A D A M SOFTWARE INC
S-3, 1999-11-24
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 24, 1999.
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                         ------------------------------

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                         ------------------------------

                                 ADAM.COM, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                     GEORGIA
         (State or other jurisdiction of                                58-1878070
          incorporation or organization)                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
</TABLE>

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

                       1600 RIVEREDGE PARKWAY, SUITE 800
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30328
                           TELEPHONE: (770) 980-0888
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)
                         ------------------------------

                             ROBERT S. CRAMER, JR.
               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                 ADAM.COM, INC.
                       1600 RIVEREDGE PARKWAY, SUITE 800
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30328
                           TELEPHONE: (770) 980-0888
                           FACSIMILE: (770) 989-4970
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                         ------------------------------

                                   COPIES TO:
                             WILLIAM G. ROCHE, ESQ.
                              STACEY K. GEER, ESQ.
                                KING & SPALDING
                           191 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303
                           TELEPHONE: (404) 572-4600
                           FACSIMILE: (404) 572-5100

    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement and from
time to time thereafter.

    If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /

    If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. /X/

    If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / / __________

    If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / / __________

    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
                         ------------------------------

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PROPOSED MAXIMUM     PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                                             AMOUNT TO BE           AGGREGATE            AGGREGATE            AMOUNT OF
    TITLE OF SHARES TO BE REGISTERED          REGISTERED        PRICE PER UNIT(1)    OFFERING PRICE(1)    REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                       <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par value                528,000 shares           $14.16             $7,476,480             $2,079
</TABLE>

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration
    fee pursuant to Rule 457(c).

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

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration
statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement
shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission,
acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 24, 1999
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND WE ARE NOT SOLICITING OFFERS TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS

                                 528,000 SHARES
                                 ADAM.COM, INC.
                                  COMMON STOCK

    This prospectus relates to the sale of       shares of our common stock
which we have issued to Fusion Capital Fund I, LLC, referred to in this
prospectus as the selling shareholder, and up to             additional shares
of our common stock which from time to time we may issue to Fusion Capital
Fund I, LLC upon conversion of an outstanding convertible debenture held by the
selling shareholder. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
the shares being offered.

    The shares offered are being registered due to our obligations to the
selling shareholder. The selling shareholder may elect to sell all, a portion or
none of the shares described in this prospectus. The selling shareholder from
time to time may offer and sell the shares directly to purchasers or through
agents, underwriters or dealers on terms to be determined at the time of sale.
If required, the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers and any other
required information will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
Such sales may be through brokers and may be at the market price prevailing at
the time of such sales. The selling shareholder will pay regular commissions to
any brokers effecting such sales. The shares also may be offered by the selling
shareholder in block trades, private transactions or otherwise at prices to be
negotiated. All expenses of registration of these shares are being borne by us,
but the selling shareholder will pay any brokerage and other expenses of a sale
incurred by it.

    Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"ADAM." On             ,     , the last reported sale price for our common stock
as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $            per share. We will
apply to have the shares of common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus
approved for trading on the Nasdaq National Market.

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

    INVESTING IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 FOR A DISCUSSION OF THESE RISKS.

    THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER AND ANY BROKER EXECUTING SELLING ORDERS ON BEHALF OF
THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER MAY BE DEEMED TO BE AN "UNDERWRITER." COMMISSIONS
RECEIVED BY ANY BROKER MAY BE DEEMED TO BE UNDERWRITING COMMISSIONS.

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

    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

             The date of this prospectus is               ,       .
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
About This Prospectus.......................................      1

Where You Can Find More Information.........................      2

adam.com....................................................      2

Risk Factors................................................      3

The Financing Transaction...................................      7

Use of Proceeds.............................................      9

Selling Shareholder.........................................      9

Plan of Distribution........................................     10

Validity of Common Stock....................................     11

Experts.....................................................     11
</TABLE>

                             ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

    This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission using a "shelf" registration process. Under
this shelf process, a company that has the right to receive shares of our common
stock (the "selling shareholder") may sell up to an aggregate of 528,000 shares
of common stock in one or more offerings. This prospectus and any applicable
prospectus supplement provided to you should be considered together with the
additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More
Information."

    The registration statement that contains this prospectus (including the
exhibits to the registration statement) contains additional information about
our company and the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration
statement can be read at the SEC web site or at the SEC offices mentioned under
the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

                                       1
<PAGE>
                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy
any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C.,
New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also
available to the public from the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

    The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with
them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring
you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered
to be part of this prospectus, and later information filed with the SEC will
automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference
the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until
our offering is completed.

    - Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1999, filed
      with the SEC on June 29, 1999;

    - Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999;

    - Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
      1999; and

    - The description of our common stock contained in our registration
      statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on October 11, 1995, including
      any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
      description.

    You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to a filing
unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing),
at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

                       Michael Fisher
                       Director of Finance/Administration
                       adam.com, Inc.
                       1600 RiverEdge Parkway, Suite 800
                       Atlanta, GA 30328
                       (770) 980-0888

    You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus. We have authorized no one to provide you with
different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any
state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the
information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on
the front of the document.

                                    ADAM.COM

    adam.com, Inc. ("adam.com") is a leading developer of health education
content and software technologies, and since January 1999, we have taken steps
to become a leading provider of health, medical and wellness information online.
We have created, published and marketed multimedia software products, content
and Internet-ready applications that provide anatomical, medical and health-
related information for the education, consumer and professional markets. During
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 ("fiscal 1999"), adam.com made the
strategic decision to focus the majority of its efforts on the online
dissemination of consumer health information, resulting in the May 1999 launch
of WWW.ADAM.COM, our consumer health destination. In connection with this
redirected strategy, we discontinued further sales and marketing effort, as well
as product update and upgrade support for certain of our historical products.

    We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia. Our principal
executive offices are located at 1600 RiverEdge Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta,
Georgia 30328. Our telephone number at that address is (770) 980-0888.

                                       2
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS

    YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISKS DESCRIBED BELOW BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO
BUY OUR COMMON STOCK.. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RISKS ACTUALLY OCCUR, OUR
BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS WOULD LIKELY SUFFER. IN
SUCH CASE, THE TRADING PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK COULD DECLINE, AND YOU MAY LOSE
ALL OR PART OF YOUR INVESTMENT.

    CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER WRITTEN OR ORAL
STATEMENTS MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF ADAM.COM, MAY CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. WHEN USED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, THE WORDS "BELIEVES," EXPECTS," "ESTIMATES," "INTENDS" AND SIMILAR
EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. STATEMENTS
REGARDING FUTURE EVENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS AND OUR FUTURE PERFORMANCE, AS WELL AS
OUR EXPECTATIONS, BELIEFS, PLANS, INTENTIONS, ESTIMATES OR PROJECTIONS RELATING
TO THE FUTURE, ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THESE LAWS.
EXAMPLES OF SUCH STATEMENTS IN THIS PROSPECTUS INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR PLANS
AND STRATEGIES WITH RESPECT TO DEVELOPING OUR WEB SITE, OUR PLANS TO DEVELOP
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, OUR INTENTION TO ADD E-COMMERCE TO OUR
BUSINESS STRATEGY, OUR CONTINUING GROWTH AND OUR ABILITY TO ADDRESS YEAR 2000
ISSUES. ALL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL EVENTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE
PROJECTED. WE BELIEVE THAT THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE REASONABLE;
HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON SUCH STATEMENTS. THESE
STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON CURRENT EXPECTATIONS AND SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF
SUCH STATEMENTS. WE UNDERTAKE NO OBLIGATION TO PUBLICLY UPDATE OR REVISE ANY
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF FUTURE EVENTS, NEW INFORMATION
OR OTHERWISE.

    WE ARE A YOUNG COMPANY THAT HAS INCURRED LOSSES.

    We have experienced substantial losses of $2.1 million in fiscal 1999,
$5.4 million in fiscal 1997, $3.9 million in fiscal 1996, $3.2 million in fiscal
1994. We cannot be certain that we can obtain profitability in any future
period. We operate in a new and rapidly evolving market and must, among other
things:

    - respond to competitive developments;

    - continue to upgrade and expand our content and healthcare information
      services offerings; and

    - continue to attract, retain and motivate our employees.

    We cannot be certain that we will be successful.

CAPITAL CONSTRAINTS MAY AFFECT OUR RESOURCES.

    Since inception we have funded operations with debt and equity capital. Our
ability to operate profitably under our current business plan is largely
contingent upon success in obtaining additional sources of capital. There can be
no assurance that sources of capital will be available on satisfactory terms or
at all. Under the terms of the debenture issued to the selling shareholders and
related agreements, the $6,000,000 provided to us by the selling shareholder to
purchase the debenture has been pledged by us as security to the selling
shareholder to secure our obligations under the debenture. Such $6,000,000 is
currently restricted cash of adam.com. We expect that such cash will become
unrestricted at a rate of $1,000,000 per month as the outstanding principal
balance of the debenture is reduced from conversions of the debenture into
common stock. Whether or not and when some or all of this cash will become
unrestricted is not assured. The timing of the access to or amount of this
capital is not assured. Without additional capital we may not be able to fully
implement our business, operating and development plans. There can be no
assurance that any such financing, if obtained, will be adequate to meet our
ultimate capital needs. If adequate capital can not be obtained or obtained on
satisfactory terms, our operations could be negatively impacted.

                                       3
<PAGE>
    WE FACE INTENSE COMPETITION WITH OTHER ONLINE PROVIDERS OF HEALTHCARE
INFORMATION.

    The market for providing healthcare information online is intensely
competitive, and we expect competition to increase in the future. Our business
has low barriers to entry, and we cannot guarantee that we will compete
successfully against our current or potential competitors, especially those with
significantly greater financial resources or brand name recognition. Our current
competitors include Dr. Koop.com and Healtheon/WebMD. We have yet to derive
significant revenues as an online provider of healthcare information.

    Mergers or consolidations among our competitors, or acquisitions of small
competitors by larger companies, would make such combined entities more
formidable competitors to us. Large companies may have advantages over us
because of their longer operating histories, greater name recognition, or
greater financial, technical and marketing resources. As a result, they may be
able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in
customer requirements. They can also devote greater resources to the promotion
and sale of their products or services than we can.

    For the above reasons, we may not be able to compete successfully against
our current and future competitors. Increased competition may result in reduced
gross margins and loss of market share.

    WE FACE RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN OUR INDUSTRY.

    Rapid changes in technology pose significant risks to us. To remain
successful, we must continue to change, adapt and improve our content and
delivery mediums in response to changes in technology. Our future success hinges
on our ability to both continue to enhance our current content and to
successfully market this content. We cannot be sure that we will successfully
develop and market new content. Any failure by us to timely develop and
disseminate new or to update and enhance our current content could adversely
affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

    WE FACE RISKS REGARDING OUR POTENTIAL FUTURE ACQUISITIONS OR INVESTMENTS.

    As part of our growth strategy, we have recently acquired all of the assets
of Informational Medical Systems, Inc. and drgreene.com. We may continue to
acquire or make investments in, companies with products, technologies or
professional services capabilities complementary to ours. In acquiring companies
in the future, we could encounter difficulties in assimilating their personnel
and operations into our company. These difficulties could disrupt our ongoing
business, distract our management and employees, increase our expenses and
adversely affect our results of operations. These difficulties could also
include accounting requirements, such as amortization of goodwill or in-process
research and development expense. We cannot be certain that we will successfully
overcome these risks with respect to any future acquisitions or that we will not
encounter other problems in connection with our prior or any future
acquisitions. In addition, any future acquisitions may require us to incur debt
or issue equity securities. The issuance of equity securities could dilute the
investment of our existing shareholders.

    WE DEPEND ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL.

    Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to attract and
retain highly qualified personnel. The competition for employees at all levels
of our industry is increasingly intense. Furthermore, in order to promote the
development of our Web Site, we will need to identify, attract and retain
software engineers, web designers and content editors. If we do not succeed in
attracting such new employees and retaining and motivating our current
employees, our business could suffer significantly.

                                       4
<PAGE>
    WE ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS RELATING TO THE YEAR 2000.

    Many currently installed computer systems and software products accept only
two-digit entries in the date code field. These date code fields will need to
accept four digit entries to distinguish 21st century dates from 20th century
dates. As a result, computer systems and software used by many companies and
governmental agencies may need to be upgraded to comply with such "Year 2000"
requirements. Noncompliant computer systems or software may cause system failure
or result in miscalculations that will cause disruptions of normal business
activities. Although we have designed all of the products that we currently
offer to be Year 2000 compliant, we cannot assure you that our products contain
all necessary date code changes, or that, in the year 2000, our products will be
compatible with third-party software that may be integrated or used in
conjunction with our products. There can be no assurances that we have
identified all Year 2000 issues with respect to our products and products
supplied to us by third parties and the failure to do so could have a material
adverse effect on our business.

    Furthermore, there can be no assurance that our estimates related to the
Year 2000 issue will prove to be accurate and actual results could differ
materially from those currently anticipated. Specific factors that could cause
such material differences include, but are not limited to, the ability to
identify, assess, and remediate and test all relevant computer codes and
embedded technology, and similar uncertainties. In addition, variability of
definitions of "compliance with Year 2000" and the myriad of different products
and services, and combinations thereof, sold by adam.com may lead to claims
whose impact on adam.com is not currently estimable. No assurance can be given
that the aggregate cost of defending and resolving such claims, if any, will not
materially adversely affect our results of operation. Although some of the our
agreements and contracts with third parties contain provisions requiring such
parties to indemnify us under some circumstances, there can be no assurance that
such indemnification arrangements will cover all of our liabilities and costs
related to claims by third parties related to the Year 2000 issue.

    THE CONVERSION PRICE OF THE DEBENTURE IS NOT FIXED; FUTURE SALES OF OUR
COMMON STOCK COULD CAUSE OUR STOCK TO DECLINE IN PRICE.

    The conversion price of the debenture issued to the selling shareholder is
equal to the lesser of (a) the closing bid price of our common stock on the date
the selling shareholder submits its election to convert the debenture into
common stock, (b) the average of the two lowest closing bid prices of our common
stock for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date the
selling shareholder submits its election to convert the debenture into common
stock or (c) $      . The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common
stock under this offering, or anticipation of such sales could make it more
difficult for us to sell equity or equity related securities in the future at a
time and price we deem appropriate. After this offering is completed,
            shares of our common stock will be outstanding, assuming the
debenture is converted into a total of             shares. If our stock price
decreases to less than $      during any 10 consecutive trading days prior to a
conversion of the debenture, we may be required to issue more shares upon
conversion of the debenture, resulting in more shares being outstanding. All
shares registered in this offering are freely tradable. It is anticipated that
shares registered in this offering will be sold over a period of up to six
months from the date hereof. The sale of a significant amount of shares
registered in this offering at any given time could cause the trading price of
our common stock to decline and to be highly volatile.

    THERE HAS BEEN LIMITED PRIOR MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK AND OUR STOCK PRICE
IS EXTREMELY VOLATILE.

    Our common stock has only been publicly traded since our initial public
offering on November 15, 1995. Since that date, the closing price of the common
stock has ranged from a low price of $1.875 per share to a high price of $40 per
share, and there has been significant volatility in the price of our

                                       5
<PAGE>
common stock in the past year. There can be no assurance that the market price
of our common stock will be maintained or that the volume of trading in our
shares will not decrease.

    The risks detailed in this prospectus may significantly adversely affect the
market price of our common stock after the offering. In particular, the stock
prices for many high technology companies, especially those that base their
businesses on the Internet, recently have experienced wide fluctuations and
extreme volatility which have often been unrelated to the operating performance
of such companies. Such fluctuations have adversely affected and may in the
future adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

    Furthermore, following periods of volatility in the market price of a
company's securities, securities class action claims frequently are brought
against the subject company. To the extent that the market price of our shares
falls dramatically in any period of time, shareholders may bring claims, with or
without merit, against us. Such litigation would be expensive to defend and
would divert management attention and resources regardless of outcome.

    WE HAVE ADOPTED CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS THAT MAY DETER A TAKEOVER.

    Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain the following provisions
that may deter a takeover, including a takeover on terms that many of our
shareholders might consider favorable, such as:

    - the authority of our board of directors to issue common stock and
      preferred stock and to determine the price, rights (including voting
      rights), preferences, privileges and restrictions of each series of
      preferred stock, without any vote or action by our shareholders;

    - the existence of large amounts of authorized but unissued common stock and
      preferred stock;

    - staggered, three-year terms for our board of directors; and

    - advance notice requirements for board of directors nominations and for
      shareholder proposals.

    The rights and preferences of any series of preferred stock could include a
preference over the common stock on the distribution of our assets upon a
liquidation or sale of our company, preferential dividends, redemption rights,
the right to elect one or more directors and other voting rights. The rights of
the holders of any series of preferred stock that may be issued in the future
may adversely affect the rights of the holders of the common stock. We have no
current plans to issue preferred stock. In addition, certain provisions of
Georgia law and our stock option plan may also discourage, delay or prevent a
change in control of our company or unsolicited acquisition proposals.

    MANY OF OUR SHARES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE AND ARE SUBJECT TO
REGISTRATION RIGHTS WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON
STOCK.

    If our shareholders sell substantial additional amounts of common stock
(including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options) in the
public market following this offering, the market price of our common stock
could fall. Such sales also could make it more difficult for us to sell equity
or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem
appropriate.

    Certain shareholders may have the right, subject to certain conditions, to
include their shares in certain registration statements relating to our
securities. By exercising their registration rights and causing a large number
of shares to be registered and sold in the public market, these holders may
cause the price of our common stock to fall. In addition, any demand by holders
of registration rights to include shares of common stock held by them in a
registration initiated by us could adversely affect our ability to raise needed
capital.

    PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS HAVE SUBSTANTIAL INFLUENCE.

    As of September 30, 1999, our executive officers, directors and persons who
beneficially more than 10% of our outstanding common stock controlled
approximately 25% of the combined outstanding voting power of our common stock.
As a result, with limited exception, such persons exert substantial influence
with respect to all matters submitted to a vote of holders of common stock,
including election of our directors.

                                       6
<PAGE>
                           THE FINANCING TRANSACTION

GENERAL

    On November 15, 1999 adam.com executed a securities purchase agreement with
Fusion Capital Fund I, LLC ("Fusion Capital") pursuant to which it agreed to
issue to Fusion Capital up to two 0% senior secured convertible debentures, each
with an aggregate principal amount of $6,000,000. The purchase price for each
debenture is $6,000,000. The debentures will not bear any interest or premium
accrual. Each debenture will be convertible into shares of common stock of
adam.com at a price equal to the lesser of (1) 130% of the average of the
closing bid prices for the common shares during the 10 trading days prior to
issuance of such debenture or (2) a price based upon the future performance of
the common stock, in each case without any fixed discount to the market price.

    The first debenture was purchased by Fusion Capital on             . The
second debenture will be issued after delivery of an irrevocable written notice
by us to Fusion Capital stating that we elect to sell such debenture to Fusion
Capital. Such notice may be given no earlier than the sooner to occur of
(1)             or (2) at such time as the first debenture is no longer
outstanding. Each debenture will mature six months from its date of issuance.
The obligation of Fusion Capital to purchase the second debenture is subject
only to customary closing conditions, all of which are outside the control of
Fusion Capital.

    Each debenture will be secured by a pledge of $6,000,000 in cash by adam.com
which will be restricted cash of adam.com. adam.com will be the legal and
beneficial owner of such cash and will also be the legal and beneficial owner of
all interest and investment income earned with respect to such proceeds while
held as restricted cash. adam.com will direct the investment of such cash.
Fusion Capital will have a security interest on customary terms in such cash. We
expect that the amount of cash subject to Fusion Capital's security interest
will be reduced at a rate of $1,000,000 per month as the outstanding principal
amount of the debenture is reduced from conversion into common stock. The
corresponding amount of cash will become unrestricted cash of adam.com.

NO SHORTING OR HEDGING BY FUSION CAPITAL

    Fusion Capital has agreed that Fusion Capital and its affiliates shall not
to engage in any direct or indirect short-selling or hedging of adam.com's
common stock during any time any debenture is or could become outstanding.

CONVERSION OF THE DEBENTURE INTO COMMON STOCK

    CONVERSIONS AT FUSION CAPITAL'S DISCRETION.  Subject to the limits on
conversion and the redemption rights described below, each month during the term
of the first debenture Fusion Capital will have the right to convert up to
$1,000,000 of the principal amount of the debenture, plus any amounts for any
prior month that have not yet been converted, into shares of common stock at the
applicable conversion price. The conversion price per share is equal to the
lesser of:

        (A) the closing bid price of the shares of common stock on the day of
    submission of a conversion notice by Fusion Capital; or

        (B) the average of the two lowest closing bid prices of the shares of
    common stock during the 10 trading days prior to the submission of a
    conversion notice by Fusion Capital; or

        (C) $      (the "Fixed Conversion Price").

    ADAM.COM'S RIGHT TO PREVENT CONVERSIONS.  If the closing sale price of
adam.com's common stock is below the Fixed Conversion Price for any three
consecutive trading days, adam.com will have the unconditional right to prevent
conversions until the earlier of (1) revocation of such suspension by

                                       7
<PAGE>
adam.com and (2) such time as the closing sale price of adam.com's common stock
is above the Fixed Conversion Price for any three consecutive trading days.

    ADAM.COM'S MANDATORY CONVERSION RIGHTS.  adam.com will have the right to
require that Fusion Capital convert a specified principal amount of the
debenture during any specified month. adam.com may revoke, in its sole
discretion, its written request with respect to any conversions in excess of the
amount that Fusion Capital is otherwise permitted to convert.

    LIMITATION ON FUSION CAPITAL'S BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no conversion of the debenture will be permitted if such conversion
would result in Fusion Capital or its affiliates beneficially owning more than
4.99% of the then aggregate outstanding common stock immediately after such
conversion.

REDEMPTION

    REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF ADAM.COM.  If the closing price of the common
stock is below the Fixed Conversion Price for any 10 consecutive trading days,
then adam.com may redeem the unconverted remaining principal balance of the
debenture in cash at a price of 106% of the remaining principal balance.

    REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF FUSION CAPITAL.  Upon (1) an event of default
under the debenture or (2) the maturity of the debenture, Fusion Capital may
redeem the unconverted remaining principal balance of the debenture for cash at
a price of 106% of the remaining principal balance.

CHANGE IN CONTROL

    Upon a change in control of adam.com, adam.com may exercise its redemption
right or, if the market price is below the Fixed Conversion Price, may require
mandatory conversion of the debenture.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

    Generally, the debenture will become immediately due and payable at the
option of Fusion Capital upon the occurrence of any of the following events of
default:

    - a default in the payment of the principal amount of the debenture when
      due;

    - if for any reason the shares offered hereby cannot be sold pursuant to
      this prospectus for a period of three consecutive trading days or for more
      than an aggregate of 10 trading days in any 365-day period;

    - suspension of adam.com's common stock from trading for a period of three
      consecutive trading days or for more than an aggregate of 10 trading days
      in any 365-day period;

    - failure of adam.com to satisfy any listing criteria of its principal
      securities exchange or market for a period of 10 consecutive trading days
      or for more than an aggregate of 45 trading days in any 365-day period;

    - notice from adam.com or its transfer agent to the effect that it intends
      not to comply with a proper request for conversion of the debenture or the
      failure of adam.com to confirm to the transfer agent Fusion Capital's
      conversion notice or the failure of the transfer agent to issue shares of
      common stock upon delivery of a conversion notice;

    - if at any time more than 964,664 shares of common stock (representing
      19.99% of the common stock as of the date of the securities purchase
      agreement) are issuable to Fusion Capital upon conversion of the
      debenture;

                                       8
<PAGE>
    - any material breach of the representations or warranties or covenants
      contained in the securities purchase agreement or any related agreements
      which has or which could have a material adverse affect on adam.com or the
      value of the debenture, subject to a cure period of 10 trading days;

    - a default of any payment obligation of adam.com in excess of $1,000,000;
      or

    - adam.com's participation in insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings by or
      against adam.com.

ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED TO FUSION CAPITAL

    Under the terms of the purchase agreement, on             , in connection
with the issuance of the first debenture, Fusion Capital received
shares of our common stock. Such shares are included in this offering. Unless an
event of default occurs, such shares must be held by Fusion Capital until the
first debenture has been converted or repaid in full. On the date of the
issuance of the second debenture, Fusion Capital will be entitled to receive a
commitment fee, payable in shares of common stock, equal to 7% of the aggregate
principal amount of the second debenture.

NO VARIABLE PRICED FINANCINGS BY ADAM.COM

    So long as any debenture is outstanding, adam.com has agreed not to issue,
or enter into any agreement with respect to the issuance of, any variable priced
equity or variable priced equity-like securities unless it has obtained Fusion
Capital's prior written consent.

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

    We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of the
common stock offered by the selling shareholder. We are registering the shares
for sale to provide the holder thereof with freely tradable securities, but the
registration of such shares does not necessarily mean that any of such shares
will be offered or sold by the holder thereof.

                              SELLING SHAREHOLDER

    The selling shareholder is Fusion Capital Fund I, LLC ("Fusion Capital").
Prior to November 15, 1999, Fusion Capital did not own or have any interest in
any shares of our common stock. However, on       , pursuant to the securities
purchase agreement dated November 15, 1999, Fusion Capital purchased for
$6,000,000 a 0% senior secured convertible debenture in the aggregate principal
amount of $6,000,000. Each month a portion of the debenture may be converted
into shares of our common stock. Assuming an average conversion price of $
per share (based on             ), we would issue to Fusion Capital an aggregate
of       shares of our common stock pursuant to conversion of the debenture.
Such amount would represent       % of our outstanding common stock as of
            . If we issue to Fusion Capital an aggregate of       shares of our
common stock pursuant to conversions of the debenture (which is the maximum
number of shares offered hereby from conversions of the debenture) such number
of shares would represent       % of our outstanding common stock as of
            . If the debenture is actually convertible into greater than the
      maximum number of shares offered hereby from conversions of the debenture,
we intend to register the additional shares on an additional registration
statement.

    Under the terms of the purchase agreement, on             , in connection
with the issuance of the first debenture, Fusion Capital received
shares of our common stock. Such shares are included in this offering. Unless an
event of default occurs, such shares must be held by Fusion Capital until the
first debenture has been converted or repaid in full.

    Fusion Capital has had no business or financial relationship with adam.com
during the past three years.

                                       9
<PAGE>
    Because the selling shareholder may sell all, some or none of the common
stock offered under this prospectus, no estimate can be given as to the amount
of common stock that will be held by the selling shareholder upon termination of
the offering.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    The common stock offered by this prospectus is being offered by the selling
shareholder, Fusion Capital Fund I, LLC. Such common stock may be sold or
distributed from time to time by the selling shareholder, or by donees or
transferees of, or other successors in interests to, the selling shareholder,
directly to one or more purchasers or through brokers, dealers or underwriters
who may act solely as agents or may acquire such common stock as principals, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices, at negotiated prices, or at fixed prices, which may be
changed. The sale of the common stock offered hereby may be effected in one or
more of the following methods:

    - ordinary brokers' transactions;

    - transactions involving cross or block trades or otherwise on the Nasdaq
      National Market;

    - purchases by brokers, dealers or underwriters as principal and resale by
      such purchasers for their own accounts pursuant to this prospectus;

    - "at the market" to or through market makers or into an existing market for
      the common stock;

    - in other ways not involving market makers or established trading markets,
      including direct sales to purchasers or sales effected through agents;

    - in privately negotiated transactions; or

    - any combination of the foregoing.

    In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the shares may be sold only through registered or licensed brokers
or dealers. In addition, in certain states, the shares may not be sold unless
they have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption
from such registration or qualification requirement is available and complied
with.

    Brokers, dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution
of the shares as agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions,
discounts or concessions from the selling shareholder and/or purchasers of the
common stock for whom such broker-dealers may act as agent, or to whom they may
sell as principal, or both (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer
may be less than or in excess of customary commissions).

    THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER AND ANY BROKER-DEALERS WHO ACT IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SALE OF THE SHARES HEREUNDER MAY BE DEEMED TO BE "UNDERWRITERS" WITHIN THE
MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT, AND ANY COMMISSIONS THEY RECEIVE AND PROCEEDS OF
ANY SALE OF THE SHARES MAY BE DEEMED TO BE UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS AND
COMMISSIONS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

    Neither adam.com nor the selling shareholder can presently estimate the
amount of such compensation. adam.com knows of no existing arrangements between
any selling shareholder, any other shareholder, broker, dealer, underwriter or
agent relating to the sale or distribution of the shares. At a time particular
offer of shares is made, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be
distributed that will set forth the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers
and any compensation from the selling shareholder and any other required
information.

    adam.com will pay all of the expenses incident to the registration, offering
and sale of the shares to the public other than commissions or discounts of
underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. adam.com

                                       10
<PAGE>
has also agreed to indemnify the selling shareholder and certain related persons
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of adam.com,
adam.com has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore,
unenforceable.

    FUSION CAPITAL AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE AGREED NOT TO ENGAGE IN ANY DIRECT OR
INDIRECT SHORT SELLING OR HEDGING OF ADAM.COM'S COMMON STOCK DURING THE TERM OF
THE DEBENTURES.

    adam.com has advised the selling shareholder that during such time as they
may be engaged in a distribution of the shares included in this prospectus they
are required to comply with Regulation M promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. With certain exceptions, Regulation M
precludes the selling shareholder, any affiliated purchasers, and any
broker-dealer or other person who participates in such distribution from bidding
for or purchasing, or attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase any
security which is the subject of the distribution until the entire distribution
is complete. Regulation M also prohibits any bids or purchases made in order to
stabilize the price of a security in connection with the distribution of that
security. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares
offered hereby.

    This offering will terminate on the earlier of (a) the date on which the
shares are eligible for resale without restrictions pursuant to Rule 144(k)
under the Securities Act or (b) the date on which all shares offered by this
prospectus have been sold by the selling shareholder.

                            VALIDITY OF COMMON STOCK

    The validity of the common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us
by King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia.

                                    EXPERTS

    The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of adam.com, Inc. (formerly, A.D.A.M.
Software, Inc.) for the year ended March 31, 1999 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

                                       11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 ADAM.COM, INC.

                                 528,000 SHARES
                                       OF
                                  COMMON STOCK

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

                                   PROSPECTUS

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

                                          ,

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

    The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, payable by the
registrant connection with the sale of common stock being registered. All
amounts are estimates, except the SEC registration fee.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
SEC registration fee........................................  $ 2,079
Nasdaq National Market listing fee..........................   17,500
Printing expenses...........................................   10,000
Legal fees and expenses.....................................   50,000
Accounting fees and expenses................................   10,000
Blue sky fees and expenses..................................      500
Miscellaneous...............................................      921
                                                              -------
    Total...................................................  $91,000
                                                              =======
</TABLE>

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

    The Georgia Business Corporation Code permits a corporation to eliminate or
limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of duty of care or other duty as a
director, provided that no provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a
director: (A) for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business
opportunity of the corporation; (B) for acts or omissions which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (C) for unlawful corporate
distributions; or (D) for any transaction from which the director received an
improper personal benefit. This provision pertains only to breaches of duty by
directors in their capacity as directors (and not in any other corporate
capacity, such as officers) and limits liability only for breaches of fiduciary
duties under Georgia corporate law (and not for violation of other laws, such as
the federal securities laws). The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation (the "Restated Articles") exonerate the Company's directors from
monetary liability to the extent permitted by this statutory provision.

    The Company's Restated Articles and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the
"Restated Bylaws") also provide that the Company shall indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending
or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative (including any action by or in the right of the Company), by
reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the
Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director or
officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees), judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted
in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Company (and with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, if such person had no reasonable cause to believe such
person's conduct was unlawful), to the maximum extent permitted by, and in the
manner provided by, the Georgia Business Corporation Code. In addition, the
Restated Bylaws provide that the Company will advance to its directors or
officers reasonable expenses of any such proceeding.

    Notwithstanding any provisions of the Company's Restated Articles and
Amended Bylaws to the contrary, the Georgia Business Corporation Code provides
that the Company shall not indemnify a director or officer for any liability
incurred in a proceeding in which the director is adjudged liable to the Company
or is subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the Company: (1) for any
appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the
Company; (2) for acts or omissions which

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) for unlawful
corporate distributions; or (4) for any transaction from which the director or
officer received an improper personal benefit.

    The Company has purchased insurance with respect to, among other things, any
liabilities that may accrue under the statutory provisions referred to above.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
4.1(1)   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
         Registrant

4.2(1)   By Laws of the Registrant

4.3      Form of Debenture to be issued by the Company to Fusion
         Capital Fund I, LLC

5.1      Opinion of King & Spalding

10.1     Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 15,
         1999, between the Company and Fusion Capital Fund, LLC

23.1     Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

23.3     Consent of King and Spalding (included in its opinion filed
         as exhibit 5.1).
</TABLE>

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

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
    for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

        (i) to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
            Securities Act;

        (ii) to reflect in the Prospectus any facts of events arising after the
             effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
             post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
             aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
             forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
             any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
             total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
             which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
             the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form
             of prospectus filed with the commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if,
             in the aggregate, the charges in volume and price represent no more
             than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth
             in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
             registration statement; and

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

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (1) (i) and (1) (ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement.

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

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

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

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
    may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
    registrant pursuant to the Georgia Business Corporation Act, the charter or
    the bylaws of the registrant, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised
    that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public
    policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
    In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
    (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
    director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
    defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
    officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
    registered hereunder, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
    counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
    court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such
    indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
    Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta,
State of Georgia, on this 24th day of November, 1999.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       ADAM.COM, INC.

                                                       BY:          /S/ ROBERT S. CRAMER, JR.
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                                      Robert S. Cramer, Jr.
                                                                    CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
                                                                     CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
</TABLE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

    KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Robert S. Cramer, Jr. and Michael S.
Fisher and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to sign any registration
statement for the same offering covered by this Registration Statement that is
to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the
Securities Act of 1933, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in fact and
agents, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities on November 24, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        NAME                                               TITLE
                        ----                                               -----
<C>                                                    <S>
              /s/ ROBERT S. CRAMER, JR.                Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
     -------------------------------------------         Officer
                Robert S. Cramer, Jr.                    (Principal Executive Officer)

                /s/ MICHAEL S. FISHER
     -------------------------------------------       Director of Finance and Administration
                  Michael S. Fisher                      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

     -------------------------------------------       Director
                     Linda Davis

                /s/ SALLY D. ELLIOTT
     -------------------------------------------       Director
                  Sally D. Elliott
</TABLE>

                                      II-4
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        NAME                                               TITLE
                        ----                                               -----
<C>                                                    <S>
                  /s/ DAVID S. HOWE
     -------------------------------------------       Director
                    David S. Howe

     -------------------------------------------       Director
                   Hamilton Jordan

              /s/ JOHN W. MCCLAUGHERTY
     -------------------------------------------       Director
                John W. McClaugherty

                /s/ GREGORY M. SWAYNE
     -------------------------------------------       Director
                  Gregory M. Swayne

     -------------------------------------------       Director
              Francis J. Tedesco, M.D.
</TABLE>

                                      II-5


<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 4.3

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                FORM OF DEBENTURE


THE SECURITY REPRESENTED HEREBY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITY HAS BEEN
ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR
ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, OR
UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE AND REGISTRATION IS
THEREFORE NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. ANY
TRANSFEREE OF THIS DEBENTURE SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE TERMS OF THIS
DEBENTURE, INCLUDING SECTION 2(E)(VI) HEREOF. THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED
BY THIS DEBENTURE MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNTS SET FORTH ON THE FACE HEREOF
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2(E)(VI) OF THIS DEBENTURE.


                     0% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE

                                                ADAM.COM, INC. DEBENTURE NO. ___
                                                      [ISSUANCE DATE] $6,000,000

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ADAM.COM, INC., a Georgia corporation (the
"COMPANY"), hereby promises to pay to the order of FUSION CAPITAL FUND I, LLC or
its assigns ("HOLDER") the principal amount of Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000),
on ___________, (the "MATURITY DATE"), or upon acceleration or by conversion or
redemption in accordance with the terms hereof or otherwise.

         1. PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL. All payments of principal on this Debenture
(to the extent such principal is not converted into Common Stock (as defined
below) in accordance with the terms hereof) shall be made in lawful money of the
United States of America by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such
account as the Holder may from time to time designate by written notice in
accordance with the provisions of this Debenture. Whenever any amount expressed
to be due by the terms of this Debenture is due on any day which is not a
Trading Day (as defined below), the same shall instead be due on the next
succeeding day which is a Trading Day. For purposes of this Debenture, "TRADING
DAY" shall mean any day on which the Principal Market (as defined below) is open
for customary trading. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined
herein, shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Securities Purchase
Agreement, dated November 15, 1999, pursuant to which this Debenture was
originally issued (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from
time to time, the "SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT"). This Debenture is issued by
the Company on the date hereof (the "ISSUANCE DATE") pursuant to the Securities
Purchase Agreement. The Company's obligations


<PAGE>

under this Debenture are secured pursuant to a Pledge and Security Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof (the "PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT") between the
Company, the Holder and the Collateral Agent named therein.

         2. CONVERSION OF DEBENTURE. This Debenture shall be convertible into
shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "COMMON
STOCK"), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.

                  (a)      CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS.  For purposes of this
         Debenture, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

                           (i) "CLOSING BID PRICE" means, for any security as of
                  any date, the last closing bid price for such security on the
                  Principal Market as reported by Bloomberg Financial Markets
                  ("BLOOMBERG"), or, if the Principal Market is not the
                  principal securities exchange or trading market for such
                  security, the last closing bid price of such security on the
                  principal securities exchange or trading market where such
                  security is listed or traded as reported by Bloomberg.

                           (ii) "CLOSING SALE PRICE" means, for any security as
                  of any date, the last closing trade price for such security on
                  the Principal Market as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the
                  Principal Market is not the principal securities exchange or
                  trading market for such security, the last closing trade price
                  of such security on the principal securities exchange or
                  trading market where such security is listed or traded as
                  reported by Bloomberg.

                           (iii) "CONVERSION AMOUNT" means the portion of the
                  principal amount of this Debenture submitted for conversion
                  into Common Stock.

                           (iv) "CONVERSION DATE" means the actual date that the
                  Holder submits a Conversion Notice to the Company to convert
                  any outstanding principal amount of this Debenture into shares
                  of Common Stock so long as the Holder shall transmit by
                  facsimile (or otherwise deliver) to the Company on or prior to
                  11:59 p.m., Central Time on such date.

                           (v) "CONVERSION PRICE" means, as of any Conversion
                  Date or other date of determination, the lower of the (A)
                  Fixed Conversion Price and the (B) Variable Conversion Price,
                  each in effect as of such date.

                           (vi) "FIXED CONVERSION PRICE" means 130% of the
                  arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices of the Common
                  Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days immediately
                  preceding the Issuance Date (to be appropriately adjusted for
                  any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock
                  split or other similar transaction occurring during such ten
                  (10) Trading Days ).

                           (vii) "MANDATORY CONVERSION RIGHTS" means the
                  mandatory conversion rights of the Company pursuant to Section
                  2(d)(iii).


<PAGE>



                           (viii) "MONTHLY BASE AMOUNT" means One Million
                  Dollars ($1,000,000) per Monthly Period.

                           (ix) "MONTHLY CONVERSION AMOUNT" means the Monthly
                  Base Amount for such Monthly Period plus the Monthly Base
                  Amount for any prior Monthly Periods which has not been
                  previously converted into Common Stock pursuant to Section 2
                  hereof; PROVIDED HOWEVER, that to the extent that the Company
                  exercises its Mandatory Conversion Rights, the Monthly
                  Conversion Amount for any remaining Monthly Periods shall be
                  reduced by any amount subject to the Mandatory Conversion
                  Rights in reverse chronological order i.e. the Monthly
                  Conversion Amount for the last remaining Monthly Period shall
                  be reduced first; PROVIDED FURTHER, on or after the Maturity
                  Date, the Monthly Conversion Amount shall thereafter be the
                  entire outstanding principal amount of the Debenture.

                           (x) "MONTHLY PERIOD" means each of the following
                  periods of time:

                          Issuance Date to __________;
                           ___________ to __________;
                           ___________ to __________;
                           ___________ to __________;
                           ___________ to __________; and
                           ___________ to Maturity Date;

                          [SIX PERIODS EACH HAVING APPROXIMATELY 30 CALENDER
                           DAYS. SPECIFIC DATES TO BE ENTERED AT CLOSING.]

                           (xi) "PERSON" means an individual or entity including
                  any a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint
                  venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated
                  organization and a government or any department or agency
                  thereof.

                           (xii) "PRINCIPAL MARKET" means the Nasdaq National
                  Market.

                           (xiii) "REDEMPTION PRICE" means for any Company
                  Redemption (as defined in Section 3) or Holder Redemption (as
                  defined in Section 5) an amount equal to the product of (A)
                  1.06 and (B) the outstanding principal balance of the
                  Debenture to be redeemed.

                           (xiv) "VARIABLE CONVERSION PRICE" means, as of any
                  Conversion Date or other date of determination, the lower of:
                  (A) the Closing Bid Price of the Common Stock on the
                  Conversion Date or such other date of determination and (B)
                  the arithmetic average of the two (2) lowest Closing Bid
                  Prices for the Common Stock during the ten (10) consecutive
                  Trading Days ending on the Trading Day immediately preceding
                  such Conversion Date or other date of determination (to be
                  appropriately adjusted for any reorganization,


<PAGE>

                  recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split or other
                  similar transaction occurring during such ten (10) Trading
                  Days).
                  (b) HOLDER'S CONVERSION RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Subject to the
         provisions of Section 2(d) below, during each Monthly Period, the
         Holder shall have the right to convert the outstanding principal amount
         of this Debenture up to the Monthly Conversion Amount for such Monthly
         Period into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock in
         accordance with Section 2(e), at the Conversion Rate (as defined
         below). Subject to the provisions of Section 2(d) below, at any time on
         or after the Maturity Date, the Holder shall have the right to convert
         the entire outstanding principal amount of this Debenture into fully
         paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock in accordance with
         Section 2(e), at the Conversion Rate. The Company shall not issue any
         fraction of a share of Common Stock upon any conversion. All shares of
         Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon conversion of
         this Debenture by the Holder thereof shall be aggregated for purposes
         of determining whether the conversion would result in the issuance of a
         fraction of a share of Common Stock. If, after the aforementioned
         aggregation, the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of
         a share of Common Stock, the Company shall round such fraction of a
         share of Common Stock up or down to the nearest whole share.

                  (c) CONVERSION RATE. The number of shares of Common Stock
         issuable upon conversion of a Conversion Amount of this Debenture
         pursuant to Section 2(b) shall be determined according to the following
         formula (the "CONVERSION RATE"):

                                         CONVERSION AMOUNT
                                         Conversion Price


                  (d)      LIMITATIONS ON CONVERSION.

                           (i) LIMITATION ON BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. The Company
                  shall not effect any conversion of this Debenture and no
                  Holder shall have the right to convert any portion of this
                  Debenture pursuant to Section 2(b) to the extent that after
                  giving effect to such conversion such Person (together with
                  such Person's affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of
                  4.99% of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock following
                  such conversion. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the
                  number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by a
                  Person and its affiliates or acquired by a Person and its
                  affiliates, as the case may be, shall include the number of
                  shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this
                  Debenture with respect to which the determination is being
                  made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock
                  which would be issuable upon (i) conversion of the remaining,
                  nonconverted portion of this Debenture beneficially owned by
                  such Person and its affiliates and (ii) exercise or conversion
                  of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other
                  securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any
                  warrants) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise
                  analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially
                  owned by such Person and its affiliates. For purposes of this
                  Section, in determining the number of outstanding shares of
                  Common Stock the Holder may rely on the


<PAGE>


                                       -4-

                  number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in
                  (1) the Company's most recent Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, as the
                  case may be, (2) a more recent public announcement by the
                  Company or (3) any other written communication by the
                  Company or its transfer agent setting forth the number of
                  shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the reasonable
                  written or oral request of the Holder, the Company shall
                  promptly confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the
                  number of shares Common Stock then outstanding. In any
                  case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock
                  shall be determined after giving effect to conversions of
                  the Debenture by the Holder since the date as of which such
                  number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported.
                  Except as otherwise set forth herein, for purposes of this
                  Section 2(d)(i), beneficial ownership shall be determined
                  in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange
                  Act of 1934, as amended.

                           (ii) COMPANY'S RIGHT TO BLOCK CONVERSIONS. The right
                  of the Holder to convert this Debenture pursuant to this
                  Section 2 shall be limited as set forth below. If during any
                  three (3) consecutive Trading Days the Closing Sale Price of
                  the Common Stock is below the Fixed Conversion Price for each
                  of such three (3) Trading Days, the Company shall have three
                  (3) Trading Days to give written notice (a "CONVERSION
                  SUSPENSION NOTICE") to the Holder suspending any and all
                  conversions. The Conversion Suspension Notice shall be
                  effective only for conversions which have a Conversion Date
                  later than three (3) Trading Days after receipt of the
                  Conversion Suspension Notice by the Holder. Any conversions
                  submitted by the Holder which have a Conversion Date not later
                  than three (3) Trading Days after receipt by the Holder of the
                  Company's Conversion Suspension Notice must be honored by the
                  Company as otherwise provided herein. Such conversion
                  suspension shall continue in effect until the earlier of: (A)
                  revocation in writing by the Company, at its sole discretion,
                  or (B) such time as the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock
                  is above the Fixed Conversion Price for three (3) consecutive
                  Trading Days.

                           (iii) COMPANY'S MANDATORY CONVERSION RIGHTS. The
                  Company shall have the right from time to time by delivering
                  written notice (a "MANDATORY CONVERSION NOTICE") to the Holder
                  five (5) Trading Days prior to the first Trading Day of any
                  Monthly Period to require that the Holder convert at the
                  Conversion Rate such principal amount of this Debenture as
                  specified by the Company in the Mandatory Conversion Notice
                  during such Monthly Period on such Trading Days during the
                  Monthly Period as the Holder shall determine. The Company
                  acknowledges and agrees that the Company's mandatory
                  conversion rights represent an agreement by the Holder to
                  extend financial accommodations to the Company. Accordingly,
                  it shall be a condition to the exercise of the Company's
                  mandatory conversion rights that no Event of Default shall
                  have occurred, and the Company's delivery of a Mandatory
                  Conversion Notice shall be deemed a representation to the
                  Holder that no Event of Default has occurred. The Company may
                  revoke a Mandatory Conversion Notice, in whole or in part, by
                  delivering written notice thereof to the Holder (a "REVOCATION
                  OF MANDATORY CONVERSION


<PAGE>


                                       -5-

                  NOTICE"). A Revocation of Mandatory Conversion Notice shall
                  be effective only as to conversions which are in excess of
                  the Monthly Conversion Amount and which have a Conversion
                  Date later than three (3) Trading Days after receipt by the
                  Holder of the Revocation of Mandatory Conversion Notice.
                  Any conversions submitted by the Holder which have a
                  Conversion Date not later than three (3) Trading Days after
                  receipt by the Holder of the Revocation of Mandatory
                  Conversion Notice must be honored by the Company as
                  otherwise provided herein.

                  (e) MECHANICS OF CONVERSION. The conversion of this Debenture
                  shall be conducted in the following manner:

                           (i) HOLDER'S DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS. To convert this
                  Debenture into shares of Common Stock on any date, the Holder
                  hereof shall (A) transmit by facsimile (or otherwise deliver)
                  on or prior to 11:59 p.m., Central Time on such date, a copy
                  of a fully executed notice of conversion in the form attached
                  hereto as Exhibit I (the "CONVERSION NOTICE") to the Company
                  with a copy thereof to the Company's designated transfer agent
                  (the "TRANSFER AGENT") and (B), subject to Section 2(e)(vi)
                  surrender to a common carrier for delivery to the Company as
                  soon as practicable following such date the original Debenture
                  being converted (or an indemnification undertaking with
                  respect to such Debenture in the case of its loss, theft or
                  destruction).

                           (ii) COMPANY'S RESPONSE. Upon receipt by the Company
                  of a copy of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall as soon as
                  practicable, but in no event later than one (1) Trading Day
                  after receipt of such Conversion Notice, send, via facsimile,
                  a confirmation of receipt of such Conversion Notice in the
                  form attached hereto as Exhibit II (a "COMPANY CONFIRMATION OF
                  CONVERSION NOTICE") to the Holder and the Transfer Agent,
                  which confirmation shall constitute an irrevocable instruction
                  to the Transfer Agent to process such Conversion Notice in
                  accordance with the terms herein. Upon receipt by the Transfer
                  Agent of a copy of the executed Conversion Notice and a copy
                  of the applicable Company Confirmation of Conversion Notice,
                  the Transfer Agent shall, on the first (1st) Trading Day
                  following the date of receipt of the Company Confirmation of
                  Conversion Notice, (A) issue and surrender to a common carrier
                  for overnight delivery to the address as specified in the
                  Conversion Notice, a certificate, registered in the name of
                  the Holder or its designee, for the number of shares of Common
                  Stock to which the Holder shall be entitled, or (B) provided
                  the Transfer Agent is participating in The Depository Trust
                  Company ("DTC") Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program,
                  upon the request of the Holder, credit such aggregate number
                  of shares of Common Stock to which the Holder shall be
                  entitled to the Holder's or its designee's balance account
                  with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission
                  system. Subject to Section 2(e)(vi), if less than the
                  principal amount of this Debenture is submitted for
                  conversion, then the Company shall, as soon as practicable and
                  in no event later than three (3) Trading Days after receipt of
                  the Debenture and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the
                  Holder a new Debenture for the outstanding principal


<PAGE>

                  amount not converted.

                           (iii) DISPUTE RESOLUTION. In the case of a dispute as
                  to the determination of the Conversion Price or the arithmetic
                  calculation of the Conversion Rate, the Company shall instruct
                  the Transfer Agent to issue to the Holder the number of shares
                  of Common Stock that is not disputed and shall submit the
                  disputed determinations or arithmetic calculations to the
                  Holder via facsimile within one (1) Trading Day of receipt of
                  the Holder's Conversion Notice. If the Holder and the Company
                  are unable to agree upon the determination of the Conversion
                  Price or arithmetic calculation of the Conversion Rate within
                  one (1) Trading Day of such disputed determination or
                  arithmetic calculation being submitted to the Holder, then the
                  Company shall within one (1) Trading Day submit via facsimile
                  (A) the disputed determination of the Conversion Price to an
                  independent, reputable investment bank selected by the Company
                  and approved by the Holder or (B) the disputed arithmetic
                  calculation of the Conversion Rate to the Company's
                  independent, outside accountant. The Company shall cause the
                  investment bank or the accountant, as the case may be, to
                  perform the determinations or calculations and notify the
                  Company and the Holder of the results no later than the fifth
                  (5th) day after the date it receives the disputed
                  determinations or calculations. Such investment bank's or
                  accountant's determination or calculation, as the case may be,
                  shall be binding upon all parties absent manifest error.

                           (iv) RECORD HOLDER. The person or persons entitled to
                  receive the shares of Common Stock issuable upon a conversion
                  of this Debenture shall be treated for all purposes as the
                  record holder or holders of such shares of Common Stock on the
                  Conversion Date.

                           (v) COMPANY'S FAILURE TO TIMELY CONVERT. If within
                  five (5) Trading Days after the Transfer Agent's receipt of a
                  copy of the Conversion Notice (subject to extension in
                  accordance with Section 2(e)(iii) for a good faith dispute
                  made in accordance with the terms of Section 2(e)(iii)) (the
                  "SHARE DELIVERY PERIOD") the Transfer Agent shall fail to
                  issue a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder's
                  balance account with The Depository Trust Company for the
                  number of shares of Common Stock to which such Holder is
                  entitled upon such Holder's conversion of this Debenture (a
                  "CONVERSION FAILURE"), in addition to all other available
                  remedies which such Holder may pursue hereunder and under the
                  Securities Purchase Agreement (including indemnification
                  obligations of the Company therein), the Company shall pay
                  additional damages to the Holder on each day after such fifth
                  (5th) Trading Day such conversion is not timely effected in an
                  amount equal to 1.0% of the product of (I) the sum of the
                  number of shares of Common Stock not issued to the Holder on a
                  timely basis pursuant to Section 2(e)(ii) and to which such
                  Holder is entitled and, subject to Section 2(e)(viii) and (II)
                  the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on the last
                  possible date which the Company could have issued such Common
                  Stock to the Holder without violating Section 2(e)(ii). Such
                  1% amount shall no longer accrue after written notice from the


<PAGE>

                  Holder to the Company of a Holder Redemption pursuant to
                  Section 5 hereof which redeems the entire outstanding
                  principal amount of the Debenture.
                           (vi) BOOK-ENTRY. Notwithstanding anything to the
                  contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of
                  this Debenture in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder
                  shall not be required to physically surrender this Debenture
                  to the Company unless the full outstanding principal amount
                  represented by this Debenture is being converted. The Holder
                  and the Company shall each maintain records showing the
                  aggregate principal amount outstanding and aggregate principal
                  amount converted and the dates and Conversion Amounts for each
                  conversion or shall use such other method, reasonably
                  satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to
                  require physical surrender of this Debenture upon each
                  conversion. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this
                  Debenture, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the
                  provisions of this paragraph, following conversion of any
                  portion of this Debenture, the outstanding principal amount
                  represented by this Debenture may be less than the principal
                  amount set forth on the face hereof.

                  (f) TAXES. The Company shall pay any and all taxes that may be
         payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Stock upon
         the conversion of this Debenture.

         3. COMPANY'S REDEMPTION RIGHTS. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Section, at any time after the Issuance Date, and so long as the Company
has provided appropriate notice as described below, if during any ten (10)
consecutive Trading Days the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock is below the
Fixed Conversion Price for each of such ten (10) Trading Days, the Company shall
have three (3) Trading Days to give written notice (a "COMPANY REDEMPTION
NOTICE") to the Holder electing to redeem the outstanding principal amount of
the Debenture for the Redemption Price (a "COMPANY REDEMPTION"). Any conversions
submitted by the Holder which have a Conversion Date which is not later than
three (3) Trading Days after receipt by the Holder of the Company Redemption
Notice, must be honored by the Company as otherwise provided herein. Immediately
upon receipt of a Company Redemption Notice, the Holder shall be entitled to
receive any funds in the Collateral Account (as defined in the Pledge and
Security Agreement) and any funds in the Collateral Proceeds Account (as defined
in the Pledge and Security Agreement) directly from the Collateral Agent (as
defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) up to the aggregate Redemption
Price. To the extent that there are insufficient funds in the Collateral Account
and the Collateral Proceeds Account, the Company shall promptly pay to the
Holder the balance of the Redemption Price by wire transfer of immediately
available funds. The effective date for a Company Redemption shall be the date
that the full Redemption Price is paid to the Holder pursuant to this Section
3(a).

         4.       DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.

                  (a) EVENTS OF DEFAULT. An "EVENT OF DEFAULT" shall be deemed
         to have occurred at such time as any of the following events:

                           (i)      a default in payment of the principal amount
                  of this Debenture when and as due;


<PAGE>


                           (ii) while any Registration Statement is required to
                  be maintained effective pursuant to the terms of the
                  Registration Rights Agreement entered into by the Company and
                  the Holder as of the Issuance Date (the "REGISTRATION RIGHTS
                  AGREEMENT"), the effectiveness of such Registration Statement
                  lapses for any reason (including, without limitation, the
                  issuance of a stop order) or is unavailable to the Holder for
                  sale of all of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the
                  Registration Rights Agreement) in accordance with the terms of
                  the Registration Rights Agreement, and such lapse or
                  unavailability continues for a period of three (3) consecutive
                  Trading Days or for more than an aggregate of ten (10) Trading
                  Days in any 365-day period;

                           (iii) the suspension from trading or failure of the
                  Common Stock to be listed on the Principal Market for a period
                  of three (3) consecutive Trading Days or for more than an
                  aggregate of ten (10) Trading Days in any 365-day period;

                           (iv) the failure of the Company or the Common Stock
                  to fully meet the requirements (without regard to any grace
                  period provided therein) for continued listing on the
                  Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading
                  Days or for more than an aggregate of forty-five (45) Trading
                  Days in any 365-day period;

                           (v) the Company's or the Transfer Agent's notice to
                  the Holder, including by way of public announcement, at any
                  time, of its intention not to comply with a proper request for
                  conversion of the Debenture into shares of Common Stock that
                  is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this
                  Debenture, the failure of the Company to deliver a Company
                  Confirmation of Conversion Notice to the Holder and to the
                  Transfer Agent in accordance with the provisions of this
                  Debenture within two (2) Trading Days after the receipt by the
                  Company of a Conversion Notice (subject to extension in
                  accordance with Section 2(e)(iii) for a good faith dispute
                  made in accordance with the terms of Section 2(e)(iii)); or
                  the failure of the Transfer Agent to comply with a Company
                  Confirmation of Conversion Notice tendered in accordance with
                  the provisions of this Debenture within five (5) Trading Days
                  after the receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Conversion
                  Notice;

                           (vi) if at any time after the Issuance Date, the
                  Exchange Cap (as defined in Section 8) is reached;

                           (vii) the Company breaches any representation,
                  warranty, covenant or other term or condition of the
                  Securities Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights
                  Agreement, this Debenture or any other agreement, document,
                  certificate or other instrument delivered in connection with
                  the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby if such
                  breach could have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the
                  Securities Purchase Agreement) and except, in the case of a
                  breach of a covenant which is reasonably curable, only if such
                  breach continues for a period of at least ten (10) Trading
                  Days;


<PAGE>



                           (viii) any payment default under or acceleration
                  prior to maturity of any mortgage, indenture or instrument
                  under which there may be issued or by which there may be
                  secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by
                  the Company or for money borrowed the repayment of which is
                  guaranteed by the Company, whether such indebtedness or
                  guarantee now exists or shall be created hereafter which is in
                  excess of $1,000,000;

                           (ix) if any Person credibly threatens by way of any
                  public announcement to commence a proceeding against the
                  Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy
                  Law (as defined below);

                           (x) if the Company pursuant to or within the meaning
                  of any Bankruptcy Law; (A) commences a voluntary case, (B)
                  consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an
                  involuntary case, (C) consents to the appointment of a
                  Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
                  property, (D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of
                  its creditors, (E) becomes insolvent, or (F) is generally
                  unable to pay its debts as the same become due; or

                           (xi) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an
                  order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that; (A) is for
                  relief against the Company in an involuntary case, (B)
                  appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or
                  substantially all of its property, or (C) orders the
                  liquidation of the Company or any subsidiary.

                  The term "BANKRUPTCY LAW" means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any
                  similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The
                  term "CUSTODIAN" means any receiver, trustee, assignee,
                  liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

         (b) REMEDIES. If an Event of Default occurs from events described in
clauses (i) through and (ix) of Section 4(a), in addition to any remedy the
Holder may have under this Debenture (including Section 5 hereof) and the
Securities Purchase Agreement, the Holder of this Debenture may at any time
thereafter declare the entire principal balance of this Debenture to be due and
payable immediately. In the case of an Event of Default arising from events
described in clauses (x) and (xi) of Section 4(a), this Debenture shall
automatically become due and payable without further action or notice. In
addition to any remedy the Holder may have under this Debenture and the
Securities Purchase Agreement, such unpaid amount shall bear interest at a rate
of 2.0% per month (prorated for partial months) until paid in full; provided
however, any unpaid amount shall not accrue any additional interest under this
Section 6(b) so long as interest is being accrued under Section 5 hereof with
respect to such unpaid amount.

         5. REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF HOLDER. In addition to all other rights
of the Holder contained herein,(i) immediately upon the occurrence of, and at
any time after an Event of Default has occurred or (ii) on or any time after the
Maturity Date, the Holder shall have the right, at the Holder's sole option, to
require the Company to immediately redeem all or any portion of the outstanding
principal balance of this Debenture at the Redemption Price (a "HOLDER
REDEMPTION"). The Company's right to effect a Holder Redemption shall not be
affected by the Company's prior or contemporaneous delivery of a Mandatory
Conversion


<PAGE>



Notice, which shall under any of the foregoing circumstances be deemed to be
without effect. Immediately upon the occurrence of, and at any time after, (i)
an Event of Default or (ii) the Maturity Date, the Holder shall be entitled to
receive any funds in the Collateral Account (as defined in the Pledge and
Security Agreement) and any funds in the Collateral Proceeds Account (as defined
in the Pledge and Security Agreement) directly from the Collateral Agent (as
defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) up to the aggregate Redemption
Price. To the extent that there are insufficient funds in the Collateral Account
and the Collateral Proceeds Account, the Company shall promptly pay to the
Holder the balance of the Redemption Price by wire transfer of immediately
available funds. In addition to any remedy the Holder may have under this
Debenture and the Securities Purchase Agreement, such unpaid amount shall bear
interest at the rate of 2.0% per month (prorated for partial months) until paid
in full. The effective date for a Holder Redemption shall be the date that the
full Redemption Price is paid to the Holder pursuant hereto. The Holder shall
provide notice to the Company in the event that the Holder has declared a Holder
Redemption as a result of an Event of Default occurring. The Holder shall
specify in such notice which Event of Default or Events of Default have occurred
in the opinion of the Holder.

         6.       OTHER RIGHTS OF HOLDER.

                  (a) REORGANIZATION, RECLASSIFICATION, CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR
         SALE. Any recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification,
         consolidation, merger, sale of all or substantially all of the
         Company's assets to another Person or other transaction which is
         effected in such a way that holders of Common Stock are entitled to
         receive (either directly or upon subsequent liquidation) stock,
         securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Stock is
         referred to herein as "ORGANIC CHANGE." Prior to the consummation of
         any (i) sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to an
         acquiring Person or (ii) other Organic Change following which the
         Company is not the surviving entity, the Company will secure from the
         Person purchasing such assets or the successor resulting from such
         Organic Change (in each case, the "ACQUIRING ENTITY") a written
         agreement (in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder) to deliver
         to the Holder in exchange for this Debenture and the Pledge and
         Security Agreement, a security of the Acquiring Entity evidenced by a
         written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this
         Debenture, secured in the manner substantially similar in form and
         substance as set forth in the Pledge and Security Agreement and with
         the registration rights substantially similar in form and substance as
         set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, and, in each case,
         satisfactory to the Holder. Prior to the consummation of any other
         Organic Change, the Company shall make appropriate provision (in form
         and substance satisfactory to the Holder) to insure that the Holder
         will thereafter have the right to acquire and receive in lieu of or in
         addition to (as the case may be) the shares of Common Stock immediately
         theretofore acquirable and receivable upon the conversion of the
         Holder's Debenture such shares of stock, securities or assets that
         would have been issued or payable in such Organic Change with respect
         to or in exchange for the number of shares of Common Stock which would
         have been acquirable and receivable by the Holder upon the conversion
         of the Debenture as of the date of such Organic Change (without taking
         into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of
         the Debenture). Nothing in this Section 6(a) shall effect or limit the
         Company's redemption rights under Section 3 hereof or the Company's
         Mandatory Conversion Rights,


<PAGE>


                  (b) PURCHASE RIGHTS. If at any time the Company grants, issues
         or sells any options, convertible securities or rights to purchase
         stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record
         holders of any class of Common Stock (the "PURCHASE RIGHTS"), then upon
         conversion the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms
         applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which
         such Holder could have acquired if such Holder had held the number of
         shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of the
         Debenture (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions
         on the convertibility of the Debenture) immediately before the date on
         which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such
         Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which
         the record holders of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant,
         issue or sale of such Purchase Rights.

         7. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Company shall, so long as any principal
amount of the Debenture is outstanding, reserve and keep available out of its
authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the
conversion of the Debenture, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall from
time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of the entire outstanding
principal amount of the Debenture without regard to any restrictions or
limitations on conversions.

         8. EXCHANGE CAP; LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF CONVERSION SHARES. The
"EXCHANGE CAP" shall be deemed to be reached at such time as: (a) upon any
conversion of this Debenture if the issuance of such shares of Common Stock
would exceed that number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue
upon conversion of this Debenture without breaching the Company's obligations
under the rules or regulations of the Principal Market, or the market or
exchange where the Common Stock is then traded, in such case, the Company shall
not be obligated to issue any such shares of Common Stock, or (b) if at any time
after the Issuance Date, more than 964,664 shares of Common Stock (19.99% of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock determined as of the signing date of the
Securities Purchase Agreement) would be issuable to the Holder assuming a full
conversion of the entire original principal balance of the Debenture without
regard to any restrictions or limitations on conversions contained in this
Debenture.

         9. REISSUANCE OF DEBENTURE. Subject to Section 2(e)(vi) in the event of
a conversion or redemption pursuant to this Debenture of less than all of the
outstanding principal amount represented by this Debenture, the Company shall
promptly cause to be issued and delivered to the Holder, upon tender by the
Holder of the Debenture converted or redeemed, a new debenture of like tenor
representing the remaining principal amount of this Debenture which has not been
so converted or redeemed.

         10. VOTE TO CHANGE THE TERMS OF THIS DEBENTURE. This Debenture and any
provision hereof may only be amended by an instrument in writing signed by the
Company and the Holder. The term "Debenture" and all reference thereto, as used
throughout this instrument, shall mean this instrument as originally executed,
or if later amended or supplemented, then as so amended or supplemented.

         11. LOST OR STOLEN DEBENTURE. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or
mutilation of any Debenture, and, in


<PAGE>




the case of loss, theft or destruction, of an indemnification undertaking by the
Holder to the Company in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company and, in the
case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of the Debenture, the
Company shall execute and deliver new Debenture of like tenor and date;
provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to re-issue a Debenture if
the Holder contemporaneously requests the Company to convert such remaining
principal amount into Common Stock.

         12. PAYMENT OF COLLECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER COSTS. If: (i) this
Debenture is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection or enforcement or
is collected or enforced through any legal proceeding; or (ii) an attorney is
retained to represent the Holder in any bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership
or other proceedings affecting creditors' rights and involving a claim under
this Debenture; or (iii) an attorney is retained to represent the Holder in any
other proceedings whatsoever in connection with this Debenture, then the Company
shall pay to the Holder all reasonable cost and expenses including attorneys'
fees incurred in connection therewith, in addition to all other amounts due
hereunder.

         13. CANCELLATION AND SURRENDER OF DEBENTURE. After the entire
outstanding principal amount owed on this Debenture has been converted into
Common Stock or paid in full, this Debenture shall automatically be deemed
canceled, shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be
reissued.

         14. DEBENTURE EXCHANGEABLE FOR DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS. This Debenture
is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office
of the Company, for a new Debenture or Debentures (in principal amounts of at
least $100,000) containing the same terms and conditions and representing in the
aggregate the principal amount of this Debenture, and each such new Debenture
will represent such portion of such principal amount as is designated by the
Holder at the time of such surrender. The date the Company initially issues this
Debenture will be deemed to be the "Issuance Date" hereof regardless of the
number of times a new Debenture shall be issued.

         15. WAIVER OF NOTICE. To the extent permitted by law, the Company
hereby waives demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in
connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of
this Debenture and the Securities Purchase Agreement.

         16. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; JURY TRIAL. All questions concerning
the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Debenture and
the Other Transaction Documents shall be governed by the internal laws of the
State of Illinois, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law
provision or rule (whether of the State of Illinois or any other jurisdictions)
that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the
State of Illinois. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Chicago, for
the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or under the other Transaction
Documents or in connection herewith or therewith, or with any transaction
contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and
agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not
personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action
or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such
suit, action or


<PAGE>



proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of
process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or
proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such
notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute
good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained
herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any
manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY
HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY
DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS DEBENTURE OR
ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

         17. REMEDIES, CHARACTERIZATIONS, OTHER OBLIGATIONS, BREACHES AND
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The remedies provided in this Debenture shall be cumulative
and in addition to all other remedies available under this Debenture, at law or
in equity (including a decree of specific performance and/or other injunctive
relief), no remedy contained herein shall be deemed a waiver of compliance with
the provisions giving rise to such remedy and nothing herein shall limit the
Holder's right to pursue actual damages for any failure by the Company to comply
with the terms of this Debenture. The Company covenants to the Holder that there
shall be no characterization concerning this instrument other than as expressly
provided herein. Amounts set forth or provided for herein with respect to
payments, conversion and the like (and the computation thereof) shall be the
amounts to be received by the Holder thereof and shall not, except as expressly
provided herein, be subject to any other obligation of the Company (or the
performance thereof). The Company acknowledges that a breach by it of its
obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Holder and that the
remedy at law for any such breach may be inadequate. The Company therefore
agrees that, in the event of any such breach or threatened breach, the Holder
shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies, to an injunction
restraining any breach, without the necessity of showing economic loss and
without any bond or other security being required.

         18. CONSTRUCTION. This Debenture shall be deemed to be jointly drafted
by the Company and the Holder and shall not be construed against any person as
the drafter hereof.

         19. FAILURE OR INDULGENCE NOT WAIVER. No failure or delay on the part
of this Debenture in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or
of any other right, power or privilege.



                            *     *     *     *


<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Debenture to be signed
by its Chief Executive Officer as of the __ day of ____________.



                                              ADAM.COM, INC.


                                              By:
                                              Name: Robert S. Cramer, Jr.
                                              Its:     Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT I

                                 ADAM.COM, INC.
                            FORM OF CONVERSION NOTICE

Reference is made to the 0% senior secured convertible debenture (the
"DEBENTURE") issued by adam.com, Inc. (the "COMPANY") on __________. In
accordance with and pursuant to the Debenture, the undersigned hereby elects to
convert the principal amount of the Debenture, indicated below into shares of
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "COMMON STOCK"), of the Company, by
tendering the Debenture as of the date specified below.

         Conversion Date:

         Aggregate outstanding principal amount of
                                             Debenture PRIOR TO this conversion:

         Aggregate principal amount to be converted:

         Aggregate outstanding principal amount of
                                                Debenture AFTER this conversion:

Please confirm the following information:

         Conversion Price per share:

         If Fixed Conversion Priced not used, describe how the Variable
         Conversion Price was determined:



                               Number of shares of Common Stock to be issued:

Please issue the Common Stock into which the Debenture is being converted in the
following name and to the following address:

         Issue to:



         Authorized Signature:
                                                              Name:
                                                              Title:
                                                              Phone #:
                                                              Fax #:

         Account Number:
           (if electronic book entry transfer):

         Transaction Code Number


<PAGE>

                                            (if electronic book entry transfer):

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT II

                                 ADAM.COM, INC.
                FORM OF COMPANY CONFIRMATION OF CONVERSION NOTICE

Reference is made to the 0% senior secured convertible debenture (the
"DEBENTURE") issued by adam.com, Inc. (the "COMPANY") on __________. In
accordance with and pursuant to the Debenture, the undersigned hereby confirms
and authorizes the issuance of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(the "COMMON STOCK") of the Company, in connection with the Conversion Notice
(as defined in the Debenture) attached hereto. Specifically, the Company hereby
confirms the following information:


         Conversion Date:

         Aggregate outstanding principal amount of
                                             Debenture PRIOR TO this conversion:

         Aggregate principal amount to be converted:

         Aggregate outstanding principal amount of
                                                Debenture AFTER this conversion:

                                                Conversion Price per share:

                                  Number of shares of Common Stock to be issued:


The shares of Common Stock into which the Debenture is being converted shall be
issued in the name and to the address as set forth in the applicable Conversion
Notice.


         Authorized Signature
                                                              Name:
                                                              Title:
                                                              Phone #:
                                                              Fax #:



<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

November 24, 1999
adam.com, Inc.
1600 Riveredge Parkway
Suite 800
Atlanta, Georgia 30328

    Re: adam.com, Inc.
      Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have acted as counsel for adam.com, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the preparation of a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to 450,000 Conversion Shares and 73,000 First
Closing Commitment Shares, each as defined in and to be issued pursuant to that
certain Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of November 15, 1999 by and
between the Company and Fusion Capital Fund, LLC (the "Shares").

    As such counsel, we have examined and relied upon such records, documents,
certificates and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or
appropriate to form the basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth. In all
such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of signatures on original
documents and the conformity to such original documents of all copies submitted
to us as certified, conformed or photographic copies, and as to certificates of
public officials, we have assumed the same to have been properly given and to be
accurate.

    The opinions expressed herein are limited in all respects to the corporate
law of the State of Georgia, and no opinion is expressed with respect to the
laws of any other jurisdiction or any effect which such laws may have on the
opinions expressed herein. This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein,
and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated
herein.

    Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

    This opinion is given as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to
advise you after the date hereof of facts or circumstances that come to our
attention or changes in law that occur which could affect the opinions contained
herein. This letter is being rendered solely for the benefit of adam.com, Inc.
in connection with the matters addressed herein. This opinion may not be
furnished to or relied upon by any person or entity for any purpose without our
prior written consent.

    We consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

                                          Very truly yours,
                                          King & Spalding

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1


                          SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT"), dated as of
November 15, 1999, by and between ADAM.COM, INC., a Georgia corporation, (the
"COMPANY"), and FUSION CAPITAL FUND I, LLC (together with its assigns, the
"BUYER").

                                    WHEREAS:

         A. The Company and the Buyer are executing and delivering this
Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded
by Rule 506 of Regulation D ("REGULATION D") as promulgated by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "1933 ACT");

         B. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company
has authorized the issuance and sale to the Buyer of up to two 0% Senior Secured
Convertible Debentures (each a "DEBENTURE" and collectively the "DEBENTURES"),
substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT A, with each Debenture
having an aggregate principal amount of Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) and
each Debenture shall be convertible into shares of the Company's Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "COMMON STOCK") (as converted, the "CONVERSION
SHARES"), in accordance with the terms of each Debenture; and

         C. The Buyer wishes to purchase from the Company, upon the terms and
conditions stated in this Agreement, the Debentures.

         NOW THEREFORE, the Company and the Buyer hereby agree as follows:

         1.       PURCHASE AND SALE OF DEBENTURES.

                  a. PURCHASE OF DEBENTURES. Subject to the satisfaction (or
waiver) of the conditions set forth in Sections 6 and 7 below: (i) the sale and
purchase of the first Debenture to be sold and purchased under this Agreement
(the "FIRST DEBENTURE") shall take place within five (5) Trading Days (as
defined in the last sentence of this Section 1(a)) of the date that the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 referred to in the first sentence of Section
4(a) hereof is declared effective under the 1933 Act by the SEC (the "FIRST
CLOSING"); and (ii) the sale and purchase of the second Debenture to be sold and
purchased under this Agreement (the "SECOND DEBENTURE") shall take place within
five (5) Trading Days of the date that the Registration Statement on Form S-3
referred to in the second sentence of Section 4(a) hereof is declared effective
under the 1933 Act by the SEC (the "SECOND CLOSING"), in each case, the Company
shall issue and sell to the Buyer and the Buyer agrees to purchase from the
Company the respective Debenture (each such purchase and sale of a Debenture, a
"CLOSING"). The purchase price (the "PURCHASE PRICE") of each Debenture at the
Closing shall be Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000), its original aggregate
principal amount. It is agreed and acknowledged by the parties hereto that the
sale and purchase of the Second Debenture shall be at the option of the Company
in its sole discretion until such time has the Company shall have delivered an
irrevocable written notice (the "SECOND CLOSING NOTICE") to the Buyer stating
that the Company


<PAGE>


elects to sell to the Buyer the Second Debenture under the terms and conditions
provided herein. The Company agrees that without the consent of the Buyer, the
Company shall deliver a Second Closing Notice to the Buyer no earlier than the
sooner to occur of: (i) 30 days prior to the Maturity Date (as defined in the
First Debenture) or (ii) such time as the First Debenture has been issued
pursuant to this Agreement and the First Debenture is no longer outstanding.
Upon delivery of the Second Closing Notice to the Buyer, subject to the
satisfaction (or waiver) of the conditions set forth in Sections 6 and 7 below,
the Company shall be obligated to issue and to sell to the Buyer, and the Buyer
shall be obligated to purchase from the Company for the Purchase Price, the
Second Debenture. For purposes of this Agreement, "TRADING DAY" shall mean any
day on which the Principal Market (as defined in Section 4(d) hereof) is open
for customary trading.

                  b. CLOSING DATES. The date of each Closing (each a "CLOSING
DATE") shall be within five (5) Trading Days following the date of satisfaction
(or waiver) of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Sections 6 and 7 below
(or such later date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Buyer) with
respect to the Closing of each Debenture.

                  c. FORM OF PAYMENT. On each Closing Date, (i) the Buyer shall
pay the Purchase Price for the respective Debenture to be issued and sold to the
Buyer at such Closing to the Collateral Agent pursuant to a Pledge and Security
Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT B, and (ii) the
Company shall deliver to the Buyer the Debenture which the Buyer is then
purchasing hereunder, duly executed on behalf of the Company and registered in
the name of the Buyer or its designee.

         2.       BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  The Buyer represents and warrants to the Company that:

                  a. INVESTMENT PURPOSE. The Buyer (i) is acquiring the
Debentures and the Commitment Shares (as defined in Section 7(b)) (collectively
referred to herein as the "SECURITIES"), for its own account for investment only
and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale
or distribution thereof; provided however, by making the representations herein,
the Buyer does not agree to hold any of the Securities for any minimum or other
specific term.

                  b. ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS. The Buyer is an "accredited
investor" as that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D.

                  c. RELIANCE ON EXEMPTIONS. The Buyer understands that the
Securities are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions
from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities
laws and that the Company is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of, and
the Buyer's compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements,
acknowledgments and understandings of the Buyer set forth herein in order to
determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Buyer
to acquire the Securities.



<PAGE>


                  d. INFORMATION. The Buyer has been furnished with all
materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and
materials relating to the offer and sale of the Securities which have been
requested by the Buyer. The Buyer understands that its investment in the
Securities involves a high degree of risk. The Buyer (i) is able to bear the
economic risk of an investment in the Securities including a total loss, (ii)
has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is
capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the proposed investment in the
Securities, and (iii) has had an opportunity to ask questions of and receive
answers from the officers of the Company concerning the financial condition and
business of the Company and others matters related to an investment in the
Securities. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations
conducted by the Buyer or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect the
Buyer's right to rely on the Company's representations and warranties contained
in Section 3 below. The Buyer has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice
as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with
respect to its acquisition of the Securities.

                  e. NO GOVERNMENTAL REVIEW. The Buyer understands that no
United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental
agency has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities
or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the Securities nor have such
authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the
Securities.

                  f. TRANSFER OR RESALE. The Buyer understands that except as
provided in the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined in Section 6(a)
hereof): (i) the Securities have not been and are not being registered under the
1933 Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold,
assigned or transferred unless (A) subsequently registered thereunder or (B) an
exemption exists permitting such Securities to be sold, assigned or transferred
without such registration; (ii) any sale of the Securities made in reliance on
Rule 144 may be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144 and further,
if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of the Securities under circumstances
in which the seller (or the person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed
to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the 1933 Act) may require
compliance with some other exemption under the 1933 Act or the rules and
regulations of the SEC thereunder; and (iii) neither the Company nor any other
person is under any obligation to register such securities under the 1933 Act or
any state securities laws or to comply with the terms and conditions of any
exemption thereunder.

                  g. VALIDITY; ENFORCEMENT. This Agreement has been duly and
validly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of the Buyer and is a valid
and binding agreement of the Buyer enforceable against the Buyer in accordance
with its terms, subject as to enforceability to general principles of equity and
to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation
and other similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of
applicable creditors' rights and remedies.

                  h. RESIDENCY.  The Buyer is a resident of the State of
Illinois.

         3.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.

                  The Company represents and warrants to the Buyer that:



<PAGE>


                  a. ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. The Company and its
"SUBSIDIARIES" (which for purposes of this Agreement means any entity in which
the Company, directly or indirectly, owns 50% or more of the voting stock or
capital stock or other similar equity interests) are corporations duly organized
and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which they are incorporated, and have the requisite corporate power and
authorization to own their properties and to carry on their business as now
being conducted. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified as a
foreign corporation to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction
in which its ownership of property or the nature of the business conducted by it
makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be
so qualified or be in good standing could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. As used in this Agreement, "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT"
means any material adverse effect on any of: (i) the business, properties,
assets, operations, results or operations or financial condition of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, if any, taken as a whole, (ii) the value of the Common
Stock or the value of, or security for, any Debenture, (iii) on the transactions
contemplated hereby or by the agreements and instruments to be entered into in
connection herewith or (iv) on the authority or ability of the Company to
perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents (as defined in Section
2(b) hereof). The Company has no Subsidiaries except as set forth on SCHEDULE
3(a).

                  b. AUTHORIZATION; ENFORCEMENT; VALIDITY. (i) The Company has
the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this
Agreement, the Debentures, the Registration Rights Agreements, the Pledge and
Security Agreements (each as defined in Section 6(a) hereof) and each of the
other agreements entered into by the parties hereto in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the "TRANSACTION
DOCUMENTS"), and to issue the Securities in accordance with the terms hereof and
thereof, (ii) the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by the
Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, including without limitation the issuance of the Debentures and the
Commitment Shares and the reservation for issuance and the issuance of the
Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Debentures, have been duly
authorized by the Company's Board of Directors and no further consent or
authorization is required by the Company, its Board of Directors or its
shareholders, (iii) this Agreement has been, and each other Transaction Document
shall be at its respective Closing, duly executed and delivered by the Company,
and (iv) this Agreement constitutes, and each other Transaction Document shall
constitute as of its respective Closing, the valid and binding obligations of
the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms,
except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or
similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of creditors'
rights and remedies.

                  c. CAPITALIZATION. As of the date hereof, the authorized
capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
of which as of the date hereof, 4,825,736 shares are issued and outstanding,
574,845 are held as treasury shares, 3,000,000 shares are reserved for issuance
pursuant to the Company's stock option plan and 75,000 shares are issuable and
reserved for issuance pursuant to securities (other than the Debentures or stock
options issued pursuant to the Company's stock option plan) exercisable or
exchangeable for, or



<PAGE>


convertible into, shares of Common Stock, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock of which as of the date hereof no shares are issued and
outstanding. All of such outstanding shares have been, or upon issuance will be,
validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. Except as disclosed in
SCHEDULE 3(c), (i) no shares of the Company's capital stock are subject to
preemptive rights or any other similar rights or any liens or encumbrances
suffered or permitted by the Company, (ii) there are no outstanding debt
securities, (iii) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to
subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or
securities or rights convertible into, any shares of capital stock of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or
arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become
bound to issue additional shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or
commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights
convertible into, any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, (iv) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of
their securities under the 1933 Act (except the Registration Rights Agreement),
(v) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there
are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (vi) there are no securities or
instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be
triggered by the issuance of the Securities as described in this Agreement, and
(vii) the Company does not have any stock appreciation rights or "phantom stock"
plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement. The Company has furnished
to the Buyer true and correct copies of the Company's Articles of Incorporation,
as amended and as in effect on the date hereof (the "ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION"), and the Company's By-laws, as amended and as in effect on the
date hereof (the "BY-LAWS"), and the terms of all securities convertible into or
exercisable for Common Stock, if any, and the material rights of the holders
thereof in respect thereto.

                  d. ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. The Securities have been duly
authorized and, upon issuance in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be (i)
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and (ii) free from all taxes,
liens and charges with respect to the issue thereof. 750,000 shares of Common
Stock have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance upon conversion of
each Debenture. Upon conversion in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Debentures, the Conversion Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the
issue thereof, with the holders being entitled to all rights accorded to a
holder of Common Stock. The issuance by the Company of the Securities is exempt
from registration under the 1933 Act pursuant to Regulation D.

                  e. NO CONFLICTS. Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 3(e), the
execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company
and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby (including, without limitation, the reservation for issuance and
issuance of the Conversion Shares) will not (i) result in a violation of the
Articles of Incorporation, any Certificate of Designations, Preferences and
Rights of any outstanding series of preferred stock of the Company or the
By-laws or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with
notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others
any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or



<PAGE>


cancellation of, any material agreement, indenture or instrument to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or result in a violation of any
law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state
securities laws and regulations and the rules and regulations of the Principal
Market applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any
property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or
affected. Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 3(e), neither the Company nor its
Subsidiaries is in violation of any term of or in default under its Articles of
Incorporation, any Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of any
outstanding series of preferred stock of the Company or By-laws or their
organizational charter or by-laws, respectively. Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE
3(e), neither the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any term
of or in default under any material contract, agreement, mortgage, indebtedness,
indenture, instrument, judgment, decree or order or any statute, rule or
regulation applicable to the Company or its Subsidiaries, except for possible
conflicts, defaults, terminations, amendments which could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries is not being conducted, and shall not be conducted, in violation of
any law, ordinance, regulation of any governmental entity, except for possible
violations the sanctions for which either individually or in the aggregate could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as
specifically contemplated by this Agreement and as required under the 1933 Act,
the Company is not required to obtain any consent, authorization or order of, or
make any filing or registration with, any court or governmental agency or any
regulatory or self-regulatory agency in order for it to execute, deliver or
perform any of its obligations under or contemplated by the Transaction
Documents in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof. Except as disclosed in
SCHEDULE 3(e), all consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations
which the Company is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have
been obtained or effected on or prior to the date hereof. The Company is not and
has not been since January 1, 1998, in violation of the listing requirements of
the Principal Market.

                  f. SEC DOCUMENTS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Since January 1, 1998,
the Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other
documents required to be filed by it with the SEC pursuant to the reporting
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 ACT")
(all of the foregoing filed prior to the date hereof and all exhibits included
therein and financial statements and schedules thereto and documents
incorporated by reference therein being hereinafter referred to as the "SEC
DOCUMENTS"). As of their respective dates, the SEC Documents complied in all
material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents,
and none of the SEC Documents, at the time they were filed with the SEC,
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. As of their respective dates, the financial statements of the
Company included in the SEC Documents complied as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto. Such financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied, during the periods involved (except (i) as may be
otherwise indicated in such financial statements or the notes thereto, or (ii)
in the case of unaudited interim statements, to the extent they may exclude
footnotes or may be condensed or summary statements) and fairly present in all
material respects the financial position of the Company as of the dates thereof
and the results of its operations and



<PAGE>


cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited
statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments).

                  g. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES. Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE
3(g), since April 1, 1999, there has been no material adverse change in the
business, properties, operations, financial condition or results of operations
of the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Company has not taken any steps, and
does not currently expect to take any steps, to seek protection pursuant to any
bankruptcy law nor does the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have any
knowledge or reason to believe that its creditors intend to initiate involuntary
bankruptcy proceedings.

                  h. ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. There is no action, suit,
proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board,
government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, threatened against or
affecting the Company, the Common Stock or any of the Company's Subsidiaries or
any of the Company's or the Company's Subsidiaries' officers or directors in
their capacities as such, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. A description of each action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or
investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency,
self-regulatory organization or body which, as of the date of this Agreement, is
pending or threatened in writing against or affecting the Company, the Common
Stock or any of the Company's Subsidiaries or any of the Company's or the
Company's Subsidiaries' officers or directors in their capacities as such, is
set forth in SCHEDULE 3(h).

                  i. ACKNOWLEDGMENT REGARDING BUYER'S PURCHASE OF THE
SECURITIES. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Buyer is acting solely
in the capacity of arm's length purchaser with respect to the Transaction
Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Company
further acknowledges that the Buyer is not acting as a financial advisor or
fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to the
Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and
any advice given by the Buyer or any of its representatives or agents in
connection with the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby is merely incidental to the Buyer's purchase of the
Securities. The Company further represents to the Buyer that the Company's
decision to enter into the Transaction Documents has been based solely on the
independent evaluation by the Company and its representatives and advisors.

                  j. NO GENERAL SOLICITATION. Neither the Company, nor any of
its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged in any
form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of
Regulation D under the 1933 Act) in connection with the offer or sale of the
Securities.

                  k. NO INTEGRATED OFFERING. Neither the Company, nor any of its
affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or
indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to
buy any security, under circumstances that would require registration of any of
the Securities under the 1933 Act or cause this offering of the Securities to be
integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of the 1933 Act or
any applicable shareholder approval provisions, including, without limitation,
under the rules and regulations of



<PAGE>


any exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the securities of the
Company are listed or designated, nor will the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries take any action or steps that would require registration of any of
the Securities under the 1933 Act or cause the offering of the Securities to be
integrated with other offerings.

                  l. DILUTIVE EFFECT. The Company understands and acknowledges
that the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Debentures
will increase in certain circumstances. The Company further acknowledges that
its obligation to issue Conversion Shares upon conversion of the Debentures in
accordance with this Agreement and the Debentures is absolute and unconditional
regardless of the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership
interests of other shareholders of the Company.

                  m. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. The Company and its
Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights or licenses to use all material
trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service
names, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals,
governmental authorizations, trade secrets and rights necessary to conduct their
respective businesses as now conducted. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 3(m),
none of the Company's material trademarks, trade names, service marks, service
mark registrations, service names, patents, patent rights, copyrights,
inventions, licenses, approvals, government authorizations, trade secrets or
other intellectual property rights have expired or terminated, or, by the terms
and conditions thereof, could expire or terminate within two years from the date
of this Agreement. The Company and its Subsidiaries do not have any knowledge of
any infringement by the Company or its Subsidiaries of any material trademark,
trade name rights, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses,
service names, service marks, service mark registrations, trade secret or other
similar rights of others, or of any such development of similar or identical
trade secrets or technical information by others and, except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 3(M), there is no material claim, action or proceeding being made or
brought against, or to the Company's knowledge, being threatened against, the
Company or its Subsidiaries regarding trademark, trade name, patents, patent
rights, invention, copyright, license, service names, service marks, service
mark registrations, trade secret or other infringement.

                  n. ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i)
are in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local
laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety, the
environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or
contaminants ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or
other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct
their respective businesses and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and
conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where, in each of the
three foregoing clauses, the failure to so comply could not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

                  o. TITLE. The Company and its Subsidiaries have good and
marketable title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable
title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business
of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances and defects except such as are described in SCHEDULE 3(o) or such
as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with
the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and any of
its Subsidiaries. Any real



<PAGE>


property and facilities held under lease by the Company and any of its
Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases
with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made
and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its
Subsidiaries.

                  p. INSURANCE. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are
insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses
and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be
prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and its
Subsidiaries are engaged. Neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has been
refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for and neither the Company nor
any such Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew
its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain
similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its
business at a cost that would not materially and adversely affect the condition,
financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business or operations of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                  q. REGULATORY PERMITS. The Company and its Subsidiaries
possess all material certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the
appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to
conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any such
Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or
modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit.

                  r. TAX STATUS. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has
made or filed all federal and state income and all other material tax returns,
reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject
(unless and only to the extent that the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has
set aside on its books provisions reasonably adequate for the payment of all
unpaid and unreported taxes) and has paid all taxes and other governmental
assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be
due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in
good faith and has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the
payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such
returns, reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any
material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction,
and the officers of the Company know of no basis for any such claim.

                  s. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 3(s) and other than the grant or exercise of stock options disclosed on
SCHEDULE 3(c), none of the officers, directors, or employees of the Company is
presently a party to any transaction with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any
contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of
services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from,
or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such
employee or, to the knowledge of the Company, any corporation, partnership,
trust or other entity in which any officer, director, or any such employee has
an interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

                  t. APPLICATION OF TAKEOVER PROTECTIONS. The Company and its
board of directors have taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render
inapplicable any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill
(including any distribution under a rights





<PAGE>


agreement) or other similar anti-takeover provision under the Articles of
Incorporation or the laws of the state of its incorporation which is or could
become applicable to the Buyer as a result of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Company's issuance of the
Securities and the Buyer's ownership of the Securities.

                  u. RIGHTS AGREEMENT. The Company has not adopted a shareholder
rights plan or similar arrangement relating to accumulations of beneficial
ownership of Common Stock or a change in control of the Company.

                  v. FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES. Neither the Company, nor any of
its Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, agent, employee or other person
acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has, in the course of
its actions for, or on behalf of, the Company, used any corporate funds for any
unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating
to political activity; made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any
foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds;
violated or is in violation of any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977, as amended; or made any unlawful bribe, rebate, payoff,
influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic
government official or employee.

         4.       COVENANTS.

                  a. FILING REGISTRATION STATEMENTS. The Company shall within
seven (7) Trading Days from the date hereof file a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 covering only the resale of at least 750,000 Conversion Shares
underlying the First Debenture and the resale of 78,000 First Closing Commitment
Shares (as defined in Section 7(b)). The Company shall also within ten (10)
Trading Days from the date of the delivery to the Buyer of the Second Closing
Notice file a Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering only the resale of a
reasonable estimate of the number of Conversion Shares underlying the Second
Debenture and a reasonable estimate of the number of Second Closing Commitment
Shares (as defined in Section 7(b)). For each such Registration Statement, the
Company shall also include an indeterminate number of registrable securities
pursuant to Rule 416 under the 1933 Act so as to cover any and all securities
which may become issuable to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock
dividends or similar transactions. The Buyer and its counsel shall have a
reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon each such registration
statement and any related prospectus prior to its filing with the SEC. The
Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have such registration
statements declared effective by the SEC at the earliest possible date.

                  b. FORM D AND BLUE SKY. The Company agrees to file a Form D
with respect to the Securities as required under Regulation D and to provide a
copy thereof to the Buyer promptly after such filing. The Company shall, on or
before each Closing Date, take such action as the Company shall reasonably
determine is necessary in order to obtain an exemption for or to qualify the
Securities for sale to the Buyer at each Closing pursuant to this Agreement
under applicable securities or "Blue Sky" laws of the states of the United
States, and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Buyer on
or prior to each Closing Date. The Company shall make all filings and reports
relating the offer and sale of the Securities required under applicable
securities or "Blue Sky" laws of the states of the United States following each
Closing Date.



<PAGE>


                  c. NO VARIABLE PRICED FINANCING. Other than pursuant to this
Agreement, the Company agrees that beginning on the date of this Agreement and
ending on the date of termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9(k),
and so long as any Debenture is outstanding, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries shall, without the prior written consent of the Buyer, contract for
any equity financing (including any debt financing with an equity component) or
issue any equity securities of the Company or any Subsidiary or securities
convertible or exchangeable into or for equity securities of the Company or any
Subsidiary (including debt securities with an equity component) which (i) are
convertible into or exchangeable for an indeterminate number of shares of common
stock, (ii) are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock at a price
which varies with the market price of the Common Stock, (iii) directly or
indirectly provide for any "re-set" or adjustment of the purchase price,
conversion rate or exercise price or (iv) contain any "make- whole" provision
based upon, directly or indirectly, the market price of the Common Stock, in
each case, other than reasonable and customary anti-dilution adjustments for
issuance of shares of Common Stock at a price which is below the market price of
the Common Stock.

                  d. LISTING. The Company shall promptly secure the listing of
all of the Conversion Shares and Commitment Shares upon each national securities
exchange and automated quotation system, if any, upon which shares of Common
Stock are then listed (subject to official notice of issuance) and shall
maintain, so long as any other shares of Common Stock shall be so listed, such
listing of all such securities from time to time issuable under the terms of the
Transaction Documents. The Company shall maintain the Common Stock's
authorization for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market (the "PRINCIPAL
MARKET"). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action
which would be reasonably expected to result in the delisting or suspension of
the Common Stock on the Principal Market. The Company shall promptly, and in no
event later than the following Trading Day, provide to the Buyer copies of any
notices it receives from the Principal Market regarding the continued
eligibility of the Common Stock for listing on such automated quotation system
or securities exchange. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in
connection with satisfying its obligations under this Section.

                  e. LIMITATION ON SHORT SALES AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS. The
Buyer agrees that beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the date
of termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9(k), the Buyer and its
affiliates shall not in any manner whatsoever enter into or effect, directly or
indirectly, any (i) "short sale" (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-3 of the
1934 Act) of the Common Stock or (ii) hedging transaction, which establishes a
net short position with respect to the Common Stock; provided, however, that
such restrictions shall not apply if (A) with respect to the restrictions on
short sales, the Buyer submits within five (5) Trading Days of a sale a
Conversion Notice (as defined in the Debenture) entitling the Buyer to receive a
number of shares of Common Stock at least equal to the number of shares so sold,
or (B) an Event of Default (as defined the Debenture) has occurred, or any event
which, after notice and/or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default has
occurred, under any Debenture including any failure by the Company to timely
effect any conversion properly submitted pursuant to a Debenture.



<PAGE>


                  f. LIMITATION ON SALES OF COMMITMENT SHARES. The Buyer agrees
that beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the date of
termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9(k), the Buyer shall not
transfer or sell (i) the First Closing Commitment Shares (as defined in Section
7(b) hereof) until such date as the First Debenture is no longer outstanding and
(ii) the Second Closing Commitment Shares (as defined in Section 7(b) hereof)
until such date as the Second Debenture is no longer outstanding; provided,
however, that such restrictions shall not apply: (A) to any transfers to or
among affiliates, (B) to any pledge in connection with a bona fide loan or
margin account, (C) if an Event of Default has occurred, or any event which,
after notice and/or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default, under any
Debenture including any failure by the Company to timely effect any conversion
properly submitted pursuant to a Debenture, or (E) if Robert S. Cramer, Jr.
ceases for any reason to be Chief Executive Officer of the Company engaged on a
full-time basis as his or her principal business activity.

         5.       TRANSFER AGENT INSTRUCTIONS.

                  The Company shall issue irrevocable instructions to its
transfer agent, and any subsequent transfer agent, to issue certificates,
registered in the name of the Buyer or its respective nominee(s), for the
Conversion Shares from time to time upon conversion of a Debenture (the
"IRREVOCABLE TRANSFER AGENT INSTRUCTIONS"). The Company warrants to the Buyer
that no instruction other than the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions
referred to in this Section 5, will be given by the Company to its transfer
agent with respect to the Securities and that the Securities shall otherwise be
freely transferable on the books and records of the Company as and to the extent
provided in this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement subject to the
provisions of Section 4(f) in the case of the Commitment Shares. Nothing in this
Section 5 shall affect in any way the Buyer's obligations to comply with all
applicable prospectus delivery requirements, if any, upon resale of the
Securities. If a Buyer provides the Company with an opinion of counsel, in a
generally acceptable form, to the effect that a public sale, assignment or
transfer of the Securities may be made without registration under the 1933 Act
or the Buyer provides the Company with reasonable assurances that the Securities
can be sold pursuant to Rule 144, the Company shall permit the transfer, and, in
the case of the Conversion Shares, promptly instruct its transfer agent to issue
one or more certificates in such name and in such denominations as specified by
the Buyer and without any restrictive legend. The Company acknowledges that a
breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the
Buyer by vitiating the intent and purpose of the transaction contemplated
hereby. Accordingly, the Company acknowledges that the remedy at law for a
breach of its obligations under this Section 5 will be inadequate and agrees, in
the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Company of the provisions of
this Section 5, that the Buyer shall be entitled, in addition to all other
available remedies, to an order and/or injunction restraining any breach and
requiring immediate issuance and transfer, without the necessity of showing
economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

         6.       CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO SELL.

                  The obligation of the Company hereunder to issue and sell each
Debenture to the Buyer at each Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or
before the respective Closing Date, of each of the following conditions,
provided that these conditions are for the Company's sole



<PAGE>


benefit and may be waived by the Company at any time in its sole discretion by
providing the Buyer with prior written notice thereof:

                  a. The Buyer shall have executed each of the Transaction
Documents to which it is a party and delivered the same to the Company
applicable to the respective Closing including for each Closing: (i) a Pledge
and Security Agreement substantially in the form of EXHIBIT B hereto
(individually, a "PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT" and collectively, the "PLEDGE
AND SECURITY AGREEMENTS"), and (ii) a Registration Rights Agreement
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT C hereto (individually, a "REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT" and collectively, the "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS").

                  b. Subject to the Company's compliance with Section 4(a), a
Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering the resale of the respective
Commitment Shares and the Conversion Shares underlying the Debenture to be sold
at such Closing shall have been declared effective under the 1933 Act by the SEC
and no stop order with respect to the Registration Statement shall be pending or
threatened by the SEC.

                  c. The Buyer shall have paid the Purchase Price for such
Debenture being purchased by the Buyer at such Closing in the manner as set
forth in the respective Pledge and Security Agreement.

                  d. The representations and warranties of the Buyer shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of
such Closing Date as though made at that time (except for representations and
warranties that speak as of a specific date), and the Buyer shall have
performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants,
agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied
or complied with by the Buyer at or prior to the Closing Date.

It is agreed and acknowledged by the parties hereto, that until such time has
the Company shall have delivered the Second Closing Notice to the Buyer with
respect to the Closing of the Second Debenture, the Company shall not be
obligated to issue and sell to the Buyer the Second Debenture.

         7.       CONDITIONS TO THE BUYER'S OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE.

                  The obligation of the Buyer hereunder to purchase each
Debenture at the respective Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or before
the respective Closing Date, of each of the following conditions, provided that
these conditions are for the Buyer's sole benefit and may be waived by the Buyer
at any time in its sole discretion by providing the Company with prior written
notice thereof:

                  a. The Company shall have executed each of the Transaction
Documents and delivered the same to the Buyer applicable to the respective
Closing including for each Closing: (i) the respective Debenture, (ii) a Pledge
and Security Agreement substantially in the form of EXHIBIT B hereto and an
unconditional, fully valid, first priority, perfected security interest in favor
of the Buyer shall attach to the Collateral (as defined in the respective Pledge
and Security



<PAGE>


Agreement) as of the Closing, and (iii) a Registration Rights Agreement
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT C hereto.

                  b. On the Closing Date for the First Closing the Company shall
have delivered to the Buyer a number of shares of Common Stock (the "FIRST
CLOSING COMMITMENT SHARES") equal to: (x) 10% of the Purchase Price of the First
Debenture divided by the arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices of the
Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the
Trading Day which is two (2) Trading Days prior to the Closing Date for the
First Closing, PLUS (y) 3% of the Purchase Price of the Second Debenture divided
by the arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices of the Common Stock for the
ten (10) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Trading Day which is
two (2) Trading Days prior to the Closing Date for the First Closing. On the
Closing Date for the Second Closing the Company shall have delivered to the
Buyer a number of shares of Common Stock (the "SECOND CLOSING COMMITMENT SHARES"
and together with the First Closing Commitment Shares, the "COMMITMENT SHARES")
equal to 7% of the Purchase Price of the Second Debenture divided by the
arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices of the Common Stock for the ten
(10) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Trading Day which is two
(2) Trading Days prior to the Closing Date for the Second Closing. (To be
appropriately adjusted for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash
dividend, stock split or other similar transaction during such ten (10) Trading
Day period.)

                  c. The Common Stock shall be authorized for quotation on the
Principal Market, trading in the Common Stock shall not have been within the
last 365 days suspended by the SEC or the Principal Market and the Conversion
Shares and the Commitment Shares shall be listed upon the Principal Market.

                  d. The Buyer shall have received the opinion of the Company's
legal counsel dated as of the respective Closing Date, in the form of EXHIBIT D
attached hereto.

                  e. The representations and warranties of the Company shall be
true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent that any of such
representations and warranties is already qualified as to materiality in Section
3 above, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and
correct without further qualification) as of the date when made and as of the
respective Closing Date as though made at that time (except for representations
and warranties that speak as of a specific date) and the Company shall have
performed, satisfied and complied with the covenants, agreements and conditions
required by the Transaction Documents to be performed, satisfied or complied
with by the Company at or prior to the respective Closing Date. The Buyer shall
have received a certificate, executed by the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, dated as of the respective Closing Date, to the foregoing effect in the
form attached hereto as EXHIBIT E.

                  f. The Board of Directors of the Company shall have adopted
resolutions in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT F which shall be in full
force and effect without any amendment or supplement thereto as of the
respective Closing Date.

                  g. As of the respective Closing Date, the Company shall have
reserved out of


<PAGE>


its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting
the conversion of the respective Debenture, at least 750,000 shares of Common
Stock.

                  h. The Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, in the form of
EXHIBIT G attached hereto, shall have been delivered to and acknowledged in
writing by the Company's transfer agent.

                  i. The Company shall have delivered to the Buyer a certificate
evidencing the incorporation and good standing of the Company in the State of
Georgia issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia as of a date
within ten (10) Trading Days of the respective Closing Date.

                  j. The Company shall have delivered to the Buyer a certified
copy of the Articles of Incorporation as certified by the Secretary of State of
the State of Georgia within ten (10) Trading Days of the respective Closing
Date.

                  k. The Company shall have delivered to the Buyer a secretary's
certificate executed by the Secretary of the Company, dated as of the respective
Closing Date, in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT H.

                  l. A Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering the resale of
all of the respective Commitment Shares and the Conversion Shares (assuming the
Closing Date is the Conversion Date) underlying the Debenture to be sold at such
Closing shall have been declared effective under the 1933 Act by the SEC and no
stop order with respect to the Registration Statement shall be pending or
threatened by the SEC. The Company shall have made all filings under all
applicable federal and state securities laws necessary to consummate the
issuance of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement in compliance with such
laws.

                  m. No Event of Default (as defined the Debenture) has
occurred, or any event which, after notice and/or lapse of time, would become an
Event of Default under the Debenture has occurred.

         8. INDEMNIFICATION. In consideration of the Buyer's execution and
delivery of the Transaction Documents and acquiring the Securities thereunder
and in addition to all of the Company's other obligations under the
Transaction Documents, the Company shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold
harmless the Buyer and each other holder of the Securities and all of their
shareholders, officers, directors, employees and direct or indirect investors
and any of the foregoing person's agents or other representatives (including,
without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement) (collectively, the "INDEMNITEES") from and
against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, losses, costs,
penalties, fees, liabilities anddamages, and expenses in connection therewith
(irrespective of whether any such Indemnitee is a party to the action for
which indemnification hereunder is sought), and including reasonable
attorneys' fees and disbursements (the "INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES"), incurred
by any Indemnitee as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any
misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the
Company in the Transaction Documents or any other certificate, instrument or
document contemplated hereby or

<PAGE>


thereby, (b) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Company
contained in the Transaction Documents or any other certificate, instrument or
document contemplated hereby or thereby, (c) any cause of action, suit or claim
brought or made against such Indemnitee and arising out of or resulting from the
execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of the Transaction Documents or
any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby or
(d) the status of the Buyer as the purchaser of a Debenture. To the extent that
the foregoing undertaking by the Company may be unenforceable for any reason,
the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction
of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable
law.

         9.       GOVERNING LAW; MISCELLANEOUS.

                  a. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; JURY TRIAL. The corporate laws
of the State of Georgia shall govern all issues concerning the relative rights
of the Company and its shareholders. All other questions concerning the
construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents shall be governed by the internal laws of the State
of Illinois, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law
provision or rule (whether of the State of Illinois or any other jurisdictions)
that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the
State of Illinois. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Chicago, for
the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or under the other Transaction
Documents or in connection herewith or therewith, or with any transaction
contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and
agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not
personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action
or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such
suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives
personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such
suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the
address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service
shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve
process in any manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION
OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

                  b. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
identical counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each
party and delivered to the other party; provided that a facsimile signature
shall be considered due execution and shall be binding upon the signatory
thereto with the same force and effect as if the signature were an original, not
a facsimile signature.

                  c. HEADINGS. The headings of this Agreement are for
convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the
interpretation of, this Agreement.

                  d. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be
invalid or


<PAGE>


unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that
jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this
Agreement in any other jurisdiction.

                  e. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS. This Agreement supersedes all
other prior oral or written agreements between the Buyer, the Company, their
affiliates and persons acting on their behalf with respect to the matters
discussed herein, and this Agreement, the Other Transaction Documents and the
instruments referenced herein contain the entire understanding of the parties
with respect to the matters covered herein and therein and, except as
specifically set forth herein or therein, neither the Company nor the Buyer
makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such
matters. No provision of this Agreement may be amended other than by an
instrument in writing signed by the Company and the Buyer, and no provision
hereof may be waived other than by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against whom enforcement is sought.

                  f. NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other
communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this
Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered: (i) upon
receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by facsimile
(provided confirmation of transmission is mechanically or electronically
generated and kept on file by the sending party); or (iii) one Trading Day after
deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case
properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and facsimile
numbers for such communications shall be:

         If to the Company:

                  adam.com, Inc.
                  1600 RiverEdge Parkway, Suite 800
                  Atlanta, Georgia   30328
                  Telephone:    770-980-0888
                  Facsimile:    770-989-4970
                  Attention:    Robert S. Cramer, Jr.

                  With a copy to:

                  King & Spalding
                  191 Peachtree Street
                  Atlanta, Georgia   30303
                  Telephone:    404-572-4600
                  Facsimile:    404-572-5100
                  Attention:    Stacey K. Geer

         If to the Buyer:

                  Fusion Capital Fund I, LLC
                  216 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 400
                  Chicago, Illinois 60606
                  Telephone:    (312) 795-7940


<PAGE>


                  Facsimile:    (312) 795-7845
                  Attention:    Steven G.  Martin

                  with a copy to:

                  Ungaretti & Harris
                  3500 Three First National Plaza
                  Chicago, Illinois  60602
                  Telephone:    (312) 977-4400
                  Facsimile:    (312) 977-4405
                  Attention:     Al Harris

         If to the Transfer Agent:

                  SunTrust Bank, Atlanta
                  58 Edgewood Avenue
                  Atlanta, Georgia   30303
                  Telephone:    404-588-8728
                  Facsimile:    404-332-3875
                  Attention:    Peggy White

         or at such other address and/or facsimile number and/or to the
         attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by
         written notice given to each other party three (3) Trading Days prior
         to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt
         (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other
         communication, (B) mechanically or electronically generated by the
         sender's facsimile machine containing the time, date, recipient
         facsimile number and an image of the first page of such transmission or
         (C) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service
         shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by facsimile
         or receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service in
         accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

                  g. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and
assigns, including any purchasers of the Debentures. The Company shall not
assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the Buyer, including by merger or consolidation, except
pursuant to an Organic Change (as defined in the Debentures) with respect to
which the Company is in compliance with Section 6 of the Debentures. The Buyer
may assign some or all of its rights hereunder without the consent of the
Company, provided, however, that any such assignment shall not release the Buyer
from its obligations hereunder unless such obligations are assumed by such
assignee and the Company has consented in writing to such assignment and
assumption. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the
Transaction Documents, the Buyer shall be entitled to pledge the Securities in
connection with a bona fide loan or margin account.

                  h. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is intended
for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors
and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be
enforced by, any other person.



<PAGE>


                  i. PUBLICITY. The Company and the Buyer shall have the right
to approve before issuance any press releases or any other public statements
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that
the Company shall be entitled, without the prior approval of any Buyer, to make
any press release or other public disclosure with respect to such transactions
as is required by applicable law and regulations (although the Buyer shall be
consulted by the Company in connection with any such press release or other
public disclosure prior to its release and shall be provided with a copy
thereof).

                  j. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party shall do and perform, or
cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall
execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and
documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the
intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

                  k. TERMINATION; SURVIVAL. This Agreement may be terminated
only as follows:

                  (i) By the Buyer any time after an Event of Default (as
         defined in the Debentures) has occurred.

                  (ii) In the event that the First Closing shall not have
         occurred, the Company shall have the option to terminate this Agreement
         without liability of any party to any other party. If this Agreement is
         terminated pursuant to this Section 9(k)(ii), the Company shall issue
         to the Buyer the First Closing Commitment Shares immediately prior to
         the termination hereof. In the such case, the number of First Closing
         Commitment Shares shall be equal to: (x) 10% of the Purchase Price of
         the First Debenture divided by the arithmetic average of the Closing
         Bid Prices of the Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading
         Days immediately preceding the Trading Day which is two (2) Trading
         Days prior to the date of termination of this Agreement, plus (y) 3% of
         the Purchase Price of the Second Debenture divided by the arithmetic
         average of the Closing Bid Prices of the Common Stock for the ten (10)
         consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Trading Day which is
         two (2) Trading Days prior to the date of termination of this
         Agreement.

                  (iii) In the event that the First Closing shall not have
         occurred on or before February 28, 2000, due to the failure to satisfy
         the conditions set forth in Sections 6 and 7 above with respect to the
         First Closing (and the nonbreaching party's failure to waive such
         unsatisfied condition(s)), the nonbreaching party shall have the option
         to terminate this Agreement at the close of business on such date
         without liability of any party to any other party; provided, however,
         that any such termination shall not release any breaching party from
         liability hereunder. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this
         Section 9(k)(iii) prior to the First Closing other than solely as a
         result of the failure of a registration statement to be declared
         effective by the SEC with respect to the First Closing or any material
         breach of the Buyer's obligation hereunder, the Company shall issue to
         the Buyer the First Closing Commitment Shares immediately upon the
         termination hereof. In the


<PAGE>


         such case, the number of First Closing Commitment Shares shall be equal
         to: (x) 10% of the Purchase Price of the First Debenture divided by the
         arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices of the Common Stock for
         the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Trading
         Day which is two (2) Trading Days prior to the date of termination of
         this Agreement, plus (y) 3% of the Purchase Price of the Second
         Debenture divided by the arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices
         of the Common Stock for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days
         immediately preceding the Trading Day which is two (2) Trading Days
         prior to the date of termination of this Agreement.

                  (iv) If the First Debenture has been issued as provided
         herein, by the Company any time after the date the First Debenture is
         no longer outstanding but prior to the delivery to the Buyer of the
         Second Closing Notice.

                  (v) If the First Debenture has been issued as provided herein,
         by either the Company or the Buyer if the First Debenture is no longer
         outstanding and the Company has not delivered a Second Closing Notice
         to the Buyer on or prior to the tenth (10th) Trading Day after the
         earlier of (A) the stated Maturity Date of the First Debenture or (B)
         fifty (50) Trading Days after the date the First Debenture is no longer
         outstanding.

                  (vi) If the First Debenture has been issued as provided
         herein, the First Debenture is no longer outstanding and the Company
         has delivered a Second Closing Notice to the Buyer, in the event that
         the Second Closing shall not have occurred on or before forty (40)
         Trading Days from the date of the Second Closing Notice due to the
         failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in Sections 6 and 7 above
         with respect to the Second Closing (and the nonbreaching party's
         failure to waive such unsatisfied condition(s)), the nonbreaching party
         shall have the option to terminate this Agreement at the close of
         business on such date without liability of any party to any other
         party; provided, however, that any such termination shall not release
         any breaching party from liability hereunder. If this Agreement is
         terminated pursuant to this Section 9(k)(vi) prior to the Second
         Closing other than solely as a result of the failure of a registration
         statement to be declared effective by the SEC with respect to the
         Second Closing or any material breach of the Buyer's obligation
         hereunder, the Company shall issue to the Buyer the Second Closing
         Commitment Shares immediately upon the termination hereof. In the such
         case, the number of Second Closing Commitment Shares shall be equal to
         7% of the Purchase Price of the Second Debenture divided by the
         arithmetic average of the Closing Bid Prices of the Common Stock for
         the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Trading
         Day which is two (2) Trading Days prior to the date of termination of
         this Agreement.

                  (vii) If the Second Debenture has been issued as provided
         herein, this Agreement shall automatically terminate on the date the
         Second Debenture is no longer outstanding.

Except for termination of this Agreement under Section 9(k)(vii), any
termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9(k) shall be effected by
written notice from the Company to the Buyer, or the Buyer to the Company, as
the case may be, setting forth the basis for the


<PAGE>


termination hereof. A termination of this Agreement under Section 9(k)(vii)
shall automatically occur on such date as the Second Debenture is no longer
outstanding without any action or notice on the part of any party. Except as
expressly set forth in this Agreement, the representations and warranties of the
Company and the Buyer contained in Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the indemnification
provisions set forth in Section 8 hereof and the agreements and covenants set
forth in Section 9, shall survive each Closing and any termination hereof.

                  l. PLACEMENT AGENT. The Company acknowledges that it has
engaged SunTrust Equitable Securities Corporation as placement agent in
connection with the sale of the Securities, which placement agent may have
formally or informally engaged other agents on its behalf. The Company shall be
responsible for the payment of any placement agent's fees or broker's
commissions relating to or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby.
The Company shall pay, and hold the Buyer harmless against, any liability, loss
or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and out of pocket
expenses) arising in connection with any such claim.

                  m. NO STRICT CONSTRUCTION. The language used in this Agreement
will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual
intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.

                  n. REMEDIES. The Buyer and each holder of the Securities shall
have all rights and remedies set forth in the Transaction Documents and all
rights and remedies which such holders have been granted at any time under any
other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such holders have under
any law. Any person having any rights under any provision of the Transaction
Documents shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting
a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any
provision of the Transaction Documents and to exercise all other rights granted
by law.

                  o. PAYMENT SET ASIDE. To the extent that the Buyer receives a
payment or payments hereunder or pursuant to the other Transaction Documents or
the Buyer enforces or exercises its rights hereunder or thereunder, and such
payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or exercise or any part
thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential,
set aside, recovered from, disgorged by or are required to be refunded, repaid
or otherwise restored to the Company, a trustee, receiver or any other Person
under any law (including, without limitation, any bankruptcy law, state or
federal law, common law or equitable cause of action), then to the extent of any
such restoration the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be
satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such
payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

                                   * * * * * *


<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Buyer and the Company have caused this
Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written
above.

                                   COMPANY:

                                     ADAM.COM, INC.

                                     By:  /s/ Robert S. Cramer, Jr.
                                        ---------------------------
                                     Name:  Robert S. Cramer, Jr.
                                     Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                   BUYER:

                                     FUSION CAPITAL FUND I, LLC
                                       BY:  FUSION CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC
                                       BY:  AUTARKY SYSTEMS, INC.

                                               By: /s/ Joe Riney
                                                  ----------------------
                                               Name: Joe Riney
                                               Title: President



<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

    We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated May 14, 1999 relating to the financial
statements and financial statement schedules, which appears in adam.com, Inc.'s
(formerly A.D.A.M. Software, Inc.) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
March 31, 1999. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Registration Statement.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
November 24, 1999


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