 to be paid under the
Company's directors' and officers' insurance policy. The settlement is subject
to, among other things, court approval. The Company has recorded a charge of
$1,905,000 during its fiscal year ended September 30, 1997.

         In March 1997, a purported class action lawsuit brought on behalf of
all licensees of MagnaRAM2 residing in the United States, Jack Abbott, et al. v.
Quarterdeck Corporation, Case No. 00709198, was filed in the Superior Court of
the State of California, County of San Diego. The complaint alleges, among other
things, that MagnaRAM2 fails to increase Random Access Memory significantly or
otherwise help Windows 95 and Windows 3.x users. The plaintiffs seek
compensatory damages and punitive damages in unspecified amounts, injunctive
relief, and attorney fees and costs. Quarterdeck has filed counterclaims and
intends to defend the case vigorously and to oppose any 


                                       9
<PAGE>   10

effort to certify the claims for class resolution. No assurances can be given
that the ultimate disposition of this case will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

         In October 1997, a complaint was filed in the United States District
Court for the District of Utah on behalf of PowerQuest Corporation against the
Company. The complaint alleges that the Company's partitioning software
(Partition-It and Partition-It Extra Strength) violate a patent held by
PowerQuest. In January 1998, PowerQuest obtained a second patent relating to
partitioning and is now seeking to amend its complaint to allege infringement of
that patent as well. The plaintiff seeks an injunction against distribution of
Partition-It and Partition-It Extra Strength and damages. Although the Company
believes the patents are invalid, there can be no assurance as to the actual
outcome of this matter. The ultimate disposition of this matter could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.

         The Company is a defendant in various other pending claims and
lawsuits. Although there can be no assurances, management believes that the
disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on the
results of operations or financial position of the Company.

8.       SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

         On January 12, 1998, the Company completed the divestiture of the
business of StarNine Technologies, Inc., the Company's Berkeley, California
subsidiary specializing in Internet tools for Macintosh users, to Platinum
Equity Holdings. In addition, the Company signed an outsourcing contract with
The Sutherland Group, Ltd., for the Company's Clearwater, Florida consumer and
corporate telesales operations. These transactions will not have a material
impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations and resulted
in a reduction in full time headcount by approximately 115.


                                       10
<PAGE>   11

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements, the notes thereto and other information, including information set
forth in the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997, and
all other recent filings Quarterdeck has made with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, before making an investment decision with respect to the Company's
stock.

         In addition to an analysis of recent and historical financial results,
this Form 10-Q includes a discussion of certain of Quarterdeck's business risks,
including risks which are inherent to software development as well as specific
trends and uncertainties relating to the competitive environment in which the
Company operates. Quarterdeck has sought to identify and disclose the
significant risks to its business. However, the Company cannot predict where or
to what extent any of such risks may be realized nor can there be any assurance
that Quarterdeck has identified all possible issues which the Company faces now
or may face in the future.

     This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements which are made
pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Within this Form 10-Q, words such as "believes",
"anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means
of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a
number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market
acceptance of products and technologies, sell-through of products in the sales
channel, successful integration of acquisitions, the effect of conversion of the
Company's convertible preferred stock, the ability to reduce operating expenses
and other factors described throughout this Form 10-Q and in the Company's other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that the
Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due
to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligations to revise
or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or
circumstances that may arise after the date of this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Net Revenues: The Company's net revenues consist of gross sales of its
products, less provisions for returns and customer allowances. In the retail and
corporate reseller channels, the Company's main sales vehicles, gross sales are
recorded as products are shipped on order to first-tier distributors, with
provisions for returns calculated on the basis of projected sell-through of new
products and demonstrated sell-through experience of established products. These
provisions reflect the industry's practice of often accepting returns from
distributors, resellers, and retailers of products not sold through to final
customers. If projected sell-through does not occur, actual returns may exceed
earlier provisions, and net revenues for a period may suffer significant
declines even when distributor orders for new or replacement products are
meeting expectations.

         Net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 1997 of
$20,626,000 decreased 15.4% or $3,759,000 from net revenues of $24,385,000 for
the three months ended December 31, 1996. This decline reflected reduced sales
for the Company's memory management, and communications products, the
discontinuance during fiscal 1997 of certain non-core product lines (e.g.,
Internet utilities and graphic utilities)and reduced efforts to sell third party
products through the Company's direct mail and telesales units.

         During the December 1997 quarter, a majority of the Company's revenues
were generated by continuing sales of its CleanSweep and ProComm products and
from new products and upgrades including RealHelp, RealHelp Extra Strength,
ViruSweep 1.0 and Partition-It Extra Strength.

         The majority of Quarterdeck's revenues are derived from US sales, but
the relative contribution from international revenues has grown, representing
24.1% and 17.0% of the Company's net revenues, for the three month periods ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

         Cost of Revenues: Cost of revenues include product production,
packaging, documentation and media, amortization of capitalized software costs,
technical support and certain license fees paid to third parties. For the three
months ended December 31,1997, cost of revenues of $4,709,000 decreased 33.2% or
$2,339,000 from cost of revenues of $7,048,000 for the three months ended
December 31, 1996, while declining as a percent of net revenues to 22.8% from
28.9% for the three months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
dollar decrease in cost of revenues was largely due to reduced sales and to
improved efficiency in production and technical support 


                                       11
<PAGE>   12

activities. The reduction as a percent of net revenues was primarily due to the
consolidation of the purchasing function which allowed the Company to obtain
manufacturing related volume discounts, reduced royalty expense and software
amortization in the current year, continued reduction of technical support costs
and continuing decreases in the manufacturing cost per unit resulting from a
change in the Company's product mix to the CD-Rom format from higher cost floppy
disks.

         Software development and purchased software costs are capitalized once
technological feasibility is achieved and are generally amortized over one to
three year periods, commencing upon initial product release. For the three
months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, Quarterdeck did not capitalize any
internal software development, judging that costs incurred after achieving
technological feasibility were immaterial. For the three months ended December
31, 1997, amortization of previously capitalized software costs of $230,000
decreased 65.3% or $432,000 from amortization of capitalized software costs of
$662,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1996 due to some previously
capitalized costs having been fully amortized. There were no software
development costs capitalized in the December 1997 quarter.

OPERATING EXPENSES

         Operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 1997 of
$15,815,000 decreased 6.0% or $1,008,000, from total operating expenses of
$16,823,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1996, but increased as a
percent of net revenues to 76.7% from 69.0% for the three months ended December
31, 1997, and 1996 respectively. This dollar decline in total operating expenses
resulted primarily from the Company's restructuring, consolidation, and
downsizing activities which began late in fiscal 1996. The increase as a percent
of net revenues was primarily due to the reduction in net revenues for the three
months ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the three months ended December
31, 1996.

         Research and Development: Research and development expenses consist
primarily of salaries, benefits and consulting fees to support product
development, including product testing and documentation. For the three months
ended December 31, 1997, research and development expenses of $4,681,000
increased 13.6% or $562,000, from research and development expenses of
$4,119,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1996, while increasing as a
percent of net revenues to 22.7% from 16.9% for the three months ended December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in research and development
expenses was largely due to increased internal research and development
headcount and to payments to third parties for contracted product development
required to support the Company's expanded helpware product development efforts.

         Sales and Marketing: Sales and marketing expenses consist of salaries
and commissions and related costs of sales and marketing and customer service
personnel as well as advertising, trade show and promotional expenses. For the
three months ended December 31, 1997, sales and marketing expenses of $8,378,000
increased 7.7% or $596,000, from sales and marketing expenses of $7,782,000 for
the three months ended December 31, 1996 while increasing as a percent of net
revenues to 40.6% from 31.9% for the three months ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively. This increase was primarily due to an increase in consulting
expenses, promotional activities and packaging occurring as a result of the new
strategic product releases during the December 1997 quarter.

         Quarterdeck believes substantial sales and marketing efforts are
essential to achieve revenue growth and to maintain and enhance the Company's
competitive position. Accordingly, with the continued expansion of its product
lines and international operations, as well as the introduction of new and
updgraded products, Quarterdeck expects the expenses associated with these
efforts to continue to constitute its most significant operating expense. There
can be no assurance that these sales and marketing efforts will be successful in
achieving their intended results.

         General and Administrative: General and administrative expenses consist
of salaries and related costs of support departments, overhead and facilities.
For the three months ended December 31, 1997, general and administrative
expenses of $2,807,000 decreased 43.0% or $2,115,000, from general and
administrative expenses of $4,922,000 for the three months ended December 31,
1996, while decreasing as a percent of net revenue to 13.6% from 20.2% for the
three months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. These declines were
largely due to reductions in headcount and consultants. Additionally, facility
related expenses declined significantly due to the restructuring efforts late in
fiscal 1996 and in fiscal 1997, as the Company closed or consolidated seven
office locations, sold the Columbia, Missouri building and subleased 52,000
square feet of the Company's current office space to other tenants.

         Restructuring Costs: For the three months ended December 31, 1997, the
Company reversed $51,000 of restructuring costs no longer required. There were
no restructuring costs for the three months ended December 31, 1996.


                                       12
<PAGE>   13

         Other income: For the three months ended December 31, 1997, net other
income of $497,000 primarily represents the gain realized upon the sale of the
Columbia, Missouri building on December 30, 1997. Net other income for the three
months ended December 31, 1996 was zero.

         Interest expense: For the three months ended December 31, 1997, net
interest expense of $267,000 decreased 45.6% or $224,000 from net interest
expense of $491,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1996, while
decreasing as a percent of net revenues to 1.3% from 2.0% for the three months
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Net interest expense decreased
primarily due to a higher interest rate paid on the Company's previous revolving
line of credit which was closed in fiscal 1997 and an increase in interest
income relating to higher cash balances maintained in interest bearing accounts
as compared to the three months ended December 31, 1996. Additionally, the
Company reduced the outstanding bank debt by $6,824,000, as compared to the
December 1996 quarter, resulting in a reduced interest expense.

         Income Taxes: A valuation allowance was recorded for income tax expense
as it relates to foreign operations to offset 100% of the Company's $33,600,000
net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 1997. The net deferred tax asset of
$33,600,000 (before applying the valuation allowance) is comprised of the
estimated tax effect of expected future reversing temporary differences and tax
net operating losses, relating in part to charges taken for book purposes that
are not deductible for federal income tax purposes until the amounts are paid in
the future. Management believes that due to recent financial results it is
appropriate to record a full valuation allowance until such time as it becomes
more likely than not that the Company will realize some or all of the benefit of
the net deferred tax asset.

Trends and Uncertainties:

         The computer software industry is subject to rapid technological change
often evidenced by new competing products, improvements in existing products and
improvements and/or upgrades to operating systems. The Company depends on the
successful development or acquisition and resulting sales of new products,
including upgrades of existing products, to replace revenues from products
introduced in prior years that have begun to experience reduced revenues or have
become obsolete. If the Company's leading products, such as CleanSweep and
ProComm, become outdated or are rendered obsolete as a result of improvements in
operating systems, hardware or technology, or due to other competitive factors
and lose market share faster than those revenues are replaced by new products or
if new products or existing product upgrades are not introduced in a timely
manner or do not achieve anticipated revenues the Company's operating results
could be materially adversely affected. Even with normal development cycles, the
market environment can change so quickly that features in certain products can
become outdated soon after market introduction. These events may occur in the
future and may have an adverse effect on future revenues and operating results.

         The Company is focusing significant efforts on evolving its core
utilities and communication product lines into a set of products designed to
enhance user performance, simplify system management and reduce the ongoing cost
of ownership for networked personal computing. As part of this effort, the
Company is developing new products, such as RealHelp, which was released in
December, 1997, and adapting its current technology into these products and has
made and may make strategic acquisitions and divestitures. There is no assurance
these efforts will be successful. Other significant risks associated with the
Company's focus on this category of products include the timing of releases in
relation to competitive products, uncertainties surrounding the rate and extent
of development of this new market and one-time losses and charges that may
result from divestitures of non-core assets.

         The Company is also devoting substantial efforts to the development of
software products that are designed to operate on Microsoft's Windows 95 and
Windows NT. Microsoft Corporation may incorporate advanced utilities or other
features in Windows 95 and/or Windows NT and/or their successors that may
decrease the demand for certain of the Company's products including those under
development. Should the Company not be able to timely develop and successfully
market products that offer perceived value to users of these operating systems
beyond that which is offered in the base operating system, future revenues would
be adversely affected.

         Although Quarterdeck believes that its product planning and development
strategies and processes will result in successful development of technology
innovations in the future, there can be no assurance that the Company's software
development efforts will result in successful product introductions or increased
revenues. Even 


                                       13
<PAGE>   14

with normal development cycles, the market environment can change so quickly
that features in certain products can become outdated before or soon after
market introduction.

         Quarterdeck believes that to remain competitive it is necessary to
continue to invest in software development efforts while at the same time
considering the acquisition and/or license of complementary software products.
The Company anticipates that spending for software development and purchased
software will continue as a significant expense in the future. However, because
of the inherent uncertainties of software development projects and the software
market in general, there can be no assurance that software development efforts
or additional purchased software will result in successful product introductions
or increased sales.

         Future competitive product releases may cause disruptions in orders for
the Company's products while users and the marketplace evaluate the competitive
products. The extent of the disruption in orders and the impact on future orders
of the Company's products will depend on various factors that are not fully
known at this time, including the level of functionality, performance and
features included in the final release of these competitive products and the
price thereof and the market's evaluation of competitive products compared to
the then current functionality, performance, features and price of the Company's
products.

         Quarterdeck believes that substantial sales and marketing efforts are
essential to achieve revenue growth and to maintain and enhance the Company's
competitive position. Accordingly, Quarterdeck expects the expenses associated
with these efforts to continue to constitute its most significant operating
expense. There can be no assurance that these sales and marketing efforts will
be successful in achieving their intended results.

         The Company's pattern of revenues and earnings were affected during
prior periods and may be affected in the future by the phenomenon known as
"channel fill." Channel fill occurs following the introduction of a new product
or a new version of a product as distributors buy significant quantities of the
new product or version in anticipation of sales of such product or version.
Following such purchases, the rate of distributors' purchases often declines,
depending on the rates of purchases by end users or "sell-through." The
phenomenon of "channel fill" may also occur in anticipation of price increases
or in response to sales promotions or incentives, some of which may be designed
to encourage customers to accelerate purchases that might otherwise occur in
later periods. Channels may also become filled simply because the distributors
are unable to, or do not, sell their inventories to retail distribution or end
users as anticipated. If sell-through does not occur at a sufficient rate,
distributors will delay purchases or cancel orders in later periods or return
prior purchases in order to reduce their inventories. In addition, between the
date the Company announces a new version or new product and the date of release,
distributors, dealers and end users often delay purchases, cancel orders or
return products in anticipation of the availability of the new version of the
product. Such order delays or cancellations can cause material fluctuations in
revenues from one quarter to the next. Net revenues may be materially affected
favorably or adversely by these effects. Like other manufacturers of package
software products, the Company is exposed to the risk of product returns from
distributors and reseller customers. Quarterdeck's return policy generally
allows its distributors, subject to certain limitations, to return purchased
products in exchange for new products or for credit toward future purchases.
However, competitive factors and/or market conditions often require the Company
to offer expanded rights of return for products that distributors or retailers
are unable to sell. The Company also provides price protection rights to its
distributors which generally give distributors credit for price decreases on
products remaining in the distributors' inventory and on products remaining in
retail customers' inventory. The Company estimates and maintains reserves for
product returns. In addition to detailed historical return rates, the Company's
estimate of return reserves takes into account future product upgrades and new
releases, current market conditions and customer inventories, as well as any
other known factors that could impact anticipated returns. There can be no
assurance that actual returns will not exceed recorded allowances. Such excess
returns can result in a material adverse effect on business, operating results
and financial condition.

         Recruitment of personnel in the computer software industry is highly
competitive. The Company's success depends to a significant extent upon the
performance of its executive officers and other key personnel. The Company
believes its ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel has been
adversely affected by the Company's recent restructurings and financial
performance. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. The loss of the services
of key individuals or the inability to attract and retain highly qualified
personnel, including developers, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.

         The Company's Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of
Common Stock. The exact number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of all of the Series C Preferred Stock cannot currently be estimated
but, generally, such issuances of Common Stock will vary inversely with the
market price of the Common Stock. The holders of Common Stock may be materially
diluted by conversion of the Series C 


                                       14
<PAGE>   15
Preferred Stock which dilution will depend on, among other things, the future
market price of the Common Stock and the decisions by holders of shares of
Series C Preferred Stock as to when to convert such shares. Each share of Series
C Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of Common Stock equal
to the quotient of (i) $1000.00 divided by (ii) the Conversion Price. Up until
March 1, 1998, the Conversion Price will be $5.00. Thereafter, subject to the
maximum Conversion Price specified below, the Conversion Price will be equal to
101% of the average of the three lowest daily trading prices for the 22
consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of conversion (the
"Conversion Date"). If the market price of the Common Stock was $1.00, $2.00 or
$3.00, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of the Series C Preferred Stock would be approximately 31,600,000, 15,800,000 or
10,500,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. The maximum Conversion Price is
$5.125 until March 31, 1999, and thereafter will be the lesser of (i) $5.125,
(ii) 101% of the average daily low trade prices of the Common Stock for all
trading days in March 1999, (ii) 101% of the average daily low trade prices of
the Common Stock for all trading days in September 1999 and (iii) 101% of the
average daily low trade prices of the Common Stock for all trading days in March
2000. To the extent the market price per share of the Common Stock is lower or
higher than the examples set forth above, the Company would issue more or less
shares of Common Stock than reflected in such examples, and such difference
could be material. The Company's stock has experienced wide fluctuations in its
stock price and stock market volatility, whether related to the stock market
generally or the Company specifically. Such fluctuations, if coincident in time
with conversions of Series C Preferred Stock, will impact directly the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof. The terms of the Series
C Preferred Stock do not provide for any limit on the number of shares of Common
Stock which the Company may be required to issue in respect thereof.

         During fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996, the Company consummated a number of
acquisitions which broadened the Company's product portfolio and sales
distribution channels. At the end of fiscal 1996 and during fiscal 1997, the
Company implemented a comprehensive, corporate-wide restructuring plan to focus
the Company in the utilities and communications software categories. The
Company's results for fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997 were negatively impacted by
the costs of integrations, acquisitions, including severance payments and asset
devaluations. Implementation of these strategic transactions could result in
charges and write-downs having a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial results. In addition, there are significant business risks associated
with acquisitions, including the successful integration of the companies in an
efficient and timely manner, the coordination of research and development and
sales efforts, the retention of key personnel, the diversion of management's
attention from day to day matters and the integration of acquired products.
Acquisitions may result in the Company competing with companies and in markets
where the Company had not previously competed. There may also be an adverse
impact on the revenues of acquired companies due to the transition of products
sales and marketing and research and development activities.

         The Company has made a preliminary assessment of its systems and
operations to ascertain the cost impact to the Company regarding the year
2000 issue. Based on such assessment, the Company believes its computer
servers, customer base systems and telephone systems are either year 2000
compliant or can be upgraded to be year 2000 compliant at minimal cost.  In 
addition, the general accounting and operations systems are under evaluation 
and are expected to be year 2000 compliant at minimal cost. The Company 
believes that the implementation of these changes will not have a material 
impact on the Company's results of operations or liquidity. However, there can
be no assurances that the Company will not experience unanticipated negative 
consequences and/or material cost associated with preparing its internal systems
for the year 2000 caused by undetected errors or defects in its internal
systems.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings
per Share," is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending
after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 replaces Accounting Principles Board
Opinion ("APB") No. 18 and simplifies the computation of earnings per share
("EPS") by replacing the presentation of primary EPS with a presentation of
basic EPS. Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution from
securities that could share in the earnings of the Company, similar to fully
diluted EPS under APB No. 15. The Statement requires dual presentation of basic
and diluted EPS by entities with complex capital structures. The Company has
adopted SFAS No. 128 for the financial statements for the quarter ended December
31, 1997.

         SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 established standards for
the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues,
expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements. The Statement requires that all items that are required to be
recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be
reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as
other financial statements. The Company is evaluating the Statement's provisions
to conclude how it will present comprehensive income in its financial
statements, and has not yet determined the amounts to be disclosed. The Company
will adopt SPAS No. 130 effective October 1, 1998.

         SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" is effective for financial statements for periods beginning after
December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for the way that public
business enterprises report financial and descriptive information about
reportable operating segments in annual financial statements and interim
financial reports issued to stockholders. SFAS No. 131 supersedes SFAS No. 14,
"Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise," but retains the
requirement 

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

to report information about major customers. The Company does not believe they
will be required to make any additional disclosures in its financial statements.
The Company will adopt SFAS No. 131 effective October 1, 1998.

         The AICPA recently issued statement of Position 97-2, "Software Revenue
Recognition," (SOP 97-2) effective for transactions entered into in fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company anticipates adopting SOP 97-2 for
transactions entered into on and after October 1, 1998. While the Company is
still evaluating the impact of this statement, it believes that it is in
substantial compliance with the provisions thereof. In addition, the impact of
SOP 97-2 will depend on terms of future transactions.

FACTORS AFFECTING QUARTERLY RESULTS AND STOCK PRICE

         The Company's future operating results and stock price could be subject
to significant fluctuations and volatility. The Company's revenues and quarterly
operating results may experience significant fluctuations and be unpredictable
as the result of a number of factors including, among others, introduction of
new or enhanced products by the Company or its competitors, rapid technological
changes in the Company's markets, seasonality of revenues, changes in operating
expenses and general economic conditions. The Company's net revenues and net
income (loss) have fluctuated significantly from year to year and from quarter
to quarter since the Company's initial public offering in June 1991.

         The Company also has experienced wide fluctuations in its stock price,
which may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future over a short
period of time. The trading price of the Common Stock increased from
approximately $3.00 in January 1995 to a high of approximately $39.00 in
December 1995 to a low of approximately $1.25 in December 1997. Fluctuations may
be due to factors specific to the Company, to changes in analysts' estimates or
to factors affecting the computer industry or the securities markets in general.
In addition, since diluted net income per share is calculated using the treasury
stock method (see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Condensed
Financial Statements), increases in the price of Quarterdeck's stock can have an
adverse impact on the calculation of diluted net income per share in that period
as more outstanding instruments are included as common shares outstanding. This
and other factors, including the existence or conversion of any outstanding
convertible securities, any decline in revenues or quarterly operating results,
or the failure to meet market expectations, could have an immediate and
significant effect on the trading price of the Common Stock in any given period.


                                       16
<PAGE>   17

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Cash and cash equivalents increased $3,252,000 to $26,903,000 at
December 31, 1997 from $23,651,000 at September 30, 1997. Working capital, which
is the excess of current assets over current liabilities, at December 31, 1997
was $17,863,000 as compared to $6,917,000 at September 30, 1997 representing an
increase in working capital of $10,946,000.

         Operating activities: Cash used in operating activities of $2,596,000
was primarily due to a net reduction in assets and liabilities of $3,655,000
which resulted from a net reduction in other current assets of $1,879,000 and
other reductions of $201,000, offset by net increases in accounts receivable and
inventories and by net reductions in payables, accrued liabilities, and accrued
acquisition, restructuring and other charges of $5,735,000. Additionally,
$1,059,000 of cash was provided by the Company's net income of $316,000 and non
cash charges of $743,000.

         The reduction in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was due to
payments made to trade vendors and an overall decline in the level of the
Company's operating expenses as a result of the execution of the restructuring
plans. The reduction in accrued acquisition, restructuring and other charges was
due to payments made during the execution of the fiscal 1996 and 1997
restructuring plans. The increase in accounts receivable was due to sales of
newly released products for which invoices were not due for payment prior to the
end of the quarter. The reduction in other current assets was largely due to
cash receipts resulting from both the Series C preferred stock financing and the
divestment of the Company's investment Lernout and Hauspie during fiscal 1997.

         Investing activities: Cash provided by investing activities of
$7,008,000 was largely due the sale of the Columbia, Missouri building on
December 30, 1997 which resulted in an increase of $7,700,000, which was offset
by $692,000 for capital expenditures.

         Financing activities: Cash used in financing activities of $1,160,000
was primarily related to the principal repayment relating to the Columbia
Missouri construction loan as a result of the sale of the building and payments
for long term financing of $3,979,000 which was partially offset by $2,819,000
of net proceeds from the sale of Series C preferred stock and issuance of common
stock.

         On March 28, 1996, the Company issued $25,000,000 principal amount of
6% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2001 ("Notes"), to an
institutional investor in a private placement pursuant to the terms of a Note
Agreement, dated March 1, 1996.

         In April 1997, the Company established an asset based line of credit
with Greyrock Business Credit, a division of NationsBank. The Company repaid and
terminated its existing line with Bank of America with proceeds from the new
line. Maximum borrowings under the new line are the lesser of $12,000,000 and
the sum of 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus the value of inventory to a
maximum of $2,000,000. The line can be used for general corporate purposes,
including investments and acquisitions, and bears interest at prime plus 2%. The
line is secured by substantially all assets of Quarterdeck. The Company is
obligated to pay a minimum interest charge of $10,000 per month and comply with
certain other non-financial covenants and restrictions. At December 31, 1997,
the Company had $1,625,000 outstanding under the line and the ability to borrow
up to a maximum amount of $10,375,000. The current term of the agreement matures
on March 31, 1998. This agreement is automatically renewable for successive
additional one year terms unless advance notification is provided by either
party prior to the next maturity date. The Company expects that the agreement
will be extended for another one year term.

         On August 6, 1996, the Company's Datastorm subsidiary secured
construction financing from a bank of up to $5,000,000 with an interest rate
equal to the bank's commercial base rate, currently prime plus 2%, secured by
the newly constructed Columbia, Missouri building. The Columbia, Missouri
building was sold on December 30, 1997 and the remaining balance of $3,500,000
was repaid in full on December 30, 1997.

         In September 1997 and between October 1997 and November 4, 1997, the
Company issued 26,025 and 2,975 shares, respectively of Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock, stated value $1000 per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock"),
of the Company for $24,594,000 and $2,782,000, net of offering fees,
respectively.

         On December 19, 1997, the Company reached an agreement in principle to
settle the shareholder litigation for $12,500,000. The Company will be required
to pay approximately $1,905,000 as part of this settlement. The Company's
directors' and officers' insurance carrier will contribute $10,595,000 to the
settlement.


                                       17
<PAGE>   18

         The Company believes existing working capital and borrowing capacity
under the line of credit will be sufficient to fund the Company's
operations for fiscal 1998. Nevertheless, the Company may explore various
financing alternatives in order to finance an expansion of the business of
the Company and help provide additional working capital for operations. There is
no assurance that additional financing will be available, or if available, will
be available on acceptable terms. Any decision or ability to obtain financing
through debt or equity investment will depend on various factors, including,
among others, revenues, financial market conditions, strategic acquisition and
investment opportunities, and developments in the Company's markets. The sale of
additional equity securities or future conversion of any convertible debt would
result in additional dilution to the Company's stockholders.

         The Company conducts business in various foreign currencies and is
therefore subject to the transaction exposures that arise from foreign exchange
rate movements between the dates that foreign currency transactions are recorded
and the date that they are consummated. The Company is also subject to certain
exposures arising from the translation and consolidation of the financial
results of its foreign subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that actions
taken to manage such exposures will continue to be successful or that future
changes in currency exchange rates will not have a material impact on the
Company's future operating results. The Company does not hedge either its
translation risk or its economic risk.


                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         Federal and state shareholder actions were brought against the Company
and one former and one current officer of the Company alleging among other
things, violations of certain provisions of California and Federal securities
laws relating to statements made about Quarterdeck. On December 19, 1997, the
Company reached an agreement in principle to settle such actions for a total
amount of $12,500,000, of which the Company will be required to pay
approximately $1,905,000, with the balance of $10,595,000 to be paid under the
Company's directors' and officers' insurance policy. The settlement is subject
to, among other things, court approval. The Company has recorded a charge of
$1,905,000 for its fiscal year ended September 30, 1997.

         In March 1997, a purported class action lawsuit brought on behalf of
all licensees of MagnaRAM2 residing in the United States, Jack Abbott, et al. v.
Quarterdeck Corporation, Case No. 00709198, was filed in the Superior Court of
the State of California, County of San Diego. The complaint alleges, among other
things, that MagnaRAM2 fails to increase Random Access Memory significantly or
otherwise help Windows 95 and Windows 3.x users. The plaintiffs seek
compensatory damages and punitive damages in unspecified amounts, injunctive
relief, and attorney fees and costs. Quarterdeck has filed counterclaims and
intends to defend the case vigorously and to oppose any effort to certify the
claims for class resolution. No assurances can be given that the ultimate
disposition of this case will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

         In October 1997, a complaint was filed in the United States District
Court for the District of Utah on behalf of PowerQuest Corporation against the
Company. The complaint alleges that the Company's partitioning software
(Partition-It) violates a patent held by PowerQuest. In January 1998, PowerQuest
obtained a second patent relating to partitioning and is now seeking to amend
its complaint to allege infringement of that patent as well. The plaintiff seeks
an injunction against distribution of Partition-It and damages. Although the 
Company believes the patents are invalid, there can be no assurance as to the 
actual outcome of this matter. The ultimate disposition of this  matter could 
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

         The Company is a defendant in various other pending claims and
lawsuits. Although there can be no assurances, management believes that the
disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on the
results of operations or financial position of the Company.

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

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 5, 1998, five proposals
were submitted to the Company's stockholders. The Company's nominees for
directors were elected and each of the other proposals were approved. A brief
description of those proposals and the results of the voting are as follows:

         Proposal One - Election of two directors to serve for a three year term

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Nominee                   Votes For               Votes Withheld
          -------                   ---------               --------------
          <S>                       <C>                     <C>      
          Howard L. Morgan          33,880,040              2,471,035

          Nominee                   Votes For               Votes Withheld
          -------                   ---------               --------------
          Curtis A. Hessler         34,055,689              2,295,386
</TABLE>

         Proposal Two - Approval for the issuance of shares of Common Stock
representing 20% or more of the Common Stock outstanding, which are issuable
upon conversion of shares of the Company's Series C Convertible Preferred Stock
issued in a private placement.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Voting Results
            --------------
            <S>                              <C>
            For                              14,155,473
            Against                           1,924,740
            Abstain                             281,129
            Broker Non-Votes                 19,989,733
</TABLE>


                                       19
<PAGE>   20

         Proposal Three - Approval of an amendment to the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for
issuance by the Company from 70,000,000 to 100,000,000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Voting Results
            --------------
            <S>                              <C>
            For                              33,215,089
            Against                           2,883,941
            Abstain                             252,044
            Broker Non-Votes                          1
</TABLE>

         Proposal Four - Approval of an amendment to the Company's 1990 Stock
Plan to increase the number of shares from 7,500,000 to 9,500,000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Voting Results
            --------------
            <S>                              <C>
            For                              30,161,098
            Against                           5,444,275
            Abstain                             305,531
            Broker Non-Votes                    440,171
</TABLE>

         Proposal Five - Ratification of appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as
independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            Voting Results
            --------------
            <S>                              <C>
            For                              35,764,947
            Against                             310,423
            Abstain                             275,705
            Broker Non-Votes                         --
</TABLE>


Item 5.   Other Information

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net
income per share for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1995 through
September 30, 1997. Additionally, the basic and diluted net income per share is
disclosed for the years ended September 30, 1993 and 1994.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                1997      1996      1995      1994      1993
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Numerator:
Net income, net income
available to common
stockholders and net income
available to common
stockholders after required
conversion:                   $(18,398) $(74,959) $ 11,252

Denominator:
Shares used for basic net
income per share
calculation - weighted
average shares outstanding      43,168    34,894    35,055

Effect of dilutive
securities:

  Stock options and warrants                         1,444

Shares used for diluted net   ----------------------------
income per share calculation    43,168    34,894    36,499
                              ============================

Basic net income per share    $  (0.43) $  (2.15) $   0.32 $  (0.15) $   0.32
Diluted net income per share  $  (0.43) $  (2.15) $   0.31 $  (0.15) $   0.32
</TABLE>

     Options to purchase 6,091,000 shares at a weighted average exercise price
of $3.89 and 6,048,000 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $9.12 and
1,988,000 shares were outstanding as of the fiscal years ended September 30,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, but were not included in the computation of
diluted net income per share because the options exercise price was greater
than the average market price of the common shares and therefore, the effect
would be anti-dilutive.

     Warrants to purchase 904,000 shares and 1,704,000 shares at a weighted
average exercise price of $7.44 were outstanding as of the fiscal years ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996 respectively, but were not included in the
computation of diluted net income per share because the warrants' exercise
price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and
therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.

     Series B Convertible Preferred Stock in the amount of $20,000,000 was
outstanding as of September 30, 1996 and was convertible into common stock on
or after November 15, 1996 at a conversion price to be determined using a
specified conversion formula which is based upon the future market price of the
Company's common stock. During fiscal 1997, $10,000,000 of the Series B
Preferred Stock was converted into 3,762,000 shares of common stock at a
weighted average conversion price of $2.66. The Company repurchased all of the
remaining oustanding shares and 800,000 of the related outstanding warrants of
Series B Preferred Stock for $10,000,000 on September 30, 1997. Shares issuable
upon conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were not included in
the computation of diluted net income per share for 1996 because the effect
would be anti-dilutive.

     Warrants to purchase 25,000 shares at a weighted average exercise price of
$7.20 were outstanding as of the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 but were
not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the
warrants' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the
common shares and therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.

     Series C Convertible Preferred Stock in the amount of $24,594,000, net of
placement fees, was outstanding as of September 30, 1997. Each share of Series C
Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of Common Stock equal
to the quotient of (i) $1000.00 divided by (ii) the Conversion Price. Until
March 1, 1998, the Conversion Price will be $5.00. Thereafter, subject to the
maximum Conversion Price specified below, the Conversion Price will be equal to
101% of the average of the three lowest daily trading prices for the 22
consecutive days immediately preceding the date of conversion (the "Conversion
Date"). The maximum Conversion Price is $5.125 until March 31, 1999, and
thereafter will be the lesser of (i) $5.125, (ii) 101% of the average daily low
trade prices of the Common Stock for all trading days in March 1999, (iii) 101%
of the average daily low trade prices of the Common Stock for all trading days
in September 1999 and (iv) 101% of the average daily low trade prices of the
Common Stock for all trading days in March 2000. These securities were not
included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the effect
would be anti-dilutive.

     Approximately 1,180,000 shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible
notes were not included as the effect would be anti-dilutive. The Company had
$25,000,000 of convertible notes outstanding at September 30, 1997 and 1996.



                                       21
<PAGE>   21

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a)   Exhibits

<TABLE>
             <S>      <C>
               3.1    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation
                      of the Company.

               3.2    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation
                      of the Company.

              10.1    Contract For Sale of Real Estate between Datastorm
                      Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and The
                      Curators of the University of Missouri, dated December 30,
                      1997.

              10.2    Office Lease between Datastorm Technologies, Inc., a
                      subsidiary of the Company, and The Curators of the
                      University of Missouri, dated December 30, 1997.

              10.3    Outbound Telemarketing Exclusive Services Agreement
                      between the Company and The Sutherland Group, Ltd., dated
                      as of January 13, 1998.
</TABLE>

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

                  A Form 8-K with respect to the issuance of securities in a
                  private placement pursuant to Regulation D was filed with the
                  Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 1997.

                  A Form 8-K with respect to the repurchase and conversion of
                  securities that were issued pursuant to Regulation S was filed
                  with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7,
                  1997.


                                       22
<PAGE>   22

                                   SIGNATURES

                Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                      QUARTERDECK CORPORATION
                                          (Registrant)


Date: February 12, 1998              /s/  CURTIS A. HESSLER
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Curtis A. Hessler
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer


Date: February 12, 1998              /s/  FRANK GREICO
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Frank Greico
                                          Sr. Vice President and
                                              Chief Financial Officer


                                       23

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1

                           CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                             QUARTERDECK CORPORATION

                  QUARTERDECK CORPORATION, a corporation organized and existing
under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware:

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of QUARTERDECK CORPORATION,
resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the
Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation, declaring said amendment to be
advisable and calling for consent of the stockholders at a meeting of said
corporation for consideration thereof.

SECOND: That pursuant to such resolution, the first paragraph of Article IV of
said corporation's Certificate of Incorporation would be amended to read as
follows:

          "The total authorized number of shares of the Corporation shall be
72,000,000 shares, consisting of 70,000,000 shares designated as Common Stock,
$.001 par value, and 2,000,000 shares designated as Preferred Stock, $.001 par
value."

THIRD: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of Directors, the
stockholders of said corporation considered and adopted said amendment of
Article IV at a duly constituted meeting thereof, at which meeting the necessary
number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the amendment.

FOURTH: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions
of Section 242(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said QUARTERDECK CORPORATION has caused this certificate to
be signed by Curtis A. Hessler, its President and Chief Executive Officer, and
Bradley D. Schwartz, its Secretary, this 12th day of February, 1997.



                                         By:  /s/ CURTIS A. HESSLER
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Curtis A. Hessler, President and
                                             Chief Executive Officer


Attest: /s/ BRADLEY D. SCHWARTZ
         ---------------------------
         Bradley D. Schwartz, Secretary



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2

                           CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                             QUARTERDECK CORPORATION

         QUARTERDECK CORPORATION, a corporation organized and existing under and
by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware:

         DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

         FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of QUARTERDECK
CORPORATION, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of
the Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation, declaring said amendment
to be advisable and calling for consent of the stockholders at a meeting of said
corporation for consideration thereof.

         SECOND: That pursuant to such resolution, the first paragraph of
Article IV of said corporation's Certificate of Incorporation would be amended
to read as follows:

          "The total authorized number of shares of the Corporation shall be
         102,000,000 shares, consisting of 100,000,000 shares designated as
         Common Stock, $.001 par value, and 2,000,000 shares designated as
         Preferred Stock, $.001 par value."

         THIRD: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of
Directors, the stockholders of said corporation considered and adopted said
amendment of Article IV at a duly constituted meeting thereof, at which meeting
the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the
amendment.

         FOURTH: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the
provisions of Section 242(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said QUARTERDECK CORPORATION has caused this
certificate to be signed by Curtis Hessler, its President, and attested by Ron
Ben-Yehuda, its Secretary, this 10th day of February, 1998.



                                       By:  /s/ CURTIS HESSLER
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Curtis Hessler, President


Attest: /s/ RON BEN-YEHUDA
         ---------------------------
         Ron Ben-Yehuda, Secretary



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                        CONTRACT FOR SALE OF REAL ESTATE


                  THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this _____ day of December, 1997,
by and between DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Missouri corporation (hereinafter
"Seller") and THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, a public corporation
of the State of Missouri (hereinafter "Buyer").

                  WITNESSETH:

         1. Purchase and Sale. The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to
buy, upon the terms and conditions herein set out, the real estate situated at
2401 LeMone Industrial Boulevard, Boone County, Missouri, including all
buildings (the "Premises"), fixtures, improvements, easements, access rights,
and appurtenances thereto, as more particularly described in Exhibit A hereto
which is incorporated herein by reference (collectively the "Real Property"),
together with the Personal Property described on Exhibit B hereto which is
incorporated herein by reference (collectively the "Personal Property"). The
Real Property and the Personal Property are collectively referred to as the
"Property."

         2. Contracts and Leases. There are no leases or contracts affecting the
Property that shall be effective as of Closing.

         3. Purchase Price. The price to be paid by the Buyer for the Property
at Closing is SEVEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($7,700,000.00). The Purchase Price shall be allocated between the Real Property
and the Personal Property as follows:

                  $ 7,466,000 to the Real Property; and

                  $    234,000 to the Personal Property.

The Purchase Price shall be paid to Seller at Closing in immediately available
funds by wire transfer.

         4. Title. Seller shall convey title to the Real Property by Special
Warranty Deed free and clear of all encumbrances, but subject to easements and
restrictions of record. Seller shall convey title to the Personal Property by
Bill of Sale AS IS, WHERE IS, and without warranty, except in such cases where
an unexpired, assignable warranty was given to Seller when it acquired such
Personal Property, in which cases Seller shall assign such Personal Property
warranty to Buyer.

         5. Conditions Precedent to Buyer's Obligations. For a period concluding
on December 22, 1997, 11:00 a.m. (the "Due Diligence Period"), Buyer shall
proceed diligently to inspect the Property, review Seller's records, perform
title searches, secure purchase money, and perform such other actions in
anticipation of Closing as Buyer may deem necessary. Buyer shall have the right
to terminate this Agreement by written notice to Seller sent within the Due
Diligence Period if Buyer determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that
it is unable or 


<PAGE>   2

unwilling to proceed with the purchase of the Property. Seller shall cooperate
with Buyer's Due Diligence by providing access to the Real Property at
reasonable times and by permitting Buyer to review the on-premises records
pertaining to the Property. In addition to satisfactory completion of Buyer's
Due Diligence, the obligations of Buyer hereunder are subject to the fulfillment
or satisfaction on or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

                  a. The representations, warranties and agreements made by
         Seller in this Agreement shall be true and accurate on the date of
         Closing with the effect as though such representations, warranties, and
         agreements had been made or given on or as of such date.

                  b. All proceedings to be taken in connection with the
         transactions contemplated by the Agreement, and all documents
         incidental thereto, shall be satisfactory in form and substance to
         Buyer's counsel.

                  c. The undersigned officer of the University of Missouri does
         not have authority to bind The Curators of the University of Missouri
         with respect to the obligations imposed upon the Buyer pursuant to the
         Agreement without the express consent of the Board of Curators of the
         University of Missouri. Accordingly, this Agreement shall not be
         binding on Buyer until formally approved by the Board of Curators of
         the University of Missouri. If such written consent is not delivered to
         Seller prior to the end of the Due Diligence Period, Buyer and Seller
         shall be deemed released automatically from their agreement for sale of
         the Property.

         6. Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Seller. The obligations
of Seller hereunder are subject to the fulfillment and satisfaction on or at the
Closing of the following conditions:

                  a. Buyer's representations and warranties contained in this
         Agreement shall be true at and as of the Closing, as though such
         representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing.

                  b. Buyer shall have performed and complied with Buyer's
         obligations under this Agreement which are to be performed and complied
         with by Buyer prior or as of the Closing.

                  c. Receipt, on or before 11:00 a.m. on December 22, 1997, of a
         duly executed resolution approved by the Curators of the University of
         Missouri approving this Agreement and Buyer's purchase of the Property
         in accordance with the terms hereof.


                  d. Buyer and Seller shall enter into a lease of a portion of
         the Property from Buyer to Seller in substantially the form that is
         attached hereto as Exhibit C.

         7. Title Insurance. Buyer may, at its expense, obtain a commitment for
an owner's policy of title insurance with respect to the Real Property. Prior to
the conclusion of the 

                                       2

<PAGE>   3

Due Diligence Period, Buyer may submit to Seller written notice setting forth
its objections (if any) to anything appearing in the title commitment. Within
five (5) days after receipt of such written objections, Seller shall respond to
Buyer in writing. If such response indicates that Seller is unable or unwilling
to cure any such objections, Buyer shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement by tendering written notice of its intention to do so to Seller within
five (5) days after receipt of Seller's response. All title exceptions accepted
by Buyer shall be deemed "Permitted Exceptions".

         8. Closing.

                  a. The closing of this transaction shall take place at
         Boone-Central Title Co., 601 East Broadway, Columbia, Missouri on or
         before December 31, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. or at such other date, time, and
         place as may mutually be agreed upon by the parties.

                  b. At Closing, Seller and, where appropriate, Buyer shall
         execute and deliver the following documents:

                           (i) Special Warranty Deed, in substantially the form
                  that is attached hereto as Exhibit D, transferring and
                  conveying to Buyer marketable, fee simple title to the Real
                  Property, free and clear of all encumbrances, but subject to
                  easements and restrictions of record.

                           (ii) Bill of Sale, in substantially the form that is
                  attached hereto as Exhibit E, transferring and conveying to
                  Buyer good title to the Personal Property, as is where is, but
                  free and clear of liens and security interests.

                           (iii) Assignment of Warranties, in substantially the
                  form that is attached hereto as Exhibit F, transferring and
                  assigning to Buyer all right, title, claim and interest of
                  Seller in and to warranties pertaining to the construction of
                  the Premises on the Real Property and equipment installed
                  therein, which have not by their terms expired.


                           (iv) Such affidavits, other evidence of title,
                  corporate articles, by-laws, certificates of good standing,
                  resolutions, consents and the like from Seller and Buyer as
                  may be required by the Title Company, on or in forms
                  customarily used by the Title Company, in order to issue the
                  owner's policy of title insurance as specified in Section 7
                  hereof.


                           (v) A lease of the upper level (third of three) of
                  the Premises, including a portion of the current MIS area in
                  the middle level (second of three) of the Premises from Buyer
                  to Seller in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, as
                  contemplated by Section 6.d. hereof.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                           (vi) All Agreements (executed originals when
                  available, otherwise copies) to be assigned by Seller to Buyer
                  pursuant hereto.

                           (vii) Copies of the most recent property tax bills,
                  and copies of the most recent utility bills, together with
                  evidence of payment thereof.

                           (viii) Copies of building permits for the building
                  and improvements comprising the Real Property, a fire marshall
                  letter (if available), and operating permits for elevator
                  service (if any) to the extent in the possession or under the
                  control of Seller.

                  c. At Closing Buyer shall deliver to Seller the Purchase Price
         set forth in Paragraph 3 hereof.

                  d. Seller shall deliver possession of the Property and be
         prepared for Buyer's occupancy of the Premises promptly following
         Closing.

         9. Warranties of Buyer. Buyer makes the following warranties and
representations to Seller, each of which is true as of this date and shall be
true as of Closing:

                  a. Buyer is a public corporation duly organized and existing
         by virtue of the laws of the State of Missouri;

                  b. Buyer has the power and authority to enter into and perform
         this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby;

                  c. Following approval of the Board of Curators pursuant to
         Section 5.c. hereof, this Agreement shall constitute a valid and
         binding Agreement of Buyer enforceable in accordance with its terms;
         and

                  d. Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby violates or
         conflicts with any rule or regulation of The Curators of the University
         of Missouri or other laws, rules or regulations affecting Buyer.

         10. Warranties of Seller. Seller makes the following warranties and
representations to Buyer, each of which is true as of this date and shall be
true as of Closing:

                  a. Seller is a corporation duly organized and existing by
         virtue of the laws of the State of Missouri.;

                  b. Following approval of the Board of Curators pursuant to
         Section 5.c. hereof, this Agreement shall constitute a valid and
         binding Agreement of Seller enforceable in accordance with its terms;
         and

                  c. Seller has the power and authority to enter into this
         Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby.


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

         11. Real Estate Commission. Seller and Buyer represent to each other
that they have dealt with no broker, agent or finder in connection with the sale
of the Property other than CB Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc., who shall earn
a commission at Closing to be paid by Seller from the Purchase Price. Each party
shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other from and against any and all
claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses or other liabilities
(including attorneys' fees and court costs whether or not suit is instituted)
incurred by the Indemnified Party arising from or pertaining to any brokerage
commissions, fees, costs or other expenses that may be due or claimed by any
broker, agent or finder with whom the Indemnifying Party has dealt in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereunder, other than as disclosed above.

         12. Insurance. Seller hereby covenants to keep all improvements located
on the Real Property and all Personal Property located thereon insured on an
all-risk, replacement cost basis from the date hereof until Closing.

         13. Risk of Loss Until Date of Closing on Seller. All improvements now
situated on the Real Property shall be delivered to Buyer at the time of Closing
in as good condition as they are as of the date of this Agreement, ordinary wear
and tear excepted. Provided, however, if prior to Closing any of the
improvements on the Real Property are materially damaged by fire or other
casualty, then Buyer shall have the option of accepting all of the insurance
proceeds therefor, and proceeding with its performance under this Agreement, or
declaring this Agreement to be null and void, in which case the parties shall be
released from their respective obligations under this Agreement.


         14. Maintenance and Alterations. Seller shall make no material
alterations to the Premises without Buyer's prior written consent (not to be
unreasonably withheld) nor shall Seller permit any Tenant to make alterations to
the Premises without Buyer's prior written consent (not to be unreasonably
withheld). Buyer may inspect the Premises not less than two days prior to
Closing during normal business hours, upon reasonable notice to Seller, in order
to ensure that Seller has maintained the improvements as required in Sections 13
and 14 hereof. If upon such inspection, Buyer in good faith determines that
Seller has failed materially in its obligation to maintain the Premises, Buyer
may make written demand on Seller that Seller make necessary repairs to fulfill
its maintenance obligations. In order to be effective, such notice must be
tendered to Seller not less than 48 hours prior to Closing. If within 24 hours
following receipt of such notice, Seller fails to commence the necessary
repairs, Buyer may enter upon the Premises, make the necessary repairs, and
deduct the actual cost of such repairs (without mark up by Buyer) from the
Purchase Price at Closing.

         15. Removal of Equipment and Other Personal Property. Seller agrees to
remove all of Seller's equipment and other items of Personal Property (other
than the Personal Property described on Exhibit B hereto) from that portion of
the Premises that is not leased to Seller pursuant to Section 6.d of this
Agreement within 45 days following Closing. Seller will not remove any fixtures,
including but not limited to light fixtures, from the Premises.



                                       5
<PAGE>   6

         16. Survival. All obligations of Seller and Buyer which by their nature
involve performance in any way after the Closing Date, or which cannot be
ascertained to have been fully performed until after the Closing Date, shall
survive the Closing Date.

         17. Agreement Binding Upon Successors and Assigns. The provisions of
this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto, their successors and assigns.

         18. Headings. The headings in this instrument have been inserted for
convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify or restrict any
provision hereof, or be used to construe any of such provisions.


         19. Modifications in Writing. This Agreement may not be changed or
modified, either in whole or in part, except by initialing changes herein or by
an agreement in writing signed by all parties hereto.

         20. Prorations and Closing Costs. If unpaid as of Closing, real estate
taxes for the 1997 tax year shall be paid at Closing by Seller from the Purchase
Price. Costs of all utilities, including electricity, water, sewer and gas shall
be borne by Seller prior to the Date of Closing and commencing as of the Date of
Closing, shall be borne by Buyer. The parties shall arrange for all utility
meters to be read and all accounts transferred as of midnight of the day before
the Date of Closing. All expenses of the Property shall be prorated and adjusted
as of midnight of the day before the Date of Closing. Buyer and Seller shall pay
their own respective attorney's fees, costs and expenses. Seller shall pay for
preparation of the Deed and Bill of Sale. All other costs and expenses incurred
in connection with this transaction, including but not limited to, costs,
expenses and fees with respect to examination of title and the obtaining of
title insurance, surveys and inspections shall be paid by Buyer. 

         21. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications
hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given if the same shall be in
writing and shall be personally delivered or sent via overnight courier or by
telecopy to the address(es) or telecopy number(s) set forth below: 

                           a. If to Seller:

                           Deirdre F. Baird
                                    Director of Real Estate and
                                    Facilities Management
                                    Quarterdeck Corporation
                                    13160 Mindanao Way
                                    Marina del Rey, California 90292-9705
                                    (310-309-4218)  Telecopy



                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                           with a copy to:

                                    John S. Meyer, Jr., Esq.
                                    Bryan Cave LLP
                                    One Metropolitan Square
                                    211 North Broadway, Suite 3600
                                    St. Louis, Missouri  63102
                                    (314-259-2020)  Telecopy


                           b.       If to Buyer:

                                    Dennis P. Cesari
                                    Assistant Vice President for 
                                    Management Services
                                    225 University Hall
                                    Columbia, Missouri 65211
                                    (573-884-4745) Telecopy

                                    with a copy to:

                                    Office of the General Counsel
                                    of the University of Missouri
                                    227 University Hall
                                    Columbia, Missouri  65211
                                    (573-882-0050) Telecopy

         22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits
attached hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference, constitutes the
entire undertaking between the parties hereto, and supersedes any and all prior
agreements, arrangements, and understandings between the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof.

         23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said parties have executed this Agreement
as of the day and year first above written.

SELLER:                               BUYER:

DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.          THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY
                                      OF MISSOURI

By: /s/ Curtis A. Hessler             By: /s/ Dennis P. Cesari
   --------------------------------      --------------------------------
   Name:                                 Name:
   Title:                                Title:



                                       7


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                                  OFFICE LEASE

                                 by and between

                   THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

                                   as LANDLORD

                                       and

                          DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

                                    as TENANT



                        2401 LeMone Industrial Boulevard


                                City of Columbia

                                 County of Boone

                                State of Missouri

<PAGE>   2

                                      LEASE

         THIS LEASE is made and entered into as of the Effective Date described
in Section 2.1 below by and between THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI,
a public corporation of the State of Missouri ("Landlord") and DATASTORM
TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Missouri corporation ("Tenant").

1. PREMISES: Landlord leases to Tenant, upon the terms and conditions herein
stated, the following described premises, situated in the City of Columbia,
Boone County, State of Missouri: the portions of the building located at 2401
LeMone Industrial Boulevard (the "Building") containing approximately 54,491
rentable square feet, as described on Exhibit A hereto, including all fixtures
located therein, no less than 150 parking spaces, plus the three parking spaces
at the entrance to the Building presently designated as reserved and the three
spaces adjacent thereto, all of which shall be designated as "Reserved",
(collectively, the "Reserved Spaces") (at no extra charge), all access ways,
common areas and other common amenities (collectively, the "Improvements") now
located on the real property (as more particularly described in Exhibit B
hereto) upon which the aforesaid building is situated (the "Land"), and all of
Landlord's rights, privileges, easements and appurtenances in, over and upon
adjoining and adjacent public and private land, highways, roads and streets
reasonably required for parking, utility service and ingress and egress to and
from the Premises, including the right of ingress and egress thereto and
therefrom at all times (collectively the "Appurtenances"). The Land,
Improvements and Appurtenances are hereinafter collectively called the
"Premises."

2.       TERM; HOLDOVER AND OPTIONS:

         2.1. Term. Subject to the terms hereof, this Lease shall be effective
as a contract between the parties as of the last date on which it has been
executed by both Landlord and Tenant on the signature page hereof (the
"Effective Date"). The term of this Lease (the "Term") shall begin upon closing
of Landlord's purchase of the Premises from Tenant (the "Rent Commencement
Date"), and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 1999, subject to the
provisions of Section 2.2 and 2.3 below.

         2.2. Holdover. It is agreed and understood that any holding over by
Tenant of the Premises after the expiration of this Lease shall operate and be
construed as a tenancy from month to month at a rental amount equal to the last
monthly rental amount paid under the terms of this Lease and shall be subject to
all other terms and conditions of this Lease. Such tenancy may be terminated by
either party upon the giving of 30 days notice in writing to the other party.

         2.3. Renewal Options. Landlord hereby grants to Tenant the right,
privilege and option to extend the Term for two (2) successive periods of two
(2) years each under the same terms and conditions of this Lease in effect at
the expiration of the initial Term or extended Term hereof, except that the rent
to be paid during any extension of the Term shall be the amount(s) indicated in
Section 3.2 below and the three (3) upper level executive suites (as described
in Exhibit A hereto) may, at Tenant's option, be excluded from the Premises
during the extended Terms. For the purpose of calculating rent due during the
extended Terms, the parties agree that the aforesaid executive suites comprise
13,500 square feet of rentable space. Tenant, if it elects to exercise any



<PAGE>   3

extension option, shall do so by giving Landlord written notice at least ninety
(90) days prior to the expiration of the initial Term or pending extended Term,
as the case may be.

         2.4. Early Termination Rights. Tenant and Landlord shall be entitled to
terminate this Lease prior to the stated expiration hereof in the following
manner:

                  2.4.1. At any time during the second lease year, Tenant may
terminate this Lease upon sixty (60) days advance written notice to Landlord and
the payment within 30 days of such notice of a sum equal to three (3) months
rent at the then existing monthly rental rate. Likewise, at any time during the
second lease year, Landlord may terminate this Lease upon sixty (60) days
advance written notice to Tenant. Such termination shall be effective no sooner
than the end of the first calendar month not less than sixty (60) days after
receipt of notice given by the terminating party.

                  2.4.2. At any time during the third lease year and each year
thereafter, Tenant may terminate this Lease upon sixty (60) days advance written
notice to Landlord and the payment within 30 days of such notice of a sum equal
to two (2) months rent at the then existing monthly rental rate. Likewise, at
any time during the third lease year and each year thereafter, Landlord may
terminate this Lease upon sixty (60) days advance written notice to Tenant. Such
termination shall be effective no sooner than the end of the first calendar
month not less than sixty (60) days after receipt of notice given by the
terminating party.

3.       RENT:

         3.1. Base Term Rent. Tenant shall pay Landlord as annual rent for the
Premises during the initial Term, except as herein provided, the sum of $10 per
rentable square foot, which the parties agree shall during the initial Term
comprise 54,491 square feet, payable in equal monthly installments of Forty-Five
Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars ($45,333) due on or before the first
day of each month, at the address set forth herein for Landlord.

         3.2. Renewal Term Rent. Rent for the extended Term, if any, shall be as
follows: $10 per rentable square foot per annum, adjusted by the increase (if
any) in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers occurring between the
Rent Commencement Date and the expiration of the preceding Term.

         3.3. Fractional Month. If the Rent Commencement Date is not the first
day of a calendar month, the first month's rent shall be prorated for such
fractional month and Tenant shall pay rent in advance for the fractional month
on or prior to the Rent Commencement Date and thereafter rent (and all other
payment obligations of Tenant under this Lease which are required to be paid in
monthly installments) shall be paid in advance on the first day of each and
every calendar month of the Term.



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<PAGE>   4

4.       COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT AND LANDLORD WARRANTIES:

         4.1. Quiet Enjoyment. Landlord covenants with Tenant to keep Tenant in
quiet possession of the Premises during the Term of this Lease and any
extensions hereof, provided Tenant is not in default under this Lease.

         4.2. Landlord Warranties. Landlord hereby represents and warrants to
Tenant as follows: (i) Landlord has full right and lawful authority to lease the
Premises to Tenant; (ii) upon Landlord's approval of its purchase of the
Premises no joinder or approval of another person is required with respect to
Landlord's right and authority to enter into this Lease; and (iii) any approvals
required by a lender or mortgagee have been obtained.

5.       USE: The Premises may be used for the following purposes: the
development, marketing, and wholesale and/or retail sale and/or distribution of
computer software, enhancements, and related items; parking; office purposes;
and all other purposes permitted by applicable law.

6.       COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS:

         6.1. Tenant Compliance. Tenant agrees that during the Term of this
Lease, Tenant shall, in its use and occupancy of the Premises, comply with all
applicable governmental regulations and laws respecting Tenant's operations, but
Tenant shall have no obligation to repair, restore, replace, modify or update
the Improvements comprising the Premises or any other portion of the Premises
except as provided in Section 6.2 below.


         6.2. Landlord Compliance. Landlord agrees that during the Term of this
Lease, Landlord shall, at its cost and expense, comply with all applicable
governmental regulations and laws, including, but not limited to the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and all regulations issued
by the U.S. Attorney General or other authorized agencies under the authority of
the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA Laws"), relating to the physical
condition of all parts of the Premises that apply to all real estate generally
and not arising due to the unique nature of Tenant's specific use of the
Premises. Tenant shall comply with the regulations and laws which relate to the
physical condition of the Premises to the extent such requirements arise out of
the unique nature of Tenant's use of the Premises.

7.       ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS:

         7.1. Alterations and Fixtures. Tenant shall not make alterations,
additions, or improvements to the Premises costing more than $5,000 without the
consent of Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Tenant
shall have the right to select the contractor(s) to perform such work. If the
alterations, additions or improvements are such that they are intended by Tenant
to become a part of the Premises (a "fixture"), then the same shall not be
subject to removal by Tenant.



                                       3
<PAGE>   5

         7.2. Personal Property. Any and all signs, equipment, furniture and
machinery that Tenant may place in or upon the Premises during its occupancy
thereof and any addition or improvement not intended as a fixture as provided
above, shall be, and remain at all times, personal property, whether affixed to
the real estate or not and may be removed by Tenant at any time during the
initial, renewal, extension or hold over Term hereof or within a reasonable
period after the expiration of this Lease; provided, however, that Tenant shall
repair at its own expense any damage done to the Premises by reason of removal
of any such property.

         7.3. Signage. Tenant shall not have the right to install any signs on
any portion of the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, except that Tenant may
continue to display any signs at the Premises existing prior to the date of this
Lease.

8.       REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE:

         8.1. Landlord Maintenance. Landlord shall be responsible for the
repair, maintenance and replacement of all structural components of the Premises
specifically including but not limited to, the roof, exterior walls and
foundation, and shall maintain the heating, air conditioning, plumbing and
electrical systems, and the utility systems serving the Premises, in as good a
condition as exists on the date hereof. Landlord shall furnish janitorial
services (as described in Exhibit C hereto) to the Premises of sufficient
frequency and quality to maintain the Class A appearance of the Premises.
Landlord shall be responsible for all capital improvements or replacements to
the Premises, including, but not limited to, repaving of the parking areas. If
reasonable vehicular and pedestrian access for Tenant, Tenant's tractors,
trailers and trucks, or Tenant's customers to the Premises is obstructed or
blocked due to weather conditions, repairs, reconstruction, or otherwise by
Landlord, then to the extent the operation of Tenant's business is adversely
affected, a proportionate and equitable reduction or abatement of rent shall be
made until such access is re-established.

         8.2. Tenant Maintenance. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
Tenant shall be responsible for the customary and routine repair and maintenance
(excluding capital improvements, replacements or alterations) of the Premises.

9.       UTILITIES: Landlord agrees to provide and maintain during the Term of
this Lease and any renewal, extension or holding over, the necessary mains and
conduits leading to the Premises in order that water, sewage, gas, and
electricity may be furnished to the Premises. The cost of all utilities,
including water, gas, sewer and/or electricity, used by Tenant for any purpose
in, upon or about the Premises, shall be borne by Landlord.

10.      TAXES: Landlord agrees that Landlord shall pay all applicable general
ad valorem real estate taxes and assessments (special or general) assessed and
payable during the Term of this Lease by any competent authority on or against
the Premises or any part thereof. Tenant agrees to pay only such taxes and
assessments levied against personal property or trade fixtures which are owned
by Tenant.



                                       4
<PAGE>   6

11.      LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ENTRY:

         11.1. General Entry Rights. Landlord and its authorized agents may
enter the Premises with reasonable prior notice during Tenant's normal business
hours for the following purposes: (a) to inspect the general conditions and
state of repair of the Premises; (b) to make repairs required of Landlord; and
(c) to show the Premises to any bona fide prospective purchaser or mortgagee.
Such entry by Landlord shall be under the supervision of Tenant. Landlord shall
not interfere with, or create a hazard to, Tenant's normal business operations
during such entry. In the event of an emergency condition arising within the
Premises which endangers property or the safety of individuals, Landlord may
enter the Premises without such notice and during all appropriate times.

         11.2. Special Entry Rights. Within ninety (90) days prior to the
expiration of the Term, including extensions hereof, Landlord may enter the
Premises during Tenant's normal business hours to show the Premises to
prospective tenants. During the final sixty (60) days of the Term, including
extensions hereof, Landlord and its authorized agents may erect on, or about,
the Premises its customary sign advertising the property for sale or lease,
provided such sign does not interfere with or create a hazard to Tenant's normal
business operations.

         11.3. Impairment. Landlord acknowledges that the visibility of the
Premises is critical to the successful operation of Tenant's business. Landlord
agrees that during the Term of this Lease, or any renewal or extension hereof,
it will not materially impair the visibility of the Premises as it exists on the
date hereof. Landlord shall not alter the size or location of curb cuts or
private drives that provide access to the Land without the prior written consent
of Tenant.

         11.4. Temporary Obstructions. In the event access to the Premises or
visibility of Tenant's signage and/or windows is temporarily impaired, due to
Landlord's maintenance or repairs to the Land, any improvements of which the
Premises is a part, parking lots, public roadways or other ways of access to the
Premises, then the rent and all other charges payable under this Lease shall be
equitably adjusted, or abated, for the period of such temporary impairment.

12.      PARKING: Landlord represents that Tenant shall be entitled to the use
of not fewer than 150 parking spaces in the existing parking lot on the Land,
plus the Reserved Spaces. During the renewal Term(s) Landlord reserves the right
to designate the location of the 150 spaces in the vicinity of the northwest
side of the Building. Until such designation is made, Tenant shall have access
to all parking spaces. There shall be no additional charge for Tenant's parking
during the initial Term or any renewal Term under this Lease.

13.      INSURANCE:

         13.1. Tenant Insurance. Tenant shall during the Term, at its sole cost
and expense, maintain in full force commercial general liability insurance
issued by one or more insurance carriers, insuring against liability for injury
to or death of persons and loss of or damage to property arising out of Tenant's
use and occupancy of the Premises. Such insurance shall name Landlord as an



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<PAGE>   7

additional insured, shall contain a contractual liability endorsement and shall
provide aggregate limits of not less than $2,000,000 and per-occurrence limits
of not less than $1,000,000. Tenant is not responsible for maintaining liability
coverage for claims arising out of any acts or omissions of Landlord, its
agents, contractors, employees or invitees.

         13.2. Landlord Insurance. Landlord shall during the Term, at its sole
cost and expense, maintain in full force the following insurance:

                13.2.1. Commercial general liability insurance issued by one or
more insurance carriers or self-insurance, insuring against liability for injury
to or death of persons and loss of or damage to property arising out of any
negligent act or omission of Landlord, its agents, contractors or employees.
Such insurance shall name Tenant as an additional insured, shall contain a
contractual liability endorsement, shall be on an "occurrence" basis and shall
provide aggregate limits of not less than $2,000,000 and per-occurrence limits
of not less than $1,000,000. Landlord is not responsible for maintaining
liability coverage for claims arising out of any acts or omissions of Tenant,
its agents, contractors, employees, or invitees.

                13.2.2. "All risk" property damage insurance issued by one or
more insurance carriers covering the Premises to the extent of their full
replacement value exclusive of foundation and excavation costs. Tenant agrees to
reimburse Landlord for such insurance premiums for the "all risk" property
damage insurance within 30 days after receipt of written request therefrom from
Landlord, together with a copy of the receipt evidencing payment from the
insurance carrier. If such premiums shall cover a period of time prior to or
after the expiration of the term of this Lease Tenant's share of such premiums
shall be equitably prorated to cover only the period of time during which this
Lease is in effect.

         13.3. Insurance Certificates. Upon written request of either party
hereto, Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be, shall deliver to the requesting
party either proof of self-insurance or certificates issued by their respective
insurance carriers for each policy of insurance required to be maintained
hereunder.

         13.4. Insuror Rating. Other than self-insurance, all insurance
coverages maintained hereunder shall be issued by insurance companies rated B+XV
in "Best's Insurance Guide" or better and qualified to do business in the state
in which the Premises are located.

14.      MUTUAL INDEMNIFICATION: Landlord hereby releases and agrees to defend,
indemnify and hold harmless Tenant from and against any and all claims, actions,
damages, liability and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses) in connection with loss of life, personal injury and/or damage to
property occasioned by any act or omission of Landlord, its agents, contractors,
employees or invitees. The foregoing indemnification shall not be deemed a
waiver of Landlord's sovereign immunity. The scope of Landlord's indemnification
of Tenant shall not exceed the extent permitted by Missouri law, including under
ss. 537.600, Mo. Rev. Stat. (1986). Tenant hereby releases and agrees to defend,
indemnify and hold harmless Landlord from and against any and all claims,
actions, damages, liability and expense (including reasonable 



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<PAGE>   8

attorneys' fees and expenses) in connection with loss of life, personal injury
and/or damage to property occasioned by any act or omission of Tenant, its
agents, contractors, employees, or invitees. The provisions of this Section 14
shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

15.      MUTUAL SUBROGATION: Landlord and Tenant hereby mutually release each
other from liability for any loss such party is required to insure against
hereunder for property loss or damage, including without limitation, fire,
extended coverage and other property insurance policies and hereby waive their
respective rights of recovery against each other for any such loss including any
insurance deductible amount. Each party shall obtain any special endorsements,
if required by its insurers, to evidence compliance with the aforementioned
waiver.

16.      DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION: In the event that the Premises shall be damaged
or destroyed by fire or other casualty and neither Landlord nor Tenant elects to
terminate this Lease as hereinafter provided, Landlord shall proceed with
reasonable diligence and at its sole cost and expense to rebuild and repair the
Premises.

         16.1. Termination Rights. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to
the contrary, (i) if the Premises shall be destroyed or are damaged to such an
extent that in Tenant's reasonable judgment it cannot conduct its business in
the Premises in the manner conducted prior to the casualty (thereby triggering
Section 16.2 below), and if said damage cannot be repaired within ninety (90)
days from the date of casualty, then this Lease may be terminated by either
Landlord or Tenant by giving written notice to the other within thirty (30) days
after the occurrence of such casualty; or (ii) if Landlord fails to proceed
diligently to complete the repairs, or should Landlord fail to complete any
repairs within ninety (90) days of the date of casualty and the unrepaired
damage prevents Tenant from being able to conduct its business in the Premises
in the manner conducted prior to the casualty, Tenant may terminate the Lease at
any time within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such ninety (90) day
period. Upon Tenant's request, Landlord promptly shall provide Tenant with
documentation confirming that the damage to the Premises can be repaired within
said (90) ninety day period.

         16.2. Discontinuation and Abatement. If so much of the Premises shall
be damaged so that in Tenant's reasonable judgment it is unable to conduct its
business in the Premises in the manner conducted prior to the casualty, then
Tenant may discontinue the conduct of business in the Premises and all rent
shall abate until the earlier to occur of (i) the date on which such damage
shall be completely repaired, or (ii) the date on which Tenant resumes
conducting business in the Premises. If rent abates in accordance with this
Section 16.2., every other charge payable by Tenant to Landlord shall abate
also.

         16.3. Surrender. If the Lease is terminated in accordance with Section
16.1. hereof, Tenant shall, after promptly removing its property therefrom,
surrender the Premises to Landlord, shall pay rent to the date of such
destruction or damage and shall not be liable for any obligation accruing after
such damage or destruction. Landlord shall promptly refund to Tenant any prepaid
rental or other prepaid charges attributable to the period of time after the
date of such destruction or damage.



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<PAGE>   9

         16.4. Slight Damage. If the Premises are slightly damaged by fire or
other casualty but said damage or the repair of such damage does not or will not
interfere with Tenant's conduct of its business, or otherwise render the
Premises or any part thereof untenantable, then Landlord shall promptly proceed
to repair the damage as provided above and monthly rent shall not abate but
Tenant shall continue to pay rent as provided herein.

17.      CONDEMNATION: In the event the entire Premises or a substantial portion
of the Premises should be taken for any public or quasi-public use under any
governmental law, ordinance or regulation or by right of eminent domain or by
private purchase in lieu thereof, this Lease shall terminate and expire as of
the date of such taking. Tenant shall have the right to recover any damages
suffered or sustained by Tenant as a result of taking only the property which
belongs to Tenant and any moving expenses or other award available to Tenant,
but Tenant shall have no claim or right to any portion of the amount that may be
awarded as damages or paid as a result of such taking for the loss of any part
of Tenant's leasehold interest. In the event that the remainder is suitable for
the uses authorized herein, subject to the approval of Tenant, this Lease shall
remain in full force and effect; provided, however, that rental payments
hereunder shall be proportionately reduced according to the nature and extent of
the deprivation to Tenant. Should Tenant elect to continue this Lease in effect,
Landlord shall proceed to repair the Premises and return them to suitable
condition for Tenant's continued occupancy hereunder.

18.      HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:

         18.1. Landlord Indemnity. Landlord hereby releases and agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold harmless Tenant from and against any and all claims,
actions, damages, liability and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees
and costs) arising at any time whatsoever under any and all Federal, State,
and/or local laws regulations, ordinances or administrative orders, in
connection with any toxic waste, hazardous materials, petroleum or petroleum
by-products or underground/aboveground storage tank contamination on, under or
about the Premises, except for contamination on, under or about the Premises
caused by Tenant in its use of the Premises during the Term of this Lease.
Landlord's obligations under this Section shall survive the expiration or
earlier termination of this Lease. The foregoing indemnification shall not be
deemed a waiver of Landlord's sovereign immunity. The scope of Landlord's
indemnification of Tenant shall not exceed the extent permitted by Missouri law,
including under ss. 537.600, Mo. Rev. Stat. (1986).

         18.2. Tenant Indemnity. Tenant hereby releases and agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless Landlord from and against any and all claims, actions,
damages, liability and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs)
arising at any time whatsoever under any and all Federal, State, and/or local
laws regulations, ordinances or administrative orders, in connection with any
release of any toxic waste, hazardous materials, petroleum or petroleum
by-products or underground or aboveground storage tank contamination on, under
or about the Premises caused by Tenant in its use of the Premises during the
Term of this Lease. Tenant's obligations under this Section shall survive the
expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.



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<PAGE>   10

19.      SUBORDINATION: Tenant will, upon request by Landlord, subject and
subordinate this Lease to any and all mortgages and deeds of trust now existing
or hereafter placed on the Land; provided, however, that such subordination
shall be upon the express condition that this Lease shall be recognized by the
mortgagee or trustee under the mortgage or deed of trust and that the rights of
Tenant hereunder shall remain in full force and effect during the Term of this
Lease so long as Tenant is not in default under this Lease. Subject to receipt
of such recognition and agreement not to disturb Tenant, Tenant agrees that this
Lease shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any default or
foreclosure under any such mortgage or deed of trust. Tenant will, upon request
by Landlord, execute and deliver to Landlord instrument(s) in recordable form
reasonably required to give effect to the provisions of this Section. Landlord
will, upon request by Tenant, cause to be executed and delivered to Tenant
instrument(s) in recordable form reasonably required to effect the recognition
of Tenant's rights hereunder by the holders of all such mortgages and deeds of
trust whether or not Tenant has been requested to subordinate this Lease to such
mortgages or deeds of trust. Tenant may record a memorandum of this Lease in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit D, which Landlord shall execute at Tenant's
request.

20.      ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING: Tenant may not assign this Lease or sublet
the Premises or any interest herein without written consent of Landlord, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Landlord may assign or convey its
rights under this Lease upon written notice to Tenant.

21.      LIENS: Tenant shall keep the Premises free from any liens arising out
of any work performed, materials furnished or obligations incurred by or on
behalf of Tenant. If, because of any act or omission of Tenant, any mechanic's
lien or other lien shall be filed against Landlord or against the Premises,
Tenant will protect, indemnify and save harmless Landlord from and in respect to
any and all such liens.

22.      TENANT DEFAULT:

         22.1. Termination. Any failure on the part of Tenant to comply with any
of the terms of this Lease shall, at the option of Landlord, work a termination
of the Lease whereupon Landlord, its agents or attorney, shall have the right to
enter the Premises and remove all persons therefrom; provided only that Landlord
shall first give written notice thirty (30) days in advance of any lease
termination, or such other time period required by applicable law, whichever is
longer, and during said period Tenant shall have the right to commence whatever
action may be necessary to correct its default, and thereafter diligently
proceed to cure such default, and having done so may continue its occupancy
under the terms hereof. If, however, termination occurs, Tenant shall not be
liable for any obligations accruing after the date of termination.

         22.2. Re-Entry. Landlord may, however, in lieu of termination, re-enter
the Premises and take possession thereof, and Tenant shall remain liable for all
rent and other charges to be paid by Tenant hereunder, in which event Landlord
shall use its best efforts to relet the Premises for the account of Tenant for
the maximum possible rental. Should Landlord relet the Premises or any portion
thereof, Tenant shall be liable to Landlord, and shall pay as it becomes due,
the amount of 



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<PAGE>   11

any deficiency between the amount of rental received by Landlord and the amount
which Tenant is obligated to pay hereunder.

23.      LANDLORD DEFAULT. In the event Landlord shall default in the
performance of any of the provisions of this Lease, Tenant shall so notify
Landlord. If Landlord shall fail to correct such default within thirty (30) days
after notice of such default, or if the default is of such character as to
require more than thirty (30) days to correct after notice is given and Landlord
does not thereafter diligently proceed to cure such default, then Tenant may
either terminate this Lease and not be liable for any obligations accruing
thereafter, or cure such default. Any expense for curing Landlord's default may
be deducted by Tenant from the rent otherwise due, and the balance due, after
such deduction, shall be a claim due Tenant by Landlord.

24.      WAIVER: The failure of Landlord or Tenant to insist upon prompt and
strict performance of any of the terms, conditions or undertakings of this
Lease, or to exercise any right herein conferred, in any one or more instances,
except as to the option to extend or renew the term, shall not be construed as a
waiver of the same or any other term, condition, undertaking, right or option.

25.      NOTICES: Any notices or other communications required or permitted by
this Lease shall be in writing and delivered personally or by messenger or a
nationally recognized overnight courier service, or alternatively, shall be sent
by United States first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the parties
hereto at the addresses as set out below, or at such other addresses as they
have theretofore specified by written notice delivered in accordance herewith.

If to Tenant:              Deirdre F. Baird
                           Director of Real Estate and
                             Facilities Management
                           Quarterdeck Corporation
                           13160 Mindanao Way
                           Marina del Rey, California  90292-9705
                           (310-309-4218) Telecopy

                           with a copy to:

                           John S. Meyer, Jr., Esq.
                           Bryan Cave LLP
                           One Metropolitan Square
                           211 North Broadway, Suite 3600
                           St. Louis, Missouri  63102
                           (314-259-2020) Telecopy



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<PAGE>   12


If to Landlord:            Dennis P. Cesari
                           Assistant Vice President for Management Services
                           225 University Hall
                           Columbia, Missouri 65211
                           (573-884-4745) Telecopy

                           with a copy to:

                           Office of the General Counsel
                           of the University of Missouri
                           227 University Hall
                           Columbia, Missouri  65211
                           (573-882-0050) Telecopy


The effective date of any such notice or other communication shall be (a) the
date of delivery of the notice, if by personal delivery, messenger or courier
service, or (b) if mailed, on the date three days after deposited in the United
States first class mail. The parties hereby designate the addresses set forth
above as their respective notice addresses under this Lease. Either party may
change its notice address, by written notice to the other party as provided
above.

26.      [RESERVED]

27.      SURRENDER OF PREMISES: On the expiration date of the Term of this
Lease, Tenant agrees to deliver to Landlord physical possession of the Premises
in as good condition as the Premises are in on the Rent Commencement Date,
except for ordinary wear and tear and damage by fire, the elements, other
extended coverage perils, condemnation, and acts of God.

28.      BINDING EFFECT: This Lease shall be binding on the parties hereto, and
their heirs, assigns, successors, executors and administrators, except that no
assignment of Landlord's interest shall be binding on Tenant until Tenant shall
have received written notice thereof. In the event any provision of this Lease
is declared or determined to be invalid under the laws governing this Lease, the
remaining terms and conditions shall remain in full force and effect and shall
be binding on the parties hereto.

29.      BROKERS: Tenant and Landlord represent and warrant to each other that
such party has not had any dealings with any realtor, broker or agent in
connection with this Lease except C. B. Commercial Real Estate Group, Inc.,
whose commission is to be paid by Tenant from the sale proceeds upon Closing of
Landlord's purchase of the Premises from Tenant. The only commission earned
shall be earned on the sale price. No commission is payable with respect to this
Lease. Each party agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the other party harmless
from any cost, expense or liability, including without limitation, reasonable
attorney's fees, for any brokerage or finder's fees.



                                       11
<PAGE>   13

30.      MISCELLANEOUS: Time is of the essence with respect to the obligations
of Landlord and Tenant under this Lease. In any action to enforce or interpret
this Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable
costs and expenses, including its attorney's fees and disbursements. This Lease,
including all exhibits, addenda and other attachments hereto, sets forth the
entire agreement between Landlord and Tenant regarding the leasing of the
Premises. The laws of the state in which the Premises are situated shall govern
the validity of this Lease, the construction of its terms, and the
interpretation of the rights and obligations of Landlord and Tenant hereunder.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease in duplicate
as of the Effective Date described in Section 2.1 hereof.

         LANDLORD:         THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI,
                           a public corporation of the State of Missouri



                               By: /s/ Dennis P. Cesari
                                    ---------------------------------

                               Date:
                                    ---------------------------------


         TENANT:           DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,
                           a Missouri corporation


                               By: /s/ Curtis A. Hessler
                                    ---------------------------------

                               Date:
                                    ---------------------------------




                                       12

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3
                        SUTHERLAND OUTBOUND TELEMARKETING
                          EXCLUSIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT


         This Agreement, including the attached schedules (collectively
"Agreement"), is made as of the 13th day of January, 1998 (the "Effective Date")
by and between THE SUTHERLAND GROUP, LTD., a New York corporation with offices
at 1160 Pittsford-Victor Road, Pittsford, New York 14534 ("SGL") and QUARTERDECK
CORPORATION ("Client"), with offices at 13160 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey,
California 90292.

         Client's wholly-owned subsidiary, Quarterdeck Select Corporation
("QDS"), has previously provided to Client outbound telemarketing services with
respect to the sale of Client's products.

         Client has caused QDS to sell to SGL the outbound telemarketing
business and related assets of QDS pursuant to a certain asset purchase
agreement intended to be dated of even date herewith between SGL and QDS (the
"Asset Purchase Agreement").

         Client desires to obtain, and SGL desires to provide, services in
relation to the staffing and management of a Telesales and Telemarketing Program
to support the sales of Client products.

         In light of the foregoing and in consideration of the promises
exchanged herein, the parties agree as follows:

1.       Scope:

         1.1 SGL will provide Client, with respect to the sale of Client's
products, with certain database telesales services on the terms and conditions
described in this Agreement. SGL shall manage and supervise the operation of the
telesales services as described herein. Staffing of the telesales services shall
be at the levels determined pursuant to the Allocation of Resources set forth in
Schedule "1.1". SGL will make reasonable efforts to adjust staffing levels and
reallocate resources as quickly as possible whenever the commitment is adjusted
according to the methodology set forth in Schedule "1.1".

         1.2 SGL will be Client's sole and exclusive source of the outbound
telesales and corporate telesales services for sales in the United States and
Canada of all products then offered for sale under Client's tradename or
trademarks, except that Client may conduct outbound telesales and corporate
telesales activities from time to time on a limited scale, using its own regular
employees. The total number of Client's regular employees engaged in such
activities at any given time may not exceed four percent (4%) of SGL's then
current staffing 




                                       1

<PAGE>   2

levels (rounded up to the nearest whole number) for Client's telesales
determined at that time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary:

                  (A) SGL acknowledges that Client markets its products through
distributors, retailers, OEMs, and other resellers (collectively, "Resellers")
and may continue to do so by any means. Client does not necessarily limit its
Resellers' distribution rights to prevent Resellers from distributing Client
products through outbound telesales or corporate telesales and that this
Agreement does not require Client to do so. Provided that Client does not engage
any third party specifically for the purpose of providing outbound telesales and
corporate telesales services, therefore, Client will not be in violation of this
Agreement merely because a Reseller markets or is authorized to market Client
products via outbound telesales or corporate telesales.

                  (B) SGL shall have a non-exclusive right to conduct outbound
telesales activities and corporate telesales activities with respect to
governmental entities (including responding to Requests for Proposal to
governmental agencies) and educational institutions. During the period
commencing on the date hereof and ending December 31, 1998 (the "first year"),
this right shall be non-exclusive only in the sense that Client will have the
right to use its own employees (in any number) to conduct outbound telesales
activities and corporate telesales activities with respect to governmental
entities (including responding to Requests for Proposal to governmental
agencies) and educational institutions. If, during the first year, SGL generates
Net Revenues of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (the "first year
goal") from sales to governmental and educational institutions, then such right
shall remain non-exclusive only in the sense indicated above. In that event, the
parties shall agree upon a reasonable goal for the second year (calendar year
1999). From then on, the parties shall agree upon a new annual goal at the end
of each year in which the goal is accomplished. At any time that SGL fails to
meet the first year goal, second year goal or any subsequent year's goal, then
its right to conduct corporate telesales and outbound telesales to governmental
and educational institutions shall be non-exclusive in all respects for the
remaining term of this Agreement, thus allowing Client to retain third parties
to conduct outbound telesales and corporate telesales to such institutions.

                  (C) Further, SGL acknowledges that Client may market or
publish products under licenses and that such licenses will not necessarily
authorize any outbound telesales or corporate telesales. Additionally, SGL
acknowledges that, subject to Section 22, Client may assign or otherwise
transfer a portion or all of its rights in any product and if such product is no
longer sold under Client's tradename, trademarks, or those of its subsidiaries,
such product shall no longer be subject to this Agreement.

         1.3 SGL shall use its best efforts to market and promote the Client's
products 



                                       2
<PAGE>   3

through outbound telesales and corporate telesales channels. Best Efforts is
defined as not less than is customarily applied to other SGL clients in the
consumer software market and if there are no other SGL clients in the consumer
software market, then as customarily applied to other SGL clients generally.

         1.4 Client shall determine, in consultation with SGL, which Client
products SGL will emphasize in its marketing efforts at any time. Client shall
determine all of the terms under which SGL markets Client's products. Client may
accept or reject any order or offer to purchase any Client products in the
exercise of its sole and absolute discretion.

         1.5 SGL is an independent contractor providing services to Client.

         1.6 As used in this Agreement (including all schedules hereto), (i)
"outbound" telesales shall mean telesales of Client's products for sales of
seventy-five (75) or fewer units per sale, (ii) "corporate" telesales shall mean
telesales of Client's products for sales of more than seventy-five (75) units
per sale, and (iii) " telesales" does not include:

                           (A) Telephone calls in which the sale of products is
not completed, and payment or authorization of payment is not required, until
after a face-to-face sales presentation by the Client ("direct sales");

                           (B) Telephone calls initiated by (i) any potential
customer, except when in response to a call from a telesales representative,
including without limitation those in response to an advertisement through any
media including direct mail solicitations or (ii) a prior customer of Client
("inbound telesales"), and any reply or follow up calls to any inbound telesales
call;

                           (C) Telephone calls as the result of a solicitation
of a potential customer by an SGL telesales representative and the referral of
that potential customer to Client; or

                           (D) Telephone calls soliciting transactions with any
Resellers for resale or other transactions that SGL is prohibited from
soliciting.

                  For purposes of the foregoing, the number of "units" per sale
is the maximum number of computers on which a copy of the software sold may be
installed or from which it may be accessed. For sales of subscription based
services, "units" per sale is the number of computers or users (as the case may
be) authorized to utilize such service. For other types of sales, units shall be
defined appropriately, as the context shall require.

                  Sales by Client which may not be "telesales" but which (i) are
made by Client directly to a customer other than a Fortune 500 customer and
which follow the entry by SGL 



                                       3
<PAGE>   4

of a product order from that customer as a result of SGL's telesales services
hereunder, or (ii) are made by Client directly to a division or purchasing group
of a Fortune 500 customer and which follow the entry by SGL of a product order
from that same division or purchasing group as a result of SGL's telesales
services hereunder, will entitle SGL to commissions as set forth in attached
Schedule 4.1 hereof ("sales to SGL-seeded accounts"); provided that SGL-seeded
accounts shall in no event include any customers that had obtained any Client
products within eighteen (18) months before first obtaining a Client product
through SGL.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, SGL acknowledges and
understands that it may not always be reasonably practical for Client to
determine whether a customer is an SGL-seeded account; provided that Client
shall reasonably cooperate with SGL in an effort to establish procedures for
doing so. Nevertheless, SGL agrees that Client shall be under no obligation to
undertake any measures that are not reasonably practical to determine whether an
account is an SGL-seeded account. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, SGL acknowledges that Client need not ask any question of its
customers or record any information from Client's customer relating to SGL in
connection with any transaction by Client involving less than Ten Thousand
Dollars ($10,000). Further, Client will not be obligated to attempt to obtain
such information in connection with any transaction not involving a live
conversation between Client and the customer, such as any transaction mediated
by any third party or any on-line transaction.

2. SGL's Responsibilities:

         2.1 SGL shall provide telesales representatives, sales supervisors,
administrators and program managers, all of whom shall be dedicated exclusively
to providing services to Client, as well as client services managers, business
analysts and other necessary personnel. All SGL personnel shall have that level
of training and experience which is appropriate to the nature and special
requirements of the Services described herein. The personnel assigned by SGL to
the Client account shall be acceptable to Client, acting in its reasonable
discretion. Personnel formerly employed by QDS shall be deemed to be acceptable
to Client for so long as they continue to perform in a reasonably acceptable
manner.

         2.2 SGL shall provide the facilities, computer systems, training,
reporting, administrative functions, all telephony equipment and systems, and
other required infrastructure to perform the services described herein, except
as may be the responsibility of Client as set forth in Section 3 hereof.

         2.3 SGL shall comply at all times with all Federal, state and local
authorities, statutes, rules and regulations applicable to its business
activities and shall provide worker's compensation insurance in amounts required
by applicable law.



                                       4
<PAGE>   5

         2.4 SGL, its employees and contractors shall comply at all times with
all rules and regulations, policies and practices applicable to Client's
business activities which are communicated to SGL management by Client.

         2.5 For a period of ninety (90) days from the Closing, SGL shall make
Bonnie Sue Brandvic and Dawn Cole reasonably available at no charge to provide
transition services to Quarterdeck's corporate Human Resources department in
connection with Quarterdeck's HRIS system.


         2.6 In no event shall SGL collect or receive funds on Client's behalf.

3.       Client's Responsibilities:

         3.1 Client is responsible for direct mail operations, advertising and
customer awareness programs for all of Client's products. Client shall determine
in the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion whether to conduct any
direct mail campaigns and the extent of any advertising or customer awareness
programs.

         3.2 Client will be responsible for acceptance (or rejection) of
customer orders, credit card verification, billing, customer service,
collections, fulfillment for sales, and inbound telesales generated by the
programs described at Section 3.1.

         3.3 Client shall establish, and at all times maintain, an interface
between the existing computer infrastructure, presently located in Buildings 400
and 410 located at 5770 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida (the
"Clearwater Facility") and Client's computer systems, conforming to the
specifications therefor in Schedule "3.3". There may be reasons that either
Party wishes to modify their respective systems and processes during the course
of this Agreement. If implemented, such modifications may impact the systems and
processes of the other Party as well as the interfaces between those systems. To
the extent a Party wishes to modify any of its systems after the Effective Date,
and if such modifications could impact the systems and processes of the other
Party or the interfaces between those systems, the Party wishing to make such
modifications will inform the other Party in writing of the anticipated
modifications within a reasonable time prior to implementing such modification
and the other Party will work with the Party wishing to make such modifications
in an effort to minimize the potential for material additional costs to
accommodate such modifications. The Party wishing to make such modifications
shall be responsible for the cost to develop the necessary interfaces between
its modified systems and the systems of the other Party.

         3.4 Client will aid and assist SGL in the work of promoting the sale of
Client's products and services by making commercially reasonable efforts to
promptly answer any reasonable inquiries addressed to Client by SGL. SGL shall
have no obligation to perform 



                                       5
<PAGE>   6

Client's warranty or support obligations with respect to any product or service
which is the subject of this Agreement.

         3.5 Client will train SGL's telesales employees regarding Client's
products at SGL's Clearwater facility. Client shall pay those out-of pocket
travel, lodging and similar expenses incurred by Client in providing such
training. Client shall provide anticipated release schedules and other
information as SGL reasonably requires. Except for initial program start up,
training will be accomplished via audio and video conferencing.

         3.6 To permit the uninterrupted transition from QDS to SGL of telesales
services to be rendered to Client hereunder, upon the reasonable request of SGL
at any time, and from time to time, for a period of up to three (3) months from
the effective date of this Agreement, Client shall, at Client's expense, make
its MIS personnel available to SGL for assistance and training on the effective
use and maintenance of (i) Client's order entry system to be used by SGL
telesales representatives, (ii) the interfaces described in Section 3.3, (iii)
any technology included in the assets acquired by SGL from QDS and Client, (iv)
the EIS predictive dialer system, (v) the ASPECT switch, and (vi) the MITEL
switch. If within three (3) months of the effective date of this Agreement, SGL
shall have a full-time MIS person employed by SGL at the Clearwater Facility,
then Client shall make its MIS personnel available to SGL for such assistance
and training for an additional two (2) months (for a total period of up to five
(5) months from the effective date of this Agreement).

         3.7 The long distance telephone network services agreement previously
used by QDS in providing telesales services to Client is not directly
transferable to SGL. Therefore, during the term of this Agreement and solely to
the extent that it is permitted to do so without incurring any cost, Client
agrees to make available to SGL for purposes of SGL rendering telesales services
to Client, the benefits of any of Client's long distance telephone network
services agreements. SGL's payment obligation will be only for actual use by SGL
at the rates set forth in the applicable long distance telephone network
services agreements.

         3.8 Client is a party to a software license agreement with ONYX dated
June 28, 1995, pursuant to which Client has the right to use the licensed
software at an unlimited number of seats. The ONYX software licenses previously
used by QDS in providing telesales services to Client are not directly
transferable to SGL. Therefore, during the term of this Agreement, Client agrees
to maintain and make available to SGL for purposes of SGL rendering telesales
services to Client, the benefits of the ONYX software license agreement at no
additional cost to SGL.

         3.9 Client may, at any time and from time to time, subcontract any of
its responsibilities to a third party(ies) but Client shall remain fully liable
for performance of Client's responsibilities according to the terms of this
Agreement.



                                       6
<PAGE>   7

4.       Fees:

         4.1 Client shall pay SGL for its services and costs as described in the
attached Schedule "4.1" titled, Sutherland Service Fees.

         4.2 SGL shall invoice on the first (1st) day of the month in which the
services are to be performed for the "Fixed Rate " component of SGL's service
fees for that month and for the "Sales Commission" component of SGL's service
fees for the prior month. SGL shall include with each monthly invoice to Client
a summary accounting of the number of telesales reps deducted exclusively to the
Client's account in the form set forth in Schedule "4.2".

         4.3 The Fixed Rate component will be reconciled at the end of each
month against SGL's records based on the number of telesales reps dedicated
exclusively to Client's account that month, for a determination of the Fixed
Rate component actually due SGL, as set forth in Schedules "1.1" and "4.1". The
invoice for the next month will reflect any required adjustment.

         4.4 Provided Client provides SGL with written notice of the orders
shipped by Client for the month within two (2) business days of the last day of
the month, the "Sales Commission" component of SGL's service fees shall be
billed on the basis of orders shipped by Client less a fourteen percent (14%)
reserve amount to anticipate accepted orders not paid, returns, etc. Should SGL
not receive notice of the actual number of orders shipped within that time, the
Sales Commission component of SGL's service fees shall be billed on the basis of
orders entered by SGL into Client's system less the fourteen percent (14%)
reserve amount; provided that such reserve percentage may be increased or
decreased at any time based on the prior two (2) quarter's actual experience;
and provided further that, if Client provides notice of the actual number of
orders shipped for the past month prior to payment of that invoice being due,
Client may pay on the basis of the orders shipped without being in breach of
this Agreement, provided such payment is made by the date the original invoice
was due. The Sales Commission component will be reconciled once each quarter
against Client's records for adjustment based on accepted orders not paid,
returns, etc., all as provided for the final determination of the Sales
Commission component actually due SGL, as set forth in Schedule "4.1".

         4.5 Commencing with the sixteenth (16th) month of this Agreement and
continuing through the term of this Agreement, Client shall be entitled to take
a monthly discount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) against fees
otherwise due and owing to SGL during each such month. This discount is not
subject to acceleration, is payable only out of fees otherwise due to SGL during
the month in question and is not cumulative.



                                       7
<PAGE>   8

         4.6 Payment shall be due to SGL within thirty (30) days of receipt of
an invoice from SGL and, if not paid within that time, will bear interest from
that date, until paid, at the rate of one percent (1%) per month for any part of
the next 30 days and one and one-half percent (1-1/2%) per month for any time
thereafter the invoice remains unpaid.

         4.7 Fees due under this Agreement are payable by Client without setoff
or deduction by Client, except as provided in Section 7 below.

5. Term of the Agreement:

         This Agreement shall be effective upon execution by both parties and
will terminate on December 31, 2001, unless terminated earlier pursuant to
Section 6 of this Agreement.

6.       Early Termination of the Agreement:

         6.1      Termination for Convenience:

         6.1.1 During the First Twelve (12) Months: After the first one-hundred
eighty (180) days following the Effective Date, the Client shall have the right
to give notice of termination of this Agreement, with such termination becoming
effective no sooner than one-hundred eighty (180) days from the effective date
of the notice.

         6.1.2 After the First Twelve (12) Months: After the first anniversary
of the Effective Date, the Client shall have the right to give notice of
termination of this Agreement, with such termination becoming effective no
sooner than one-hundred twenty (120) days from the effective date of the notice
(the "120 Day Notice Period"); provided that, during the last thirty (30) days
of the 120 Day Notice Period, the Part A Maximum will be reduced by one-half
(1/2).

         6.1.3 Sole Source: Notwithstanding any contrary provision in Section
1.2, immediately upon any notice of termination of this Agreement pursuant to
this Section 6.1, and for the last one hundred twenty (120) days before
expiration of the term of this Agreement, Client shall no longer be restricted
hereunder in any way from performing or authorizing or retaining any third party
to perform outbound telesales and/or corporate telesales services for any of
Client's products.



                                       8
<PAGE>   9

         6.2      Termination for Cause

         6.2.1 Termination by Client: The Client shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement (i) in the event an arbitrator determines that SGL has
breached this Agreement and SGL fails to cure such breach within thirty (30)
days of the arbitrator's determination, or (ii) in the event it is determined
under the procedures set forth below that three (3) separate "Bad Acts" have
occurred during the term of this Agreement. A "Bad Act" is defined as an act of
theft (including larceny, forgery, fraud or intentional wrongful conversion) by
SGL or any of its employees perpetrated against the Client or one of its
customers, or a "Pattern" of SGL or any of its employees making any material,
untrue or misleading statements or representations as the result of a policy
implemented by SGL (or the lack of an effective policy to protect against such
activities) in performing outbound telesales or corporate telesales hereunder.
Except as provided in the following paragraph, the determination that a Bad Act
has occurred is conditioned upon Client, within ten (10) business days of
Client's discovery of the occurrence of circumstances which Client alleges to be
a Bad Act, giving to SGL notice thereof specifying what circumstances are
alleged to have occurred.

         Within the First Year: The determination that a Bad Act has occurred
         within the first twelve (12) months of this Agreement is conditioned
         upon Client, within ten (10) business days of Client's discovery of the
         occurrence of circumstances which Client alleges to be a Bad Act,
         giving to SGL notice thereof specifying what circumstances are alleged
         to have occurred, that Client deems that such circumstances constitute
         a Bad Act under this Agreement, and the basis for Client's claim that
         such circumstances constitute such a Bad Act.

For purposes of the foregoing, a "Pattern" consist of acts which occur in such
numbers and within such a period of time that reasonable people would agree that
those acts were not isolated or unrelated.

         Effect of Termination by Client: In the event this Agreement is
         terminated pursuant to this Section 6.2.1, in addition to any other
         rights and remedies Client may have, SGL acknowledges that Quarterdeck
         Select Corporation ("QDS") or its assignee shall have the right to
         terminate that certain sublease intended to be dated of even date
         herewith between SGL and QDS (the "Sublease"). If termination pursuant
         to this Section 6.2.1 occurs during the first year of the term of this
         Agreement, then (i) the Client will have the right to solicit for
         employment those persons then employed by SGL at the Clearwater
         facility that were formerly employees of the Client or QDS, and (ii)
         Client or its designee will have the right to reacquire from SGL those
         tangible assets originally transferred to SGL pursuant to the Asset
         Purchase Agreement which are still in the possession of SGL at the
         Clearwater facility. The repurchase price for these assets shall be
         equal to a percentage of $1.5 Million less amounts received by SGL, if
         any, 



                                       9
<PAGE>   10

         from a transfer by SGL of some portion of the acquired assets, the
         numerator of which is the number of days remaining (as of the date of
         the event giving rise to the right to reacquire the assets) in the
         first year of the term of this Agreement and the denominator of which
         is three hundred sixty-five (365). The right of Client to acquire
         assets shall not apply to any replacement assets.

         6.2.2 Termination by SGL: SGL shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement in the event (i) Client fails to make any payment due hereunder (to
SGL or the escrow agent as provided in Section 7.5) within twenty (20) days
after written notice of non-payment from SGL, which notice must state that SGL
may terminate this Agreement if payment is not made within twenty (20) days; or
(ii) an arbitrator determines that Client has breached this Agreement and Client
fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days of the arbitrator's
determination.

         Effect of Termination by SGL: In the event this Agreement is terminated
         pursuant to this Section 6.2.2, in addition to any other rights and
         remedies SGL may have, Client acknowledges that SGL shall have the
         right to terminate the Sublease.

         6.3 Termination Fee: If during the first year of the term of this
Agreement, Client terminates this Agreement in breach of the Agreement or in any
way not provided for in this Section 6, or if, during the first year of the term
of this Agreement, SGL terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.2.2
(after providing Client with the specified cure period) as a result of an
arbitrator's decision that (i) the Client failed to pay amounts due to SGL
hereunder to either SGL or escrow, or (ii) that the uncured breach of this
Agreement by Client effectively deprived SGL of the benefits of this Agreement
to an extent sufficient to constitute constructive termination of this Agreement
by the Client in breach of this Agreement, then damages will be suffered by SGL
and the parties agree that it would be impracticable or extremely difficult to
ascertain with any degree of certainty the amount of damages which would be
suffered by SGL in such event. Therefore, in order to avoid such difficulties,
the parties hereby agree that Client shall pay SGL as a liquidated damage
amount, the following termination fee (the "Termination Fee") if this Agreement
terminates as provided in this Section 6.3 during the first year of the term of
this Agreement. The Termination Fee shall be equal to the sum of (A) and (B) for
each month during the period beginning upon such termination and ending one (1)
year after the Effective Date (prorated for any partial months), where (A) is
$6,065 times the minimum number of outbound telesales representatives required
under Schedule "1.1" during such month, and (B) is $6,412 times the minimum
number of corporate telesales representatives required under Schedule "1.1"
during such month. This amount is agreed to be a reasonable estimate of the loss
likely to be sustained by SGL as a result of such a breach by Client during the
first year of this Agreement, and not a penalty. 



                                       10
<PAGE>   11

7. Dispute Resolution:

         7.1 Notice and Cure: Except as provided in Section 6.2.2(i), in the
event of an alleged breach of this Agreement by either party, the non-breaching
party shall give the breaching party notice of any alleged breach and thirty
(30) days to cure. The breaching party will be deemed to have cured such breach
if, within such cure period, the breaching party remedies any direct damage for
which it is responsible resulting from such breach and takes such steps as are
reasonable to prevent a similar future breach. For purposes of this Agreement,
direct damages from any breach include, without limitation, any diminution of
the value of confidential or trade secret information that is used or disclosed
without authorization, and costs of cover as defined in Section 10.2.

         7.2 Binding Arbitration: If an alleged breach is not cured to the
non-breaching party's satisfaction, the determination of whether a breach
occurred and whether the breach was cured will be resolved by a single
arbitrator in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the Expedited Procedures of
the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the
"AAA") then in force. The arbitration shall be governed by the United States
Arbitration Act, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be
entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding the Expedited
Procedures of the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA, the parties agree
that the AAA shall appoint the arbitrator without the parties submitting lists
of requested arbitrators. In addition, the arbitrator shall be instructed to
complete any hearings within thirty (30) days after his or her appointment or as
soon thereafter as is reasonably possible consistent with providing each party a
meaningful opportunity to conduct such discovery as is reasonably necessary and
otherwise prepare its argument. The arbitrator shall grant such orders and
impose such sanctions as are reasonably required to conform to the foregoing
schedule.

         7.3 Powers of the Arbitrator: In addition to the powers granted to an
arbitrator pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association, the
arbitrator shall have the authority (i) to award injunctive relief where
necessary, providing that the party seeking such injunctive relief provides an
undertaking of sufficient amount to protect the party being enjoined and in an
amount acceptable to the arbitrator, (ii) make a determination of whether a
breach was a Bad Act breach as referenced in Section 6.2.1, and (iii) whether a
breach was a constructive termination of this Agreement by Client as referenced
in Section 6.3. Each party agrees that it shall not seek (and an arbitrator
shall not have the power to provide a party with) the remedy or relief of
termination of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 6 hereof.

         7.4 Intellectual Property Infringement: Notwithstanding the foregoing,
any party shall have the right to seek immediate relief in State or Federal
Court for claims for infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual
property rights and to have all legal and factual issues relating to such claims
resolved in such court. Each party agrees that it shall not seek (and a court
litigating such a claim shall not 

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

have the authority to provide a party with) the remedy or relief of termination
of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 6 hereof.

         7.5 Escrow and Setoff: In the event of a dispute and during the
pendency of an arbitration or litigation, SGL will continue to provide services
under the terms of this Agreement, and the Client shall abide by the terms of
this Agreement, except that fees which are invoiced or claimed by SGL shall, at
Client's discretion, be paid either to SGL or to an independent escrow agent
pending the resolution of such dispute. Failure to pay to either SGL or to the
escrow agent any fee which is invoiced shall be deemed a breach of this
Agreement. Any monies held by the escrow agent in the escrow fund shall be
invested by the escrow agent in interest bearing federally insured accounts, and
the fees of the escrow agent shall be shared equally by the parties hereto. The
parties receiving funds from such escrow shall also receive the interest earned
on that portion of the escrowed funds so received. Payment to the escrow agent
pursuant to this paragraph shall be considered as satisfying the Client's
payment obligation with respect to the escrowed amount and shall not constitute
a breach of, or the release of, any claim under the Agreement. Client shall have
the right to setoff any direct damages award by an arbitrator or court against
fees due to SGL. This setoff can be made against amounts held in escrow or
otherwise. The escrow agent shall be instructed to distribute funds in
accordance with the parties' mutual written instructions or any written
instructions of any arbitrator or court. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon
by the parties, the independent escrow agent may be any attorney or CPA (or law
or accounting firm) regularly engaged by either party.

8. Transition Services: Except when this Agreement is terminated by SGL for the
Client's failure to make payment to SGL, upon any termination or expiration of
this Agreement, Client shall have the right (exercisable not less than 60 days
before the termination or expiration date) to continue to engage the services of
SGL for a total additional period determined by Client but not to exceed six (6)
months on the same terms and conditions set forth herein, including the fees for
services to be rendered by SGL during any such transition period which are to be
paid at the same rate as set forth in Schedule "4.1," except (i) Schedule "1.1"
will not apply during any such transition period (i.e., the amount to be paid by
Client to SGL will be based on the actual number of staff requested by Client
and supplied by SGL for the transition period), (ii) the discount described in
Section 4.5 will not apply, and (iii) Client shall no longer be restricted
hereunder in any way from performing or authorizing or retaining any third party
to perform outbound telesales and/or corporate telesales services for any of
Client's products. Client shall provide SGL with sixty (60) day's advance notice
of the staffing levels to be employed during any transition month and the
staffing levels requested by Client will never increase over the level of any
prior month during the transition period.

9.       Warranties:



                                       12
<PAGE>   13

         9.1 SGL represents and warrants that the Services to be provided by SGL
hereunder shall be done in a workmanlike manner and conform at all times in all
material respects to the descriptions and levels of Service set forth in this
Agreement.

         9.2 SGL does not warrant or guarantee in any way any result from the
services provided under this Agreement. Except as set forth in this Agreement,
the Services to be provided by SGL to Client hereunder are provided without any
warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

         9.3 Except as provided in Section 11, Client makes no warranties
whatsoever. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Client makes no
warranties to SGL with respect to any Client product, and Client expressly
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose and non-infringement. Except to the extent that Client may expressly
authorize in writing, SGL shall not make or pass through any warranty on behalf
of Client.

         9.4 Client shall provide SGL with notice of the warranties it will
offer its customers in contracts for the products being marketed hereunder
("Customer Contracts"). In the Customer Contracts, Client will negate all other
warranties not specifically offered to its customers therein, and Client will
include standard provisions for merger, exclusive remedies and limitation of
liability as used in the consumer software market. SGL acknowledges that the
Customer Contracts are typically not signed by the customer nor made available
to the customer for viewing before the customer obtains the software to which
such Customer Contract pertains. Although Client believes that such Customer
Contracts are nevertheless enforceable under applicable law, Client makes no
representations or warranty to that effect.

10.      Limitation of Liability:

         10.1 IN NO EVENT WILL SGL HAVE ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE), WARRANTY OR ANY
OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE GROUNDS, FOR ANY LOSS OF INTEREST, PROFIT OR REVENUE BY
THE CLIENT, NOR SHALL EITHER PARTY HAVE ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE), WARRANTY OR ANY
OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE GROUNDS, FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THIS
AGREEMENT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES
OR DAMAGES.

         10.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement precludes
Client's right to seek direct damages in the event that SGL breaches this
Agreement, including, SGL 



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

shall be liable for Client's cost to "cover" by making in good faith and without
reasonable delay any reasonable contract for services in substitution for those
due from SGL, but less expenses saved by the Client in consequence of the breach
of this Agreement.

         10.3 The monetary liability of either party for all claims resulting
from its performance or non-performance under this Agreement, regardless of the
form of the action, and whether in contract, tort (including, but not limited
to, negligence), warranty or other legal or equitable grounds, will be limited
to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

         10.4 Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, nothing in this
Section 10 shall in any way limit or exclude any right or remedy available to
either party for or under, and this Section 10 shall not apply to, (i) any
claims for breach or misappropriation of any trade secret, copyright, patent,
trademark, or other intellectual property right, or (ii) any claim under or for
breach of Sections 11 (indemnification) or 13 (confidentiality) of this
Agreement.

11.      Indemnification:

         11.1 By Client. Client shall defend SGL against any claim that any
Client product or service infringes or misappropriates any patent, trademark,
copyright, or similar intellectual property rights (including without
limitation, misappropriation of trade secrets) or any claim that any information
contained in any telemarketing plan and other materials approved by Client is
untrue or misleading when presented in a similar manner as presented by Client
and shall pay any settlement of or final judgement awarded in connection with
such claim, provided that SGL promptly (i) notifies Client of such claim and
(ii) tenders to Client the sole control of the defense and settlement thereof.

         11.2 By SGL. SGL shall defend Client against any claim that SGL has
made any misrepresentations or misleading statements that are not supported by
any telemarketing plans or other materials supplied by Client and shall pay any
settlement of or final judgement awarded in connection with such claim, provided
that Client promptly (i) notifies SGL of such claim and (ii) tenders to SGL the
sole control of the defense and settlement thereof.

         11.3 Limitation. Neither party shall be liable under this Section 11 in
connection with any claim against the other party to the extent that such claim
is based upon acts that constitute a breach of this Agreement by the other
party.



                                       14
<PAGE>   15

12. Relationship between the Parties:

         The performance by SGL of its duties and obligations under this
Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a joint venture or partnership
between the parties. SGL shall not negligently or knowingly misrepresent Client
products or services. Client will establish in its sole discretion all terms
(including but not limited to price) of any sales made through SGL. All customer
orders are to be directed to Client for acceptance. Unless subsequently agreed
to by the parties in a written agreement, SGL will not accept on behalf of the
Client, purchase orders for Client's products, or otherwise enter into contracts
for the sale or license of Client's products, nor collect payments for the sale
of the products or services of Client. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as prohibiting or restricting the right of SGL to provide similar
services to any other entity.

13.      Confidentiality:

         13.1 All confidential or proprietary information made available by a
party to the other in document or other tangible form bearing an appropriate
legend indicating its confidential or proprietary nature, or which, if initially
disclosed orally or visually, is identified as confidential at the time of
disclosure and a written summary thereof, also marked with such a legend is
provided to the other party reasonably promptly following the initial disclosure
("Confidential Information") shall be held in confidence by the receiving party.
The receiving party shall protect such Confidential Information using the same
degree of care it uses to protect its own confidential or proprietary
information, but in no event less care than is prudent under the circumstances.
Except as is reasonably necessary to the performance of its duties and
obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement, neither party shall
use Confidential Information of the other party in any form. Each party shall be
permitted to disclose relevant aspects of the other parties' Confidential
Information to its officers, agents and employees to the extent that such
disclosure is reasonably necessary to the performance of its duties and its
obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement. All SGL employees
assigned to Client's project team will sign SGL's standard employee
non-disclosure agreement.

         13.2. Confidential Information shall not include (1) information which,
at the time of disclosure is in the public domain; (2) information which, after
disclosure, enters the public domain except where such entry is the result of a
breach of this Agreement; (3) information which, prior to disclosure hereunder,
can be demonstrated by records to have already been in the recipient's
possession and not subject to any obligation of confidence imposed in another
agreement or relationship; or (4) information which, subsequent to disclosure
hereunder, was obtained by the recipient on a non-confidential basis from a
third party who has the right to disclose such information.



                                       15
<PAGE>   16

         13.3 The obligations in Section 13.1 hereof shall not restrict any
disclosure by either party that is required under applicable law, or by order of
any court or government agency (provided that the disclosing party shall
endeavor to give such notice to the other party as may be reasonable under the
circumstances) and shall not apply with respect to information three (3) years
after the termination of this Agreement.

         13.4 Without limiting any of its other obligations under this Section
13, SGL will take those steps outlined in Schedule "13.4" attached hereto to
create a barrier to intra-company disclosures of Client's confidential and
proprietary business information.

14.      Taxes:

         Client shall, in addition to other payments required hereunder, pay all
sales, use, transfer or service taxes, whether federal or state or local,
however designated, that are levied or assessed on the provision of the Services
by SGL to Client or on the charges to Client under this Agreement, excluding
however, income taxes that may be levied against SGL.

15.      Non-Solicitation of Employees:

         Except as provided in Section 6.2.1, during the term of this Agreement
and for a period of one (1) year after its termination, neither SGL nor Client
shall knowingly solicit any full-time employee of the other with whom it has had
direct contact as a result of this Agreement (or any former employee who has
left the employ of the other within the prior one (1) year period), to become
its employee or contractor or through any third party without the consent of the
other party to this Agreement.

16.      Unavoidable Delays:

         Neither party shall be responsible for delays in its performance under
this Agreement occurring by reasons or circumstances beyond its control,
including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor
difficulties, fire, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots,
or failure of transportation, communication or power supply; provided that the
party whose performance is delayed shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
complete such performance as soon as possible.



                                       16
<PAGE>   17

17.      Property Rights:

         17.1 As between SGL and Client, Client retains all right, title and
interest in and to all of Client's products. Client reserves all rights not
expressly granted hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
SGL is not authorized and agrees not to market Client's products other than
through outbound telesales or corporate telesales and is not authorized and
agrees not to market Client's products for resale.

         17.2 All rights in any information regarding Quarterdeck's customers or
prospects, including their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and customer or
campaign specific purchasing patterns and preferences, shall belong exclusively
to Quarterdeck, including without limitation information supplied by Quarterdeck
to Sutherland and any of the following information developed or acquired by
Sutherland in performing services under this Agreement: any Quarterdeck specific
information, any specific information related to Quarterdeck's customers and any
market-related information specific to Quarterdeck's products. Client will
retain all rights to the database resulting from the telemarketing services
rendered pursuant to this Agreement, including any associated reports delivered
to Client by SGL as well as any data provided by Client and incorporated into
the telemarketing services to be rendered by SGL. All of the foregoing material
shall be considered Client Confidential Information without further action on
the part of Client. This material and all other Client property shall be
immediately provided to Client on termination or expiration of this Agreement.

         17.3 SGL will retain all rights to the ideas, know-how, techniques, and
software related to the contact management system used by SGL in rendering, or
to facilitate the rendering of, the Services or the manner and method by which
the Services are rendered (other than rules and regulations, policies and
practices referenced in Section 2.4). This information and software shall be
considered SGL property and SGL Confidential Information without further action
on the part of SGL.

18.      Notices:

         All notices, requests, and demands hereunder will be given in writing
and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered in person, or via a
reputable, receipted overnight courier service, or by United States mail,
certified or registered, with return receipt requested, in either case addressed
as follows (or to such other address as either party specifies in writing to the
other):



                                       17
<PAGE>   18

If to Client:                                 If to SGL:

Quarterdeck Corporation                       The Sutherland Group, Ltd.
13160 Mindanao Way                            1160 A Pittsford-Victor Road
Marina del Rey, CA  90292                     Pittsford, New York 14534
Attn: Sr. Vice President, Product            Attn:  General Manager
         Development and Marketing                  Quarterdeck Program

 With a copy sent to the above address, With a copy sent to:

Attn: Legal Department                       Phillips, Lytle, Hitchcock, Blain &
                                             Huber LLP
                                             1400 First Federal Plaza
                                             Rochester, New York  14614
                                             Attention: Robert F. Zogas, Esq.

         Any notice, sent as provided above, will be deemed given upon receipt
at the address provided for above.

19.      Governing Law:

         This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law
principles.

20.      Audits and Attorneys' Fees:

         20.1 Subject to the last paragraph of Section 1.6, Client shall keep
complete and accurate records related to its sales transactions for a period of
three (3) years, unless in dispute, in which event they shall be kept until said
dispute is settled. Such records shall be available during reasonable business
hours at the place at which such records are customarily kept for examination by
SGL and its representatives, for the purpose of verifying compliance by Client
with the provisions hereof. SGL shall keep complete and accurate records related
to its provision of services hereunder. SGL is not required to maintain any
particular records related to its Best Efforts covenant in Section 1.3. Records
relating to the amount of time worked by outbound telesales or corporate
telesales representatives will be in the form of Schedule 20.1. All such records
shall be kept for a period of three (3) years, unless in dispute, in which event
they shall be kept until said dispute is settled. All such records shall be
available during reasonable business hours at the place at which such records
are customarily kept for examination by the other party and its representatives,
for the purpose of verifying compliance with the provisions hereof. If any audit
or examination reveals that Client has underpaid SGL by more than five percent
(5%) during the period to which the audit relates, the direct and reasonable
costs of such audit or examination shall be borne by Client. If any audit or
examination reveals that SGL has overcharged Client by more than five percent
(5%) during the period to which the audit relates, the direct and reasonable
costs of such audit or examination 



                                       18
<PAGE>   19

shall be borne by SGL. Neither party shall audit the other party's records more
often than twice per year.

         20.2 In addition to the foregoing, Client shall have the right to have
a third party perform an audit of SGL's records, if any, related to SGL's
compliance with the Best Efforts covenant in Section 1.3. Client acknowledges
the confidential and proprietary nature of SGL's records concerning SGL's
compliance with Section 1.3. Such records may be audited on behalf of Client
upon reasonable notice subject to the following confidentiality provisions.
Records to be audited shall be made available for inspection only to an
independent accounting firm designated by Client, and approved by SGL (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and shall be provided pursuant to
procedures designed to protect the confidentiality of such information in
accordance with applicable contractual and legal requirements, including the
omitting of names and other identifying material from the records before they
are made available for inspection if required under contract or applicable law.
Client and its designated accounting firm shall provide SGL with their
respective confidentiality and hold harmless agreements in a form reasonably
acceptable to SGL. Such agreements shall provide, in part, that the information
shall be used solely for purposes of auditing SGL's compliance with this Section
1.3, and may not be used for any other purpose, nor copied, compiled, disclosed
or removed from SGL's premises. The expenses of Client (including fees and
expense of the designated independent accounting firm) shall be borne by Client.

         20.3 Each party shall reimburse the other party on demand for all
reasonable attorneys' fees, witness fees and court costs and reasonable expenses
of counsel incurred in the successful enforcement by such other party of any
right or remedy hereunder.

         20.4 Each party shall give the other copies of the information
described in Section 20.1 as it shall reasonably request to verify the accuracy
of amounts paid or invoiced hereunder without resort to a full audit pursuant to
Section 20.1, at the cost of the requesting party.

21.      Survival:

         The provisions hereof related to Payment, Warranty, Indemnification,
Property Rights, Confidentiality, Transition Services, Audit and Binding
Arbitration will survive any termination of this Agreement. In addition, any
other terms of this Agreement which by their terms extend beyond the termination
of this Agreement shall remain in effect until fulfilled.

22.      Successors and Assigns:

         This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. The sale or transfer
of all or substantially all of the assets or 



                                       19
<PAGE>   20

business of a party, without the transferee expressly assuming the obligations
hereunder of the transferor, will be deemed a breach of this Agreement by
transferor.

23.      Non-Waiver:

         The failure of either party to enforce at any time any of the
provisions of this Agreement or to require any act of performance hereunder
shall not be construed a waiver of such provisions or right to performance nor
in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or the right of either party
to, thereafter, enforce each and every provision or right to performance.

24.      Savings Clause:

         The invalidity of, or inability to enforce any particular provision of
this Agreement will not affect the other provisions of this Agreement, and this
Agreement will be construed in all respects as if any invalid or unenforceable
provision had been omitted.

25.      Captions:

         The paragraph headings in this Agreement have been inserted for the
purpose of convenience and ready reference. They do not purport to and shall not
be deemed to define, limit or extend the scope or intent of the paragraph to
which they pertain.

26.      Entire Agreement:

         This Agreement and its schedules embody the entire agreement of the
parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein. There are no
promises, terms, conditions, or obligations other than those contained herein.
This Agreement supersedes all previous and contemporaneous communications,
representations or agreements, either verbal or written, between the parties
with respect to its subject matter, including, but not limited to, the
Memorandum of Understanding dated November 26, 1997, and the Memorandum of
Understanding dated December 12, 1997. It shall not be modified except by a
written agreement dated subsequent to the date of this Agreement and signed on
behalf of SGL and the Client by their respective duly authorized
representatives.



                                       20
<PAGE>   21

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
Effective Date.

THE SUTHERLAND GROUP, LTD.          QUARTERDECK CORPORATION


By: /s/ Michael J. Russo                     By: /s/ Frank R. Greico


Name:                                            Name:

Title:                                           Title:



                                       21

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          26,903
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   20,114
<ALLOWANCES>                                    10,129
<INVENTORY>                                      1,252
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                40,700
<PP&E>                                          17,218
<DEPRECIATION>                                  10,686
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  52,036
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           22,837
<BONDS>                                         25,000
                                0
                                     27,376
<COMMON>                                            43
<OTHER-SE>                                    (23,309)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    52,036
<SALES>                                         20,626
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                20,626
<CGS>                                            4,709
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   15,815
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (497)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 267
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    332
<INCOME-TAX>                                        16
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                316
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       316
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.01
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>


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