FTP SOFTWARE INC
S-4, 1996-06-26
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 26, 1996
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   FORM S-4
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                               ----------------
 
      MASSACHUSETTS                  7372                    04-2906463
     (STATE OR OTHER     (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL     (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
      JURISDICTION        CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)    IDENTIFICATION NO.)
   OF INCORPORATION OR
      ORGANIZATION)   
 
      100 BRICKSTONE SQUARE, FIFTH FLOOR, ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810, 
                                (508) 685-4000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                            DOUGLAS F. FLOOD, ESQ.
      100 BRICKSTONE SQUARE, FIFTH FLOOR, ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810, 
                                (508) 685-4000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                               ----------------
 
                                  COPIES TO:
        DAVID B. WALEK, ESQ.                    DIANE HOLT FRANKLE, ESQ.
            ROPES & GRAY                      GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH
       ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE                 A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
     BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110                   400 HAMILTON AVENUE
                                               PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94301
 
                               ----------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: At the effective time of the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Registrant with and into Firefox Communications Inc., which shall occur as
soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement
and the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to closing of such merger as
described in the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
                               ----------------
 
  If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box: [_]
 
                               ----------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PROPOSED
                                             PROPOSED      MAXIMUM
 TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF       AMOUNT         MAXIMUM      AGGREGATE   AMOUNT OF
    SECURITIES TO BE          TO BE       OFFERING PRICE  OFFERING   REGISTRATION
       REGISTERED         REGISTERED(1)    PER UNIT(2)    PRICE(3)      FEE(4)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>              <C>            <C>         <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par
 value.................  7,650,000 shares    $           $65,025,000      $0
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents estimated maximum number of shares of FTP common stock issuable
    in the merger.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1), solely for the purpose of
    calculating the registration fee, based upon 7,650,000 shares of FTP
    common stock being issued upon conversion of Firefox common stock using
    the average high and low prices of FTP common stock of $8.50 per share as
    reported on the Nasdaq National Market on June 24, 1996.
(4) In accordance with Rule 457(b), the registration fee paid herewith has
    been reduced by $22,459.44, which is the amount of the fee previously paid
    in connection with the Preliminary Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed
    with the Commission on March 27, 1996.
 
                               ----------------
  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 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
   CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FURNISHED PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
 SHOWING HEADING OR LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS OF INFORMATION REQUIRED BY ITEMS IN
                               PART I OF FORM S-4
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                LOCATION IN JOINT PROXY
 ITEM NO.    TITLE OF FORM S-4 ITEM               STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
 --------    ----------------------             -----------------------
 A. INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
 <C>      <S>                            <C> 
 Item 1.  Forepart of Registration
           Statement and Outside Front                       
           Cover Page of Prospectus...   Outside Front Cover 

 Item 2.  Inside Front and Outside
           Back Cover Pages of           
           Prospectus.................   Available Information; Table of Contents  

 Item 3.  Risk Factors, Ratio of
           Earnings to Fixed Charges                                          
           and Other Information......   Summary; Risk Factors; The Merger and
                                          Related Transactions; Unaudited Pro 
                                          Forma Consolidated Financial        
                                          Statements                          

 Item 4.  Terms of the Transaction....   Summary; The Merger and Related
                                          Transactions; Comparison of Rights of
                                          Stockholders of FTP and Firefox

 Item 5.  Pro Forma Financial                                               
           Information................   Summary; Unaudited Pro Forma       
                                          Consolidated Financial Statements 

 Item 6.  Material Contracts with the
           Company Being Acquired.....   Summary; The Merger and Related
                                          Transactions
 Item 7.  Additional Information
           Required for the Reoffering
           by Persons and Parties                       
           Deemed to be Underwriters..   Not Applicable 

 Item 8.  Interests of Named Experts                    
           and Counsel................   Not Applicable 

 Item 9.  Disclosure of Commission
           Position on Indemnification                  
           for Securities Act
           Liabilities................   Not Applicable 
<CAPTION> 
 B. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
<C>       <S>                            <C> 
 Item 10. Information with Respect to                   
           S-3 Registrants............   Not Applicable 

 Item 11. Incorporation of Certain
           Information by Reference...   Not Applicable

 Item 12. Information with Respect to
           S-2 or S-3 Registrants.....   Available Information; Summary;
                                          Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
                                          Financial Statements; Comparative Per
                                          Share Market Price Data; Selected
                                          Historical Financial Data;
                                          Information Regarding FTP; FTP
                                          Management's Discussion and Analysis
                                          of Financial Condition and Results of
                                          Operations; Description of FTP
                                          Capital Stock; Financial Statements
                                          of FTP
 Item 13. Incorporation of Certain
           Information by Reference...   Not Applicable

 Item 14. Information with Respect to
           Registrants Other Than S-3                   
           or S-2 Registrants.........   Not Applicable 
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   LOCATION IN JOINT PROXY
 ITEM NO.      TITLE OF FORM S-4 ITEM                STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
 --------      ----------------------              -----------------------
 C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING ACQUIRED
<C>       <S>                               <C> 
 Item 15. Information with Respect to S-3                  
           Companies.....................   Not Applicable 

 Item 16. Information with Respect to S-2
           or S-3 Companies..............   Not Applicable

 Item 17. Information with Respect to
           Companies Other Than S-3 or S-                                       
           2 Companies...................   Available Information; Summary;    
                                             Selected Historical Financial Data;
                                             Information Regarding Firefox;    
                                             Firefox Management's Discussion and
                                             Analysis of Financial Condition and
                                             Results of Operations              
                                                                                
<CAPTION>
 D. VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
<C>       <S>                               <C> 
 Item 18. Information if Proxies,
           Consents or Authorizations Are                                         
           to be Solicited...............   Summary; The FTP Meeting; The Firefox 
                                             Meeting; The Merger and Related      
                                             Transactions; Management of FTP;     
                                             Certain Transactions; FTP Stock      
                                             Ownership; Firefox Stock Ownership    
                                                                                   
 Item 19. Information if Proxies,                                                  
           Consents or Authorizations Are
           Not to be Solicited or in an                    
           Exchange Offer................   Not Applicable 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                      100 BRICKSTONE SQUARE, FIFTH FLOOR
                         ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810
 
                                 June 26, 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
  A Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") of FTP Software,
Inc. ("FTP") will be held at the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury Street,
Andover, Massachusetts 01810, on July 22, 1996, at 11:00 a.m., local time.
 
  At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve the issuance of the shares of the common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of FTP ("FTP Common Stock"), issuable pursuant to the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 (as amended
and restated, the "Merger Agreement") among FTP, Firefox Acquisition Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP and a Delaware corporation ("Sub"), and Firefox
Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Firefox"), which sets forth the
terms of a proposed merger of Sub with and into Firefox (the "Merger"). If the
conditions to the Merger are satisfied and the Merger becomes effective:
 
    (i) Firefox will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP;
 
    (ii) each share of Firefox common stock, $0.001 par value per share
  ("Firefox Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
  effective time of the Merger (the "Outstanding Firefox Shares"), excluding
  shares owned by holders who have properly exercised their rights of
  appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the Delaware General
  Corporation Law ("Dissenting Shares"), shall be converted into the right to
  receive (A) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock which equals the
  amount obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by the number of
  Outstanding Firefox Shares by (y) the average closing price of the FTP
  Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the 10 trading
  days immediately preceding the date of the special meeting of Firefox
  stockholders called for the purpose of voting upon the Merger Agreement and
  the Merger (the "Average Price") (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to the
  provisions in the Merger Agreement relating to fractional shares, and (B)
  cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding
  Firefox Shares (the "Cash Payment"), subject to adjustment as described
  below; and
 
    (iii) each then outstanding option to purchase Firefox Common Stock
  granted under certain Firefox employee and director stock option plans
  shall be deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to constitute an option to
  acquire the number (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of shares of
  FTP Common Stock equal to the aggregate of (A) that number of shares of FTP
  Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such option
  would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder
  exercised such option in full immediately prior to the effective time of
  the Merger (the "Effective Time") (not taking into account whether or not
  such option was in fact exercisable) plus (B) that number of additional
  shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (x) the aggregate Cash
  Payment that the holder of such option would have been entitled to receive
  pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in full
  immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or
  not such option was in fact exercisable) by (y) the Average Price. The
  exercise price for each such option shall be the price per share equal to
  (i) the aggregate exercise price of the shares of Firefox Common Stock
  otherwise purchasable pursuant to such option divided by (ii) the number of
  shares of FTP Common Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such option.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then
the Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price
of one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price
shall be deemed to be $8.00. If the Average Price is less than $8.00 per share
or greater than $12.00 per share, the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
exchanged for shares of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will be
6,250,000
<PAGE>
 
or 4,166,666, respectively. If the mean of the high and low sales prices of
one share of FTP Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on the
day of the Effective Time (or if the Effective Time is not a trading day, on
the trading day immediately preceding the Effective Time) (the "Effective Time
Closing Price") is less than $7.00 per share, each Outstanding Firefox Share
shall be entitled to receive that number of additional shares of FTP Common
Stock equal to (i) the amount obtained by dividing (A) the difference between
$7.00 and the Effective Time Closing Price by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii)
(A) $10,000,000 divided by (B) the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares,
divided by (iii) the Effective Time Closing Price (such number of additional
shares of FTP Common Stock being referred to as the "Share Adjustment
Factor"), and the Cash Payment applicable to each Outstanding Firefox Share
shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of (x) the Share Adjustment
Factor multiplied by (y) the Effective Time Closing Price. The purpose of the
adjustment to the aggregate amount of shares and the cash payment to be
received described in the preceding sentence is to preserve the status of the
Merger as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax
purposes in the event that the Effective Time Closing Price of the FTP Common
Stock falls below $7.00 per share by assuring that at least 80% of the value
of the consideration to be issued in the Merger will be in the form of FTP
Common Stock. If the requisite approvals of the stockholders of FTP and
Firefox are received, the Merger is expected to be consummated on or about
July 18, 1996 or as soon thereafter as practicable after all conditions to the
closing of the Merger have been satisfied.
 
  All of the current members of the Board of Directors of FTP are expected to
continue to be members of the Board of Directors of FTP after the Merger, and
I will continue in my current position as Chief Executive Officer of FTP. A
condition of the Merger is that John A. Kimberley, currently the President and
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Firefox, be elected as a Director of
FTP effective immediately following the Merger.
 
  After careful consideration, your Board of Directors has unanimously
approved the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock be issued pursuant to
the Merger and has concluded that such issuance is in the best interests of
FTP and its stockholders. Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends a
vote in favor of the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Merger.
 
  In the materials accompanying this letter, you will find a Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders, a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the
action to be taken by FTP stockholders at the Special Meeting (as well as the
action to be taken by the Firefox stockholders at the Firefox special meeting)
and a proxy. The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus more fully describes the
proposed Merger and includes information about FTP and Firefox.
 
  All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting in
person. However, whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, PLEASE
COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PREPAID
ENVELOPE. If you attend the Special Meeting, you may vote in person if you
wish, even though you have previously returned your proxy. It is important
that your shares be represented and voted at the Special Meeting.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          David H. Zirkle
                                          Chief Executive Officer
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                      100 BRICKSTONE SQUARE, FIFTH FLOOR
                         ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810!@AB 
                               ----------------
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                               ----------------
 
To Our Stockholders:
 
  A Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") of FTP Software,
Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("FTP"), will be held at 11:00 a.m., local
time, on July 22, 1996 at the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury Street,
Andover, Massachusetts for the following purposes:
 
  1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of the
shares of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of FTP ("FTP Common
Stock"), issuable pursuant to an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 (as amended and restated, the "Merger
Agreement") among FTP, Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Firefox"), and Firefox Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP
and a Delaware corporation ("Sub"), which sets forth the terms of a proposed
merger of Sub with and into Firefox (the "Merger"), whereby, among other
things,
 
    (a) Firefox will survive the Merger and become a wholly-owned subsidiary
  of FTP;
 
    (b) each share of Firefox common stock, $.001 par value per share
  ("Firefox Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
  effective time of the Merger (the "Outstanding Firefox Shares"), excluding
  shares owned by holders who have properly exercised their rights of
  appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the Delaware General
  Corporation Law ("Dissenting Shares"), shall be converted into the right to
  receive (i) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock which equals the
  amount obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by the number of
  Outstanding Firefox Shares by (y) the average closing price of the FTP
  Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the 10 trading
  days immediately preceding the date of the special meeting of Firefox
  stockholders called for the purpose of voting upon the Merger Agreement and
  the Merger (the "Average Price") (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to the
  provisions in the Merger Agreement relating to fractional shares, and (ii)
  cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding
  Firefox Shares (the "Cash Payment"), subject to adjustment as described
  below; and
 
    (c) each outstanding option to purchase Firefox Common Stock granted
  under certain Firefox employee and director stock option plans will be
  deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to constitute an option to acquire the
  number of shares of FTP Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole
  number) equal to the aggregate of (i) that number of shares of FTP Common
  Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such option would have
  been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised
  such option in full immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger
  (the "Effective Time") (not taking into account whether or not such option
  was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that number of additional shares of FTP
  Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the aggregate Cash Payment that the
  holder of such option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the
  Merger had such holder exercised such option in full immediately prior to
  the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not such option was
  in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average Price. The exercise price for each
  such option shall be the price per share equal to (x) the aggregate
  exercise price of the shares of Firefox Common Stock otherwise purchasable
  pursuant to such option divided by (y) the number of shares of FTP Common
  Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such option.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then
the Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price
of one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price
shall be deemed to
<PAGE>
 
be $8.00. If the mean of the high and low sales prices of one share of FTP
Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on the day of the
Effective Time (or if the Effective Time is not a trading day, on the trading
day immediately preceding the Effective Time) (the "Effective Time Closing
Price") is less than $7.00 per share, each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be
entitled to receive that number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock equal
to (i) the amount obtained by dividing (A) the difference between $7.00 and
the Effective Time Closing Price by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii) (A)
$10,000,000 divided by (B) the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares, divided
by (iii) the Effective Time Closing Price (such number of additional shares of
FTP Common Stock being referred to as the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and the
Cash Payment applicable to each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be reduced by
an amount equal to the product of (i) the Share Adjustment Factor multiplied
by (ii) the Effective Time Closing Price.
 
  2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof.
 
  The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus accompanying this Notice.
 
  Only stockholders of record of FTP Common Stock at the close of business on
June 13, 1996 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and
any postponements or adjournments thereof. A majority of the shares of FTP
Common Stock outstanding on the record date for the Special Meeting must be
represented at the Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, to constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. Approval of the issuance of the shares
of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of FTP
Common Stock entitled to vote and present, in person or by proxy, at the
Special Meeting.
 
                                          BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                          Douglas F. Flood
                                          Clerk
Andover, Massachusetts
June 26, 1996
 
 
 TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU ARE
 URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN
 THE POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE
 SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON. YOUR PROXY CAN BE WITHDRAWN BY YOU AT ANY TIME
 BEFORE IT IS VOTED.
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
                       2953 BUNKER HILL LANE, SUITE 400
                         SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA 95054
 
                                 June 26, 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
  A Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") of Firefox
Communications Inc. ("Firefox") will be held at 2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite
400, Santa Clara, California 95054, on July 22, 1996, at 9:00 a.m., local
time.
 
  At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
as of May 21, 1996 (as amended and restated, the "Merger Agreement"), among
FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("FTP"), Firefox and Firefox
Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP and a Delaware corporation
("Sub"), and the merger of Sub with and into Firefox (the "Merger"). If the
conditions to the Merger are satisfied and the Merger becomes effective:
 
    (i) Firefox will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP;
 
    (ii) each share of Firefox common stock, $.001 par value per share
  ("Firefox Common Stock") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
  effective time of the Merger (the "Outstanding Firefox Shares"), excluding
  shares owned by holders who have properly exercised their rights of
  appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the Delaware General
  Corporation Law ("Dissenting Shares"), shall be converted into the right to
  receive (A) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock which equals the
  amount obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by the number of
  Outstanding Firefox Shares by (y) the average closing price of the FTP
  Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the 10 trading
  days immediately preceding the date of the Special Meeting (the "Average
  Price") (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to the provisions in the Merger
  Agreement relating to fractional shares, and (B) cash in the amount of
  $10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares (the "Cash
  Payment"), subject to adjustment as described below; and
 
    (iii) each then outstanding option to purchase Firefox Common Stock
  granted under certain Firefox employee and director stock option plans
  shall be deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to constitute an option to
  acquire the number (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of shares of
  FTP Common Stock equal to the aggregate of (A) that number of shares of FTP
  Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such option
  would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder
  exercised such option in full immediately prior to the effective time of
  the Merger (the "Effective Time") (not taking into account whether or not
  such option was in fact exercisable) plus (B) that number of additional
  shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (x) the aggregate Cash
  Payment that the holder of such option would have been entitled to receive
  pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in full
  immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or
  not such option was in fact exercisable) by (y) the Average Price. The
  exercise price for each such option shall be the price per share equal to
  (i) the aggregate exercise price of the shares of Firefox Common Stock
  otherwise purchasable pursuant to such option divided by (ii) the number of
  shares of FTP Common Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such option.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then
the Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price
of one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price
shall be deemed to be $8.00. If the Average Price is less than $8.00 per share
or greater than $12.00 per share, the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
exchanged for shares of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will be
6,250,000 or 4,166,666, respectively. If the mean of the high and low sales
prices of one share of FTP Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market on the day of the Effective Time (or if the Effective Time is not a
trading day, on the trading day immediately preceding the Effective Time) (the
"Effective Time Closing Price") is less
<PAGE>
 
than $7.00 per share, each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be entitled to
receive that number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock equal to (i) the
amount obtained by dividing (A) the difference between $7.00 and the Effective
Time Closing Price by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii) (A) $10,000,000 divided by
(B) the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares, divided by (iii) the Effective
Time Closing Price (such number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock being
referred to as the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and the Cash Payment applicable
to each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
product of (x) the Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by (y) the Effective
Time Closing Price. The purpose of the adjustment to the aggregate amount of
shares and the Cash Payment to be received described in the preceding sentence
is to preserve the status of the Merger as a tax-free reorganization for
United States federal income tax purposes in the event that the Effective Time
Closing Price of the FTP Common Stock falls below $7.00 per share by assuring
that at least 80% of the value of the consideration to be issued in the Merger
will be in the form of FTP Common Stock.
 
  Firefox stockholders may call 800-322-2885 at any time prior to the date of
the Special Meeting for current information concerning the Average Price,
Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment.
 
  If the requisite approvals of the stockholders of Firefox and FTP are
received, the Merger is expected to be consummated on or about July 18, 1996
or as soon thereafter as practicable after all conditions to the closing of
the Merger have been satisfied. Effective immediately following the Merger, I
will join the Board of Directors of FTP. The current members of FTP's Board
are expected to continue to serve as Directors of FTP following the Merger.
David H. Zirkle, currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of FTP, will continue in that position.
 
  Your Board of Directors has carefully considered the terms and conditions of
the proposed Merger and has unanimously determined that the Merger is fair and
in the best interests of Firefox and its stockholders. The Board has
unanimously approved the Merger and the Merger Agreement and recommends a vote
in favor of the Merger and the Merger Agreement.
 
  In the materials accompanying this letter, you will find a Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders, a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the
action to be taken by Firefox stockholders at the Special Meeting (as well as
the action to be taken by the FTP stockholders at their special meeting called
for the purpose of voting on the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to
be issued pursuant to the Merger) and a proxy. The Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus more fully describes the proposed Merger and includes
information about Firefox and FTP and the reasons for the Merger.
 
  All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting in
person. However, whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, PLEASE
COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. If you
attend the Special Meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even though
you have previously returned your proxy. It is important that your shares be
represented and voted at the Special Meeting.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          John A. Kimberley
                                          President and Chief Executive
                                           Officer
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
                       2953 BUNKER HILL LANE, SUITE 400
                         SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA 95054
 
                               ----------------
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
    
                               ----------------
 
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special
Meeting") of Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Firefox"),
will be held at 2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite 400, Santa Clara, California
95054, on July 22, 1996, at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
 
  1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Amended and
Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 (as amended and
restated, the "Merger Agreement"), among FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation ("FTP"), Firefox and Firefox Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FTP ("Sub"), providing for the merger of Sub with and into
Firefox (the "Merger"), whereby, among other things,
 
    (a) Firefox will survive the Merger and become a wholly-owned subsidiary
  of FTP;
 
    (b) each share of Firefox common stock, $.001 par value per share
  ("Firefox Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
  effective time of the Merger (the "Outstanding Firefox Shares"), excluding
  shares owned by holders who have properly exercised their rights of
  appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the Delaware General
  Corporation Law ("Dissenting Shares"), shall be converted into the right to
  receive (i) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock which equals the
  amount obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by the number of
  Outstanding Firefox Shares by (y) the average closing price of the FTP
  Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the 10 trading
  days immediately preceding the date of the Special Meeting (the "Average
  Price") (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to the provisions in the Merger
  Agreement relating to fractional shares, and (ii) cash in the amount of
  $10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares (the "Cash
  Payment"), subject to adjustment as described below; and
 
    (c) each outstanding option to purchase Firefox Common Stock granted
  under certain Firefox employee and director stock option plans will be
  deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to constitute an option to acquire that
  number of shares of FTP Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole
  number) equal to the aggregate of (i) that number of shares of FTP Common
  Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such option would have
  been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised
  such option in full immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger
  (the "Effective Time") (not taking into account whether or not such option
  was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that number of additional shares of FTP
  Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the aggregate Cash Payment that the
  holder of such option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the
  Merger had such holder exercised such option in full immediately prior to
  the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not such option was
  in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average Price. The exercise price for such
  options shall be the price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise
  price of the shares of Firefox Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant
  to such option divided by (y) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
  deemed purchasable pursuant to such option.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then
the Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price
of one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price
shall be deemed to be $8.00. If the mean of the high and low sales prices of
one share of FTP Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on the
day of the Effective Time (or if the Effective Time is not a trading day, on
the trading day immediately preceding the Effective Time) (the "Effective Time
Closing Price") is less than $7.00 per share, each Outstanding Firefox Share
shall be entitled to receive that number of additional shares of
<PAGE>
 
FTP Common Stock equal to (i) the amount obtained by dividing (A) the
difference between $7.00 and the Effective Time Closing Price by (B) $7.00,
multiplied by (ii) (A) $10,000,000 divided by (B) the number of Outstanding
Firefox Shares, divided by (iii) the Effective Time Closing Price (such number
of additional shares of FTP Common Stock being referred to as the "Share
Adjustment Factor"), and the Cash Payment applicable to each Outstanding
Firefox Share shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of (i) the
Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by (ii) the Effective Time Closing Price.
 
  2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof.
 
  The Merger is more fully described in, and the Merger Agreement is annexed
in its entirety to, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus accompanying this
Notice.
 
  Only stockholders of record of Firefox at the close of business on June 14,
1996 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting or any
postponements or adjournments thereof. A majority of the outstanding shares of
Firefox Common Stock entitled to vote must be represented at the Special
Meeting, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Firefox Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.
 
                                          BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                          Mark A. Rowlinson
                                          Secretary
 
San Jose, California
June 26, 1996
 
 
 TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU ARE
 URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN
 THE POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE
 SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON. YOUR PROXY CAN BE WITHDRAWN BY YOU AT ANY TIME
 BEFORE IT IS VOTED. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE
 ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                       JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
 
[FTP LOGO]                                                       [FIREFOX LOGO]
 
                               ---------------
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                         COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE
 
                               ---------------
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the stockholders
of FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("FTP"), in connection with
the solicitation of proxies by the FTP Board of Directors for use at a Special
Meeting of FTP stockholders (the "FTP Meeting") to be held at 11:00 a.m.,
local time, on July 22, 1996, at the Andover Country Club, Andover,
Massachusetts 01810, and at any adjournments or postponements of the FTP
Meeting.
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the
stockholders of Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Firefox"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Firefox
Board of Directors for use at a Special Meeting of Firefox stockholders (the
"Firefox Meeting") to be held at 9:00 a.m., local time, on July 22, 1996, at
Firefox's corporate headquarters, 2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite 400, Santa
Clara, California 95054, and at any adjournments or postponements of the
Firefox Meeting.
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes the Prospectus of FTP for
use in connection with the offer and issuance of shares of common stock of
FTP, $.01 par value per share ("FTP Common Stock"), pursuant to the merger
(the "Merger") of Firefox Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP
and a Delaware corporation ("Sub"), with and into Firefox that is proposed to
be entered into in accordance with an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan
of Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 among FTP, Firefox and Sub, a copy of which
is attached hereto as Appendix A (the "Merger Agreement"). As a result of the
Merger, Firefox will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP. Upon the
consummation of the Merger (the date and time that the Merger is consummated
are referred to herein as the "Effective Time"), (a) each share of common
stock of Firefox, $.001 par value per share ("Firefox Common Stock"), issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Outstanding
Firefox Shares"), excluding shares owned by holders who have properly
exercised their rights of appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") ("Dissenting Shares"), shall be
converted into the right to receive (i) that number of shares of FTP Common
Stock which equals the amount obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by
the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares by (y) the average closing price of
the FTP Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market for the 10
trading days immediately preceding the date of the Firefox Meeting (the
"Average Price") (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to the provisions in the
Merger Agreement relating to fractional shares, and (ii) cash in the amount of
$10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares (the "Cash
Payment"), subject to adjustment as described below, and (b) each outstanding
option to purchase Firefox Common Stock granted under certain Firefox employee
and director stock option plans will be deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to
constitute an option to acquire the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
(rounded down to the nearest whole number) equal to the aggregate of (i) that
number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the
holder of such option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the
Merger had such holder exercised such option in full immediately prior to the
Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not such option was in fact
exercisable) plus (ii) that number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock
calculated by dividing (A) the aggregate Cash Payment that the holder of such
option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such
holder exercised such option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time
(not taking into account whether or not such option was in fact exercisable)
by (B) the Average Price. The exercise price for each such option shall be the
price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price of the shares of
Firefox Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such option divided by
(y) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to
such option.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then
the Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price
of one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price
shall be deemed to be $8.00. If the Average Price is less than $8.00 per share
or greater than $12.00 per share, the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
exchanged for shares of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will be
6,250,000 or 4,166,666, respectively.
 
  If the mean of the high and low sales prices of one share of FTP Common
Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on the day of the Effective Time
(or if the Effective Time is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately
preceding the Effective Time) (the "Effective Time Closing Price") is less
than $7.00 per share, each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be entitled to
receive that number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock equal to (i) the
amount obtained by dividing (A) the difference between $7.00 and the Effective
Time Closing Price by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii) (A) $10,000,000 divided by
(B) the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares, divided by (iii) the Effective
Time Closing Price (such number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock being
referred to as the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and the Cash Payment applicable
to each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
product of (i) the Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by (ii) the Effective
Time Closing Price. The purpose of the adjustment to the Cash Payment
described in the preceding sentence is to preserve the status of the Merger as
a tax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes in the
event that the Effective Time Closing Price of the FTP Common Stock falls
below $7.00 per share by assuring that at least 80% of the value of the
consideration to be issued in the Merger will be in the form of FTP Common
Stock.
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning the consideration that
each holder of a share of Firefox Common Stock will be entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger based on the capitalization of each of Firefox and FTP
at June 14, 1996, the record date for the Firefox Meeting, and June 13, 1996,
the record date for the FTP Meeting, respectively, at assumed Average Prices of
$12.00, $10.00 and $8.00, and, for illustrative purposes only, includes an
example of the possible effect on such consideration if the Effective Time
Closing Price were to be less than $7.00 by using an assumed Effective Time
Closing Price of $6.00. The table also shows the total consideration to be paid
to Firefox stockholders pursuant to the Merger at such assumed Average Prices
and the percent of the total shares of FTP Common Stock outstanding after the
Merger to be held by Firefox stockholders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                     PER SHARE MERGER CONSIDERATION       TOTAL MERGER CONSIDERATION     PERCENT OF FTP COMMON
                 -------------------------------------- ------------------------------- STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER
    ASSUMED       NUMBER OF SHARES OF                   NUMBER OF SHARES OF               THE MERGER HELD BY
 AVERAGE PRICE     FTP COMMON STOCK         CASH         FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH      FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS
 -------------    -------------------  ---------------- ------------------- ----------- -----------------------
 <S>             <C>                   <C>              <C>                 <C>         <C>
     $12.00                      .6186          $1.4847      4,166,666      $10,000,000          13.38%
     $10.00                      .7423          $1.4847      5,000,000      $10,000,000          15.64%
      $8.00                      .9279          $1.4847      6,250,000      $10,000,000          18.82%
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       
                                                                                       
                    PER SHARE MERGER CONSIDERATION        TOTAL MERGER CONSIDERATION     PERCENT OF FTP COMMON
    ASSUMED      -------------------------------------- ------------------------------- STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER
 EFFECTIVE TIME   NUMBER OF SHARES OF                   NUMBER OF SHARES OF               THE MERGER HELD BY
 CLOSING PRICE     FTP COMMON STOCK         CASH         FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH      FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS
 --------------   -------------------  ---------------- ------------------- ----------- -----------------------
 <S>             <C>                   <C>              <C>                 <C>         <C>
      $6.00                      .9633          $1.2726      6,488,094       $8,571,432          19.39%
</TABLE>
  Firefox stockholders may call 800-322-2885 at any time prior to the date of
the Firefox Meeting for current information concerning the Average Price,
Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment.
 
  At the FTP Meeting, stockholders of FTP will be asked to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to the Merger. FTP's Board of Directors has unanimously
approved and unanimously recommends that the FTP stockholders vote in favor of
this proposal. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of FTP Common
Stock entitled to vote and present, in person or by proxy, at the FTP Meeting
is required to approve this proposal. See "The FTP Meeting."
 
  At the Firefox Meeting, stockholders of Firefox will be asked to consider and
vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the
Merger. Firefox's Board of Directors has unanimously approved and unanimously
recommends that the Firefox stockholders vote in favor of approval and adoption
of the Merger Agreement and approval of the Merger. The affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Firefox Common Stock
entitled to vote at the Firefox Meeting is required to approve the Merger
Agreement and the Merger. As of the Firefox Record Date, all executive officers
and directors of Firefox and their affiliates as a group beneficially owned
3,656,792 shares of Firefox Common Stock (approximately 54.3% of the shares of
Firefox Common Stock then outstanding), which represents a sufficient number of
Firefox shares to approve the Merger Agreement and Merger without additional
stockholder votes. Each of the executive officers and directors of Firefox has
advised Firefox that he or she intends to vote or direct the vote of all shares
of Firefox Common Stock over which he or she has voting control, subject to and
consistent with any fiduciary obligations in the case of shares held as a
fiduciary, for approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. Each of Messrs.
John Kimberley, Peter Simkin and Richard Whitehead, who beneficially own in the
aggregate approximately 48.7% of the outstanding shares of Firefox Common Stock
as of the Firefox Record Date, is party to a stockholder agreement pursuant to
which each has agreed to vote his shares in favor of the Merger. See "The
Firefox Meeting."
 
  Following the Effective Time, John A. Kimberley, President, Chief Executive
Officer and a Director of Firefox, will serve as a member of the Board of
Directors of FTP and as Vice Chairman of FTP and Executive Vice President of
Firefox. Peter R. Simkin, currently Vice President and Chief Technical Officer
of Firefox, will serve as Chief Technical Officer of FTP following the Merger.
Richard J. Whitehead, currently Vice President and Chief Scientist of Firefox,
will continue to serve as such following the Merger.
 
  On June 25, 1996, the closing sales price on the Nasdaq National Market of
the FTP Common Stock and the Firefox Common Stock was $8.375 and $7.375,
respectively.
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying forms of proxy are
first being mailed to stockholders of FTP and Firefox on or about June 28,
1996.
 
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY BOTH
FTP AND FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS.
 
NEITHER THE MERGER NOR THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER HAVE BEEN
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
 
      The date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is June 26, 1996.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.....................................................   5
SUMMARY...................................................................   6
RISK FACTORS..............................................................  22
THE FTP MEETING...........................................................  31
  Date, Time and Place of Meeting.........................................  31
  Record Date and Outstanding Shares......................................  31
  Voting and Revocation of Proxies........................................  31
  Vote Required...........................................................  32
  Quorum; Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes................................  32
  Solicitation of Proxies and Expenses....................................  32
  Recommendation of FTP's Board of Directors..............................  33
THE FIREFOX MEETING.......................................................  33
  Date, Time and Place of Meeting.........................................  33
  Record Date and Outstanding Shares......................................  33
  Voting and Revocation of Proxies........................................  33
  Vote Required...........................................................  33
  Quorum; Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes................................  34
  Solicitation of Proxies and Expenses....................................  34
  Recommendation of Firefox's Board of Directors..........................  34
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.......................................................  34
THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.......................................  36
  General.................................................................  36
  Background of the Merger................................................  38
  Reasons for the Merger..................................................  43
  Board Recommendations...................................................  46
  Certain Projections.....................................................  46
  Opinion of Financial Advisor to FTP.....................................  50
  Opinion of Financial Advisor to Firefox.................................  54
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..............................  58
  Representations.........................................................  61
  Conduct of Firefox's and FTP's Businesses Prior to the Merger...........  62
  No Solicitation.........................................................  63
  Conditions to the Merger................................................  63
  Effective Time of the Merger............................................  64
  Regulatory Matters......................................................  64
  Termination and Amendment...............................................  65
  Break-Up Fee............................................................  65
  Exchange of Stock Certificates..........................................  65
  Certain United States Federal Income Tax Matters........................  66
  Accounting Treatment....................................................  70
  Affiliates' Restrictions on Sale of FTP Common Stock....................  71
  Listing of Additional Shares of FTP Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
   Market.................................................................  71
  Expenses................................................................  71
  Dissenters' Rights......................................................  71
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.....................  74
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA........................................  81
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE DATA...................................  83
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
INFORMATION REGARDING FTP................................................   84
FTP MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...................................................   92
INFORMATION REGARDING FIREFOX............................................  100
FIREFOX MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...................................................  111
MANAGEMENT OF FTP........................................................  118
  Executive Officers and Directors.......................................  118
  FTP Executive Compensation.............................................  120
  Stock Options..........................................................  121
  Option Exercises and Year-End Interests................................  121
  Compensation of Directors..............................................  122
  Employment Agreements..................................................  122
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.....................................................  122
FTP STOCK OWNERSHIP......................................................  123
FIREFOX STOCK OWNERSHIP..................................................  124
DESCRIPTION OF FTP CAPITAL STOCK.........................................  125
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF FTP AND FIREFOX..................  130
  Special Meeting of Stockholders........................................  130
  Inspection Rights......................................................  130
  Action by Consent of Stockholders......................................  131
  Cumulative Voting......................................................  132
  Dividends and Stock Repurchases........................................  132
  Classification of the Board of Directors...............................  132
  Removal of Directors...................................................  133
  Vacancies on the Board of Directors....................................  133
  Exculpation of Directors...............................................  133
  Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Others......................  134
  Interested Director Transactions.......................................  135
  Fundamental Transactions...............................................  135
  Charter Amendments.....................................................  136
  Amendments to Bylaws...................................................  137
  Appraisal Rights.......................................................  137
  "Anti-Takeover" Statutes...............................................  138
EXPERTS..................................................................  138
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................  139
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................  F-1
APPENDICES
Appendix A--Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (including
 Form of Stockholder Agreement)..........................................  A-1
Appendix B--Opinion of Montgomery Securities.............................  B-1
Appendix C--Opinion of Cowen & Company...................................  C-1
Appendix D--Text of Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law..  D-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY FTP OR FIREFOX TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR
TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATIONS OF PROXIES OR THE
OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE HEREBY AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY FTP OR
FIREFOX. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS JOINT
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR A SOLICITATION OF A PROXY IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.
 
  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS
RELATES SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  FTP and Firefox are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). These materials can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and
at the Commission's regional offices at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048. Copies of these materials can also be obtained from the Commission
at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission
maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants that file
electronically with the Commission. The FTP Common Stock and the Firefox
Common Stock are traded as "national market securities" on the Nasdaq National
Market. Materials filed by FTP and Firefox can be inspected at the offices of
The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Reports Section, 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
  FTP has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to
the offering of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the
Merger (the "Registration Statement"). This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
constitutes the prospectus of FTP that is filed as part of the Registration
Statement. Other parts of the Registration Statement are omitted from this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement, including the
exhibits to the Registration Statement and other material that is not included
herein, may be inspected, without charge, at the offices of the Commission
referred to above, or obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at the address set forth above.
 
  Statements made in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the
contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete;
however, all material information concerning any such contract or other
document has been disclosed. With respect to each contract or other document
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is hereby made to
that exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement is hereby qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
  FTP Software, OnNet, PC/TCP, InterDrive, LANWatch, PC/Bind, LANCatch,
KEYview, KEYpak, CyberAgent, Esplanade, HyperDesk, GroupWorks, Mariner and
OnTime are trademarks or registered trademarks of FTP Software, Inc. NOV*AX,
NOV*IX, NOV*OS, Firefox and Firefox's logo are trademarks of Firefox
Communications Inc. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also contains the
trademarks of other companies.
 
  ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS RELATING
TO FTP HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY FTP, AND ALL INFORMATION HEREIN RELATING TO
FIREFOX HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY FIREFOX.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  The following is a brief summary of certain information contained elsewhere
in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The summary is not, and is not
intended to be, complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Appendices hereto,
which are incorporated by reference herein. Stockholders are urged to read this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Appendices in their entirety. Forward-
looking statements made in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those set forth
in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of competition,
technological change, increased demands on management as a result of planned
expansion or other risks described below under "Risk Factors."
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
FTP
 
  FTP designs, develops, markets and supports software products that enable
personal computer users to find, access and use heterogeneous hardware,
information and applications resources across local area, enterprise-wide and
global networks, including the Internet and its World Wide Web. FTP's principal
networking products, OnNet and PC/TCP, which are based upon the industry
standard Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol ("TCP/IP") data
communications protocol suite, enable remote access, file and resource sharing
and other applications across a variety of operating systems, computing
platforms and network environments. Other FTP products allow users to search,
organize and share information, view and convert documents in a large number of
different formats, including legacy formats, and collaborate with other users.
FTP's products emphasize performance, reliability, functionality, robustness
and compatibility, which FTP believes are the key purchasing criteria, along
with technical support and special engineering capability, for organizations
establishing and expanding enterprise-wide networks.
 
  FTP was incorporated in Massachusetts in January 1986. FTP's principal
executive offices are located at 100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor, Andover,
Massachusetts 01810, and its telephone number at that address is (508) 685-
4000.
 
FIREFOX
 
  Firefox develops, markets and supports server-based internetworking
connectivity and communications software. Firefox's products provide
connectivity for local area networks ("LANs") running Novell NetWare and allow
work groups to access local and remote computing resources, including the
Internet, across different internetworking protocols and client operating
systems. Firefox's products are centrally configured on the server and
integrated with the network operating system ("NOS"), thereby taking advantage
of the management and security features already implemented in the NOS and
enhancing control, administration and security of the LAN.
 
  Firefox was incorporated in Delaware in February 1995. Firefox's corporate
headquarters are located at 2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite 400, Santa Clara,
California 95054, and its telephone number at that address is (408) 467-1100.
 
FIREFOX ACQUISITION CORP.
 
  Firefox Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Sub"), is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FTP formed solely for the purpose of the Merger. Sub's principal
executive offices are located at 100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor, Andover,
Massachusetts 01810, and its telephone number is (508) 685-4000.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                            MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF THE MEETINGS
 
  FTP. The FTP Meeting will be held on July 22, 1996 at 11:00 a.m., local time,
at the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury Street, Andover, Massachusetts
01810.
 
  Firefox. The Firefox Meeting will be held on July 22, 1996 at 9:00 a.m.,
local time, at Firefox's principal executive offices, 2953 Bunker Hill Lane,
Suite 400, Santa Clara, California 95054.
 
PURPOSES OF THE MEETINGS
 
  FTP Meeting. At the FTP Meeting, stockholders of record of FTP as of the
close of business on the FTP Record Date (as defined below) will be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of the shares of FTP
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger.
 
  Firefox Meeting. At the Firefox Meeting, stockholders of record of Firefox as
of the close of business on the Firefox Record Date (as defined below) will be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement and the Merger.
 
RECORD DATES, SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE
 
  FTP. The 315 holders of record of FTP Common Stock at the close of business
on June 13, 1996 (the "FTP Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote
at the FTP Meeting. At the close of business on the FTP Record Date, there were
outstanding 26,966,604 shares of FTP Common Stock, each of which will be
entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon at the FTP Meeting. See
"The FTP Meeting--Record Date and Outstanding Shares."
 
  Firefox. The 55 holders of record of Firefox Common Stock at the close of
business on June 14, 1996 (the "Firefox Record Date") are entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Firefox Meeting. At the close of business on the Firefox
Record Date, there were outstanding 6,735,484 shares of Firefox Common Stock,
each of which will be entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon at
the Firefox Meeting. See "The Firefox Meeting--Record Date and Outstanding
Shares."
 
VOTES REQUIRED
 
  FTP. Because the Merger may involve the issuance of shares of FTP Common
Stock in an amount in excess of 20% of the aggregate number of shares of FTP
Common Stock currently outstanding, the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") requires that FTP obtain the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of FTP Common Stock entitled to
vote and present, in person or by proxy, at the FTP Meeting to approve the
issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger.
Because a subsidiary of FTP, and not FTP itself, is a party to the Merger, the
approval of stockholders of FTP is not required to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement or the Merger. As of the FTP Record Date, all executive officers and
directors of FTP and their affiliates as a group beneficially owned 552,337
shares of FTP Common Stock (approximately 2.0% of the shares of FTP Common
Stock then outstanding). Each of the directors and executive officers of FTP
has advised FTP that he or she intends to vote or direct the vote of all shares
of FTP Common Stock over which he or she has voting control, subject to and
consistent with any fiduciary obligations in the case of shares held as a
fiduciary, for approval of the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to the Merger. See "The FTP Meeting--Voting of Proxies" and "--
Vote Required."
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
  Firefox. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement and the Merger require the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Firefox Common Stock entitled to
vote. As of the Firefox Record Date, all executive officers and directors of
Firefox and their affiliates as a group beneficially owned 3,656,792 shares of
Firefox Common Stock (approximately 54.3% of the shares of Firefox Common Stock
then outstanding), which represents a sufficient number of Firefox shares to
approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger without additional stockholder
votes. Each of the executive officers and directors of Firefox has advised
Firefox that he or she intends to vote or direct the vote of all shares of
Firefox Common Stock over which he or she has voting control, subject to and
consistent with any fiduciary obligations in the case of shares held as a
fiduciary, for approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. See "The
Firefox Meeting--Voting of Proxies" and "--Vote Required."
 
  The vote of the FTP stockholders and the vote of the Firefox stockholders
required at their respective meetings and described above are sometimes
referred to herein as the "Required Votes."
 
  Stockholder Agreements. FTP and each of John A. Kimberley, Firefox's
President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter R. Simkin, Firefox's Vice
President and Chief Technical Officer, and Richard J. Whitehead, Firefox's Vice
President and Chief Scientist, have entered into a Stockholder Agreement under
which each such person has agreed to vote his shares of Firefox Common Stock
(and has delivered an irrevocable proxy to Sub to vote such shares): (i) in
favor of approval of the Merger and adoption of the Merger Agreement; and (ii)
against approval of any other merger, any sale of a material amount of assets,
any change in the Board of Directors of Firefox or any other action that
requires the approval of Firefox stockholders and which is intended, or could
reasonably be expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or
materially adversely affect the consummation of the Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Each such proxy will remain in effect
until the earlier to occur of (i) the Effective Time, and (ii) such date and
time as the Merger Agreement is terminated. In each Stockholder Agreement, each
such person has also agreed (i) not to offer or dispose of his shares until the
Merger becomes effective or the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance
with its terms and (ii) not to dispose of more than 500,000 of his shares
during any six-month period following the date of the Merger Agreement. As of
the Firefox Record Date, there were outstanding 6,735,484 shares of Firefox
Common Stock. As of such date, Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead
beneficially owned 1,474,298, 465,000 and 1,338,000 shares of Firefox Common
Stock, respectively, representing approximately 21.9%, 6.9% and 19.9%,
respectively, of the shares of Firefox Common Stock then outstanding. See "The
Firefox Meeting--Vote Required."
 
QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES
 
  FTP. The required quorum for the transaction of business at the FTP Meeting
will be a majority of the shares of FTP Common Stock issued and outstanding at
the close of business on the FTP Record Date. Abstentions and broker non-votes
will be included in determining the presence of a quorum. Neither abstentions
nor broker non-votes will have any effect on the vote on the proposal to
approve the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to
the Merger. See "The FTP Meeting--Quorum; Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes."
 
  Firefox. The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Firefox
Meeting will be a majority of the shares of Firefox Common Stock issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote on the Firefox Record Date. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will be included in determining the presence of a quorum and
will have the same effect as votes against the proposal to approve the Merger
Agreement and the Merger. See "The Firefox Meeting--Quorum; Abstentions and
Broker Non-Votes."
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF FTP'S AND FIREFOX'S BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
 
  FTP's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of FTP has unanimously
approved the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger and has unanimously determined that such
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
issuance is in the best interests of FTP and its stockholders. The FTP Board of
Directors unanimously recommends that the FTP stockholders approve the issuance
of such shares. The primary factors considered and relied upon by the FTP Board
of Directors in reaching its recommendation are described in "The Merger and
Related Transactions--Reasons for the Merger."
 
  Firefox's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Firefox has
unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger and has unanimously
determined that the Merger is fair to and in the best interests of Firefox and
its stockholders. The Firefox Board of Directors unanimously recommends
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by the Firefox
stockholders. The primary factors considered and relied upon by the Firefox
Board of Directors in reaching its recommendation are referred to in "The
Merger and Related Transactions--Reasons for the Merger."
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
  The Boards of Directors of each of FTP and Firefox considered a number of
factors in making their respective determinations and recommendations with
respect to the Merger, including the following:
 
  . The combined company's potential to provide on a global basis a more
    complete suite of solutions addressing TCP/IP-based applications and
    networks for client-based, departmental and LAN-based users.
 
  . The combined company's potential to leverage FTP's and Firefox's
    complementary distribution channels and customer bases.
 
  . The combined company's potential to leverage the respective companies'
    research and development capabilities and spending on new product
    development through the integration of the two companies' competency
    centers, providing the potential for the combined company to provide a
    full range of products, from client-based to server-based software.
 
  . The combined company's potential to provide enhanced solutions for
    existing and new customers by combining FTP's client-based Internet
    Protocol ("IP") application suites and Firefox's server-based TCP/IP
    products for the Novell NetWare market.
 
  Both Boards of Directors also considered the strategic alternatives for each
of the companies in the absence of the Merger and how each company pursuing
such alternatives separately would likely affect the other company.
 
  The Board of Directors of FTP believes that the following are additional
reasons for stockholders of FTP to vote for approval of the issuance of the
shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger.
 
  . The Merger is expected to allow FTP to enhance its offerings of
    networking products to address the needs of departments and work groups,
    with particular emphasis initially on the Novell NetWare market and later
    on the Microsoft NT market, and to allow FTP's client applications to
    take advantage of Firefox's server-based access control and firewall
    technology.
 
  . The Merger is expected to enable FTP to take advantage of Firefox's sales
    and support presence in the European marketplace, enhancing FTP's ability
    to meet the growing global demands for IP systems and solutions.
 
  . The Merger is expected to enable FTP to enhance the design, performance,
    functionality and cost of applications by optimizing the use of server-
    and client-based solutions.
 
  . The Merger is expected to enable FTP to address customers' desires to
    connect their local networks to Internet and intranet resources in a
    secure and centrally managed way.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
 
  The Board of Directors of Firefox believes that the following are additional
reasons for the stockholders of Firefox to vote for approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
  . The Merger is expected to create the potential to expand the market
    presence of Firefox products in the United States and globally through
    FTP's significant market presence.
 
  . By combining with FTP, Firefox expects to be able to concentrate its
    development efforts on server technology and management and
    administration tools and leverage those efforts through FTP's development
    resources, customer base, sales and distribution channels, and support
    services.
 
  . The Merger is expected to enhance Firefox's ability to develop and
    acquire technologies by making available the business and financial
    resources of a larger combined business enterprise.
 
  . The Merger is expected to generate potential economies of scale in
    product manufacturing and enhance and facilitate customer order
    fulfillment.
 
  . The Merger is expected to increase the potential for enhanced liquidity
    for Firefox stockholders through their ownership of FTP Common Stock, due
    to FTP's greater market capitalization and trading volume.
 
  . The Merger is expected to allow Firefox to realize savings in selling,
    general and administrative expenses by enabling it to utilize FTP's
    infrastructure.
 
  . The Merger is expected to enable Firefox to reduce its dependence on
    third party vendors.
 
  The Boards of Directors of FTP and Firefox also considered a number of
additional factors in determining to approve the Merger. See "The Merger and
Related Transactions--Reasons for the Merger."
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
EFFECTS OF THE MERGER
 
  The Merger will be consummated promptly after obtaining the Required Votes
and following the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to
consummation of the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement. See "The Merger
and Related Transactions--Conditions to the Merger." Upon consummation of the
Merger, Firefox will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP, the stockholders
of Firefox will become stockholders of FTP (as described below), and their
rights will be governed by FTP's Restated Articles of Organization, as amended
(the "FTP Articles"), and FTP's Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "FTP Bylaws").
See "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders of FTP and Firefox."
 
CONVERSION OF SHARES
 
  At the Effective Time, each share of Firefox Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Outstanding Firefox
Shares") excluding Dissenting Shares, shall be converted into the right to
receive (i) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock which equals the amount
obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding
Firefox Shares by (y) the Average Price of the FTP Common Stock (the "Exchange
Ratio"), subject to the provisions in the Merger Agreement relating to
fractional shares; and (ii) cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided by the
number of Outstanding Firefox Shares (the "Cash Payment"), subject to
adjustment as described below. Cash (without interest) will be paid in lieu of
issuing fractional shares.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then the
Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price of
one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price shall
be deemed to be $8.00. If the Average Price is less than $8.00 or greater than
$12.00 per share, the number of shares of FTP Common Stock to be exchanged for
shares of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will be 6,250,000 or
4,166,666, respectively.
 
  If the mean of the high and low sales prices of one share of FTP Common Stock
as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on the day of the Effective Time (or if
the Effective Time is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately
preceding the Effective Time) (the "Effective Time Closing Price") is less than
$7.00 per
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
share, each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be entitled to receive that number
of additional shares of FTP Common Stock equal to (i) the amount obtained by
dividing (A) the difference between $7.00 and the Effective Time Closing Price
by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii) (A) $10,000,000 divided by (B) the number of
Outstanding Firefox Shares, divided by (iii) the Effective Time Closing Price
(such number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock being referred to as the
"Share Adjustment Factor"), and the Cash Payment applicable to each Outstanding
Firefox Share shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of (i) the
Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by (ii) the Effective Time Closing Price.
The purpose of the adjustment to the aggregate amount of shares and the Cash
Payment to be received described in the preceding sentence is to preserve the
status of the Merger as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal
income tax purposes in the event that the Effective Time Closing Price of the
FTP Common Stock falls below $7.00 per share by assuring that at least 80% of
the value of the consideration to be issued in the Merger will be in the form
of FTP Common Stock. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--General--
Conversion of Shares."
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning the consideration that
each holder of a share of Firefox Common Stock will be entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger based on the capitalization of each of Firefox and FTP
at the Firefox Record Date and the FTP Record Date, respectively, at assumed
Average Prices of $12.00, $10.00 and $8.00, and, for illustrative purposes
only, includes an example of the possible effect on such consideration if the
Effective Time Closing Price were to be less than $7.00 by using an assumed
Effective Time Closing Price of $6.00. The table also shows the total
consideration to be paid to Firefox stockholders pursuant to the Merger at such
assumed Average Prices and the percent of the total shares of FTP Common Stock
outstanding after the Merger to be held by Firefox stockholders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 PER SHARE MERGER CONSIDERATION           TOTAL MERGER CONSIDERATION
                 -------------------------------------- -------------------------------
                                                                                         PERCENT OF FTP COMMON
                                                                                        STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER
    ASSUMED       NUMBER OF SHARES OF                   NUMBER OF SHARES OF               THE MERGER HELD BY
 AVERAGE PRICE     FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH            FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH      FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS
 -------------    -------------------  ---------------- ------------------- ----------- -----------------------
 <S>             <C>                   <C>              <C>                 <C>         <C>
     $12.00                      .6186          $1.4847      4,166,666      $10,000,000          13.38%
     $10.00                      .7423          $1.4847      5,000,000      $10,000,000          15.64%
      $8.00                      .9279          $1.4847      6,250,000      $10,000,000          18.82%
<CAPTION>
                 PER SHARE MERGER CONSIDERATION           TOTAL MERGER CONSIDERATION
                 -------------------------------------- -------------------------------
                                                                                         PERCENT OF FTP COMMON
    ASSUMED                                                                             STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER
 EFFECTIVE TIME   NUMBER OF SHARES OF                   NUMBER OF SHARES OF               THE MERGER HELD BY
 CLOSING PRICE     FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH            FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH      FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS
 --------------   -------------------  ---------------- ------------------- ----------- -----------------------
 <S>             <C>                   <C>              <C>                 <C>         <C>
      $6.00                      .9633          $1.2726      6,488,095       $8,571,429          19.39%
</TABLE>
 
  Firefox stockholders may call 800-322-2885 at any time prior to the date of
the Firefox Meeting for current information concerning the Average Price,
Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment.
 
CONVERSION OF OPTIONS
 
  At the Effective Time, each then outstanding option to purchase Firefox
Common Stock granted under the Firefox 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Firefox
1995 Outside Director Stock Option Plan (each, a "Firefox Stock Option"),
whether vested or unvested, will be deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to
constitute an option to acquire the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
(rounded down to the nearest whole number) equal to the aggregate of (i) that
number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the
holder of such Firefox Stock Option would have been entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in full
immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not
such option was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that number of additional shares
of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the aggregate Cash Payment that
the holder of such Firefox Stock Option would have been entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in full
immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not
such option was in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average Price. The exercise
price for each such Firefox Stock Option shall be the price per share equal to
(x) the aggregate exercise price for the shares of Firefox Common Stock
otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Stock Option divided by (y) the
number of shares of FTP Common Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such
Firefox Stock Option. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--General--
Conversion of Options."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
  As of the Firefox Record Date, 70,950 shares of Firefox Common Stock were
subject to outstanding Firefox Stock Options. Assuming Average Prices of
$12.00, $10.00 and $8.00, respectively, such options would be converted into
options to purchase approximately 52,669, 63,203 and 79,003 shares,
respectively, of FTP Common Stock.
 
  At the Effective Time, each then outstanding option to purchase Firefox
Common Stock granted under the Firefox 1994 Option Scheme (a "Firefox Scheme
Option") may be assumed by FTP and converted into an option to purchase a
number of shares of FTP Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole number)
equal to the aggregate of (a) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based
on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such Firefox Scheme Option would have
been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account
whether or not such option was in fact exercisable) plus (b) that number of
additional shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (i) the aggregate
Cash Payment that the holder of such Firefox Scheme Option would have been
entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account
whether or not such option was in fact exercisable) by (ii) the Average Price.
The exercise price for such Firefox Scheme Options shall be a price per share
equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for the shares of Firefox Common
Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Scheme Option divided by
(y) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to
such Firefox Scheme Option. Such assumption and conversion is conditioned upon
the written agreement of each holder of a Firefox Scheme Option. Absent such
written agreement, Firefox Scheme Options will, in accordance with the terms of
the Firefox 1994 Option Scheme, become exercisable in full for a six-month
period beginning at the Effective Time for the same number of shares of FTP
Common Stock as calculated pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph at
the same exercise price as calculated pursuant to the second sentence of this
paragraph. At the end of such six-month period, any Firefox Scheme Options
which have not been assumed and converted or exercised will terminate. See "The
Merger and Related Transactions--General--Conversion of Options."
 
  As of the Firefox Record Date, 243,296 shares of Firefox Common Stock were
subject to Firefox Scheme Options. Assuming Average Prices of $12.00, $10.00
and $8.00, respectively, and the consent of the holders to the assumption of
such options as described above such options would be converted into options to
purchase approximately 180,608, 216,729 and 270,911 shares, respectively, of
FTP Common Stock.
 
EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
 
  As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, FTP will instruct State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Exchange Agent") to mail to each holder of
record of a certificate of Firefox Common Stock (each, a "Firefox Stock
Certificate"), a letter of transmittal and transmittal instructions for
exchanging such holder's Firefox Stock Certificates for certificates evidencing
the shares of FTP Common Stock into which the shares of Firefox Common Stock
formerly represented by such certificates have been converted pursuant to the
Merger and the aggregate Cash Payment applicable to such shares. FIREFOX
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT THEIR FIREFOX STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR EXCHANGE
UNLESS AND UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED THE TRANSMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS AND A FORM OF
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions--Exchange of Stock Certificates."
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
  In considering the recommendation of the Firefox Board of Directors with
respect to the Merger, stockholders of Firefox should be aware that certain
members of Firefox's management and Board of Directors have certain interests
in the Merger that are in addition to the interests of the stockholders of
Firefox generally. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
 
  FTP. On May 20, 1996, Montgomery Securities ("Montgomery") delivered its
written opinion to the Board of Directors of FTP that the consideration to be
paid by FTP pursuant to the Merger was fair to FTP, from a financial point of
view, as of that date. The full text of Montgomery's opinion, which sets forth
the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review
undertaken by Montgomery, is attached as Appendix B to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. FTP stockholders are urged to read this opinion in its
entirety. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--Opinion of Financial
Advisor to FTP."
 
  Firefox. On May 21, 1996, Cowen & Company ("Cowen") delivered to the Firefox
Board of Directors its oral and written opinion that, as of that date, the
consideration to be received by the holders of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to
the Merger is fair to such holders from a financial point of view. The full
text of Cowen's opinion, which sets forth the assumptions made (including
assumptions made with respect to the FTP litigation and the Firefox litigation
described below under "Recent Developments"), matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken by Cowen, is attached as Appendix C to
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Firefox stockholders are urged to read
this opinion in its entirety. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--Opinion
of Financial Advisor to Firefox."
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS
 
  Under the Merger Agreement, each of FTP and Firefox have made a number of
representations regarding its respective capital structure, operations,
intellectual property, material agreements, financial condition and other
matters, including its authority to enter into the Merger Agreement and to
consummate the Merger. Each party has covenanted that, until the earlier of the
consummation of the Merger or the termination of the Merger Agreement, it will
conduct its business in the ordinary course, not amend or change its charter or
bylaws, not declare or pay any dividends in respect of its capital stock and
not take or agree to take any action to make any of its representations in the
Merger Agreement untrue or incorrect. Firefox has also entered into several
other covenants described under "The Merger and Related Transactions--Conduct
of FTP's and Firefox's Businesses Prior to the Merger." Further, each party has
agreed to provide the other party with access to such information and personnel
as reasonably requested, to obtain all necessary consents and approvals, to
enter into Affiliate Agreements and to notify the other party of the occurrence
of certain events. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--Representations"
and "--Conduct of FTP's and Firefox's Businesses Prior to the Merger."
 
  Firefox also has agreed (subject to certain exceptions discussed below) not,
directly or indirectly, to (i) solicit, initiate or encourage the initiation of
any Acquisition Proposals (as defined in the Merger Agreement) that compete
with the Merger, (ii) engage in negotiations concerning, or provide any non-
public information to any person relating to, any Acquisition Proposal or (iii)
agree to, approve or recommend any Acquisition Proposal. The Firefox Board of
Directors is not prevented from considering, discussing, negotiating, agreeing
to, approving and recommending to the Firefox stockholders a bona fide
Acquisition Proposal not solicited in violation of the Merger Agreement, as
long as the Board of Directors determines in good faith (upon advice of outside
counsel) that it is required to do so in order to discharge properly its
fiduciary duties. Firefox also is not prevented from furnishing material, non-
public information regarding Firefox to any third party making a bona fide
Acquisition Proposal, provided that the Firefox Board of Directors has
determined, with the advice of Firefox's outside counsel, that the Board of
Directors must cause Firefox to do so in order to discharge properly the
Board's fiduciary duties and provided that the third party has executed a
confidentiality agreement substantially similar to the one in effect between
FTP and Firefox. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--Conduct of FTP's and
Firefox's Businesses Prior to the Merger."
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
  In addition to the requirement that the Required Votes be obtained,
consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of other conditions that, if
not satisfied or waived, may result in the termination of the Merger
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Agreement and the Merger. Each party's obligation to consummate the Merger is
conditioned on, among other things, the accuracy of the other party's
representations, the other party's performance of its covenants, the aggregate
number of Dissenting Shares and fractional shares not being an amount that
would result in the Merger not constituting a reorganization for United States
federal income tax purposes and favorable legal opinions (including an opinion
from the respective parties' counsel to the effect that the Merger will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization). See "The
Merger and Related Transactions--Conditions to the Merger."
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
 
  The Merger will be consummated promptly after obtaining the Required Votes
and following the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to
consummation of the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement. The parties
anticipate that all of the conditions to the Merger will have been satisfied or
waived soon after the Required Votes are obtained and that the Merger will be
consummated on or about July 22, 1996. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions--Effective Time of the Merger."
 
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT; BREAK-UP FEE
 
  The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective
Time by either party under certain circumstances and at any time after August
15, 1996. Events giving rise to termination rights under the Merger Agreement
include any governmental order or action preventing the Merger, failure to
obtain the Required Votes, adverse Board actions or recommendations, or a
Terminating Breach (as defined in the Merger Agreement). If either FTP or
Firefox terminates the Merger Agreement as a result of certain specified events
and subsequent thereto Firefox enters into a definitive agreement with a third
party for the acquisition of Firefox by such third party, Firefox will be
obligated to pay FTP a fee of $2.4 million. Such provision could discourage a
third party from pursuing an acquisition of Firefox because the cost of such
acquisition, if successful, would be increased by the amount of such fee. See
"The Merger and Related Transactions--Termination and Amendment" and "--Break-
Up Fee."
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division,
naming Firefox and certain of its officers and directors as defendants. On June
5, 1996, the District Court entered an order dismissing the complaint in its
entirety with leave to amend. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants
misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts about Firefox's operations
and financial results, which the plaintiffs contend resulted in an artificial
inflation of the price of the Firefox Common Stock. The suit was purportedly
brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Firefox Common Stock during
the period from August 3, 1995 to January 2, 1996. The complaint alleged claims
for violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5
thereunder and sought relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages,
pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' and expert witness fees and such
extraordinary, equitable and/or injunctive relief as permitted by law, equity
and the federal statutory provisions under which the suit was brought.
Specifically, the complaint alleged that each of the defendants knew or had
access to allegedly material adverse non-public information about Firefox's
financial results and business conditions which allegedly was not disclosed,
improperly recognized certain revenues and failed to keep adequate reserves and
participated in drafting, reviewing and/or approving alleged misleading
statements, releases, analyst reports and other public representations,
including disclaimers and warnings, of and about Firefox. Firefox has reviewed
the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to be without merit, and intends
to defend itself and its officers and directors vigorously if the complaint is
amended. In order to support an adequate defense, Firefox may be required to
expend substantial sums for legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of
defending the litigation and the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and
cannot be estimated. If the lawsuit were determined adversely to Firefox,
Firefox could be required to pay a substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--
Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against Firefox" and, for further
information concerning the reasons for the court's dismissal of the complaint,
see "Recent Developments."
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
 
  On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts, naming FTP, certain of its
officers and two former officers as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the
defendants publicly issued false and misleading statements and omitted to
disclose material facts necessary to make statements not false and misleading,
which the plaintiffs contend caused an artificial inflation in the price of the
FTP Common Stock. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants
knowingly concealed adverse facts and made false or misleading forward and non-
forward looking statements concerning the operating results and financial
condition of FTP, the effects of its July 1995 corporate restructuring and
changing competitive factors in FTP's industry. The lawsuit, which is
purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the FTP Common Stock
during the period from July 14, 1995 to January 3, 1996, alleges violations of
Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
and seeks relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages, cost and
expenses and such other and further relief as the Court deems proper and just.
FTP has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to be without
merit, and intends to defend itself and its officers vigorously. In order to
support an adequate defense, FTP may be required to expend substantial sums for
legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of defending the litigation and the
outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the lawsuit
were determined adversely to FTP, FTP could be required to pay a substantial
judgment. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation
Against FTP" and "Recent Developments."
 
REGULATORY MATTERS
 
  Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended
(the "HSR Act"), and the rules promulgated thereunder by the United States
Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"), the Merger may not be consummated until
notifications have been given and certain information has been furnished to the
FTC and the Antitrust Division of the United States Justice Department (the
"Antitrust Division") and specified waiting period requirements have been
satisfied. The required notifications and information were provided on April 5,
1996 and the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act have expired. See
"The Merger and Related Transactions--Regulatory Matters."
 
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The Merger is expected to be a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, so that no gain or loss will be recognized by the Firefox
stockholders on the exchange of Firefox Common Stock for FTP Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger, except to the extent that Firefox stockholders receive
cash in the exchange (i.e., as the Cash Payment, as payment in respect of
Dissenting Shares or in lieu of fractional shares). A condition to the Merger
is that each of FTP and Firefox receive an opinion from its legal counsel at
the closing of the Merger to the effect that the Merger qualifies for federal
income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization. The parties have received
such opinions from their respective counsel, based upon the assumption that
certain events will occur at or after the Effective Time, but receipt of such
opinions at the Effective Time remains a condition to consummation of the
Merger. The Merger Agreement does not require the parties to obtain a ruling
from the Internal Revenue Service as to the tax consequences of the Merger. An
opinion of counsel only represents counsel's best legal judgment, and has no
binding effect or official status of any kind, and no assurance can be given
that contrary positions may not be taken by the Internal Revenue Service or a
court considering the issues. Firefox stockholders are urged to consult their
own tax advisors regarding the specific tax consequences of the Merger to them,
including the applicability and effect of state, local and other laws. See "The
Merger and Related Transactions--Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Matters."
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The parties intend to account for the Merger as a purchase, as more fully
described under "The Merger and Related Transactions--Accounting Treatment."
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
  Stockholders of Firefox who comply with the requirements of Section 262 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law will be entitled to appraisal rights in
connection with the Merger. A copy of the text of Section 262 is attached to
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix D. Stockholders of FTP who
vote against the issuance of shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger will not be entitled to rights of appraisal under the
Massachusetts Business Corporation Law. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions--Dissenters' Rights."
 
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF FTP AND FIREFOX
 
  Until the Merger, the rights of stockholders of Firefox will continue to be
governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law and Firefox's Restated and
Amended Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. If the Merger is consummated,
holders of Firefox Common Stock will become holders of FTP Common Stock. Upon
consummation of the Merger, the rights of former Firefox stockholders will be
governed by the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, the FTP Articles and
the FTP Bylaws. See "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders of FTP and Firefox."
 
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE DATA
 
  FTP. The FTP Common Stock commenced trading on November 23, 1993 on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol FTPS. Quarterly high and low sales
prices for the FTP Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market are
shown below for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  HIGH     LOW
                                                                 ------- -------
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   1994:
     First Quarter.............................................. $31.25  $24.00
     Second Quarter.............................................  27.75   12.50
     Third Quarter..............................................  24.00   11.50
     Fourth Quarter.............................................  33.50   21.50
   1995:
     First Quarter.............................................. $35.50  $25.125
     Second Quarter.............................................  32.375  20.25
     Third Quarter..............................................  32.50   20.50
     Fourth Quarter.............................................  40.625  21.75
   1996:
     First Quarter.............................................. $29.00  $10.375
     Second Quarter (through June 25, 1996).....................  13.625   8.25
</TABLE>
 
  Firefox. The Firefox Common Stock commenced trading on May 11, 1995 on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol FFOX. Quarterly high and low sales
prices for the Firefox Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market
are shown below for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  HIGH     LOW
                                                                 ------- -------
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   1995:
     Second Quarter (commencing May 11, 1995)................... $29.25  $21.50
     Third Quarter..............................................  27.375  15.875
     Fourth Quarter.............................................  26.00   16.75
   1996:
     First Quarter.............................................. $22.63  $ 8.75
     Second Quarter (through June 25, 1996).....................  11.25    7.375
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
 
  On January 16, 1996, the last business day immediately preceding the public
announcement of the Merger, and on May 21, 1996, the last business day
immediately preceding the public announcement of the most recent amendment to
the Merger Agreement, the closing sales prices for the FTP Common Stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market were $11.75 and $13.625 per share,
respectively, and the closing sales prices for the Firefox Common Stock as
reported by the Nasdaq National Market were $9.25 and $11.25 per share,
respectively. The following table sets forth the closing prices per share of
the FTP Common Stock and the Firefox Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market on May 21, 1996 and June 13, 1996 and the equivalent per share
value of the Firefox Common Stock on such dates. The equivalent per share value
for the Firefox Common Stock has been computed by multiplying the FTP Common
Stock per share price by the Exchange Ratio that would be applicable if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock were equal to the FTP Common
Stock price on the relevant date and adding the applicable Cash Payment of
$1.4847 per share. See "--Conversion of Shares" above.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FTP        FIREFOX      EQUIVALENT
                                       COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK PER SHARE VALUE
                                       ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
May 21, 1996..........................   $13.625       $11.25         $9.91
June 13, 1996.........................   $10.125       $ 8.00         $8.90
</TABLE>
 
  As of the FTP Record Date, there were 315 record holders of the FTP Common
Stock, as shown on the records of FTP's transfer agent. As of the Firefox
Record Date, there were 55 record holders of the Firefox Common Stock, as shown
on the records of Firefox's transfer agent.
 
  FTP has not since 1992, and Firefox has never, paid or declared any cash
dividends on its stock, and each anticipates that for the foreseeable future it
will continue to retain any earnings for use in the operation of its respective
business.
 
  BECAUSE THE MARKET PRICE OF THE FTP COMMON STOCK THAT HOLDERS OF FIREFOX
COMMON STOCK WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE PRIOR TO THE
MERGER, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS.
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following selected summary historical financial data of each of FTP and
Firefox have been derived from their respective historical consolidated
financial statements. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income
combine FTP's results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
the three months ended March 31, 1996 with Firefox's results of operations for
the same periods, giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January
1, 1995. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet combines FTP's
balance sheet with Firefox's balance sheet as of March 31, 1996, giving effect
to the Merger as if it had occurred on March 31, 1996. The following unaudited
pro forma and equivalent pro forma per share data of FTP and Firefox are
presented after giving effect to the Merger on a purchase accounting basis at
assumed Exchange Ratios of .6186, .7423 and .9279. The summary unaudited pro
forma consolidated financial data is presented for illustrative purposes only
and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial
position of either FTP or Firefox that would have occurred had the Merger been
consummated on the indicated dates, nor is it necessarily indicative of future
operating results or financial position. The following financial data should be
read in conjunction with "The Merger and Related Transactions--General--
Conversion of Shares," "Selected Historical Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro
Forma Consolidated Financial Statements," "FTP Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Firefox
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements of FTP and
Firefox, including the notes related thereto, included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
 
                     FTP SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS
                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          ENDED MARCH 31,
                          ---------------------------------------- ---------------
                           1991    1992    1993    1994     1995    1995    1996
                          ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME
 DATA:
Total revenue...........  $21,419 $33,132 $58,726 $93,245 $136,376 $31,314 $29,004
Income (loss) from
 operations.............    8,698  13,103  26,250  33,609   32,946  11,516 (14,429)
Income (loss) before
 income taxes...........    8,997  13,412  26,935  36,741   39,102  12,559 (13,400)
Net income (loss)(1)....    5,398   8,047  16,324  22,975   24,634   7,850  (8,442)
Net income (loss) per
 share (fully diluted)..  $   .24 $   .34 $   .60 $   .79 $    .87 $   .27 $  (.31)
Weighted average common
 and common equivalent
 shares outstanding
 (fully diluted)........   22,419  23,429  27,361  29,070   28,263  28,721  26,939
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        DECEMBER 31,
                          ----------------------------------------  MARCH 31,
                           1991    1992    1993     1994    1995      1996
                          ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash
 equivalents............. $ 3,219 $ 4,978 $12,760 $ 10,896 $30,417  $ 31,446
Working capital(2).......   7,247   9,575  69,242   53,482  87,731    69,300
Total assets.............  13,508  18,775  83,711  129,142 189,968   183,091
Total liabilities........   3,439   5,739   7,633   16,458  25,160    26,143
Stockholders' equity.....  10,069  13,036  76,078  112,684 164,808   156,948
Dividends(3).............   6,132   7,365     --       --      --        --
Dividends per share......     .42     .44     --       --      --        --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) From January 1, 1990 through June 30, 1992, FTP operated as an S
    corporation under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
    amended, and comparable provisions of certain state tax laws. The provision
    for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992 reflect pro
    forma federal and state income taxes as if FTP had been subject to federal
    and state income taxation as a C corporation during such periods. Pro forma
    adjustments are not applicable to the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994
    and 1995.
(2) The reduction in working capital from 1993 to 1994 is principally due to
    the classification of a significant amount of FTP's investments as long-
    term.
(3) Dividends in 1991 and 1992 included distributions made to stockholders of
    approximately $5.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, to satisfy
    federal and state income tax obligations of the stockholders attributable
    to FTP's S corporation earnings for the years 1990, 1991 and 1992.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                   FIREFOX SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THREE MONTHS
                                                                  ENDED MARCH
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               31,
                          -------------------------------------- -------------
                           1991    1992   1993    1994    1995    1995   1996
                          ------  ------ ------  ------- ------- ------ ------
<S>                       <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Net revenues............  $  772  $2,442 $5,172  $13,536 $19,768 $4,722 $4,183
Gross margin............     646   2,202  4,380   11,117  16,133  3,868  3,210
Income (loss) from
 operations.............    (328)    307   (241)   1,199     396    511 (1,952)
Net income (loss).......    (286)    126   (209)     616     518    279 (1,042)
Income (loss)
 attributable to common
 stock..................    (286)    126   (225)     419     454    234 (1,042)
Net income (loss) per
 share(1)...............  $ (.06) $  .03 $ (.05) $   .08 $   .07 $  .04 $ (.15)
Shares used in per share
 computation............   4,569   4,569  4,569    5,486   6,398  5,486  6,735
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                 ------------------------------------ MARCH 31,
                                 1991   1992    1993    1994   1995     1996
                                 -----  -----  ------  ------ ------- ---------
<S>                              <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents......  $   1  $  --  $  960  $  191 $ 6,547  $ 6,519
Working capital (deficit)......   (656)  (579)    453     942  22,152   21,233
Total assets...................    646    962   3,542   6,986  29,537   28,056
Capital lease obligations, less
 current portion...............     81     53     150     293     104       62
Redemption obligation for
 preference shares.............    --     --    1,125   1,385     --       --
Total stockholders' equity
 (deficiency)..................   (556)  (349)   (265)    335  23,935   22,850
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) See Note 1 of the notes to the audited historical consolidated financial
    statements of Firefox included elsewhere herein.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                                FTP AND FIREFOX
            SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       THREE
                                                                      MONTHS
                                                         YEAR ENDED    ENDED
                                                        DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
                                                            1995       1996
                                                        ------------ ---------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 DATA(1):
Total revenue..........................................   $155,894   $ 33,187
Income (loss) from operations..........................     31,023    (16,961)
Income (loss) before income taxes......................     36,947    (15,919)
Net income (loss)......................................     22,280    (10,202)
Net income (loss) per common share (primary and fully
 diluted)..............................................   $    .67   $   (.32)
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
 outstanding (primary and fully diluted)...............     33,363     31,939
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARCH 31,
                                                                         1996
                                                                       ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA(1):
Cash and cash equivalents............................................. $ 33,976
Working capital.......................................................   76,331
Total assets..........................................................  200,160
Total liabilities.....................................................   32,135
Stockholders' equity..................................................  168,025
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Notes A through D to the following table and "Unaudited Pro Forma
    Consolidated Financial Statements," including the notes related thereto.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                                FTP AND FIREFOX
         COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
 
             HISTORICAL AND FTP UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        HISTORICAL    PRO FORMA
                                                       -------------- ---------
                                                        FTP   FIREFOX    FTP
                                                       -----  ------- ---------
<S>                                                    <C>    <C>     <C>
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (PRIMARY AND FULLY
 DILUTED):
  Year ended December 31, 1995.......................  $ .87   $ .07    $ .67
  Three months ended March 31, 1996 (unaudited)......   (.31)   (.15)    (.32)
BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE (UNAUDITED):
  March 31, 1996.....................................  $5.82   $3.39    $5.26
</TABLE>
 
             UNAUDITED EQUIVALENT FIREFOX PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C> <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>
                      ASSUMED AVERAGE PRICE:     $6.00  $8.00  $10.00  $12.00
                             EXCHANGE RATIO:     .9633  .9279   .7423   .6186
                                                 -----  -----  ------  ------
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (PRIMARY
 AND FULLY DILUTED):
  Year ended December 31, 1995..............     $ .62  $ .59  $  .50  $  .42
  Three months ended March 31, 1996
   (unaudited)..............................      (.30)  (.30)   (.24)   (.20)
BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE:
  March 31, 1996............................     $4.84  $4.70  $ 3.90  $ 3.34
</TABLE>
- --------
Note A: The net income (loss) per share data presented above do not reflect the
        anticipated charge for in-process technology of approximately $41
        million to be incurred in connection with the Merger or the write-off
        of capitalized costs of approximately $1 million (net of the resulting
        income tax benefit) relating to products made redundant by the Merger.
        See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements." If these
        charges were reflected as if the Merger had been consummated on January
        1, 1995, the pro forma FTP net income per common share presented above
        for the year ended December 31, 1995 would be reduced by $1.29 per
        share, and the equivalent pro forma Firefox net income per share
        presented above for the year ended December 31, 1995 at the assumed
        Average Prices of $6.00, $8.00, $10.00 and $12.00 would be reduced by
        $.82, $.96, $1.15 and $1.20 per share, respectively.
Note B: The unaudited FTP pro forma and equivalent Firefox pro forma net income
        (loss) per share amounts presented above are based upon the historical
        weighted average number of shares of FTP Common Stock and dilutive
        common stock equivalents of FTP outstanding during each period
        presented. In addition, the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued
        pursuant to the Merger (based upon the assumed Exchange Ratios on the
        Firefox Record Date) (see "--Conversion of Shares" above) and the
        options to purchase FTP Common Stock into which options outstanding
        under certain Firefox employee and director stock option plans will be
        deemed to be converted pursuant to the Merger (based upon the assumed
        Exchange Ratios and the number of shares of Firefox Common Stock
        subject to such options as of the Firefox Record Date) (see "--
        Conversion of Options" above) are treated as if they were issued on
        January 1, 1995.
Note C: The unaudited FTP and equivalent Firefox pro forma book value per share
        amounts are based upon the actual number of shares of FTP Common Stock
        outstanding at March 31, 1996 and the number of shares of FTP Common
        Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger based upon the assumed
        Exchange Ratios and the number of shares of Firefox Common Stock
        outstanding on the Firefox Record Date.
Note D: The unaudited FTP pro forma per share amounts are presented assuming an
        Average Price of the FTP Common Stock of $10.00. The equivalent Firefox
        pro forma per share amounts are presented at assumed Average Prices of
        FTP Common Stock of $6.00, $8.00, $10.00 and $12.00 and the resulting
        Exchange Ratios of .9633, .9279, .7423 and .6186, respectively (based
        on the number of shares of Firefox Common Stock outstanding on the
        Firefox Record Date).
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In addition to the other information in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the following factors should be considered carefully in
evaluating the Merger-related proposals to be voted on at the FTP Meeting and
the Firefox Meeting and the acquisition of the securities offered hereby. For
periods following the Merger, references to the products, business, financial
results or financial condition of FTP or the combined company should be
considered to refer to FTP and its subsidiaries, including Firefox, unless the
context otherwise requires. Forward-looking statements made in this section
and elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus are made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and
actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-
looking statements contained herein for a variety of reasons. These reasons
include, but are not limited to, competition, technological change, increased
demands on management as a result of planned expansion, risks of integration
of the two companies and other risks outlined in this section.
 
RISKS RELATING TO THE MERGER
 
  Integration of the Two Companies. FTP and Firefox believe that an important
benefit to be realized from the Merger will be the integration of their
respective managements, strategies, operations and product lines. Certain of
the anticipated benefits of the Merger described under "The Merger and Related
Transactions--Reasons for the Merger" may not be achieved unless such
integration is successful and achieved in a timely manner. The successful
combination of companies in the rapidly changing high technology industry
requires coordination of sales and marketing and research and development
efforts and may be more difficult to accomplish than in some other industries.
In the case of the Merger, the difficulties of such integration may initially
be increased by the necessity of coordinating geographically separated
organizations (in suburban Boston, Massachusetts, in Santa Clara, California,
and in Solihull, England) and integrating personnel with disparate business
backgrounds and corporate cultures. The length of the time necessary to
consummate the Merger has caused a loss of momentum in the business of Firefox
and has resulted in a loss of key sales management personnel in the United
States and is likely to result in a loss of additional key personnel,
including sales personnel, which has had and is likely to continue to have a
material adverse impact on Firefox's operating results and financial condition
in the near term. See "Firefox Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The integration of the two
companies will require the dedication of management resources that will
temporarily detract from attention to the daily business of the combined
company. This integration process may cause an interruption of, or a loss of
momentum in, the activities of either or both of the companies' businesses or
loss of key personnel, including sales personnel. The foregoing could have an
adverse effect on the revenue and operating results of the combined company,
at least in the near term. Changes necessitated by the Merger that may be made
to the strategies, operations or management of Firefox and FTP could have a
material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of
operations of the combined company. In addition, FTP recently completed three
other business acquisitions (see "Information Regarding FTP--Overview") which
it is still in the process of integrating, and may acquire other businesses in
the future. These other acquisitions may impose additional difficulties on the
integration of Firefox into FTP.
 
  In determining the terms of the proposed Merger, the managements of FTP and
Firefox evaluated the companies' respective businesses based in part on
expectations concerning the future results of each of the companies and of the
combined company. The evaluations reflected, to a material extent,
expectations that there would be a significant increase in the sales of
Firefox and FTP products from historical levels, as well as an expectation
that the Merger would produce the other beneficial effects described under
"The Merger and Related Transactions--Reasons for the Merger." The
expectations of an increase in Firefox and FTP product sales are based in part
upon the expected introduction of Firefox products into FTP's distribution
channels and FTP products into Firefox's distribution channels and the
expected ability of the combined company to offer customers and potential
customers a comprehensive suite of client-based and server-based solutions,
addressing TCP/IP-based applications and networks. There can be no assurance
that any increased sales of FTP or Firefox products will result from the
Merger or that any of these expectations will be fulfilled, and the failure of
these expectations to be fulfilled could have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition and results of operations of the combined
company.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  Resellers and Customers. There can be no assurance that resellers and other
customers of Firefox and FTP will continue their current buying patterns
without regard to the announced Merger. Any significant delay or reduction in
orders for Firefox's or FTP's products could have a material adverse effect on
the combined company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. In particular, FTP and Firefox believe that certain customers may
defer purchasing decisions while evaluating the combined company's future
product strategy and competitive position in the industry. Any such deferrals
could have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business,
financial condition and results of operations at least in the near term. These
effects may occur with respect to each company during the period prior to the
consummation of the Merger or following the Merger.
 
  Transaction Charges. The combined company expects to incur a charge for
acquired in-process technology currently estimated to be approximately $41
million in connection with the combination of the two companies. Other Merger-
related expenses expected to be incurred include investment advisory fees,
legal and accounting expenses and other transaction costs (estimated to total
approximately $4 million). See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Statements." The amounts set forth above are preliminary estimates only, and
are therefore subject to change. There can be no assurance that the combined
company will not incur additional charges to reflect costs associated with the
Merger or that the anticipated benefits of the Merger will outweigh such
costs.
 
RISKS RELATING TO FTP AND FIREFOX
 
  The risk factors in this subsection apply to each of FTP and Firefox
individually, where appropriate, and also are expected to apply to the
combined company following the consummation of the Merger.
 
  Dependence on TCP/IP Protocol. All of FTP's networking products and
Firefox's NOV*IX product are designed to utilize the TCP/IP data
communications protocol suite. Continued widespread commercial use and
development of TCP/IP is critical to FTP's and Firefox's success. While TCP/IP
is currently the leading internetworking data communications protocol
standard, other organizations, including the International Standards
Organization, have developed or are developing other open protocol standards
that compete with TCP/IP. In addition, certain competitors, such as
International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and Novell, Inc.
("Novell"), have developed proprietary protocols that compete with TCP/IP. If
any of these alternative protocols becomes widely accepted in the
internetworking marketplace, there may be a reduction in the acceptance of
TCP/IP, which would have a material adverse effect on FTP's and Firefox's, as
well as the combined company's, business, financial condition and results of
operations. See "Information Regarding FTP--Products" and "Information
Regarding Firefox--Products."
 
  Rapid Technological Change and Dependence on New Products. The market for
networking software products is subject to rapid changes in technology and
customer preferences. The combined company's growth and future financial
performance will depend upon its ability to develop and introduce new products
and enhancements of existing products that accommodate the latest
technological advances and customer requirements. There can be no assurance
that new products or product enhancements will be developed or marketed
successfully by the combined company on a timely basis or at all, that any new
product or product enhancements will achieve market acceptance, that other
software vendors will not develop and market products which are superior to
FTP's, Firefox's or the combined company's products or that such other
products will not achieve greater market acceptance. In addition, the ability
of each of FTP, Firefox and the combined company to develop and market new
products and product enhancements is dependent upon its ability to attract and
retain qualified employees. Any failure by FTP, Firefox or the combined
company to anticipate or respond adequately to changes in technology and
customer preferences, to develop and introduce new products or product
enhancements in a timely fashion, or to retain qualified employees, could have
a material adverse affect on its business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
  Because certain of Firefox's and FTP's products incorporate software and
other technologies developed and maintained by third parties, both Firefox and
FTP are to a certain extent dependent upon such third parties'
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
abilities to enhance their current products, to develop new products on a
timely and cost-effective basis that will meet changing customer needs, and to
respond to emerging industry standards and other technological changes. There
can be no assurance that the combined company would be able to replace the
functionality provided by the third party technologies currently offered in
conjunction with Firefox's and FTP's products in the event that such
technologies become unavailable to FTP, Firefox or the combined company or
obsolete or incompatible with future versions of FTP's, Firefox's or the
combined company's products or market standards. The absence of or any
significant delay in the replacement of that functionality could have a
material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial
condition or results of operations.
 
  Networking software products as complex as those offered by FTP and Firefox
may contain undetected errors or failures when first introduced or as new
versions are released. There can be no assurance that, despite testing by FTP
and Firefox and by current and potential customers, errors will not be found
in new products and product enhancements after commencement of commercial
shipments, resulting in loss of or delay in market acceptance. Such loss or
delay could have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Information Regarding
FTP--Products" and "Information Regarding Firefox--Products" and "--Product
Development."
 
  Competition. The networking software industry is highly competitive, and is
characterized by evolving industry standards, frequent introduction of new
products and product enhancements, and continuous improvement in product
reliability, compatibility, memory use and performance. FTP competes with
major computer and communications systems vendors, including IBM, Microsoft
Corporation ("Microsoft"), Novell, and Sun Microsystems, Inc. ("Sun"), as well
as smaller networking software companies, such as NetManage, Inc.
("NetManage"). Some of FTP's competitors have substantially greater financial,
technical, sales, marketing and other resources than FTP, as well as greater
name recognition and a larger customer base. In addition, FTP's core product
lines are based upon TCP/IP, an open non-proprietary protocol suite. Several
of FTP's competitors have developed proprietary networking applications and
certain of such vendors, including Microsoft, provide a TCP/IP protocol suite
in their products. The introduction of such protocol suites is currently
lengthening the sales cycle and has resulted in a decrease in average unit
sales prices for certain of FTP's products and may continue to have this
effect, which could materially adversely affect the combined company's results
of operations. FTP anticipates that other companies may also enter the market
with their own implementations of TCP/IP. Further, FTP is facing new
competition from makers of terminal emulation software, such as Attachmate
Corporation ("Attachmate") and Wall Data, Inc. ("Wall Data"). In addition,
existing competitors could devote additional resources to the development of
TCP/IP or expand their existing TCP/IP product lines. Increased competition
from existing or new products could adversely affect demand for FTP's products
and has led, and could continue to lead, to increased price competition,
longer payment terms and other concessions, adversely affecting FTP's gross
margins and operating results. See "Information Regarding FTP--Competition"
and "FTP Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
  The market for Internet-based software and services is new, intensely
competitive, rapidly evolving and subject to rapid technological change. FTP
expects competition in this market to persist, intensify and increase in the
future. Some of FTP's and Firefox's current and potential competitors have
longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger installed
customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing
resources than will the combined company. Such competition could materially
adversely affect the combined company's business, operating results or
financial condition. The combined company's current and potential competitors
include Microsoft, browser software vendors including Netscape Communications
Corporation ("Netscape"), Web server software and service vendors, PC and Unix
software vendors and other vendors, including Apple Computer, Inc., Sun,
Hewlett-Packard Co. ("Hewlett-Packard"), IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation
("Digital"), The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc. and Silicon Graphics, Inc. Certain
operating system companies, such as Microsoft, have incorporated Web client
functionality into their software products and offer this functionality at
little or no additional cost to customers. If client products incorporated
into operating systems by such operating system vendors gain market
acceptance, these organizations may be better positioned than FTP and Firefox
to sell Web server and applications software products. In addition, software
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
companies which have server products in other product categories may choose in
the future to enhance the functionality of existing products or develop new
competitive products. Further, FTP's and Firefox's current products are
designed around certain standards, and industry acceptance of competing
standards could decrease the demand for FTP's and Firefox's products. For
example, Microsoft and IBM are each proposing an alternative security
standard, and widespread adoption of either standard could have a material
adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. There can be no assurance that the combined company
will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or
that competitive pressures faced by the combined company will not materially
adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
  Firefox's products are designed to operate on the Novell operating system.
In the future, providers of major network operating systems ("NOS") and client
operating system products may increasingly seek to incorporate in their
products functionality similar to that provided by Firefox's connectivity
products. To the extent such companies provide such integrated functionality,
the incremental value of Firefox's product offerings could be substantially
reduced. Novell and other providers of network operating systems currently
offer protocol stacks within their network operating systems, and, if they
were to add applications related to those stacks, sales of Firefox's products
could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that market uncertainty
relating to Novell's product plans, the introduction of new products by
Novell, or other actions by Novell, will not render Firefox's products
noncompetitive or obsolete. In addition, in connection with the development
and enhancement of certain of its products, Firefox has in the past received
pre-release access to certain of Novell's products. There can be no assurance
that Novell will continue to make such pre-release access available, and any
such discontinuance could have an adverse effect on Firefox's ability to
provide timely enhancements to its products.
 
  As is the case with FTP, many of Firefox's competitors have substantially
greater financial, technical, sales, marketing and other resources, as well as
greater name recognition and a larger customer base, than Firefox. There can
be no assurance that Firefox will be able to continue to provide products that
compare favorably with the products of Firefox's existing or anticipated
competitors or that competitive pressures will not require Firefox to reduce
its prices. See "--Declining Average Selling Prices" below and "Information
Regarding Firefox--Competition."
 
  Management of Growth. FTP and Firefox have each experienced rapid growth,
both in revenue and in employees, in recent periods. This growth has placed,
and will continue to place, a significant demand on FTP's and Firefox's
respective management and other resources. From January 1, 1995 through April
30, 1996, the number of FTP's and Firefox's employees grew from approximately
474 to approximately 880 and from approximately 87 to approximately 151,
respectively. Included in the number of FTP employees were key members of
management as well as approximately 150 employees hired in connection with
business acquisitions. In early May 1996, in connection with the
reorganization of FTP's operations described under "Information Regarding
FTP--Overview," FTP decided to effect certain cost-cutting measures, including
a reduction of approximately 10% in the number of FTP's full-time employees.
Included in the increase in the number of Firefox employees are a significant
number of sales and marketing personnel added in 1995. The length of time
necessary to consummate the Merger has made, and the impact of the Merger may
make, the addition and retention of Firefox sales personnel more difficult in
the near term. In addition, the combined company's growth will require each to
continue to recruit additional management personnel, expand its direct sales
force, improve its operational and financial systems, expand its customer
support functions and train, motivate and manage its employees. If the
combined company is unable to manage its expected growth effectively or
recruit or retain key technical and sales personnel, its operating results
will be adversely affected. See "FTP Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
  Reliance on Acquisitions. FTP expects that the combined company will
continue FTP's strategy of expanding its products and technology in part
through the acquisition of specific complementary products and of businesses
that have developed products and technologies similar to those of FTP, in
addition to internal development. This strategy is an important component of
the combined company's ability to achieve its goal of providing to its
customers a comprehensive suite of client-based and server-based solutions
addressing TPC/IP-
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
based applications and networks, and FTP and Firefox believe that the future
growth of the combined company depends, in part, upon the success of this
strategy. While FTP is continually searching for acquisition opportunities,
there can be no assurance that it will be successful in identifying, acquiring
and developing products and technology. If any potential acquisition
opportunities are identified, there can be no assurance that the combined
company will consummate such acquisitions or successfully integrate the
technologies or businesses acquired into the combined company. The combined
company may in the future face increased competition for acquisition
opportunities, which may inhibit its ability to consummate suitable
acquisitions and increase the cost of completing acquisitions.
 
  Acquisitions involve a number of special risks and factors, including, among
other things, the diversion of management's attention, the assimilation of the
operations and personnel of the acquired companies, the incorporation of
acquired products into existing product lines, adverse short-term effects on
reported operating results, the amortization of acquired intangible assets,
the loss of key employees of the acquired company or business and the
difficulty of presenting a unified corporate image. No assurance can be given
that any acquisition by the combined company will or will not occur, that if
an acquisition does occur that it will not materially and adversely affect the
combined company or that any such acquisition will be successful in enhancing
its business. In the event that the operations of an acquired company do not
meet expectations, the combined company may be required to restructure the
acquired business or write off the value of some or all of the assets of the
acquired business.
 
  Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results. FTP's and Firefox's operating
results have in the past and the combined company's operating results may in
the future fluctuate from period to period as a result of a variety of
factors, including, among other things: the purchasing patterns of their
customers; the lengthening of sales cycles; the mix of products sold; customer
order deferrals in anticipation of new products or product enhancements;
market acceptance and timing of the introductions of new products and product
enhancements by FTP and Firefox and their competitors; variations in sales by
product and distribution channel; changes in resellers' inventory practices;
the exercise of stock rotation or inventory price protection practices by
distributors; the accuracy of resellers' forecasts of customer demands;
fluctuations in domestic and foreign economic conditions; competitive pricing
pressure; and FTP's sales compensation programs, which are based both on
annual and quarterly sales levels. In addition, substantially all of FTP's and
Firefox's product revenue and profit in each quarter result from orders
received in that quarter, and an increasingly large portion of orders are
received during the last month of such quarter. If revenue does not meet
expectations in any given quarter, operating results may be materially
adversely affected, as occurred with respect to both FTP and Firefox in the
first quarter of 1996. Through 1996, FTP intends to continue to expand the
sales and marketing and product development efforts of the combined company;
therefore, FTP expects that these expenses of the combined company will
increase as a percentage of total revenue. There can be no assurance that FTP
or Firefox will not experience significant fluctuations in operating results
in the future. Quarterly sales and operating results generally depend on the
volume and timing of and ability to fulfill orders received within the
quarter, which are difficult to forecast. The combined company may be unable
to adjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue
shortfall. Accordingly, any significant shortfall of demand for the combined
company's products and services in relation to the combined company's
expectations would have an immediate adverse impact on the combined company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. To the extent that
expenses precede or are not subsequently followed by increased revenue, the
combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations
will be materially adversely affected. Based on the foregoing, FTP and Firefox
believe that period to period comparisons of results of operations are not
necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indicator of future
performance. See "FTP Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Firefox Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
  International Sales. Sales outside the United States accounted for
approximately 44% and 46% of FTP's total revenues in 1994 and 1995,
respectively. Sales in the United Kingdom accounted for approximately 40% and
39% of Firefox's net revenues in 1994 and 1995, respectively. FTP and Firefox
expect that sales outside the
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
United States will continue to account for a substantial portion of revenue
for the foreseeable future. Continued growth in international sales is
expected to be a significant factor in the future success of the combined
company. There can be no assurance that the combined company will be able to
maintain or increase international sales of its products or that its
international distribution channels will be able to service and support its
products adequately.
 
  There are certain general risks inherent in conducting international
business, including exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes
in markets caused by various political, social and economic factors,
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade
barriers, costs and risks of localizing products for foreign countries, longer
payment terms, potentially adverse tax consequences, repatriation of earnings,
the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and the
difficulties of managing international operations. In addition, revenue of the
combined company earned in various countries where the combined company does
business may be subject to taxation by more than one jurisdiction, thereby
adversely affecting the combined company's earnings. There can be no assurance
that such factors will not have a material adverse effect on the revenue from
the combined company's future international sales and, consequently, the
combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies
would make the combined company's products more expensive and therefore
potentially less competitive in those markets. The combined company is
expected, to a certain extent, to use price lists denominated in local
currencies, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates could have an adverse
impact on the combined company's financial results. Because substantially all
of the combined company's international sales will be indirect, any material
increase in the combined company's international sales as a percentage of
total revenue may have an adverse effect on its gross margins due to the lower
per unit revenue realized by the combined company on sales through indirect
channels. Further, if the size of its international customers and contracts
continues to increase, FTP expects the combined company to transact a greater
number of sales in local currencies, with the result that currency exchange
rate fluctuations in the future may have an increased effect on its business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Information Regarding
FTP--Sales and Marketing--International" and "Information Regarding Firefox--
Sales and Marketing."
 
  Developing Internet Market; New Entrants; Unproven Acceptance of Products;
Price Erosion. The market for certain of FTP's software and services for the
Internet and corporate "intranet" markets has only recently begun to develop,
is rapidly evolving and is characterized by an increasing number of market
entrants who have introduced or developed products and services for
communication and commerce over the Internet and private IP networks. As is
typical in the case of a new and rapidly evolving industry, demand and market
acceptance for recently introduced products and services are subject to a high
level of uncertainty. The industry is young and has few proven products.
Moreover, critical issues concerning the commercial use of the Internet
(including profitability, security, reliability, cost, ease of use and access,
and quality of service) remain unresolved and may impact the growth of
Internet use. While FTP believes its software products offer significant
advantages for commerce and communication over the Internet and private IP
networks, there can be no assurance that commerce and communication over the
Internet or private IP networks will become as widespread as quickly as
expected, or that FTP's products will become widely adopted for these
purposes. In addition, FTP's client software products for the Internet market
are subject to pricing pressures and marketing risks due to free client
software distributed by online service providers, Internet access providers
and others. Further, companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Netscape and Intuit are
now bundling or are planning to bundle or otherwise offer client software with
their operating systems or other product offerings at little or no additional
cost to users. Both of these factors have resulted in a decrease in average
selling prices for FTP's client software products for the Internet market.
Further, there can be no assurance that such products, even if accepted, will
generate significant profits for FTP. If the Internet or intranet markets fail
to develop, develop more slowly than expected or become saturated with
competitors, or if FTP's products for the Internet or intranet markets do not
achieve market acceptance, the combined company's business, financial
condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Proprietary Rights. FTP considers its implementations of the TCP/IP
protocol, its OnNet Kernel software and PC/TCP Kernel software, to be
proprietary and relies primarily on a combination of copyrights, trademarks,
trade secret law and contracts to protect such proprietary implementations.
However, the basic TCP/IP protocols are non-proprietary and other parties have
developed their own versions. See "--Competition" above.
 
  FTP generally enters into confidentiality and/or license agreements with its
consultants, distributors, customers and potential customers and limits access
to and distribution of its source code and other proprietary information.
Although neither FTP nor Firefox currently has any issued patents, the number
of patents granted on software inventions is increasing. Consequently, there
is a growing risk of third parties asserting patent claims against the
combined company. In the future, the combined company may receive
communications from third parties asserting that either Firefox's or FTP's
products infringe, or may infringe, the patents or other proprietary rights of
such third parties, or seeking indemnification against such infringement, or
asserting that the combined company must obtain a license from such third
parties. Such communications, and any resulting litigation, could result in
substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse
effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. If any claims or actions were to be asserted against the combined
company, and the combined company were required to seek a license of a third
party's intellectual property, there can be no assurance that the combined
company would be able to acquire such a license on reasonable terms or at all,
and no prediction can be made about the effect that such license might have on
the combined company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Should litigation with respect to any such claim commence, such litigation
could be extremely expensive and time consuming and could materially adversely
affect the combined company's business, financial condition and results of
operations regardless of the outcome of the litigation. See "Information
Regarding FTP--Proprietary Rights and Licensing" and "Information Regarding
Firefox--Proprietary Rights."
 
  Declining Average Selling Prices. Until 1995, the market for FTP's and
Firefox's products was not characterized by significant price competition;
however, each of FTP and Firefox is facing increasing pricing pressures from
competitors. These pressures are likely to continue to increase, have led to a
decrease in average selling prices for certain of FTP's and Firefox's
products, and could continue to have this effect on the average selling prices
for their respective products. Any material reduction in the price of FTP's or
Firefox's products would negatively affect gross margins and would require the
combined company to increase significantly unit sales in order to maintain net
revenue. See "FTP Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," "Information Regarding Firefox--Sales and
Marketing" and "--Competition" and "Firefox Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
  Distribution Risks. As part of their sales and marketing strategies, both
FTP and Firefox intend to continue to expand their sales and marketing
efforts. There can be no assurance that the combined company will be
successful in this effort. For example, there can be no assurance that the
combined company will be able to attract or retain qualified direct sales
personnel, that the planned expansion will result in increased sales of the
combined company's products, or that such expansion will enable the combined
company to compete successfully against the larger and better funded sales and
marketing organizations of some of its competitors.
 
  Firefox grants its distributors limited rights to exchange unsold products
for other products and provides inventory price protection in the event of
price reductions by Firefox. While Firefox provides allowances for projected
returns and price protection, there can be no assurance that allowances will
be sufficient to offset product returns and price protection in the future.
Substantial returns of products or a decrease in the price of Firefox's
products could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition and results of operations of the combined company. See "Information
Regarding Firefox--Sales and Marketing."
 
  Firefox relies significantly on its independent distributors, systems
integrators and value-added resellers for certain elements of the marketing of
its products and for the distribution of its products. The agreements in place
with these organizations are generally non-exclusive. The distributors,
systems integrators and value-added resellers are not within the control of
Firefox, may represent other product lines in addition to those of Firefox
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
and are not obligated to purchase products from Firefox. Further, there can be
no assurance that these distributors, systems integrators or value-added
resellers will give a high priority to the marketing of Firefox's products,
and they may give a higher priority to other products which may include the
products of Firefox's competitors. Actions of this nature by Firefox's
distributors, systems integrators or value-added resellers may result in a
lower sales effort applied to Firefox's products and a consequent reduction in
Firefox's operating results. Firefox's results of operations can also be
materially adversely affected by changes in the inventory strategies of its
resellers, which can occur rapidly and in many cases may not be related to
end-user demand. There can be no assurance that the combined company will
retain any of Firefox's current distributors, systems integrators or value-
added resellers, and there can be no assurance that Firefox will succeed in
recruiting replacement or new organizations to represent it. Any changes in
distribution channels may adversely affect sales and consequently may
adversely affect the combined company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Information Regarding Firefox--Sales and
Marketing."
 
  Government Regulation and Legal Uncertainties. FTP and Firefox are not
currently subject to direct regulation by any government agency, other than
regulations applicable to business generally, and there are currently few laws
or regulations directly applicable to access to or commerce on the Internet.
However, due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet, it is
possible that various laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the
Internet, covering issues such as user privacy, pricing and characteristics
and quality of products and services. For example, the relatively new
Communications Decency Act prohibits distribution of obscene, lascivious or
indecent communications on the Internet. The adoption of any such laws or
regulations may decrease the growth of the Internet, which could in turn
decrease the demand for the combined company's products and increase the
combined company's cost of doing business or otherwise have an adverse effect
on the combined company's business, financial condition or results of
operations. Moreover, the applicability to the Internet of existing laws
governing issues such as property ownership, libel and personal privacy is
uncertain. Further, due to the encryption technology contained in certain of
FTP's products, such products are subject to U.S. export controls. There can
be no assurance that such export controls, either in their current form or as
may be subsequently enacted, will not limit the combined company's ability to
distribute products outside of the United States or electronically. While FTP
takes precautions against unlawful exportation, the global nature of the
Internet makes it virtually impossible to effectively control the distribution
of the combined company's products. In addition, federal or state legislation
or regulation may further limit levels of encryption or authentication
technology. Any such export restrictions, new legislation or regulation or
unlawful exportation could have a material adverse effect on the combined
company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  Dependence on Key Personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the
software industry is intense and there can be no assurance that the combined
company will be able to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified
employees. The success of the combined company will depend to a significant
degree upon the continued contributions of the respective key management,
marketing, product development and operational personnel of FTP and Firefox.
As the business of the combined company grows, it may become increasingly
difficult for the combined company to hire, train and assimilate the new
employees needed. In addition, it is possible that business changes or
uncertainty brought about by the Merger may cause key employees of Firefox to
leave the combined company. The combined company's inability to retain and
attract key employees could have a material adverse effect on the combined
company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  Volatility of Stock Price. The stock prices of each of the FTP Common Stock
and the Firefox Common Stock have historically been volatile, and both FTP and
Firefox experienced significant declines in their respective stock prices in
January 1996, as a result of reporting revenue and earnings for the fourth
quarter of 1995 that were below stock market analysts' expectations. FTP and
Firefox believe factors such as quarterly fluctuations in results of
operations, announcements of new products and acquisitions by the combined
company or by its competitors, changes in earnings estimates by analysts,
changes in accounting treatments or principles and other factors may cause the
market price of the combined company's common stock to fluctuate, perhaps
substantially. Further, stock prices for many technology companies fluctuate
widely for reasons which may be
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
unrelated to operating results. Any shortfall in results versus analysts'
expectations could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the
trading price of the combined company's common stock in any given period.
These fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market
conditions, may adversely affect the market price of the common stock of the
combined company in the future. See "Comparative Per Share Market Price Data."
 
  Litigation Against Firefox. On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was
filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
California, San Francisco Division, naming Firefox and certain of its officers
and directors as defendants. On June 5, 1996, the District Court entered an
order dismissing the complaint in its entirety with leave to amend. The
lawsuit alleged that the defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose
material facts about Firefox's operations and financial results, which the
plaintiffs contend resulted in an artificial inflation of the price of the
Firefox Common Stock. The suit was purportedly brought on behalf of a class of
purchasers of the Firefox Common Stock during the period from August 3, 1995
to January 2, 1996. The complaint alleged claims for violation of Sections
10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and sought
relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages, pre- and post-judgment
interest, attorneys' and expert witness fees and such extraordinary, equitable
and/or injunctive relief as permitted by law, equity and the federal statutory
provisions under which the suit was brought. Specifically, the complaint
alleged that each of the defendants knew or had access to allegedly material
adverse non-public information about Firefox's financial results and business
conditions which allegedly was not disclosed, improperly recognized certain
revenues and failed to keep adequate reserves and participated in drafting,
reviewing and/or approving alleged misleading statements, releases, analyst
reports and other public representations, including disclaimers and warnings,
of and about Firefox. Firefox has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit,
believes them to be without merit, and intends to defend itself and its
officers and directors vigorously if the complaint is amended. In order to
support an adequate defense, Firefox may be required to expend substantial
sums for legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of defending the litigation
and the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If
the lawsuit were determined adversely to Firefox, Firefox could be required to
pay a substantial judgment. For further information concerning the reasons for
the court's dismissal of the complaint, see "Recent Developments."
 
  Litigation Against FTP. On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed
in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, naming
FTP, certain of its officers and two former officers as defendants. The
lawsuit alleges that the defendants publicly issued false and misleading
statements and omitted to disclose material facts necessary to make statements
not false and misleading, which the plaintiffs contend caused an artificial
inflation in the price of the FTP Common Stock. Specifically, the complaint
alleges that the defendants knowingly concealed adverse facts and made false
or misleading forward and non-forward looking statements concerning the
operating results and financial condition of FTP, the effects of its July 1995
corporate restructuring and changing competitive factors in FTP's industry.
The lawsuit, which is purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers
of the FTP Common Stock during the period from July 14, 1995 to January 3,
1996, alleges violations of Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange
Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and seeks relief in the form of unspecified
compensatory damages, costs and expenses and such other and further relief as
the Court deems proper and just. FTP has reviewed the allegations in the
lawsuit, believes them to be without merit, and intends to defend itself and
its officers vigorously. In order to support an adequate defense, FTP may be
required to expend substantial sums for legal and expert fees and costs. The
cost of defending the litigation and the outcome of the litigation are
uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the lawsuit were determined adversely to
FTP, FTP could be required to pay a substantial judgment. See "Recent
Developments."
 
  General Economic Conditions. Over the past several years, the economy has
experienced strong growth, due to, among other things, low interest rates,
increased capital spending and other factors. In addition, businesses have
been deploying sophisticated computer network technology to make them more
competitive and better able to serve their customers. This has resulted in
strong growth in many segments of the computer industry, including the PC,
semiconductor and software industries. Recent announcements by some PC and
semiconductor manufacturers of slowing sales growth, however, may in turn
result in a similar slowdown in sales growth in the networking software
segment of the industry in which FTP and Firefox participate. See "FTP
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
  Significant Firefox Product Concentration. To date, Firefox has derived
substantially all of its revenues from sales of its connectivity products,
and, specifically, sales of Firefox's NOV*IX products have accounted for a
majority of these revenues. Firefox expects that NOV*IX and other connectivity
products will continue to account for substantially all of Firefox's revenues
for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, because NOV*IX and Firefox's other
products have been developed for LANs running Novell's NetWare LAN operating
system, sales of Firefox's products could be materially adversely affected by
market developments adverse to Novell or NetWare. Firefox may be required to
enhance such products to anticipate or respond adequately to changes in
technology and customer preferences. There can be no assurance that Firefox
will be successful at making such enhancements at all or in a timely fashion.
The combined company's future operating results will depend in substantial
part upon its ability to increase unit volume sales of its connectivity
products and to begin to generate significant product revenues from its
client-server and mail products and from its messaging products currently
under development. Because Firefox's client-server products are designed to be
used with specific vendors' client-based applications, the combined company's
sales of client-server products will depend in part on its ability to maintain
compatibility with such vendors' client-based applications. There is no
assurance that the combined company will be able to maintain compatibility
with these vendors' products, and the failure to maintain compatibility would
adversely affect the combined company's sales of client-server products. Any
failure to increase revenues from connectivity products or to generate
significant revenues from Firefox's other products, whether due to
competition, technological change or otherwise, would have a material adverse
effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and results of
operation. See "Information Regarding Firefox--Products."
 
  Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions. The FTP Articles and FTP Bylaws and
Massachusetts law contain provisions that could have the effect of impeding
the removal of incumbent directors and inhibiting a non-negotiated merger or
other business combination. The provisions provide for a classified Board of
Directors and impose various procedural and other requirements that could make
it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain actions. In addition, the
Board of Directors of FTP adopted a stockholders' rights plan in December
1995, which plan may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control of FTP, thereby possibly having the effect of depriving
stockholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares. Such
provisions, as well as the stockholders' rights plan, could have the effect of
making FTP less attractive to a potential acquirer and could result in FTP
stockholders receiving less for their shares of FTP Common Stock than might
otherwise be available in the event of a take-over attempt. Certain provisions
of Massachusetts law may have a similar effect. See "Description of FTP
Capital Stock."
 
                                THE FTP MEETING
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
 
  The FTP Meeting will be held on July 22, 1996 at 11:00 a.m., local time, at
the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury Street, Andover, Massachusetts 01810.
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
  Only holders of record of the FTP Common Stock at the close of business on
the FTP Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the FTP Meeting
and any postponements or adjournments thereof. As of the close of business on
the FTP Record Date, there were 26,966,604 shares of FTP Common Stock
outstanding, held of record by 315 stockholders (although FTP has been
informed that there were approximately 19,000 beneficial owners as of such
date). Each such record holder of the FTP Common Stock is entitled to one vote
for each share of FTP Common Stock held as of the FTP Record Date.
 
VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
  The FTP proxy accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of FTP for use at the FTP
Meeting. Stockholders are requested to complete, date and sign the
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
accompanying proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or
otherwise mail it to FTP. All proxies that are properly executed and returned,
and that are not revoked, will be voted at the FTP Meeting in accordance with
the instructions indicated on the proxies, or, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED,
TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF THE SHARES OF FTP COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED
PURSUANT TO THE MERGER. FTP's Board of Directors does not currently intend to
bring any other business before the FTP Meeting and is not aware of any other
matters to be brought before the FTP Meeting. As to any business that may
properly come before the FTP Meeting, however, it is intended that proxies, in
the form enclosed, will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the
judgment of the persons named in and voting such proxies.
 
  Each FTP stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any time before
it is exercised at the FTP Meeting, by (i) delivering to the Clerk of FTP a
written notice, bearing a date later than the date of the proxy, stating that
the proxy is revoked, (ii) signing and so delivering a proxy relating to the
same shares and bearing a later date prior to the vote at the FTP Meeting or
(iii) attending the FTP Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at
the FTP Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
  Approval of the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Merger will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of FTP Common Stock entitled to vote and present at the FTP Meeting, in
person or by proxy.
 
  As of the FTP Record Date, all executive officers and directors of FTP and
their affiliates as a group beneficially owned 552,337 shares of FTP Common
Stock (approximately 2.0% of the shares of FTP Common Stock then outstanding).
Each of the directors and executive officers of FTP has advised FTP that he or
she intends to vote or direct the vote of all shares of FTP Common Stock over
which he or she has voting control, subject to and consistent with any
fiduciary obligations in the case of shares held as a fiduciary, for approval
of the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the
Merger.
 
QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES
 
  The required quorum for the transaction of business at the FTP Meeting will
be a majority of the shares of FTP Common Stock issued and outstanding on the
FTP Record Date. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in
determining the presence of a quorum. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes
(in the case of a broker returning an executed proxy indicating that the
broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on any matter with
respect to certain shares of FTP Common Stock that the broker holds in street
name) will have any effect on the vote on the proposal to approve the issuance
of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND EXPENSES
 
  FTP will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies in the enclosed form
from its stockholders, which solicitation will primarily be by mail. In
addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers and employees of FTP
may solicit proxies from stockholders by telephone, telecopy, special letter
or in person. Such persons will not receive additional compensation but may be
reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
such solicitation. FTP has retained a proxy solicitation firm, Morrow &
Company, Inc., to aid it in the solicitation process. FTP will pay a fee of
$6,000 to such firm, plus hourly fees and expenses, with total costs
anticipated to be approximately $11,000. Following the original mailing of the
proxies and other soliciting materials, FTP will request brokers, custodians,
nominees and other record holders to forward copies of the proxy, this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other soliciting materials to persons for whom
they hold shares of FTP Common Stock and to request authority for the exercise
of proxies. In such cases, FTP, upon the request of such record holders, will
reimburse such holders for their reasonable expenses.
 
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
RECOMMENDATION OF FTP'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Board of Directors of FTP has unanimously approved the issuance of the
shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger and has
unanimously determined that such issuance is in the best interests of FTP and
its stockholders. THE FTP BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT FTP
STOCKHOLDERS APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF THE SHARES OF FTP COMMON STOCK PURSUANT
TO THE MERGER. The primary factors considered and relied upon by the FTP Board
of Directors in reaching its recommendation are described in "The Merger and
Related Transactions--Reasons for the Merger."
 
                              THE FIREFOX MEETING
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
 
  The Firefox Meeting will be held on July 22, 1996 at 9:00 a.m., local time,
at Firefox's corporate headquarters, 2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite 400, Santa
Clara, California 95054.
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
  Only holders of record of the Firefox Common Stock at the close of business
on the Firefox Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Firefox Meeting. As of the close of business on the Firefox Record Date, there
were 6,735,484 shares of Firefox Common Stock outstanding and entitled to
vote, held of record by 55 stockholders (although Firefox has been informed
that there are approximately 3,000 beneficial holders). Each such record
holder of the Firefox Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of
Firefox Common Stock held as of the Firefox Record Date.
 
VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
  The Firefox proxy accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Firefox for use at the
Firefox Meeting. Stockholders are requested to complete, date and sign the
accompanying proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or
otherwise mail it to Firefox. All proxies that are properly executed and
returned, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the Firefox Meeting in
accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxies, or, IF NO DIRECTION
IS INDICATED, TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER.
Firefox's Board of Directors does not presently intend to bring any business
before the Firefox Meeting other than such proposal and is not aware of other
matters to be brought before the Firefox Meeting. As to any business that may
properly come before the Firefox Meeting, however, it is intended that
proxies, in the form enclosed, will be voted in respect thereof in accordance
with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies. Any proxy given pursuant
to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before
it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by (i) delivering to the Secretary of
Firefox (by any means, including facsimile) a written notice bearing a date
later than the date of the proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked, (ii)
signing and so delivering a proxy relating to the same shares and bearing a
later date prior to the vote at the Firefox Meeting or (iii) attending the
Firefox Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the Firefox
Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
  Approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Firefox Common Stock entitled to vote thereon. As of the Firefox Record Date,
all executive officers and directors of Firefox and their affiliates as a
group beneficially owned 3,656,792 shares of Firefox Common Stock
(approximately 54.3% of the shares of Firefox Common Stock then outstanding),
which represents a sufficient number of Firefox shares to approve the Merger
Agreement and the Merger without additional stockholder votes. Each of the
executive officers and directors of Firefox has advised Firefox that he or she
intends to vote or direct the vote of all shares of Firefox Common Stock over
which he or she has voting control, subject to and consistent with any
fiduciary obligations in the case of shares held as a fiduciary, for approval
of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. FTP and each of John A. Kimberley,
Firefox's
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter R. Simkin, Firefox's Vice
President and Chief Technical Officer, and Richard J. Whitehead, Firefox's
Vice President and Chief Scientist, have entered into a Stockholder Agreement
under which each such person has agreed to vote his shares of Firefox Common
Stock (and has delivered an irrevocable proxy to Sub to vote such shares): (i)
in favor of approval of the Merger and adoption of the Merger Agreement; and
(ii) against approval of any other merger, any sale of a material amount of
assets, any change in the Board of Directors of Firefox or any other action
that requires the approval of Firefox stockholders and which is intended, or
could reasonably be expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or
materially adversely affect the consummation of the Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Each such proxy will remain in effect
until the earlier to occur of (i) the Effective Time, and (ii) such date and
time as the Merger Agreement is terminated. In each stockholder agreement,
each such person has also agreed (i) not to offer or dispose of his shares
until the Merger becomes effective or the Merger Agreement is terminated in
accordance with its terms and (ii) not to dispose of more than 500,000 of his
shares during any six-month period following the date of the Merger Agreement.
As of the Firefox Record Date, there were outstanding 6,735,484 shares of
Firefox Common Stock. As of such date, Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead
beneficially owned 1,474,298, 465,000 and 1,338,000 shares of Firefox Common
Stock, respectively, representing approximately 21.9%, 6.9% and 19.9%,
respectively, of the shares of Firefox Common Stock then outstanding.
 
QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES
 
  The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Firefox Meeting
will be a majority of the shares of Firefox Common Stock issued and
outstanding at the close of business on the Firefox Record Date. Abstentions
and broker non-votes will be included in determining the presence of a quorum
and will have the same effect as votes against the proposal to approve and
adopt the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND EXPENSES
 
  Firefox will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies in the enclosed
form from its stockholders. Firefox has retained MacKenzie & Partners to
assist in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated fee of $3,000 plus
reimbursement of reasonable expenses, with total costs anticipated to be
approximately $5,000. In addition, Firefox may reimburse brokerage firms and
other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in
forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Proxies also may
be solicited by certain Firefox directors, officers and employees personally
or by telephone, telegram or other means of communication. Such persons will
not receive additional compensation, but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-
of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such solicitation. Following
the original mailing of the proxies and other soliciting materials, Firefox
will request brokers, custodians, nominees and other recordholders to forward
copies of the proxy, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other
soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of Firefox Common
Stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In such cases,
Firefox, upon the request of such record holders, will reimburse such holders
for their reasonable expenses.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF FIREFOX'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Board of Directors of Firefox has unanimously approved the Merger
Agreement and the Merger and has unanimously determined that the Merger is
fair to and in the best interests of Firefox and its stockholders. THE FIREFOX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER BY THE FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS. The primary factors
considered and relied upon by the Firefox Board of Directors in reaching its
recommendation are referred to in "The Merger and Related Transactions--
Reasons for the Merger."
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco
Division, naming Firefox and certain of its officers and directors as
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
defendants. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants misrepresented or failed
to disclose material facts about Firefox's operations and financial results,
which the plaintiffs contend resulted in an artificial inflation of the price
of the Firefox Common Stock. The suit was purportedly brought on behalf of a
class of purchasers of the Firefox Common Stock during the period from August
3, 1995 to January 2, 1996. The complaint alleged claims for violations of
Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and
sought relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages, pre- and post-
judgment interest, attorneys' and expert witness fees and such extraordinary,
equitable and/or injunctive relief as permitted by law, equity and the federal
statutory provisions under which the suit was brought. Specifically, the
complaint alleged that each of the defendants knew or had access to allegedly
material adverse non-public information about Firefox's financial results and
business conditions which allegedly was not disclosed, improperly recognized
certain revenues and failed to keep adequate reserves and participated in
drafting, reviewing and/or approving alleged misleading statements, releases,
analyst reports and other public representations, including disclaimers and
warnings, of and about Firefox. On June 5, 1996, the District Court entered an
order dismissing plaintiffs' complaint. Certain of plaintiffs' claims that
alleged that Firefox was responsible for false and misleading analyst reports,
Firefox statements and financial statements were dismissed with leave to amend
on the grounds that as to each of these types of statements, the complaint had
failed to plead the false or misleading statements with the specificity
required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b) and the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act, and/or that plaintiffs failed to allege facts giving
rise to a strong inference that defendants acted intentionally and recklessly.
In addition, certain of plaintiffs' claims that warnings and disclosures in
Firefox's Form 10-Qs were false and misleading were dismissed with prejudice.
Because the District Court dismissed the claims in the complaint based on
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, the
court also dismissed with leave to amend the "controlling person" liability
claim alleged under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against John A.
Kimberley, which requires allegations that the "controlled person" (here,
allegedly, Firefox) was liable under Section 10(b) or Rule 10b-5. The District
Court gave plaintiffs until July 5, 1996 to amend the complaint. Plaintiffs
have advised that they will amend the complaint and have requested that
defendants stipulate to an extension to July 22, 1996 for them to file the
amended complaint. Defendants have so stipulated in return for an extension to
September 4, 1996 to respond to the amended complaint. Firefox has reviewed
the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to be without merit, and intends
to defend itself and its officers and directors vigorously if the complaint is
amended. In order to support an adequate defense, Firefox may be required to
expend substantial sums for legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of
defending the litigation and the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and
cannot be estimated. If the lawsuit were determined adversely to Firefox,
Firefox could be required to pay a substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--
Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against Firefox."
 
  On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts, naming FTP, certain of its
officers and two former officers as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the
defendants publicly issued false and misleading statements and omitted to
disclose material facts necessary to make statements not false and misleading,
which the plaintiffs contend caused an artificial inflation in the price of
the FTP Common Stock. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants
knowingly concealed adverse facts and made false or misleading forward and
non-forward looking statements concerning the operating results and financial
condition of FTP, the effects of its July 1995 corporate restructuring and
changing competitive factors in FTP's industry. The lawsuit, which is
purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the FTP Common Stock
during the period from July 14, 1995 to January 3, 1996, alleges violations of
Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
and seeks relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages, costs and
expenses and such other and further relief as the Court deems proper and just.
FTP has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to be without
merit, and intends to defend itself and its officers vigorously. In order to
support an adequate defense, FTP may be required to expend substantial sums
for legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of defending the litigation and
the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the
lawsuit were determined adversely to FTP, FTP could be required to pay a
substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--
Litigation Against FTP."
 
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
                      THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of the newly formed Firefox
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP
("Sub"), with and into Firefox. Firefox will be the surviving corporation in
the Merger and will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP as a result of the
Merger. The discussion in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of the Merger
and the description of the principal terms of the Merger Agreement are subject
to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, a
copy of which is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix
A, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
  The current directors and officers of FTP are expected to continue to serve
in their current capacities following the Merger. It is a condition to the
Merger that John A. Kimberley, currently President and Chief Executive Officer
and a Director of Firefox, be elected as a member of the Board of Directors of
FTP effective immediately following the Effective Time. It is expected that,
as of the Effective Time, Mr. Kimberley will also be elected as Vice Chairman
of FTP and Executive Vice President of Firefox, Peter R. Simkin, currently
Chief Technical Officer of Firefox, will be elected as Chief Technical Officer
of FTP, and Richard J. Whitehead, currently Vice President and Chief Scientist
of Firefox, will continue to serve as such. See "Management--Executive
Officers and Directors." The directors of Sub will be the directors of Firefox
as the surviving corporation following the Merger. Except as otherwise noted
above, the officers of Sub will be the officers of Firefox as the surviving
corporation following the Merger. The stockholders of Firefox will become
stockholders of FTP (as described below) upon consummation of the Merger, and
their rights as such will be governed by the FTP Articles and the FTP Bylaws
and by Massachusetts law. See "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders of FTP and
Firefox."
 
 Conversion of Shares
 
  Upon the consummation of the Merger, except as otherwise provided below,
each share of Firefox Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time (the "Outstanding Firefox Shares"), excluding Dissenting
Shares, shall be converted into the right to receive (i) that number of shares
of FTP Common Stock which equals the amount obtained by dividing (x)
$50,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares by (y) the
average closing price of the FTP Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the date of the Firefox
Meeting (the "Average Price") (the "Exchange Ratio"), subject to the
provisions in the Merger Agreement relating to fractional shares, and (ii)
cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding Firefox
Shares (the "Cash Payment"), subject to adjustment as described below. Cash
(without interest) will be paid in lieu of issuing fractional shares.
 
  The Exchange Ratio will be subject to adjustment as follows: (i) if the
Average Price of one share of FTP Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then
the Average Price shall be deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) if the Average Price
of one share of FTP Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Average Price
shall be deemed to be $8.00. If the Average Price is less than $8.00 or
greater than $12.00 per share, the number of shares of FTP Common Stock to be
exchanged for shares of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will be
6,250,000 or 4,166,666, respectively.
 
  If the mean of the high and low sales prices of one share of FTP Common
Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on the day of the Effective Time
(or if the Effective Time is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately
preceding the Effective Time) (the "Effective Time Closing Price") is less
than $7.00 per share, each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be entitled to
receive that number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock equal to (i) the
amount obtained by dividing (A) the difference between $7.00 and the Effective
Time Closing Price by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii) (A) $10,000,000 divided by
(B) the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares, divided by (iii) the Effective
Time Closing Price (such number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock being
referred to as the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and the Cash Payment applicable
to each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
product of (i) the Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by (ii) the Effective
Time Closing Price. The purpose of the adjustment to the aggregate amount of
shares and the Cash Payment to be received described in the preceding sentence
is to preserve the status of the
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
Merger as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax
purposes in the event that the Effective Time Closing Price of the FTP Common
Stock falls below $7.00 per share by assuring that at least 80% of the value
of the consideration to be issued in the Merger will be in the form of FTP
Common Stock.
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning the consideration that
each holder of a share of Firefox Common Stock will be entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger based on the capitalization of each of Firefox and FTP
at the Firefox Record Date and the FTP Record Date, respectively, at assumed
Average Prices of $12.00, $10.00 and $8.00, and, for illustrative purposes
only, includes an example of the possible effect on such consideration if the
Effective Time Closing Price were to be less $7.00 by using an assumed
Effective Time Closing Price of $6.00. The table also shows the total
consideration to be paid to Firefox stockholders pursuant to the Merger at
such assumed Average Prices and the percent of the total shares of FTP Common
Stock outstanding after the Merger to be held by Firefox stockholders.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      PER SHARE MERGER
                        CONSIDERATION          TOTAL MERGER CONSIDERATION
                 --------------------------- -------------------------------
                                                                              PERCENT OF FTP COMMON
                                                                             STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER
    ASSUMED      NUMBER OF SHARES OF         NUMBER OF SHARES OF               THE MERGER HELD BY
 AVERAGE PRICE    FTP COMMON STOCK    CASH    FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH      FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS
 -------------   ------------------- ------- ------------------- ----------- -----------------------
 <S>             <C>                 <C>     <C>                 <C>         <C>
     $12.00             .6186        $1.4847      4,166,666      $10,000,000         13.38%
     $10.00             .7423        $1.4847      5,000,000      $10,000,000         15.64%
     $ 8.00             .9279        $1.4847      6,250,000      $10,000,000         18.82%
<CAPTION>
                      PER SHARE MERGER
                        CONSIDERATION          TOTAL MERGER CONSIDERATION
                 --------------------------- -------------------------------
                                                                              PERCENT OF FTP COMMON
    ASSUMED                                                                  STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER
 EFFECTIVE TIME  NUMBER OF SHARES OF         NUMBER OF SHARES OF               THE MERGER HELD BY
 CLOSING PRICE    FTP COMMON STOCK    CASH    FTP COMMON STOCK      CASH      FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS
 --------------  ------------------- ------- ------------------- ----------- -----------------------
 <S>             <C>                 <C>     <C>                 <C>         <C>
     $6.00              .9633        $1.2726      6,488,095       $8,571,429         19.39%
</TABLE>
 
  Firefox stockholders may call 800-322-2885 at any time prior to the date of
the Firefox Meeting for current information concerning the Average Price,
Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment.
 
 Conversion of Options
 
  Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding Firefox Stock Option
granted under the Firefox 1995 Stock Option Plan and the Firefox 1995 Outside
Director Stock Option Plan, whether vested or unvested, will be deemed assumed
by FTP and deemed to constitute an option to acquire the number of shares of
FTP Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole number) equal to the
aggregate of (i) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based on the
Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such Firefox Stock Option would have been
entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into
account whether or not such option was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that
number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the
aggregate Cash Payment that the holder of such Firefox Stock Option would have
been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into
account whether or not such option was in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average
Price. The exercise price for each such Firefox Stock Option shall be the
price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for the shares of
Firefox Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Stock
Option divided by (y) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock deemed
purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Stock Option. FTP intends to file a
Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with respect to the
issuance of shares of FTP Common Stock upon exercise of the assumed Firefox
Stock Options.
 
  As of the Firefox Record Date, 70,950 shares of Firefox Common Stock were
subject to outstanding Firefox Stock Options. Assuming Average Prices of
$12.00, $10.00 and $8.00, respectively, such options would be converted into
options to purchase approximately 52,669, 63,203 and 79,003 shares,
respectively, of FTP Common Stock.
 
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  At the Effective Time, each then outstanding Firefox Scheme Option may be
assumed by FTP and converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of
FTP Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole number) equal to the
aggregate of (i) that number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based on the
Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such Firefox Scheme Option would have been
entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into
account whether or not such option was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that
number of additional shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the
aggregate Cash Payment that the holder of such Firefox Scheme Option would
have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised
such option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into
account whether or not such option was in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average
Price. The exercise price for each such Firefox Scheme Option shall be the
price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for the shares of
Firefox Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Scheme
Option divided by (y) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock deemed
purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Scheme Option. Such assumption and
conversion is conditioned upon the written agreement of each holder of a
Firefox Scheme Option. Absent such written agreement, Firefox Scheme Options
will, in accordance with the terms of the Firefox 1994 Option Scheme, become
exercisable in full for a six-month period beginning at the Effective Time for
the same number of shares of FTP Common Stock as calculated pursuant to the
first sentence of this paragraph at the same exercise price as calculated
pursuant to the second sentence of this paragraph. At the end of such six-
month period, any Firefox Scheme Options which have not been assumed and
converted or exercised will terminate. Shares of FTP Common Stock acquired
upon exercise of any Firefox Scheme Options may become eligible for resale in
the public market immediately in accordance with Rule 701 under the Securities
Act or later in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
 
  As of the Firefox Record Date, 243,296 shares of Firefox Common Stock were
subject to Firefox Scheme Options. Assuming Average Prices of $12.00, $10.00
and $8.00, respectively, and the consent of the holders to the assumption and
conversion of such options as described above, such options would be converted
into options to purchase approximately 180,608, 216,729 and 270,911 shares,
respectively, of FTP Common Stock.
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
  At Firefox Board of Directors meetings in June and September 1995, the
Firefox Board discussed various business opportunities and strategic
objectives, which included improving distribution, expanding product offerings
and increasing market penetration and research and development capabilities.
Following these meetings, Firefox management continued to investigate these
opportunities and considered the possible risks and benefits of consolidation
or alliances with industry partners. Discussions were held in Boston on
September 11, 1995 between management representatives of Firefox and FTP
concerning the possibility of an OEM arrangement or other strategic alliance,
at which meeting a representative of Cowen was present. Discussions continued
at a subsequent meeting in California on September 19, 1995 between certain
members of management of each company, at which meeting a representative of
Montgomery was present.
 
  To facilitate discussions between FTP and Firefox, on October 2, 1995,
Firefox and FTP delivered confidentiality letters under which each party
agreed to keep confidential the other party's confidential information.
 
  On October 9 and 10, 1995, Messrs. Zirkle and Kimberley, the Chief Executive
Officers of FTP and Firefox, respectively, discussed the possibility of a
strategic combination of the two companies. Following these conversations, the
senior management teams of each company began to explore the feasibility of a
strategic business combination.
 
  Beginning on October 9, 1995, management, legal, accounting and financial
advisor representatives of Firefox and FTP conducted due diligence, and
management of the two companies held a number of discussions exploring
potential synergies and operational issues associated with a business
combination.
 
  On October 13, 1995, Firefox formally engaged Cowen to serve as financial
advisor with regard to possible business combinations. On that same date,
FTP's legal advisors presented a draft merger agreement, stockholder agreement
and ancillary documents to Firefox's counsel. Discussions then ensued between
counsel for FTP and Firefox regarding the principal terms of the proposed
merger agreement and stockholder agreements.
 
  On October 16, 1995, FTP formally engaged Montgomery as its financial
advisor with respect to the proposed business combination.
 
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  On October 18, 1995, at a meeting of the Firefox Board of Directors,
Firefox's management made an initial presentation on the considerations
regarding, and received questions and comments of the Firefox Board with
respect to, a possible business combination with FTP, including a preliminary
presentation regarding the companies' respective product lines and possible
benefits and risks of the proposed combination. Outside legal counsel to
Firefox made a presentation regarding the directors' fiduciary duties in
considering a proposed business combination. Management presented the results
of due diligence conducted through the date of the Firefox Board meeting.
Cowen reviewed certain financial analyses related to the proposed business
combination. Management and legal counsel reviewed with the Firefox Board the
proposed terms of the draft merger and stockholder agreements. After
consideration of these presentations, the Firefox Board concluded that
management should continue discussions with FTP concerning a strategic
business combination.
 
  The FTP Board of Directors also met on October 18, 1995. Members of Firefox
management made a presentation to the FTP Board on the business and prospects
of Firefox, and senior management members of FTP made a presentation to the
FTP Board describing the results of their due diligence investigations and
explaining the potential synergies of a business combination between FTP and
Firefox. At this meeting, representatives of Montgomery made a presentation to
the FTP Board in which Montgomery reviewed certain strategic and financial
analyses related to the proposed business combination. In addition, management
reviewed with the FTP Board the principal terms of the proposed merger and
stockholder agreements. After consideration and discussion of these
presentations, the FTP Board of Directors authorized management to continue
discussions with Firefox, to continue due diligence and to negotiate final
documentation as to a possible business combination, subject to final approval
by the FTP Board.
 
  Following the October 18 board meetings, Firefox and FTP representatives
held various meetings to discuss the business, operations and technologies of
each company and of the combined company. Representatives of each company also
met to discuss the potential terms of a business combination. Although no
definitive offers were made, the terms discussed included valuation, exchange
ratio adjustments, termination provisions, closing conditions and
representations and warranties. On October 24, 1995, the parties mutually
determined that they could not reach agreement with respect to valuation and
related issues. Firefox's and FTP's management then suspended discussions
concerning a merger of the two companies and began discussions regarding a
joint product development agreement. On November 30, 1995, the parties
executed an agreement (the "Development Agreement") to develop internetworking
solutions in NetWare and Windows NT environments for the enterprise and the
Internet.
 
  On several occasions during December 1995 and early January 1996, Messrs.
Zirkle and Kimberley discussed informally, in person and by telephone, the
continued possibility of a business combination between FTP and Firefox.
 
  On January 5, 1996, the Firefox Board of Directors discussed the possibility
of formally renewing discussions with FTP concerning a strategic business
combination and authorized management to commence such discussions. On January
7, 1996, senior management of Firefox and FTP and their respective financial
advisors met to discuss the possibility of renewing such discussions. From
January 10 through January 12, 1996, Messrs. Zirkle and Kimberley and the
respective financial advisors of FTP and Firefox had telephone discussions
regarding a mutually acceptable exchange ratio and other issues relating to
the terms and feasibility of a merger. On January 15, 1996, a tentative
agreement was reached between Mr. Zirkle and Mr. Kimberley regarding an
exchange ratio to be recommended to the respective Boards of Directors of FTP
and Firefox. On January 16 and 17, 1996, management and legal and financial
advisors for each company conducted additional due diligence and held
discussions regarding terms of the proposed merger agreement and stockholder
agreements, including the terms of exchange ratio adjustments, termination
provisions, closing conditions and representations and warranties.
 
  On January 17, 1996, at a meeting of the Firefox Board of Directors, (i)
outside legal counsel for Firefox reviewed the Firefox Board's fiduciary
duties in considering a strategic business combination and reviewed the
principal terms of the merger agreement and stockholder agreements, (ii)
Firefox management made
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
presentations regarding the risks and possible synergies and benefits of the
proposed Merger and (iii) representatives of Cowen, Firefox's financial
advisors, made a presentation regarding certain financial analyses relating to
the proposed Merger and delivered its oral opinion to the Firefox Board,
confirmed in writing that date, that the consideration to be received by
Firefox stockholders in the Merger, as then proposed, was fair from a
financial point of view. After consideration of these presentations and other
factors, the Firefox Board unanimously approved the original merger agreement
and the Merger, concluding that the Merger was fair to and in the best
interests of the Firefox stockholders.
 
  On January 17, 1996, the FTP Board of Directors met by conference telephone
to review in detail the terms of the proposed business combination. Earlier
that day, Montgomery, FTP's financial advisor, had delivered to the members of
FTP's senior management its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing,
that the exchange ratio to be paid by FTP pursuant to the Merger, as then
proposed, was fair to FTP, from a financial point of view, as of that date,
and described the financial analyses that they had conducted supporting that
opinion. At the FTP Board meeting, members of senior management of FTP
described the Montgomery opinion and summarized the underlying analyses to the
FTP Board. Representatives of Montgomery were not present at that meeting.
With the advice and participation of management, the FTP Board of Directors
reviewed the various strategic, technological, financial and business factors
associated with the proposed Merger, including the then-proposed pooling of
interests accounting treatment, Firefox's historical and projected revenues
and income and the effect of the proposed Merger on FTP's earnings per share.
After consideration of these and other factors and information, the Board of
Directors of FTP authorized the officers of FTP to enter into the original
merger agreement and all related agreements.
 
  On January 17, 1996, the parties executed the original merger agreement
(which provided for the conversion in the Merger of each outstanding share of
Firefox Common Stock into one share of FTP Common Stock, subject to adjustment
of the Average Price if the FTP Common Stock was greater than $14.50 per share
or less than $11.60 per share), and Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead
entered into stockholder agreements with FTP.
 
  On February 19, 1996, at a meeting of the Firefox Board of Directors,
Firefox management presented results of further due diligence investigation of
FTP and discussed integration plans and potential synergies developed in
meetings with FTP management.
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the Northern
District of California naming Firefox and certain of its officers and
directors as defendants (the "Firefox Litigation"). See "Risk Factors--Risks
Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against Firefox" and "Recent
Developments." Discussions ensued between the management of Firefox and FTP
and their respective legal advisors regarding the effect of the pending
litigation on the Merger and the merger agreement.
 
  On March 11, 1996, at a meeting of the Firefox Board of Directors, Firefox's
legal advisors reviewed with the Firefox Board of Directors the pending
lawsuit against Firefox and a proposal by FTP to amend the merger agreement to
provide an escrow (the "Escrow"), for the benefit of FTP and certain related
persons, of $15 million of shares of FTP Common Stock (valued at the Average
Price) to be issued in the Merger (the "Escrow Shares"), with no recourse
against the Escrow Shares unless expenses of litigation and amounts paid in
settlement or judgment, if any, exceeded the amounts recovered under Firefox's
$10 million directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage plus $5
million, and FTP's agreement that the lawsuit as filed would not be grounds
for FTP to refuse to consummate the Merger. The Firefox Board of Directors
then discussed with its legal and financial advisors the possible terms of an
escrow arrangement and the risks and benefits of the proposed amendment to the
merger agreement as well as other alternatives available to Firefox. After
consideration, the Firefox Board authorized Firefox's management and legal and
financial advisors to negotiate with FTP regarding an amendment to the merger
agreement which would include such an escrow.
 
  On March 12, 1996, the FTP Board of Directors met and reviewed with FTP's
legal counsel the pending lawsuit and FTP's proposal as described in the
preceding paragraph. The FTP Board of Directors discussed with its legal
counsel the likely timetable for the litigation, the risks and benefits of the
proposal, and the other
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
alternatives available to FTP. Senior management advised the FTP Board that
they had discussed the proposed amendments to the merger agreement with
Montgomery and had requested Montgomery to issue an additional fairness
opinion taking those proposed amendments into account. After discussion and
consideration of those and related matters, the FTP Board of Directors
approved the merger agreement as proposed to be amended to reflect the
proposal described above.
 
  On March 13, 1996, FTP's legal counsel delivered a draft amendment to the
merger agreement, including the Escrow provisions, to Firefox and its counsel,
and discussions ensued among the managements and legal and financial advisors
of Firefox and FTP concerning the terms of the amendment.
 
  On March 14, 1996, at a meeting of the Firefox Board of Directors, Firefox's
legal counsel reviewed with the Firefox Board of Directors the terms of the
proposed amendment, including the terms of the Escrow and the scope of the
waiver by FTP of its right not to consummate the Merger as a result of the
Firefox Litigation as currently filed. Representatives of Firefox's financial
advisor, Cowen, delivered Cowen's oral opinion, confirmed in writing on March
16, 1996, that as of such date the consideration to be received by Firefox
stockholders in the Merger, as then proposed, was fair from a financial point
of view, without placing any value on the Escrow Shares or expressing any
opinion on the merits of the Firefox Litigation, in view of its early
procedural stage. After consideration of these presentations and other
factors, the Firefox Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger
agreement, as amended, and the Merger, concluding that the Merger was fair to
and in the best interests of the Firefox stockholders.
 
  FTP, Firefox and Sub executed an amended and restated merger agreement on
March 16, 1996. On March 18, 1996, Montgomery delivered its written opinion
that the exchange ratio to be paid by FTP pursuant to the Merger, as then
proposed, was fair to FTP, from a financial point of view, as of that date,
assuming that the amount of all damages, costs and expenses to be borne
directly or indirectly by FTP as a result of the then-pending lawsuit against
Firefox would not exceed $5 million. The parties issued a press release on
March 18, 1996 announcing that the parties were proceeding with the Merger and
that shares of FTP Common Stock, having a value of approximately $15 million,
that would otherwise be delivered at the Effective Time of the Merger would be
placed in the Escrow pending the outcome of the Firefox Litigation and related
claims.
 
  On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts naming FTP and certain of its
officers and two former officers as defendants. See "Risk Factors--Risks
Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against FTP" and "Recent
Developments." FTP and Firefox management learned of the lawsuit on March 18,
1996. Discussions ensued between the management of Firefox and FTP and their
respective legal counsel regarding how the pending litigation against FTP
might affect the Merger or the merger agreement. Firefox management proposed
the elimination of the Escrow, as well as the removal of the condition to
either party's obligation to consummate the Merger in the event of a material
adverse change with regard to the other party, in light of the possible delay
in the consummation of the Merger and the adverse effect of such delay and
resulting uncertainties regarding the Merger on Firefox operations and
personnel. FTP management agreed to eliminate the material adverse change
condition, but refused to eliminate the Escrow in light of the adjustment to
the exchange ratio already provided to Firefox stockholders if the FTP Common
Stock were to trade below $11.60 per share, such price being below recent
trading levels at the time, subject to FTP's right to terminate if the Average
Price were below $8.60 per share as well as the marketability of the shares of
FTP Common Stock not held in the Escrow following the Merger. In response to
concerns expressed by Firefox, FTP proposed that the Firefox Litigation be
subject to the supervision and oversight of a special committee of the FTP
Board of Directors, comprised of non-employee directors of FTP, including John
A. Kimberley, and Firefox management agreed to this proposal.
 
  On March 22, 1996, at a meeting of the Firefox Board of Directors, Firefox's
legal counsel reviewed with the Firefox Board of Directors the pending lawsuit
against FTP, the Firefox proposal, as described in the preceding paragraph,
and FTP management's response to such proposal. The Firefox Board of Directors
discussed with management, and Firefox's legal counsel and financial advisor,
the risks of the FTP lawsuit, the potential conflict of interest of FTP
regarding the management and settlement of the Firefox Litigation in light
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
of the FTP lawsuit and the effect of the establishment of a special committee
of the FTP Board of Directors to supervise and oversee the Firefox Litigation
in light of such conflict, the risks and benefits of the proposal to eliminate
the material adverse change condition, the continuing risks to Firefox
stockholders regarding the Escrow, and the other alternatives available to
Firefox. Representatives of Firefox's financial advisor, Cowen, delivered
Cowen's oral opinion, confirmed in writing on March 25, 1996, that as of such
date, the consideration to be received by Firefox stockholders in the Merger,
as then proposed, was fair from a financial point of view, without placing any
value on the Escrow Shares, expressing any opinion on the merits of the
Firefox Litigation, in view of its early procedural stage, or giving any
effect to the direct or indirect consequences of the Firefox Litigation or the
FTP litigation. After consideration of these presentations and other factors,
the Firefox Board of Directors unanimously approved the amendment to the
merger agreement to eliminate the material adverse change condition and
authorized Firefox management and legal counsel to negotiate the amendment,
concluding that the Merger was fair to and in the best interests of the
Firefox stockholders.
 
  Firefox and FTP management and financial advisors conducted further due
diligence regarding the respective operations of the companies. The legal
counsel of Firefox and FTP finalized the amendment to the merger agreement,
and FTP, Firefox and the Merger Sub executed a second amended and restated
Merger Agreement on March 25, 1996.
 
  On March 25, 1996, Montgomery delivered its written opinion that the
exchange ratio to be paid by FTP pursuant to the Merger, as then proposed, was
fair to FTP, from a financial point of view, as of that date, assuming that
the amount of all damages, costs and expenses to be borne directly or
indirectly by FTP as a result of the pending Firefox Litigation would not
exceed $5 million.
 
  Subsequently, based upon its expectation of slower growth throughout the
TCP/IP marketplace and its analysis of corresponding changes in FTP's and
Firefox's business models reflecting reductions in anticipated revenue growth,
FTP management contacted John Kimberley of Firefox on May 15, 1996 and
requested a meeting to discuss the terms of the proposed Merger. Members of
management of both companies met on May 17, 1996 and FTP management indicated
that FTP would not be willing to proceed with the proposed Merger unless the
terms of the Merger were revised to provide for the Firefox stockholders to
receive an aggregate of $50 million of shares of FTP Common Stock and $10
million in cash for their shares of Firefox Common Stock. The business
combination would then be treated as a purchase and not a pooling. In
connection with these changes, FTP expressed its willingness to eliminate the
Escrow. During those discussions, FTP management noted to Firefox management
that under the merger agreement FTP had the right to decline to consummate the
Merger if Montgomery withdrew its opinion to FTP that the Merger was fair,
from a financial point of view, to FTP, and, furthermore, had the right to
terminate the merger agreement if the FTP Board of Directors withdrew its
recommendation in favor of the Merger. FTP management indicated that they did
not believe that they could obtain FTP stockholder approval of the Merger
under the then-current terms, and that Montgomery was unwilling to permit the
use of its March 25, 1996 fairness opinion in connection with the solicitation
of FTP's stockholders. The revised terms of the Merger reflected FTP's view of
the appropriate valuation of Firefox in light of its then current expectations
of slower revenue growth as well as its desire to compensate, in part, for the
reduction in valuation by paying a portion of the Merger consideration in
cash, but not so much as to jeopardize the status of the Merger as a tax-free
reorganization. See "--Certain United States Federal Income Tax Matters"
below.
 
  Counsel for FTP delivered a draft of an amendment and restatement of the
merger agreement for consideration by the parties on May 18, 1996. Firefox
representatives made various counterproposals regarding the proposed
amendments. These counterproposals included eliminating or changing the $8.00
and $12.00 Average Price limits on adjustment of the Exchange Ratio,
eliminating the closing condition that the opinion of FTP's financial advisor
not have been withdrawn as of the Effective Time and modifying the closing
condition concerning litigation against Firefox to exclude any litigation that
might be brought against Firefox with respect to the Merger. Discussions
ensued among the legal advisors for FTP and Firefox concerning the terms of
the amendments.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  On May 18, 1996, the FTP Board of Directors met by telephone and discussed
the proposed revised terms of the Merger described above with members of FTP
management, together with FTP's legal counsel. After discussion, and taking
into account the developments described above, together with the recent
dismissal of the plaintiff's claims (with leave to amend) in the Firefox
Litigation, the FTP Board of Directors unanimously approved the proposed
revisions to the terms of the Merger and the execution of the amended and
restated merger agreement reflecting those changes, subject to receipt of an
opinion from Montgomery that the revised terms of the Merger were fair to FTP,
from a financial point of view. On May 21, 1996, Montgomery delivered its oral
opinion confirming its written opinion dated May 20, 1996.
 
  On May 21, 1996, the Firefox Board met and discussed the terms of the
proposed amendments to the Merger Agreement, including the change in
consideration to be received by Firefox stockholders, the tax consequences of
the changed structure, the removal of the Escrow, the change in accounting
treatment and related matters. The Firefox Board then discussed with its legal
and financial advisors the risks and benefits of the proposed amendments, as
well as other alternatives available to Firefox, including whether claims for
damages could be asserted against FTP, the possibility of continuing to
operate independently, and the possibility of obtaining an alternative offer
for Firefox from a third party. The Firefox Board took into account the
expected slower growth of the combined company, increased competition in the
TCP/IP marketplace, the condition in the Merger Agreement requiring that
Montgomery not withdraw its opinion to FTP that the Merger was fair to FTP
stockholders, the indication from FTP that Montgomery would withdraw such
opinion on the terms of the Merger previously agreed upon, and the concern
that FTP stockholders might not approve the Merger as proposed. The Firefox
Board also considered the reasons for the Merger described below. The Firefox
Board of Directors reviewed with its financial and legal advisors the
negotiations regarding the consideration to be received by Firefox
stockholders under the Merger Agreement as proposed to be amended.
Representatives of Firefox's financial advisor, Cowen, delivered Cowen's oral
opinion, confirmed in writing that same date, that as of such date the
consideration to be received by Firefox stockholders in the Merger, as
provided under the amended Merger Agreement, was fair, from a financial point
of view, without giving any effect to the direct or indirect consequences of
the Firefox Litigation or the FTP litigation. After consideration of these
presentations and other factors, the Firefox Board of Directors unanimously
approved the amendments to the Merger Agreement to change the consideration to
be provided to Firefox stockholders and to eliminate the Escrow. The Firefox
Board authorized Firefox management and legal counsel to negotiate and execute
the amended Merger Agreement, concluding that the Merger, as revised, was fair
to and in the best interests of the Firefox stockholders.
 
  On May 21, 1996, FTP and Firefox executed the amended and restated Merger
Agreement.
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
  The reasons for the Merger described below include forward-looking
statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual
results could differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking
statements for a variety of reasons. These reasons include, but are not
limited to, competition, technological change, increased demands on management
as a result of planned expansion, risks of integration of the two companies
and the other factors described above under "Risk Factors."
 
 Joint Reasons for the Merger
 
  Having cooperated under the Development Agreement and having had continued
productive discussions about the potential synergies between FTP and Firefox,
the respective management teams of FTP and Firefox have identified several
potential mutual benefits of the Merger, which were reviewed with the FTP and
Firefox Boards of Directors. Both FTP and Firefox believe that these potential
benefits and other factors will contribute to the success of the combined
company. Some of the important potential benefits of the Merger that FTP and
Firefox anticipate are:
 
  .  The combined company's potential to provide on a global basis a more
     complete suite of solutions addressing TCP/IP-based applications and
     networks for client-based, departmental and LAN-based users.
 
  .  The combined company's potential to leverage FTP's and Firefox's
     complementary distribution channels and customer bases.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  .  The combined company's potential to leverage the respective companies'
     research and development capabilities and spending on new product
     development through the integration of the two companies' competency
     centers, providing the potential for the combined company to provide a
     full range of products, from client-based to server-based software.
 
  .  The combined company's potential to provide enhanced solutions for
     existing and new customers by combining FTP's client-based IP
     application suites and Firefox's server-based TCP/IP products for the
     Novell NetWare market.
 
  Both Boards of Directors also considered the strategic alternatives for each
of the companies in the absence of the Merger and the effect that each company
pursuing such alternatives separately would likely have on the other company.
In FTP's case, the strategic alternatives considered included attempting to
develop technology similar to that of Firefox and acquiring other competitors
of Firefox. The former was rejected on the basis of timing and market issues;
the latter, on the basis that FTP's Board of Directors believed that no such
competitor had a product and business scope or customer acceptance comparable
to those of Firefox. In Firefox's case, the strategic alternatives included
business combinations or strategic relationships with other industry
participants and developing additional distribution and broader product lines
as a stand-alone entity. The former were not pursued because the Firefox Board
believed that the Merger would offer a higher likelihood of consummation and
greater potential appreciation than other possible transactions; the latter,
because of cost and timing issues. In addition to the joint reasons discussed
above, the Board of Directors of each company also considered separate reasons
for approving the Merger, which reasons are summarized below.
 
 FTP's Reasons for the Merger
 
  The Board of Directors of FTP believes that the following are additional
reasons for stockholders of FTP to vote FOR approval of the issuance of the
shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to allow FTP to enhance its offerings of
     networking products to address the needs of departments and work groups,
     with particular emphasis initially on the Novell NetWare market and
     later on the Microsoft NT market, and allow FTP's client applications to
     take advantage of Firefox's server-based access control and firewall
     technology.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to enable FTP to take advantage of Firefox's
     sales and support presence in the European marketplace, enhancing FTP's
     ability to meet the growing global demands for IP systems and solutions.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to enable FTP to enhance the design, performance,
     functionality and cost of applications by optimizing the use of server-
     and client-based solutions.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to enable FTP to address customers' desires to
     connect their local networks to Internet and intranet resources in a
     secure and centrally managed way.
 
  In the course of its deliberations, the Board of Directors of FTP reviewed
and considered with FTP's management a number of other factors relevant to the
Merger, including, among other things: (i) information concerning FTP's and
Firefox's respective businesses, prospects, financial performances, financial
conditions, operations, technologies, managements and products; (ii) the
comparative stock prices of the FTP Common Stock and the Firefox Common Stock;
(iii) premiums to market and multiples paid in other comparable merger and
acquisition transactions in the software industry; (iv) an analysis of the
respective contributions to revenue, operating profits and net profits of the
combined company based on internal estimates; (v) the compatibility of the
corporate cultures of FTP and Firefox; (vi) FTP's business strategy and
Firefox's potential contribution to the strategy; (vii) the opinions of
Montgomery and Montgomery's description of the financial analyses underlying
those opinions; (viii) the requirement in the Merger Agreement that the
opinion of Montgomery shall not have been withdrawn, amended or modified; and
(ix) reports from FTP's management, accountants and legal advisors as to the
results of their due diligence investigations of Firefox.
 
  The Board of Directors of FTP also considered a variety of potentially
negative factors in the course of its deliberations concerning the Merger,
including: (i) the slower historical growth rate of Firefox compared to the
historical growth rate of FTP and Firefox's unfavorable operating results in
past periods; (ii) the possible dilutive
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
effect of the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock pursuant to the
Merger; (iii) the risk that the public market price of the FTP Common Stock
might be adversely affected by announcement of the Merger; (iv) the charges
expected to be incurred in connection with the Merger, including the
transaction costs and costs of integrating the businesses of the companies;
(v) the risks of managing a large subsidiary with multiple sites located at
considerable distance from FTP's main facilities; (vi) the additional demands
on FTP's management resources; (vii) the risk that other benefits sought to be
obtained by the Merger will not be obtained; (viii) the risk that the Firefox
Litigation could be resolved adversely to Firefox or the officers and
directors named as defendants; and (ix) other risks described above under
"Risk Factors."
 
  In view of the wide variety of factors, both positive and negative,
considered by FTP's Board of Directors, the FTP Board of Directors did not
find it practical to, and did not, quantify or otherwise assign relative
weights to the specific factors considered. After taking into consideration
all of the factors set forth above, the FTP Board of Directors determined that
the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock pursuant to the Merger was in
the best interests of FTP and its stockholders and that FTP should proceed
with the Merger.
 
 Firefox's Reasons for the Merger
 
  The Board of Directors of Firefox believes that the following are additional
reasons for the stockholders of Firefox to vote FOR approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to create the potential to expand the market
     presence of Firefox products in the United States and globally through
     FTP's significant market presence.
 
  .  By combining with FTP, Firefox expects to be able to concentrate its
     development efforts on server technology and management and
     administration tools and leverage those efforts through FTP's
     development resources, customer base, sales and distribution channels,
     and support services.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to enhance Firefox's ability to develop and
     acquire technologies by making available the business and financial
     resources of a larger combined business enterprise.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to generate potential economies of scale in
     product manufacturing and enhance and facilitate customer order
     fulfillment.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to increase the potential for enhanced liquidity
     for Firefox stockholders through their ownership of FTP Common Stock,
     due to FTP's greater market capitalization and trading volume.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to allow Firefox to realize savings in selling,
     general and administrative expenses by enabling it to utilize FTP's
     infrastructure.
 
  .  The Merger is expected to enable Firefox to reduce its dependence on
     third party vendors.
 
  In the course of its deliberations on October 18, 1995, January 5, 1996,
January 17, 1996, February 19, 1996, March 11, 1996, March 14, 1996, March 22,
1996 and May 21, 1996, the Firefox Board of Directors reviewed with Firefox's
management a number of additional factors relevant to the Merger. In
particular, the Firefox Board of Directors considered, among other things: (i)
information concerning FTP's and Firefox's respective businesses, prospects,
historical financial performances and conditions, operations, technologies,
managements, competitive positions, product mixes, customer mixes and future
product development plans; (ii) the historical market prices, volatility and
trading information with respect to the Firefox Common Stock and the FTP
Common Stock; (iii) the consideration to be received by Firefox stockholders
in the Merger and the relationship between the market value of the shares of
FTP Common Stock to be issued in exchange for Firefox Common Stock and the
market value of the Firefox Common Stock; (iv) a comparison of comparable
merger transactions; (v) the terms of the Merger Agreement regarding Firefox's
right to consider and negotiate other acquisition proposals in certain
circumstances as well as the possible effects of the termination fee and the
stockholder agreements; (vi) an analysis of the relative value that Firefox
might contribute to the future business and prospects of the combined company;
(vii) an evaluation of the prospects of Firefox on a stand-alone basis and the
adverse effects of the delay of the Merger on Firefox's operations and
personnel; (viii) financial presentations by Cowen, including the oral
opinions of Cowen delivered at the January 17, 1996, March 14, 1996, March 22,
1996 and May 21, 1996 Firefox Board meetings, confirmed in writing on January
17, 1996, March 16, 1996, March 25, 1996 and May 21, 1996, respectively, to
the effect that, as of the respective dates of
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
such opinions, the consideration to be received by the Firefox stockholders
was fair from a financial point of view; (ix) the requirement that Firefox
receive an opinion from Cowen as of the Effective Time to the same effect as a
condition to the Merger; (x) the compatibility of the managements and
businesses of Firefox and FTP, as well as the facts that Firefox would have
representation on the combined company's Board of Directors and that certain
members of Firefox's senior management would continue in similar capacities
for the combined company; (xi) reports from Firefox's management, financial
and legal advisors on the results of their due diligence investigations of
FTP; (xii) the fact that the Merger is expected to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization; and (xiii) the removal of the Escrow related to the Firefox
Litigation for $15 million of shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger.
 
  The Board of Directors of Firefox also considered a variety of potentially
negative factors in its deliberations concerning the Merger, including, among
other things: (i) the slower growth of FTP's revenues in fiscal 1995 compared
to the potential growth in Firefox's revenues as a stand alone entity; (ii)
the potential loss of revenues to the combined company as a result of
confusion in the marketplace and the possible exploitation of such confusion
by competitors of the combined company; (iii) the possibility of management
disruption associated with the Merger and the risk that, despite the efforts
of the combined company, the combined company may not be able to retain key
technical, sales and management personnel of Firefox; (iv) the substantial
accounting charges and related cash requirements expected to be incurred in
connection with the Merger; (v) the risk that the combined company's ability
to increase or maintain revenue might be diminished by product transitions,
loss of personnel or other factors resulting from the Merger; (vi) the risk
that the benefits sought to be achieved by the Merger will not be achieved;
(vii) the fact that certain Firefox stockholders may have taxable income to
the extent of the Cash Payments received with respect to their shares of
Firefox Common Stock; (viii) the risk that the litigation against FTP could be
resolved adversely; and (ix) other risks described above under "Risk Factors."
 
  In view of the wide variety of factors, both positive and negative,
considered by the Firefox Board of Directors, the Firefox Board of Directors
did not find it practical to, and did not, quantify or otherwise assign
relative weights to the specific factors considered. After taking into
consideration all of the factors set forth above, the Firefox Board of
Directors unanimously determined that the Merger was fair to and in the best
interests of Firefox and its stockholders and that Firefox should proceed with
the Merger.
 
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FTP BELIEVES THAT THE ISSUANCE OF THE SHARES OF
FTP COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE MERGER IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS
OF FTP AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND THEREFORE UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
APPROVAL OF SUCH ISSUANCE.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIREFOX BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER, AND THE TERMS
THEREOF, ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF FIREFOX AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS
AND THEREFORE UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE
MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
 
CERTAIN PROJECTIONS
 
  Set forth below are projections (the "Combined Company Projections") that
were prepared by FTP on May 29, 1996 on the basis of the then most recent
information concerning and reflecting FTP's and Firefox's business models and
reflecting FTP and Firefox on a combined basis for the periods covered. Also
set forth below are certain projections (collectively, the "Separate Company
Projections") prepared by FTP and Firefox on May 16, 1996 and May 10, 1996,
respectively, with respect to the projected results of their respective
businesses based on the assumption that the Merger is not consummated. These
projections were not prepared with a view to public disclosure or in
compliance with published guidelines of the Commission regarding projections
or the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants regarding projections and are included herein only because the
information was developed in connection with the Merger and may be relevant to
a shareholder's evaluation of the Merger. The Separate Company Projections
represented the best estimates of FTP and Firefox, respectively, and the
Combined Company Projections represented the best estimates of FTP
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
(based in part on data furnished by Firefox), for which such parties believed
they had a reasonable basis as of the time of preparation thereof, based on a
variety of assumptions that FTP and Firefox believed were reasonable as of such
date, including those described below.
 
  The projections set forth below are inherently forward-looking statements
and, like all forward-looking statements, involve risks and uncertainties,
including those noted in this paragraph, as well as those described under "Risk
Factors." The projections, while presented with numerical specificity, were
based on numerous estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to those
listed below, which involved judgments with respect to, among other things,
future economic and competitive conditions, technological and industry
developments and future business decisions. These estimates and assumptions may
not be realized and are inherently subject to significant business, economic
and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the
companies, including those described under "Risk Factors." Therefore, there can
be no assurance that the projections set forth below will prove to be reliable
estimates of probable future performance. It is likely that actual results will
vary materially from these estimates. In light of the uncertainties inherent in
projections of any kind, the inclusion of projections herein should not be
regarded as a representation by any party that the estimated results will be
realized. There can be no assurances in this regard. The projections were not
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and were
not audited or reviewed by any independent accounting firm, nor did any
independent accounting firm perform any other services with respect thereto.
 
  On May 1, 1996, based on its estimate of approximately $132 to $137 million
of total revenue for 1996, FTP announced in a conference call with analysts
that it expected 1996 total revenue to be flat as compared with 1995 total
revenue.
 
  FTP and Firefox do not as a matter of course regularly make public forecasts
or projections as to future performance. In connection with discussions of the
Merger, FTP and Firefox provided one another with certain financial projection
data, including the Separate Company Projections presented below, which were
prepared in connection with the preparation of each company's business models
during the course of such discussions. Projection data provided by FTP was used
by Montgomery and projection data provided by Firefox and FTP was used by Cowen
in preparing their respective opinions concerning the fairness, from a
financial point of view, of the consideration to be paid pursuant to the
Merger. Montgomery used financial projection data regarding Firefox prepared by
FTP, but not the Separate Company Projections of Firefox or the Combined
Company Projections in rendering its opinion. Cowen used the Separate Company
Projections, but not the Combined Company Projections, in rendering its
opinion. See "--Opinion of Financial Advisor to FTP" and "--Opinion of
Financial Advisor to Firefox" below. The combined company projection data
furnished to each financial advisor, as well the assumptions used by each
financial advisor in analyzing the data, differed in certain respects from the
data and assumptions underlying the Combined Company Projections set forth
below. The significant difference between the combined company projection data
furnished to each financial advisor and the Combined Company Projections is
that the data furnished to Montgomery and Cowen was based upon an assumed
estimated charge for acquired in-process technology of $25 million (the
information necessary to develop an actual estimate having been unavailable at
the time projections were delivered to such advisors), while the Combined
Company Projections presented below were based upon an actual estimated charge
for acquired in-process technology of $41.6 million. Montgomery and Cowen have
advised FTP and Firefox, respectively, that the Combined Company Projections
set forth below, as well as the underlying assumptions, do not alter the
respective conclusions of either financial advisor regarding the fairness of
the Merger.
 
  The Combined Company Projections and Separate Company Projections set forth
below represented possible future operating experience as of the time they were
prepared. Neither FTP nor Firefox has or presently intends to update or
publicly revise either the Combined Company Projections or the Separate Company
Projections to reflect circumstances existing or developments occurring after
the preparation of such information or to reflect the occurrence of events that
were unanticipated at the time the projections were prepared.
 
 Combined Company Projections
 
  The key assumptions underlying the Combined Company Projections are as
follows:
 
    1. Benefits related to selling Firefox products through FTP's global
  distribution channels as well as selling
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
  FTP products to a larger Firefox customer base in the United Kingdom were
  estimated to be approximately $2 million in the six months ending December
  31, 1996 and approximately $10.5 million in the year ending December 31,
  1997, which yielded projected operating income at an estimated rate of 66%
  of those benefits;
 
    2. Benefits related to anticipated lower manufacturing costs, royalty
  expenses, facilities costs, personnel expenses and professional fees were
  offset by anticipated increases in product development costs
  and sales and marketing expenses, the effect of which resulted in estimated
  net operating cost benefits of approximately $200,000 in the six months
  ending December 31, 1996 and approximately $1.03 million in the year ending
  December 31, 1997.
 
    3. Investment income was estimated to decrease by approximately $400,000
  in the six months ending December 31, 1996 and by approximately $900,000 in
  the year ending December 31, 1997.
 
    4. Amortization of capitalized technology was estimated to be
  approximately $1.25 million in the six months ending December 31, 1996 and
  approximately $2.5 million in the year ending December 31, 1997.
 
    5. An effective tax rate of 37% was estimated for each of the applicable
  periods.
 
    6. Approximately 5.1 million additional shares of FTP Common Stock
  (including 100,000 shares attributable to Firefox stock options) were
  estimated to be issued and outstanding for six months in 1996 and for all
  of 1997.
 
    7. The combined company's global distribution capabilities, particularly
  in Europe and the Asia Pacific region, were assumed to have been
  successfully expanded.
 
    8. The Merger was assumed to have been consummated on July 1, 1996.
 
  Each of these key assumptions is subject to significant risks and, as noted
above, no assurance can be given that these assumptions or the Combined
Company Projections will be realized.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              SIX MONTHS           YEAR
                                                ENDING            ENDING
                                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                           ----------------- -----------------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>
Revenues..................................      $92,246          $204,500
Operating income..........................        7,704            26,275
Pretax income.............................       10,095            31,260
Net income................................        6,360            19,694
Earnings per share........................      $   .19          $    .57
Average shares of common stock
 outstanding..............................       33,000            34,700
</TABLE>
 
  The Separate Company Projections were prepared independently by FTP and
Firefox, respectively. The Separate Company Projections differ from, and are
not directly comparable with, the Combined Company Projections principally in
that the Separate Company Projections were prepared by each of FTP and Firefox
on the basis that it would remain an independent enterprise and would pursue
the development of its business on an independent basis, utilizing its
existing product base, independent product development capabilities and
current marketing and sales organizations and distribution channels. Moreover,
the projection data used by FTP in preparing the Combined Company Projections
were not the data from the Separate Company Projections of Firefox below,
which were developed by Firefox, but rather were projection data regarding
Firefox's business developed independently by FTP on the basis of FTP's
analysis of the projected results of Firefox as combined with FTP. FTP
developed the Combined Company Projections based on the assumption, among
others, that the combined company would develop and sell products that neither
company would have developed in the near term had the Merger not been
consummated and each company had continued to operate independently. FTP
assumed for purposes of developing the Combined Company Projections that the
combined company would benefit from the expected synergies of combining FTP
and Firefox, would pursue a different product development, marketing and
distribution strategy than either company would have pursued independently and
would have broader and more rapid product development capabilities.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
 Separate Company Projections
 
 FTP
 
  The key assumptions underlying the Separate Company Projections of FTP are
  as follows:
 
    1. Revenue for the last six months of 1996 was assumed to increase by
  approximately 20% from that expected for the first half of 1996. Revenue
  was assumed to be flat from the fourth quarter of 1996 to the first quarter
  of 1997 and thereafter to increase by $1 million per quarter for each of
  the last three quarters of 1997.
    2. Gross margin was assumed to continue at approximately 85% for the
  remainder of 1996 and 1997. Operating expenses were assumed to increase by
  approximately 5% for the last six months of 1996 as compared to that
  expected for the first six months of 1996. For 1997, operating expenses
  were assumed to increase by approximately 10% as compared to 1996 with the
  exception of general and administrative expenses, which were assumed to
  decrease slightly from 1996 due to the elimination of a non-recurring
  expense.
 
    3. Investment income was estimated to increase by approximately $250,000
  in the last six months of 1996 as compared to that expected for the first
  six months of 1996 and to remain at the fourth quarter 1996 amount for each
  quarter of 1997.
 
    4. An effective tax rate of 37% was estimated for each of the applicable
  periods.
 
    5. FTP's global distribution capabilities, particularly in the United
  Kingdom and the Asia Pacific region, were assumed to have been successfully
  expanded.
 
    6. Products intended to address the large, complex enterprise TCP/IP
  market were assumed to have been successfully developed on a timely basis.
 
  Each of these key assumptions is subject to significant risks and, as noted
above, no assurance can be given that these assumptions or the Separate
Company Projections of FTP would be realized if the Merger were not
consummated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SIX
                                                               MONTHS    YEAR
                                                               ENDING   ENDING
                                                              DECEMBER DECEMBER
                                                              31, 1996 31, 1997
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
Revenues..................................................... $ 74,996 $ 163,000
Operating income.............................................    5,688    17,050
Pretax income................................................    8,059    21,835
Net income...................................................    5,077    13,756
Earnings per share...........................................      .19       .47
Average shares of common stock outstanding ..................   27,000    29,500
</TABLE>
 
 Firefox
 
  The key assumptions underlying the Separate Company Projections of Firefox
are as follows:
 
    1. Firefox's staff levels in all areas of its United States operations
  were assumed to increase early in the third quarter of 1996, including as a
  result of the recruitment of key managers.
 
    2. Firefox's new product, NOV*IX for NT, was assumed to be released
  during the third quarter of 1996 in order to address the expected expansion
  of the NT market.
 
    3. Firefox's own Web Server product was assumed to be released in July
  1996 in order to meet the growing demand for this product.
 
    4. New products designed to address the mail and messaging markets were
  assumed to be released during the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
    5. Firefox's existing product set was assumed to be repositioned early in
  the third quarter of 1996 in order to meet the needs of the market more
  successfully, in part by distinguishing between Internet and intranet
  solutions.
 
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
    6. New products intended to address the large complex enterprise TCP/IP
  market were assumed to be released during the fourth quarter of 1996.
 
    7. Firefox's European business was assumed to grow in line with
  management's expectations, by approximately 26% between 1995 and 1996 and
  approximately 40% between 1996 and 1997.
 
    8. Firefox was assumed to continue to invest in product development and
  to expand its sales and marketing resources. Total operating expenses were
  estimated to increase by approximately 4.3% for the last six months of 1996
  as compared to that expected for the first six months of 1996. For 1997,
  operating expenses were estimated to increase by approximately 26% as
  compared to 1996.
 
    9. Gross margin was assumed to continue at approximately 82% for the
  remainder of 1996 and 1997.
 
  Each of these key assumptions is subject to significant risks and, as noted
above, no assurance can be given that these assumptions or the Separate
Company Projections of Firefox would be realized if the Merger were not
consummated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 SIX
                                                                MONTHS    YEAR
                                                                ENDING   ENDING
                                                               DECEMBER DECEMBER
                                                               31, 1996 31, 1997
                                                               -------- --------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
Revenues...................................................... $15,250  $36,500
Operating income..............................................   1,546    2,980
Pretax income                                                    1,966    3,830
Net income....................................................   1,179    2,298
</TABLE>
 
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO FTP
 
  Pursuant to an engagement letter dated October 16, 1995, FTP retained
Montgomery to act as its financial advisor in connection with the
consideration by FTP of the Merger. Montgomery is a nationally recognized firm
and, as part of its investment banking activities, is regularly engaged in the
valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with merger
transactions and other types of acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for corporate and other purposes. FTP selected Montgomery as
its financial advisor on the basis of Montgomery's experience and expertise in
transactions similar to the Merger, its reputation in the software and
investment communities and its existing investment banking relationship with
FTP.
 
  On May 20, 1996, Montgomery delivered its written opinion that the
consideration to be paid by FTP in the Merger is fair to FTP from a financial
point of view, as of that date. The amount of such consideration was
determined pursuant to negotiations between FTP and Firefox and not pursuant
to recommendations of Montgomery. No limitations were imposed by FTP on
Montgomery with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed in
rendering its opinion.
 
  The full text of Montgomery's written opinion to FTP is attached hereto as
Annex B and is incorporated herein by reference. The following summary of
Montgomery's opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of the opinion. Montgomery's opinion is directed to the Board of
Directors of FTP and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder
of FTP as to how such stockholder should vote with respect to the issuance of
the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger. In
furnishing its opinion, Montgomery did not admit that it is an expert within
the meaning of the term "expert" as used in the Securities Act, or that its
opinion constitutes a report or valuation within the meaning of Section 11 of
the Securities Act, and statements to such effect are included in the text of
Montgomery's written opinion.
 
  In connection with its opinion, Montgomery, among other things: (i) reviewed
certain publicly available financial and other data with respect to FTP and
Firefox, including the consolidated financial statements for
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
recent years and interim periods to March 31, 1996 and publicly disclosed
financial information for the year ended December 31, 1995, and certain other
relevant financial and operating data relating to FTP and Firefox made
available to Montgomery from published sources and from the internal records
of FTP and Firefox; (ii) reviewed the Merger Agreement provided to Montgomery
by FTP; (iii) reviewed certain historical market prices and trading volumes of
the FTP Common Stock and the Firefox Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market; (iv) compared FTP and Firefox from a financial point of view
with certain other companies in the software industry that Montgomery deemed
to be relevant; (v) considered the financial terms, to the extent publicly
available, of selected recent business combinations of companies in the
software industry that Montgomery deemed to be comparable, in whole or in
part, to the Merger; (vi) reviewed and discussed with representatives of the
managements of FTP and Firefox certain information of a business and financial
nature regarding FTP and Firefox, furnished to Montgomery by them; (vii)
reviewed and discussed with representatives of the managements of FTP and
Firefox financial forecasts and related assumptions of FTP and Firefox, which
were provided to Montgomery by FTP (see "--Certain Projections" above); (viii)
discussed the Firefox Litigation with the respective managements and legal
counsels of FTP and Firefox; (ix) made inquiries regarding and discussed the
Merger and the Merger Agreement and other matters related thereto with FTP's
legal counsel; and (x) performed such other analyses and examinations as
Montgomery deemed appropriate.
 
  In connection with its review, Montgomery assumed and relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of the foregoing information and did not assume any
responsibility for independent verification of such information. With respect
to the financial forecasts provided to Montgomery as described above,
Montgomery assumed for purposes of its opinions that such forecasts had been
reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best available estimates and
judgments of the management of FTP at the time of preparation as to the future
financial performance of FTP and Firefox, respectively, and that they provide
a reasonable basis upon which Montgomery could form its opinions. Neither FTP
nor Firefox publicly discloses internal management forecasts of the type
provided to Montgomery by FTP's management in connection with Montgomery's
review of the Merger. Such forecasts were not prepared with a view toward
public disclosure. In addition, such forecasts were based upon numerous
variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, including, without
limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions.
Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in
such forecasts. Montgomery has assumed no liability for such forecasts.
Montgomery also assumed that there have been no material changes in FTP's or
Firefox's assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or
prospects since the respective dates of their last financial statements made
available to Montgomery, other than two acquisitions consummated by FTP, the
terms of which were described to Montgomery by FTP's management. Montgomery
relied on advice of counsel and independent accountants to FTP as to all legal
and financial reporting matters with respect to FTP, the Merger and the Merger
Agreement. In addition, Montgomery did not assume responsibility for making an
independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of the assets or
individual properties of FTP or Firefox, nor was Montgomery furnished with any
such appraisals. Finally, Montgomery's opinion is based on economic, monetary
and market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to Montgomery as of, May 20, 1996.
 
  Montgomery also assumed, with the consent of FTP's management, that the
Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms described in the
Merger Agreement without any amendments thereto, and without waiver by FTP or
Firefox of any of the conditions to their respective obligations thereunder.
 
  Montgomery was advised by Firefox, and with the consent of FTP's management
assumed without obligation of independent verification, that the first $10
million in losses, liabilities, claims, damages, costs and expenses in
connection with the Firefox Litigation ("Losses") incurred by Firefox would be
covered in full by Firefox's insurance, subject to retention and any agreement
on allocation. In addition, Montgomery was advised by Firefox that, based on
the limited information currently available to it at this early stage of the
litigation, it believes that the amount of Losses, if any, to be incurred in
connection with the litigation should not exceed the amount of available
insurance coverage of Firefox, subject to retention and any agreement on
allocation, and assumed, with the consent of FTP's management and without
obligation of independent verification, that such Losses will not exceed that
amount.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
  Set forth below is a brief summary of the analyses underlying Montgomery's
opinion.
 
  Comparable Company Analysis. Using public and other available information,
Montgomery calculated the imputed per share value of the Firefox Common Stock
based on the multiples of estimated 1996 and 1997 revenues and net income at
which the following comparable companies were trading on May 17, 1996: FTP,
NetManage, Hummingbird Communications Ltd., Wall Data and XcelleNet Inc. The
May 17, 1996 stock prices of the comparable companies reflected the following
median multiples: 1.9x estimated 1996 revenues; 1.6x estimated 1997 revenues;
25.6x estimated 1996 net income; and 16.8x estimated 1997 net income.
Montgomery applied the foregoing median multiples to the applicable statistics
for Firefox provided by FTP management, made applicable adjustments to reflect
Firefox's net cash (defined as cash minus debt) at March 31, 1996, and applied
a control premium to the resulting totals. This analysis indicated an imputed
equity value (defined as aggregate value plus net cash) of Firefox of between
$65.5 million and $82.5 million, or between $9.73 and $12.25 per share of
Firefox Common Stock.
 
  Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Montgomery applied a discounted cash flow
analysis to Firefox's financial forecasts for the second half of 1996 and 1997
prepared by FTP's management and provided to Montgomery, and for 1998 through
2001 prepared by Montgomery and approved by management of FTP. FTP did not
provide Montgomery with any financial forecasts for periods beyond 1997. In
conducting such analysis, Montgomery assumed that Firefox would perform in
accordance with such forecasts. First, Montgomery calculated the estimated
future streams of free cash flows that Firefox would produce through 2000.
Second, Montgomery estimated Firefox's aggregate value at the end of 2000 by
applying multiples ranging from 15.0x to 19.0x to Firefox's estimated net
income for 2001 and subtracting Firefox's estimated net cash at the end of
2000. Such cash flow streams and aggregate value were discounted to present
values using discount rates ranging from 17.0% to 25.0%, chosen to reflect
different assumptions regarding FTP's cost of capital, and such present values
were then increased by Firefox's net cash as of March 31, 1996. This analysis
indicated an imputed equity value of Firefox of between $53.1 million and
$81.2 million, or between $7.89 and $12.05 per share of Firefox Common Stock.
 
  Comparable Transactions Analysis. Montgomery reviewed the consideration paid
in the following acquisitions of comparable software companies that have been
announced since 1995 (target/acquiror): Tivoli Systems/IBM Corp.; TGV Software
Inc./Cisco Systems Inc.; Unipalm/UUNet Technologies; Collabra Software
Inc./Netscape Communications Corp.; and SPRY Inc./CompuServe Inc. Montgomery
analyzed the consideration paid in such transactions as a multiple of the
target companies' net revenues for the latest 12 months. Such analysis yielded
high, low and mean multiples of 17.5x, 2.8x and 8.5x, respectively. Montgomery
then applied the foregoing multiples to Firefox's revenues for the 12 months
ended March 31, 1996 and added Firefox's net cash as of March 31, 1996. This
analysis indicated an imputed equity value of Firefox of between $69.6 million
and $351.5 million, or between $10.34 and $52.19 per share of Firefox Common
Stock.
 
  No other company or transaction used in the comparable transactions analysis
as a comparison is identical to Firefox or the Merger, respectively.
Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing is not mathematical;
rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning
differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and
other factors that could affect the public trading value of the companies and
transactions to which Firefox and the Merger, respectively, are being
compared.
 
  Earnings Accretion/Dilution Analysis. Using 1996 and 1997 financial
forecasts of FTP and Firefox provided to Montgomery by FTP management (which
forecasts differ both from the forecasts that were used by Cowen in connection
with preparation of its opinion and from the forecasts described under "--
Certain Projections" above), and giving effect to cost savings such management
expects to realize following the Merger in such areas as general and
administrative costs and manufacturing and distribution, Montgomery compiled
and reviewed pro forma financial information of the combined company assuming
consummation of the Merger, assuming a $9.625 market price for the FTP Common
Stock (which was the actual closing sale price of the FTP Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Market on May 17, 1996). Such analysis indicated that the
Merger could be accretive for 1997.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  While the foregoing summary describes all analyses and examinations that
Montgomery deems material to its opinion, it is not a comprehensive
description of all analyses and examinations actually conducted by Montgomery.
The preparation of a fairness opinion necessarily is not susceptible to
partial analysis or summary description. Montgomery believes that its analyses
and the summary set forth above must be considered as a whole and that
selecting portions of its analyses and of the factors considered, without
considering all analyses and factors, would create an incomplete view of the
processes underlying the analyses set forth in its presentation to FTP. In
addition, Montgomery may have given various analyses more or less weight than
other analyses, and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable
than other assumptions, so that the ranges of valuations resulting from any
particular analysis described above should not be taken to be Montgomery's
view of the actual value of Firefox.
 
  In performing its analyses, Montgomery made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of FTP and Firefox. The
analyses performed by Montgomery are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than those suggested by such analyses. Such analyses were prepared
solely as part of Montgomery's analysis of the fairness of the Merger to FTP
and were provided to FTP in connection with the delivery of Montgomery's
opinions. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the
prices at which a company might actually be sold or the prices at which any
securities may trade at any time in the future. Montgomery used in its
analyses various projections of future performance prepared by the managements
of FTP and Firefox. The projections are based on numerous variables and
assumptions which are inherently unpredictable and must be considered not
certain of occurrence as projected. Accordingly, actual results could vary
significantly from those set forth in such projections. Because such
projections are inherently subject to uncertainty, none of FTP, Firefox,
Montgomery or any other person assumes responsibility for their accuracy.
 
  As described above, Montgomery's opinion and presentation to FTP were among
the many factors taken into consideration by FTP's Board of Directors in
making its determination to approve, and to recommend that its stockholders
approve, the issuance of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger.
 
  Pursuant to a letter agreement dated October 16, 1995 (the "Engagement
Letter"), FTP engaged Montgomery to act as its financial advisor in connection
with the Merger. The Engagement Letter provides for FTP to pay Montgomery a
fee of $1.5 million for services rendered in connection with the Merger, one-
half of which was payable by FTP upon the execution of the Merger Agreement.
The fee is not conditioned on the outcome of Montgomery's opinion or whether
or not such opinion was deemed to be favorable for any party's purposes. FTP
is obligated to pay the remaining one-half of the fee upon the consummation of
the Merger. Pursuant to the Engagement Letter, FTP also has paid Montgomery a
non-refundable retainer of $50,000 for acting as financial advisor, which will
be credited against the fee that becomes payable upon consummation of the
Merger. The Engagement Letter also calls for FTP to reimburse Montgomery for
its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Pursuant to a separate letter
agreement, FTP has agreed to indemnify Montgomery, its affiliates and their
respective partners, directors, officers, agents, consultants, employees and
controlling persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under
the federal securities laws, relating to or arising out of services performed
by Montgomery as financial advisor to FTP in connection with the Merger,
unless such liabilities arise out of Montgomery's gross negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct. The terms of the fee arrangement with Montgomery, which
are customary in transactions of this nature, were negotiated at arms-length
between FTP and Montgomery, and the Board of Directors of FTP approved such
arrangement, including the payment of a significant portion of the aggregate
fee contingent upon consummation of the Merger.
 
  In the ordinary course of its business, Montgomery actively trades the
equity securities of FTP and Firefox for its own account and for the accounts
of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position
in such securities. Montgomery also has acted as an underwriter in connection
with public offerings of the FTP Common Stock in November 1993 and May 1994
and of the Firefox Common Stock in May 1995 and has performed various
investment banking services for FTP.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO FIREFOX
 
  In October 1995, the Board of Directors of Firefox retained Cowen to act as
Firefox's financial advisor in connection with a possible combination with
FTP. Over the next several months Cowen attended meetings held by the parties
at which the structure, financial and other terms of a possible transaction
were discussed. On January 17, 1996, Cowen delivered to the Firefox Board, its
oral opinion and confirmed such opinion in writing on that date (the "January
17, 1996 Cowen Opinion") that, as of that date, based upon certain analyses
performed by Cowen and subject to certain assumptions, the consideration to be
received by the holders of Firefox Common Stock in the Merger, as then
proposed, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Cowen
performed its definitive valuation after the parties agreed on the terms of
the Merger, including the financial consideration to be paid to Firefox
stockholders.
 
  On March 14, 1996, Cowen delivered to the Firefox Board of Directors its
oral opinion and confirmed such opinion in writing on March 16, 1996 (the
"March 16, 1996 Cowen Opinion") that, as of such date, based on certain
analyses performed by Cowen and subject to certain assumptions, the
consideration to be received by the holders of Firefox Common Stock in the
Merger, as then proposed, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such
holders. The March 16, 1996 Cowen Opinion was delivered to provide the Firefox
Board of Directors with an update, taking into account relevant intervening
factors since the delivery of the January 17, 1996 Cowen Opinion, including
(i) amendments to the Merger Agreement, (ii) the Firefox Litigation, (iii) the
current market factors and prospects of Firefox and FTP, based on discussions
with their respective managements, (iv) changes in the trading multiples of
the Selected Companies (as defined below), and (v) acquisition multiples in
recent transactions.
 
  On March 22, 1996, Cowen delivered to the Firefox Board of Directors its
oral opinion and confirmed such opinion in writing on March 25, 1996 (the
"March 25, 1996 Cowen Opinion") that, as of such date, based on certain
analyses performed by Cowen and subject to certain assumptions, the
consideration to be received by the holders of Firefox Common Stock in the
Merger, as then proposed, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such
holders. The March 25, 1996 Cowen Opinion was delivered to provide the Firefox
Board of Directors with an update, taking into account relevant intervening
factors since the delivery of the March 16, 1996 Cowen Opinion, including (i)
amendments to the Merger Agreement, (ii) the FTP litigation, (iii) the current
market factors and prospects of Firefox and FTP, based on discussions with
their respective managements, (iv) changes in the trading multiples of the
Selected Companies and (v) acquisition multiples in recent transactions.
 
  On May 21, 1996, Cowen delivered to the Firefox Board of Directors its oral
opinion and confirmed such opinion in writing on that date (the "May 21, 1996
Cowen Opinion") that, as of such date, based on certain analyses performed by
Cowen and subject to certain assumptions, the consideration to be received by
the holders of Firefox Common Stock in the Merger is fair, from a financial
point of view, to such holders. The May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion was delivered
to provide the Firefox Board of Directors with an update, taking into account
relevant intervening factors since the delivery of the March 25, 1996 Cowen
Opinion, including (i) amendments to the Merger Agreement, (ii) the current
market factors and prospects of Firefox and FTP provided by their respective
managements and (iii) changes in the trading multiples of the Selected
Companies. While Cowen advised Firefox during the negotiation process, the
final structure and terms of the Merger, including the amount and type of
financial consideration, were agreed upon by Firefox and FTP as the result of
their arm's length negotiations.
 
  The full text of the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion, which sets forth
assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered, and limitations on
and the scope of the review undertaken by Cowen in rendering its opinion, is
attached as Appendix C to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Firefox
stockholders are urged to read this opinion carefully and in its entirety. The
May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion addresses only the fairness of the consideration to
be received by the holders of Firefox Common Stock in the Merger from a
financial point of view as of the date of such opinion, and does not
constitute an opinion as to the merits of the transaction contemplated by the
Merger Agreement or a recommendation to any stockholder of Firefox as to how
such stockholder should vote at the Firefox Meeting. Unless otherwise
indicated, the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
does not take into effect any direct or indirect consequences of the Firefox
Litigation or the FTP litigation. The summary of the May 21, 1996 Cowen
Opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion.
 
  Cowen reviewed with the Firefox Board of Directors the general analyses
performed by Cowen in reaching its opinion, including the assumptions made and
the financial projections of Firefox and FTP considered therein. In connection
with its opinion, Cowen, among other things: (i) reviewed the Merger Agreement
and discussed with Firefox's management the terms of the Merger Agreement;
(ii) reviewed certain financial and other data with respect to Firefox
provided by management, including Firefox's consolidated financial statements
for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for
the three-month period ended March 31, 1996, certain publicly available
filings with the Commission and certain other relevant financial and projected
operating data of Firefox; (iii) reviewed certain financial and other data
with respect to FTP provided by FTP management, including consolidated
financial statements for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 and for the three-month period ended March 31, 1996, certain
publicly available filings with the Commission and certain other relevant
financial and projected operating data of FTP; (iv) held meetings and
discussions with management and senior personnel of FTP and Firefox to discuss
the business, operations, historical financial results and future prospects of
Firefox, FTP and the combined company; (v) reviewed the Separate Company
Projections furnished to Cowen by the managements of Firefox and FTP,
including, among other things, the capital structure, sales, net income, cash
flows, capital requirements, potential synergies and other data of Firefox,
FTP and the combined company deemed relevant (which projections differ both
from the projections that were used by Montgomery in connection with
preparation of its opinion and from the Combined Company Projections described
under "--Certain Projections" above); (vi) reviewed the valuation of Firefox
and FTP in comparison to other similar publicly traded companies; (vii)
compared the financial terms of the Merger contemplated by the Merger
Agreement with the financial terms, to the extent available, of similar
transactions; (viii) conducted a discounted cash flow analysis of Firefox's
projections, provided to Cowen by Firefox; (ix) analyzed the potential pro
forma financial effects of the transaction contemplated by the Merger
Agreement; (x) reviewed the historical market prices, trading volumes and
exchange ratios of the Firefox Common Stock and the FTP Common Stock; (xi)
reviewed Firefox's contribution to revenues and net income relative to its pro
forma ownership in FTP; (xii) discussed with Firefox's management potential
market reaction to the Merger, considering strategic, financial and structural
perspectives; and (xiii) conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and
investigations and considered such other financial, economic and market data
as Cowen deemed appropriate. In addition, Cowen contacted, sent public
information packages to and initiated discussions with several selected third
party candidates over a two-month period regarding a potential combination
with Firefox. No indications of interest were received as a result of this
process.
 
  The following paragraphs summarize significant financial analyses performed
by Cowen in connection with the oral opinion delivered to the Firefox Board of
Directors on May 21, 1996 and confirmed in the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion.
 
  Analysis of Certain Publicly Traded Companies. To provide contextual data
and comparative market information, Cowen compared selected data and ratios
for Firefox to the corresponding data and ratios of certain other companies
whose securities are publicly traded and which Cowen believes have operating,
market valuation and trading valuations similar to what might be expected of
Firefox. These companies included: FTP; Hummingbird Communications Ltd.;
NetManage; and Wall Data (the "Selected Companies"). Such data and ratios
include the market capitalization of common stock plus total debt less cash
and equivalents ("Adjusted Price") of the Selected Companies as a multiple of
calendar 1996 estimated revenue and the ratio of the then current stock prices
of the Selected Companies to the estimated calendar 1997 earnings per share
(as estimated by First Call Corporation) for these companies.
 
  Such analysis indicated that, for the Selected Companies (i) the median
value of Adjusted Price as a multiple of calendar 1996 estimated revenue was
2.5x as compared to the corresponding multiples for Firefox implied by FTP's
offer (assuming an Average Price equal to the closing price of $9.75 for the
FTP Common Stock on May
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
20, 1996) ("FTP's Offer as of May 20, 1996") of 1.8x; and (ii) the median
value of price per share as a multiple of estimated calendar 1997 earnings per
share was 15.7x as compared to the corresponding multiple for Firefox implied
by FTP's Offer as of May 20, 1996 of 26.1x.
 
  Although the Selected Companies were used for comparison purposes, none of
such companies is directly comparable to Firefox. The Average Price and thus
the multiples for Firefox implied by FTP's offer at the Effective Time could
be higher or lower than those implied by FTP's Offer as of May 20, 1996.
 
  Selected Transaction Analysis. Cowen reviewed the financial terms, to the
extent publicly available, of certain selected transactions involving the
acquisition of public companies in the data networking and software
industries, which were announced or completed since July 1994. The
transactions include, in reverse chronological order, the acquisitions of TGV
Software Inc. by Cisco Corporation; ALANTEC Corp. by Fore Systems, Inc.;
NetWorth, Inc. by Compaq Computer Corp.; Xylogics, Inc. by Bay Networks, Inc.;
Chipcom Corporation by 3Com Corporation; Lotus Development Corp. by IBM;
Lannet Data Communications by Madge Networks N.V.; Xyplex, Inc. by Raytheon
Co.; and SynOptics Communications, Inc. by Wellfleet Communications, Inc.
(collectively the "Selected Transactions").
 
  Cowen reviewed the Adjusted Price paid in the Selected Transactions as a
multiple of latest 12 months ("LTM") revenue. On the basis of the Adjusted
Price paid, the Selected Transactions had a median multiple of 3.1x LTM
revenue. The corresponding multiple of revenue for Firefox implied by FTP's
Offer as of May 20, 1996 is 2.3x.
 
  Although the Selected Transactions were used for comparison purposes, none
of such transactions is directly comparable to the Merger. The Average Price
and thus the multiples for Firefox implied by FTP's offer at the Effective
Time could be higher or lower than those implied by FTP's Offer as of May 20,
1996.
 
  Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Cowen estimated the range of values for
Firefox's equity based upon the discounted present value of the projected
after-tax free cash flows of Firefox for the six months ended December 31,
1996 and the calendar years December 31, 1997 through December 31, 1999, and
of the residual value of Firefox at December 31, 1999, calculated using a
terminal value for Firefox based upon a multiple of Firefox's projected 1999
net income. After-tax cash flow was calculated by taking projected earnings
before interest expense and taxes and subtracting from such amount projected
taxes, capital expenditures less depreciation and amortization and changes in
working capital. The analysis was based upon certain assumptions derived from
projections supplied by and discussions held with the management of Firefox.
In performing this analysis, Cowen utilized discount rates ranging from 15% to
25% which were selected based on the estimated weighted average cost of
capital of the Selected Companies. Cowen utilized terminal multiples of net
income ranging from 12.0x to 16.0x, which represented the general range of
price/earnings ratio multiples for the Selected Companies. Utilizing this
methodology, Firefox's implied equity value ranged from $45 million to $65
million as compared to the aggregate consideration of FTP's Offer as of May
20, 1996 in the Merger of $60 million.
 
  Contribution Analysis. Cowen compared the contribution of Firefox to
projected pro forma combined revenues and net income of the combined company
for calendar 1997 before synergies. Cowen noted that Firefox would contribute
approximately 18% of revenues and approximately 14% of net income as compared
with the approximately 15% pro forma ownership position that holders of
Firefox Common Stock would have in the combined company for the stock portion
of FTP's Offer as of May 20, 1996.
 
  Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Cowen analyzed certain pro forma financial
information of the combined company based upon internal financial analyses and
the Separate Company Projections for Firefox and FTP prepared by their
respective managements (which forecasts differ from the forecasts that were
used by Montgomery in connection with preparation of its opinion and the
Combined Company Projections described under "--Certain Projections" above),
and FTP's Offer as of May 20, 1996. Such analyses indicated that, including
certain synergies expected by the managements of Firefox and FTP, pro forma
earnings per share of the combined company would be dilutive for calendar year
1997.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  In its discussion with Firefox's Board of Directors concerning the fairness
from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the
Firefox stockholders in the Merger in connection with the January 17, 1996
Cowen Opinion, the March 16, 1996 Cowen Opinion, the March 25, 1996 Cowen
Opinion and the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion, respectively, Cowen reviewed,
among other things, the financial analyses described above and discussed with
the Firefox Board the limitations of each method of analysis relative to the
proposed Merger. Based upon Cowen's review and analysis, Cowen advised
Firefox's Board that as of the date of the delivery of the January 17, 1996
Cowen Opinion, the March 16, 1996 Cowen Opinion, the March 25, 1996 Cowen
Opinion and the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion, respectively, the consideration to
be received by the holders of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, in
each case as then proposed, is fair, from a financial point of view, to such
holders.
 
  The foregoing summary includes all material information relevant to the
analyses performed by Cowen but does not purport to be a complete description
of such analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process
and is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary
description. Selecting portions of the analyses or the summary set forth above
without considering the analyses as a whole could create an incomplete view of
the process underlying the May 21, 1996 Cowen Opinion. In arriving at its
fairness determination, Cowen made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performance, business and economic conditions and other matters. The
analyses were prepared solely for purposes of analyzing the financial
consideration to be received pursuant to the Merger and do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which Firefox, FTP or their
securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future
results are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses.
 
  In rendering its opinion, Cowen relied upon, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other
information supplied to it by the managements of Firefox and FTP and other
publicly available information. In addition, Cowen assumed that the financial
projections that had been provided to it by Firefox and FTP were prepared on a
reasonable basis and reflected the best available estimates and judgments of
Firefox's and FTP's respective managements at the time of preparation
regarding the future financial performance of Firefox and FTP. Because such
projections are inherently subject to uncertainty, none of Firefox, FTP, Cowen
or any other person assumes responsibility for their accuracy. Cowen did not
make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of
Firefox or FTP, nor has Cowen been furnished with any such appraisals. Cowen
made no independent investigations of any legal matters affecting either
Firefox or FTP, including the effect of any direct or indirect consequences of
the Firefox Litigation or the FTP litigation. Cowen based its opinion on the
economic, monetary and market conditions as of the date of such opinion and on
the information available to it on the date of such opinion and assumed that
there have been no material changes in either Firefox's or FTP's financial
condition, working capital, results of operations, business or prospects since
the respective dates of the most recent available financial statements or
other information of the constituent companies.
 
  As compensation for acting as Firefox's financial advisor in connection with
the Merger, Cowen will receive a fee equal to 1.2% of the aggregate
consideration payable pursuant to and entirely contingent upon the
consummation of the Merger. In addition, Firefox agreed to reimburse Cowen for
its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and to indemnify it and its controlling
persons, partners, directors, officers, employees and agents against any
losses or liabilities incurred in connection with the rendering of its
fairness opinions, as well as the advisory actions taken during the course of
the negotiations. Firefox has also agreed to indemnify Cowen against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, relating
to or arising out of services performed by Cowen as financial advisor to
Firefox in connection with the Merger, unless such liabilities arise out of
Cowen's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The terms of the fee
arrangement with Cowen, which are customary in transactions of this nature,
were negotiated at arms-length between Firefox and Cowen, and the Board of
Directors of Firefox was aware of such an arrangement, including the fact that
the fee payable to Cowen is contingent upon consummation of the Merger.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
  In the ordinary course of its business, Cowen prepares research reports on
the stock of many companies, including Firefox and FTP. Cowen also on a
regular basis trades both Firefox Common Stock and FTP Common Stock for its
own account and for the accounts of its customers. Accordingly, at any time
Cowen may hold either a long or short position in both Firefox Common Stock
and FTP Common Stock. In the past, Cowen and its affiliates have provided
financial advisory and financing services to Firefox, including acting as a
co-manager of Firefox's initial public offering in May 1995. Additionally,
Cowen has acted as underwriter for FTP in connection with public offerings of
the FTP Common Stock in November 1993 and May 1994 and acted as FTP's
financial advisor for the adoption of FTP's stockholders' rights plan on
December 1, 1995. Cowen has received customary fees from each of Firefox and
FTP for the rendering of these services.
 
  Cowen is a nationally recognized investment banking firm and, as part of its
investment banking activities, is regularly engaged in the valuation of
businesses and securities in connection with merger transactions and other
types of acquisitions. The Board of Directors of Firefox selected Cowen
because of its expertise and reputation, particularly in the area of
conducting research on and advising technology companies. No limitations were
imposed on Cowen's investigation of Firefox, FTP or the Merger or on the
procedures to be followed by Cowen in rendering its opinions.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
  In considering the recommendation of the Firefox Board of Directors with
respect to the Merger, stockholders of Firefox should be aware that certain
members of Firefox's management and the Firefox Board of Directors have
interests in the Merger that are in addition to the interests of stockholders
of Firefox generally. The Firefox Board of Directors was aware of these
interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the Merger
Agreement, the Merger and the transactions connected therewith.
 
  Stock Options. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each
Firefox Stock Option then outstanding under the Firefox 1995 Stock Option Plan
and the Firefox 1995 Outside Director Stock Option Plan, whether vested or
unvested, shall be deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to constitute an option to
acquire the number of shares of FTP Common Stock equal to the aggregate of (i)
that number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the
holder of such Firefox Stock Option would have been entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in full
immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or
not such option was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that number of additional
shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the aggregate Cash
Payment that the holder of such Firefox Stock Option would have been entitled
to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in
full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether
or not such option was in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average Price. To avoid
fractional shares, the number of shares of FTP Common Stock subject to an
assumed Firefox Stock Option will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.
As of the Firefox Record Date, no fully vested Firefox Stock Options were held
by the directors and executive officers of Firefox; however, James L. Clark, a
director of Firefox, holds an option to purchase 20,000 shares of Firefox
Common Stock, which, pursuant to its existing terms, will become fully vested
and exercisable as a result of the Merger. Mr. Clark's option has an exercise
price of $18.00 per share of Firefox Common Stock and will remain exercisable
for 12 months after the Effective Time.
 
  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each then
outstanding Firefox Scheme Option shall be deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to
constitute an option to acquire the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
(rounded down to the nearest whole number) equal to the aggregate of (i) that
number of shares of FTP Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the
holder of such Firefox Scheme Option would have been entitled to receive
pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in full
immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or
not such option was in fact exercisable) plus (ii) that number of additional
shares of FTP Common Stock calculated by dividing (A) the aggregate Cash
Payment that the holder of such Firefox Scheme Option would have been entitled
to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such option in
full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether
or not such option was in fact exercisable) by (B) the Average Price. The
exercise price for such Firefox Scheme
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
Options shall be price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for
the shares of Firefox Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such
Firefox Scheme Option divided by (y) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
deemed purchasable pursuant to such Firefox Scheme Option. Such assumption and
conversion is conditioned upon the written agreement of each holder of a
Firefox Scheme Option. Absent such written agreement, Firefox Scheme Options
will, in accordance with the terms of the Firefox 1994 Option Scheme, become
exercisable in full for a six-month period beginning at the Effective Time for
the same number of shares of FTP Common Stock as calculated pursuant to the
first sentence of this paragraph at the same exercise price as calculated
pursuant to the second sentence of this paragraph. At the end of such six-
month period, any Firefox Scheme Options which have not been assumed and
converted or exercised will terminate. Any Firefox Scheme Options which are
exercised may become eligible for resale in the public market immediately in
accordance with Rule 701 under the Securities Act or later in accordance with
Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As of the Firefox Record Date, 60,000
shares of Firefox Common Stock were subject to Firefox Scheme Options held by
officers and directors of Firefox.
 
  Election to FTP Board of Directors. The Merger Agreement provides that FTP
will take such action as is necessary to have John A. Kimberley, the current
President and Chief Executive Officer of Firefox, elected as a member of the
FTP Board of Directors effective immediately following the Effective Time and
will provide Mr. Kimberley with such indemnification and insurance as is
provided to other members of FTP's Board of Directors.
 
  Employment Arrangements with Certain Firefox Officers. It is a condition of
the Merger that as of the Effective Time, each of John A. Kimberley and Peter
R. Simkin, the current Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Firefox,
enter into an employment agreement (each, an "Employment Agreement") with FTP
and that Richard J. Whitehead, the current Vice President and Chief Scientist
of Firefox, enter into an employment agreement with Firefox, each of which
will provide for the commencement of an employment relationship with the
combined company at the Effective Time on terms substantially equivalent to
their respective terms of employment with Firefox prior to the Effective Time.
Currently, Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead (collectively, the
"Employees") are authorized to be paid salaries of $220,000, $150,000 and
$150,000, respectively, and are eligible to receive a bonus for 1996 of
$80,000, $40,000 and $40,000, respectively, subject to the terms of the
Firefox bonus plan. However, each such person has taken a voluntary reduction
of his salary to $88,000 per year. FTP and each Employee are currently
negotiating the terms of the Employment Agreements, but have agreed in
principle that the Employment Agreements will contain substantially the
following terms. Mr. Kimberley will be employed as Vice Chairman of FTP and
Executive Vice President of Firefox, Mr. Simkin will be employed as Chief
Technology Officer of FTP, and Mr. Whitehead will continue to be employed as
Vice President and Chief Scientist of Firefox, in each case for a period of
one year beginning at the Effective Time. Mr. Kimberley will be paid an annual
salary of $200,000 and each of Messrs. Simkin and Whitehead will be paid an
annual salary of $150,000. In addition, if a cash incentive or bonus
compensation plan is made available to executive officers of FTP generally, in
the cases of Messrs. Kimberley and Simkin, or officers of FTP and its
subsidiaries generally, in the case of Mr. Whitehead, and such person is not
then covered by any other cash incentive or bonus compensation plan, such
person will be entitled to participate in such plan in accordance with the
plan terms.
 
  It is anticipated that the Employment Agreements for Messrs. Kimberley and
Simkin will contain the following termination provisions, among others:
 
    (a) FTP will have the right to terminate such person's employment at any
  time "for cause" (as such term is to be defined in the Employment
  Agreements), in which event FTP shall have no further obligation to the
  Employee, other than for base salary earned and unpaid at the date of
  termination;
 
    (b) FTP will have the right to terminate the Employee's employment other
  than for cause at any time, in which event, if such termination occurs
  either before or after a Change of Control Period (as defined below), until
  the earlier of (i) 12 months following the date of such termination or (ii)
  the date the Employee commences other employment (including self-
  employment), FTP shall continue to pay the Employee his base salary at the
  rate in effect on the date of termination, shall continue to contribute to
  the cost of the Employee's participation in FTP's group medical and dental
  plans, provided that the Employee is entitled
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
  to continue such participation under applicable law and plan terms, and
  shall pay certain costs of out placement services for the Employee;
  provided, that if the Employee commences other employment before the end of
  such 12-month period, FTP shall pay the Employee, in one lump sum, one-half
  of the remaining balance of the base salary that would have been payable to
  the Employee had the Employee not accepted such other employment;
 
    (c) the Employee will have the right to terminate his employment at any
  time for "good reason" (as such term is to be defined in the Employment
  Agreements, and is expected to include matters such as a change in position
  or material diminution in the nature or scope of the Employee's
  responsibilities, duties or authority, work site relocation and the
  material failure of FTP to provide the Employee the benefits specified in
  his Employment Agreement), in which event FTP will be required to provide
  the Employee pay and benefits as described in the preceding paragraph; and
 
    (d) if on the date of, or within two years following, a change of control
  (as such term is to be defined in the Employment Agreements) (a "Change of
  Control Period"), FTP terminates the Employee's employment other than for
  cause or the Employee terminates his employment for good reason, then FTP
  will be required (subject to certain tax adjustments) to (i) pay the
  Employee a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (A) the sum of his base
  salary and the amount of any bonus paid or payable to him during the
  remainder of the term of the Employment Agreement (which will automatically
  be extended to be not less than 24 months from the date the change of
  control occurs) or (B) the sum of his base salary and the amount of any
  bonus paid or payable to him during the 12 months preceding the month
  during which such termination occurs, (ii) pay the full cost of the
  Employee's continued participation in FTP's group health and dental
  insurance plans for so long as the Employee remains entitled to continue
  such participation under COBRA and the applicable plan terms and (iii) pay
  certain costs of out placement services for the Employee. In addition, upon
  a change of control, all options to purchase FTP Common Stock then held by
  the Employee will automatically accelerate and become exercisable in full.
 
  Finally, the Employment Agreements will prohibit each Employee from selling
more than 40,000 shares of FTP Common Stock during any fiscal quarter of FTP
and will prohibit the Employee from competing with FTP and its affiliates for
a period of six months following termination of the Employee's employment.
 
  The Employment Agreement for Mr. Whitehead, which will be governed by the
laws of the United Kingdom, is expected to contain provisions substantially
similar to those described above and such additional provisions as may be
required under the laws of the United Kingdom.
 
  Registration Rights Agreement. It is a condition to the Merger that FTP
shall have entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration
Rights Agreement") with each of Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead. The
proposed Registration Rights Agreement provides each such person with
piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of FTP Common Stock
to be issued to each such person in the Merger on customary terms with pro
rata cutbacks. The proposed Registration Rights Agreement also provides for
the payment by FTP of certain expenses, including the legal fees of one
counsel acting on behalf of such persons.
 
  Continuation of Rights to Indemnification; Limitation of Liability;
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance. The Merger Agreement provides
that as of the Effective Time, Firefox as surviving corporation in the Merger
will provide Mr. Kimberley and Mr. Simkin with such indemnification and
insurance as is provided to other members of the FTP Board of Directors and
other FTP executive officers, respectively. The Merger Agreement further
provides that the bylaws of Firefox as surviving corporation in the Merger
will contain the provisions with respect to indemnification contained in the
current Firefox bylaws and that such provisions will not be amended, repealed
or otherwise modified for a period of three years after the Effective Time in
any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals
who at any time prior to the Effective Time were directors or officers of
Firefox, unless such modification is required by law.
 
  The Merger Agreement also provides that, after the Effective Time, Firefox
as surviving corporation in the Merger shall, to the fullest extent permitted
under the Firefox Restated and Amended Certificate of Incorporation
 
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and Bylaws or under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless each present
and former director, officer or employee of Firefox or any of its subsidiaries
against all costs, expenses, judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and amounts paid in any settlement arising out of or pertaining to
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or otherwise with
respect to any acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time,
to the same extent as provided in Firefox's Restated and Amended Certificate
of Incorporation or Bylaws or any applicable contract or agreement in effect
on the date of the Merger Agreement, in each case for a period of three years
after the Effective Time. Firefox as surviving corporation in the Merger is
also obligated to honor and fulfill in all respects Firefox's obligations
pursuant to indemnification agreements with Firefox's current or former
directors, officers and employees in effect at the Effective Time.
 
  FTP has also agreed to cause Firefox to maintain for a period of three years
after the Effective Time policies of directors' and officers' liability
insurance covering those persons covered by Firefox's directors' and officers'
liability insurance policy at the date of the Merger Agreement on comparable
terms. In no event, however, shall FTP or Firefox be required to expend in
excess of 150% of the annual premium currently paid by Firefox for such
coverage, provided that if the annual premium for such coverage exceeds such
amount, FTP or Firefox is obligated to purchase a policy with the greatest
coverage available for 150% of the annual premium currently paid by Firefox.
 
  Severance and Retention Payments. In May 1996, Firefox agreed to pay each of
Frank M. Richardson and Mark A. Rowlinson, currently executive officers and
directors of Firefox, and David J. Fallen, an executive officer of Firefox,
severance in the amount of $50,000, $75,000 and $25,000, respectively, if such
person's employment with Firefox is terminated (whether by such person or by
Firefox) at or following the Effective Time. Also in May 1996, Firefox agreed
to pay Mr. Rowlinson a retention bonus in the amount of $50,000 if he remains
as an employee of Firefox for a period of 30 days following the Effective
Time, to assist Firefox and FTP in the post-Merger integration process. It is
currently expected that the employment of each such person with Firefox will
not continue following the Effective Time or the end of such retention period,
as the case may be. In addition, Mr. Rowlinson has agreed to continue to
assist Firefox and FTP in the post-Merger integration process on a consulting
basis following his termination of employment with Firefox, as requested by
Firefox from time to time, for which services he will be paid at a rate of
$100 per hour.
 
  Pursuant to a letter agreement between Firefox and Archibald A. Thomas
entered into in May 1995, Mr. Thomas is entitled to receive, and required to
give, six months notice of termination of his employment with Firefox. In May
1996, Firefox agreed to pay Mr. Thomas severance in the amount of $150,000 in
lieu of any such notice if Mr. Thomas' employment with Firefox is terminated
(whether by him or by Firefox) at or following the Effective Time. It is not
expected that Mr. Thomas' employment will continue after such time. Mr. Thomas
and Firefox are also parties to a Separation Agreement entered into in June
1995, which provides that, if Mr. Thomas' employment with Firefox is
terminated other than by Firefox for cause or by Mr. Thomas voluntarily, then
the Firefox stock option held by Mr. Thomas (which covers a total 40,000
shares of Firefox Common Stock) will thereafter be exercisable in accordance
with the terms of the stock option agreement but for no less than (i) one-
third of the total number of shares subject to such option if such termination
occurs after January 4, 1996 and before January 4, 1997 and (ii) all of such
shares if such termination occurs on or after January 4, 1997 and before
January 4, 1998. This option will accelerate in connection with the Merger.
 
  The respective interests of the members of Firefox's management and Board of
Directors described above constitute all of the material interests of those
persons in the Merger that are known to Firefox to be different from, or that
constitute an extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis with,
the stockholders of Firefox.
 
REPRESENTATIONS
 
  Under the Merger Agreement, FTP, Sub and Firefox each made representations
that it is duly organized and validly existing and has the authority to enter
into the Merger Agreement, as well as representations, regarding, among other
things: (i) its organization and qualification; (ii) its charter documents;
(iii) its capital structure; (iv) its authority to execute and deliver the
Merger Agreement and perform its obligations thereunder; (v) the absence
 
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<PAGE>
 
of conflicts, the receipt of required consents and the completion of
Commission filings; (vi) compliance with laws and agreements; (vii) the
absence of certain changes or events; (viii) the absence of undisclosed
liabilities; (ix) the absence of litigation; (x) employee benefit plans and
employment agreements; (xi) certain labor matters; (xii) this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; (xiii) title to property; (xiv) taxes; (xv)
environmental matters; (xvi) intellectual property; (xvii) interested party
transactions; (xviii) insurance; (xix) accounts receivable; (xx) receipt of
the Cowen and Montgomery fairness opinions; and (xxi) broker fees. Firefox has
also made certain representations regarding the inapplicability of the
Delaware business combination statute to the Merger Agreement and the Merger,
change of control payments and estimated expenses. FTP has made an additional
representation that Sub was formed solely for purposes of consummating the
Merger and that there are no prior business activities by or relating to Sub.
 
CONDUCT OF FIREFOX'S AND FTP'S BUSINESSES PRIOR TO THE MERGER
 
  Under the Merger Agreement, each of FTP and Firefox has agreed that, during
the period from the date of the Merger Agreement and continuing until the
earlier of the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms or
the Effective Time, except to the extent that the other party otherwise
consents in writing, each of FTP and Firefox and each of its subsidiaries will
carry on its business in the ordinary course and that Firefox will keep
available the services of its present officers, employees and consultants and
preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers, and others having
significant business dealings with Firefox.
 
  Firefox also has agreed that it will not, without the prior written consent
of FTP, during the period from the date of the Merger Agreement and continuing
until the earlier of the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its
terms or the Effective Time, directly or indirectly do, or propose to do, any
of the following: (i) amend or otherwise change its charter or bylaws; (ii)
with certain exceptions, issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or
authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of, any
shares of its capital stock of any class, or any options, warrants,
convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of
capital stock, or any other ownership interest in Firefox or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates; (iii) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any
assets of Firefox or its subsidiaries, except for sales of assets in the
ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice,
dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets, and sales of immaterial assets
not in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate; (iv) with certain exceptions for
wholly-owned subsidiaries, declare, set aside, make or pay any dividends or
other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination
thereof) in respect of any of its capital stock; (v) (A) with certain
exceptions, acquire (by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or
assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
division thereof, (B) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any
debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse or otherwise as an
accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any person or, except
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, make any
loans or advances, (C) enter into or amend any material contract or agreement,
(D) authorize any material capital expenditures or purchase of fixed assets,
or (E) enter into or amend any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement
to effect any of the foregoing actions in clauses (v) (A) through (E); (vi)
increase the compensation payable or to become payable to its officers or
employees, or grant any severance or termination pay which in the aggregate
exceeds $400,000 to, or enter into any employment or severance agreement
(except with regard to severance agreements that in the aggregate do not
exceed a liability of $400,000) with, any director, officer or other employee
of Firefox or any of its subsidiaries, or establish, adopt, enter into or
amend any collective bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation,
stock option, restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employment, termination, severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund,
policy or arrangement for the benefit of any current or former directors,
officers or employees, except, in each case, as may be required by law; (vii)
take any action to change accounting policies or procedures; (viii) make any
material tax election inconsistent with past practice or settle or compromise
any material federal, state, local or foreign tax liability or agree to an
extension of a statute of limitations; (ix) pay, discharge or satisfy any
material claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or
unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or
satisfaction in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices of liabilities reflected or reserved against in its financial
statements or incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past
 
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<PAGE>
 
practice; or (x) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the
actions described in clauses (i) through (ix), or any action which would make
any of the representations or warranties of Firefox contained in the Merger
Agreement untrue or incorrect or prevent performance of its covenants
thereunder.
 
  The Merger Agreement provides that until the Effective Time, Firefox will
conduct the defense of the Firefox Litigation having due regard for the
mitigation of costs and expenses, and shall consult with FTP regarding the
conduct of such litigation and afford FTP and its representatives the
opportunity to review and comment upon all pleadings and other papers to be
filed in court in connection with the Firefox Litigation. Prior to the
Effective Time, Firefox may not settle or otherwise compromise the Firefox
Litigation without FTP's prior written consent.
 
  FTP has agreed it will not, without the prior written consent of Firefox,
during the period from the date of the Merger Agreement and continuing until
the earlier of the termination of the Merger Agreement or the Effective Time,
directly or indirectly do, or propose to do, any of the following: (i) amend
or otherwise change its charter or bylaws; (ii) with certain exceptions for
wholly-owned subsidiaries, declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or
other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination
thereof) in respect of any of its capital stock; or (iii) take, or agree in
writing or otherwise to take, any action that would make any of the
representations or warranties of FTP contained in the Merger Agreement untrue
or incorrect or prevent performance of its covenants thereunder.
 
NO SOLICITATION
 
  The Merger Agreement provides, subject to certain exceptions described
below, that Firefox and its subsidiaries will not, and will not permit their
respective directors, officers, employees, representatives or agents to,
directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage the initiation of
any inquiries or proposals regarding any merger, sale of substantial assets,
sale of shares of capital stock or similar transactions involving Firefox or
any of its subsidiaries (each, an "Acquisition Proposal") other than the
Merger, (ii) engage in negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide any
nonpublic information to any person relating to, any Acquisition Proposal, or
(iii) agree to, approve or recommend any Acquisition Proposal. Nonetheless,
the Firefox Board of Directors is not prevented from considering, discussing,
negotiating, agreeing to, approving and recommending to the stockholders of
Firefox a bona fide Acquisition Proposal not solicited in violation of the
Merger Agreement, provided that the Firefox Board of Directors determines in
good faith (upon advice of outside counsel) that it is required to do so in
order to discharge properly its fiduciary duties.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
  In addition to obtaining the Required Votes, the obligations of FTP, Sub and
Firefox to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction, at or prior
to the Effective Time, of a number of other conditions, including: (i) the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the absence of any stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or other similar
proceeding by the Commission; (ii) the absence of any temporary restraining
order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other court order preventing the
consummation of the Merger; (iii) the absence of any pending or threatened
action or proceeding by any governmental authority or administrative agency or
any effective judgment, decree or order of any governmental authority,
administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction, in either case,
seeking to prohibit or limit FTP from exercising all material rights and
privileges pertaining to its ownership of the combined company or the
ownership or operation by FTP or any of its subsidiaries of all or a material
portion of the business or assets of FTP or its subsidiaries, or seeking to
compel FTP or any of its subsidiaries to dispose of or hold separate all or
any material portion of the business or assets of FTP or any of its
subsidiaries, as a result of the Merger or the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement; and (iv) the aggregate number of Dissenting Shares and
fractional shares of FTP Common Stock payable in the Merger not being an
amount that would result in the Merger not constituting a reorganization for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "--Certain United States Federal Income
Tax Matters" below.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  The obligations of FTP and Sub are also conditioned upon: (i) the accuracy
in every material respect of the representations and warranties made by
Firefox except for breaches, inaccuracies or omissions that would not have a
Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement); (ii) the
performance in all material respects by Firefox of its agreements and
covenants contained in the Merger Agreement; (iii) the receipt of all
necessary third party consents, and the making of all required filings, by
Firefox; (iv) execution of Affiliate Agreements; (v) execution of the
Employment Agreements; (vi) the receipt of an opinion of FTP's counsel stating
that the Merger will constitute a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax
purposes; (vii) the May 20, 1996 fairness opinion of FTP's financial advisor
shall not have been amended, modified or withdrawn; (viii) the receipt of all
permits and authorizations necessary under "blue sky" laws to issue the shares
of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger; and (ix) the release
and discharge of all liens, encumbrances and security interests relating to
Firefox's borrowing, financing or similar arrangements with any banking
institutions and the filing and recording of evidence of such release and
discharge.
 
  The obligation of Firefox to consummate the Merger is also conditioned upon:
(i) the accuracy in every material respect of the representations and
warranties made by FTP and Sub except for breaches, inaccuracies or omissions
that would not have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) the performance in all
material respects by FTP and Sub of their respective agreements and covenants
contained in the Merger Agreement; (iii) the receipt of all necessary third
party consents, and the making of all required filings, by FTP and Sub; (iv)
execution of the Employment Agreements; (v) execution and delivery of the
Registration Rights Agreements between FTP and Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and
Whitehead; (vi) the receipt of an opinion of Firefox's counsel stating that
the Merger will constitute a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax
purposes; (vii) delivery of a fairness opinion of Firefox's financial advisor
as of the Effective Time without any substantial change from its opinion dated
May 21, 1996; and (viii) the approval for listing on the Nasdaq National
Market of the shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger
(such listing was applied for on June 18, 1996).
 
  At any time prior to the Effective Time, to the extent legally allowed, FTP
or Firefox, without approval of the stockholders of such company, may waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in the Merger
Agreement for the benefit of that company. Neither FTP nor Firefox currently
intends to waive compliance with any such agreements or conditions. If FTP and
Firefox waive the condition regarding receipt of an opinion to the effect that
the Merger will be treated as a tax-free reorganization, they intend to
resolicit the approval of the Merger by their respective stockholders pursuant
to an amended or supplemented Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Each company
also intends to resolicit the approval of its stockholders pursuant to an
amended or supplemented Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus if it waives any
other condition contained in the Merger Agreement where such resolicitation is
required by law or is deemed appropriate by such company after consultation
with legal counsel.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
 
  The Merger will be consummated promptly after the Required Votes are
obtained and following the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to
consummation of the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement. The parties
anticipate that all of the conditions to the Merger will have been satisfied
or waived soon after the Required Votes are obtained and that the Merger will
be consummated on or about July 22, 1996.
 
REGULATORY MATTERS
 
  Under the HSR Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder by the FTC, the
Merger may not be consummated until notifications have been given and certain
information has been furnished to the FTC and the Antitrust Division and
specified waiting period requirements have been satisfied. The required
notifications and information were provided on April 5, 1996 and the
applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act have expired. At any time before
or after the Effective Time, the Antitrust Division, the FTC or a private
person or entity could seek under antitrust laws, among other things, to
enjoin the Merger or to cause FTP to divest itself, in whole or in part, of
Firefox. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the Merger will not be
made or, if such a challenge is made, that FTP and Firefox will prevail.
 
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  Neither FTP nor Firefox is aware of any other governmental or regulatory
approvals required for the consummation of the Merger.
 
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
 
  The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective
Time (a) by the mutual written consent of both FTP and Firefox or (b) by
either such party: (i) if the Merger is not consummated on or before August
15, 1996 and the party seeking the termination has not caused the delay by
failing to fulfill its material obligations under the Merger Agreement; (ii)
if there is a final non-appealable order, decree, or ruling of a federal or
state court or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission
or if there is any other action taken having the effect of permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger; (iii) if the
Required Votes are not received by August 15, 1996; (iv) if the Board of
Directors of the other party withdraws, modifies or changes its approval or
recommendation of the Merger Agreement or the Merger in a manner adverse to
such party, if the Board of Directors of Firefox recommends to the Firefox
stockholders an Alternative Transaction (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
or if a tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the outstanding
shares of Firefox Common Stock is commenced and the Firefox Board of Directors
recommends that its stockholders tender their shares; or (v) if any
representation or warranty of the other party in the Merger Agreement was
untrue when made or the other party breaches any covenant or agreement
contained in the Merger Agreement such that certain conditions set forth
therein cannot be met, provided such breach is not curable by August 15, 1996
(a "Terminating Breach"). FTP has the further right to terminate the Merger
Agreement if any person other than FTP or its affiliates is or becomes the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding shares of Firefox Common
Stock prior to the Effective Time. If the Merger Agreement is terminated for
any of the reasons described above, the Merger Agreement shall become void and
there shall be no liability on the part of the parties thereto or any of their
affiliates, directors, officers or stockholders, except that certain specified
provisions, including those relating to payment of fees and expenses, shall
survive any termination. In spite of any termination of the Merger Agreement,
no party shall be relieved of liability for any breach of the Merger
Agreement.
 
  The Merger Agreement may be amended by FTP and Firefox at any time before or
after approval of the FTP stockholders or the Firefox stockholders, except
that, after stockholder approval, no amendment may be made which by applicable
law requires the further approval of the FTP stockholders or the Firefox
stockholders unless such approval is obtained.
 
BREAK-UP FEE
 
  In the event of a termination of the Merger Agreement by FTP or Firefox, as
a result of (i) the Firefox Board of Directors adversely withdrawing,
modifying or changing its approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement
or Merger or resolving to do so, (ii) the Firefox Board of Directors
recommending to its stockholders an Alternative Transaction, or (iii) the
commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the
outstanding shares of Firefox Common Stock (other than by FTP or its
affiliate) and the Firefox Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders
of Firefox tender their shares in such tender or exchange offer, Firefox will
be required to pay to FTP, within one business day of Firefox entering into a
definitive agreement with a third party regarding an Alternative Transaction,
a fee of $2.4 million. In no event, however, will Firefox be required to pay
such fee and expenses if, immediately prior to the termination of the Merger
Agreement, FTP was in material breach of its obligations thereunder. The
Merger Agreement provides that if Firefox is required to pay such fee, payment
thereof shall be FTP's sole and exclusive remedy thereunder.
 
EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
 
  As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, FTP will
instruct State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Exchange Agent") to mail to
each holder of record of a certificate representing shares of Firefox Common
Stock (each, a "Firefox Stock Certificate") (i) a letter of transmittal (which
shall specify that delivery of the Firefox Stock Certificates shall be
effected, and risk of loss and title to the Firefox Certificates shall pass,
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
only upon proper delivery of the Firefox Stock Certificates to the Exchange
Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as FTP may
reasonably specify), and (ii) instructions for exchanging such holder's
Firefox Stock Certificates for certificates evidencing shares of FTP Common
Stock into which the shares of Firefox Common Stock formerly represented by
such certificate shall have been converted pursuant to the Merger and the
aggregate Cash Payment applicable to such shares. Firefox stockholders should
not submit their Firefox Stock Certificates for exchange unless and until they
have received the transmittal instructions and a form of letter of transmittal
from the Exchange Agent.
 
  Any Dissenting Shares shall be converted into the right to receive from the
surviving corporation in the Merger such consideration as may be determined to
be due with respect to each such Dissenting Share pursuant to Section 262 of
the DGCL. Shares that are Dissenting Shares at the Effective Time and are held
by a holder who shall, after the Effective Time, withdraw his or her demand
for appraisal or lose his or her right of appraisal as provided in Section 262
of the DGCL, shall be deemed to be converted, as of the Effective Time, into
the right to receive the Merger Consideration (as defined below) in accordance
with the procedures specified in the Merger Agreement.
 
  Upon surrender of a Firefox Stock Certificate for cancellation to the
Exchange Agent together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and
such other customary documents as may be required pursuant to such
instructions, the holder of such Firefox Stock Certificate shall be entitled
to receive in exchange therefor (i) certificates evidencing that number of
whole shares of FTP Common Stock which such holder has the right to receive in
accordance with the Exchange Ratio in respect of the shares of Firefox Common
Stock formerly evidenced by such Firefox Stock Certificate, (ii) any dividends
or other distributions (without interest) to which such holder is entitled,
(iii) cash (without interest) in respect of fractional shares of FTP Common
Stock and (iv) the aggregate Cash Payment (without interest) which such holder
is entitled to receive in respect of the shares of Firefox Common Stock
formerly evidenced by such Firefox Stock Certificate (the shares of FTP Common
Stock, dividends, distribution, cash in lieu of fractional shares and Cash
Payment being, collectively, the "Merger Consideration"), and the Firefox
Stock Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. In the event of
a transfer of ownership of shares of Firefox Common Stock which is not
registered in the transfer records of Firefox as of the Effective Time, shares
of FTP Common Stock, dividends, distributions, cash in lieu of fractional
shares and the Cash Payment applicable to such shares may be issued and paid
to a transferee if the Firefox Stock Certificate evidencing such shares of
Firefox Common Stock is presented to the Exchange Agent accompanied by all
documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and by evidence that
any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until so surrendered, each
outstanding Firefox Stock Certificate that, prior to the Effective Time,
represented shares of Firefox Common Stock will be deemed from and after the
Effective Time, for all corporate purposes, other than the payment of
dividends, to evidence the ownership of the number of full shares of FTP
Common Stock into which such shares of Firefox Common Stock shall have been
converted pursuant to the Merger. The holder of a Firefox Stock Certificate
that prior to the Effective Time represented issued and outstanding shares of
Firefox Common Stock shall have no rights, after the Effective Time, with
respect to such shares except to surrender the certificates in exchange for
the Merger Consideration or to perfect the rights of appraisal as a holder of
Dissenting Shares that such holder may have pursuant to the applicable
provisions of the DGCL. See "--Dissenters' Rights" below.
 
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
 
  The following discussion summarizes certain material United States federal
income tax consequences of the Merger that are generally applicable to FTP,
Firefox and Firefox's stockholders who receive shares of FTP Common Stock and
a Cash Payment in exchange for their shares of Firefox Common Stock as a
result of the Merger or who receive a cash payment in lieu of fractional
shares of FTP Common Stock or who receive cash upon the exercise of appraisal
rights with respect to their shares of Firefox Common Stock. This discussion
is based on currently existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), existing and proposed regulations thereunder
and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are
subject to change. Any such change, which may or may not be retroactive, could
alter the tax consequences to FTP, Firefox or Firefox's stockholders as
described herein.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Firefox stockholders should be aware that this discussion does not deal with
all federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to particular
Firefox stockholders in light of their particular circumstances (such as
stockholders who acquired their shares in connection with employee stock
option or stock purchase plans or otherwise as compensation) or to Firefox
stockholders subject to special federal income tax treatment (such as
insurance companies, dealers in securities, certain retirement plans,
financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations or foreign persons). The
following discussion does not address the tax consequences of the Merger under
foreign, state or local tax laws or the tax consequences of transactions
effectuated prior to or after the Merger (whether or not such transactions are
in connection with the Merger), including without limitation transactions in
which shares of Firefox Common Stock are acquired or shares of FTP Common
Stock are transferred. FIREFOX STOCKHOLDERS ARE THEREFORE URGED TO CONSULT
THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER,
INCLUDING THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO
THEM OF THE MERGER IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
  Neither FTP nor Firefox has requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS") in connection with any of the tax consequences of the
Merger. Firefox and FTP have received signed tax opinions each dated June 24,
1996 from their respective legal counsel, Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich and
Ropes & Gray, to the effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization
under Section 368 of the Code (a "Reorganization"), based upon the assumption
that certain events will occur at or after the Effective Time.
 
  It is a condition to the respective obligations of FTP and Firefox to
consummate the Merger that each party receive at the closing of the Merger
confirming tax opinions from their respective legal counsel (the "Tax
Opinions") to the effect that the Merger will constitute a Reorganization. The
Tax Opinions may be based upon, among other things, certain facts, statements,
representations, warranties and assumptions (including those noted or set
forth in the Tax Opinions or contained in the Merger Agreement, this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus or otherwise furnished to counsel by FTP, Firefox
or Sub), and may be based upon or subject to, among other things, (i)
consummation of the Merger in accordance with the applicable laws of Delaware
and the terms of the Merger Agreement (including satisfaction of all covenants
and conditions to the obligations of the parties without amendment or waiver
thereof) and (ii) the truth, correctness and completeness of all facts,
statements, representations, warranties and assumptions noted or set forth in
such opinions or the Merger Agreement or contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus or otherwise furnished to counsel by FTP, Firefox or Sub,
including that, in the Merger, holders of Firefox Common Stock exchange,
solely for FTP Common Stock, an amount of Firefox Common Stock that
constitutes at least 80% of the total number of shares of Firefox Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Merger, and that the significant historic
stockholders of Firefox have not disposed of shares of Firefox Common Stock in
contemplation of the Merger and do not have any plan or intention, existing at
or prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, to dispose of the shares of FTP
Common Stock to be received in the Merger such that they would not have a
significant continuing equity interest in Firefox after the Merger by virtue
of their ownership of FTP Common Stock, that Firefox after the Merger will
have retained substantially all its assets and that the parties intend Firefox
to continue its business as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP. An opinion of
counsel only represents counsel's best legal judgment, and has no binding
effect or official status of any kind, and no assurance can be given that
contrary positions may not be taken by the IRS or a court considering the
issues.
 
  Both the Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich and Ropes & Gray Tax Opinions provide
that, for federal income tax purposes, the Merger will constitute a
Reorganization, based upon the assumption that certain events will occur at or
after the Effective Time and subject to the limitations and qualifications
contained therein. Therefore, the following federal income tax consequences
should result from the Merger:
 
 Tax Consequences to Holders of Firefox Common Stock That Receive Shares of
 FTP Common Stock and a Cash Payment in the Merger
 
    (a) No gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of shares of
  Firefox Common Stock upon the exchange of such shares for shares of FTP
  Common Stock and a Cash Payment in the Merger except that: (i) any gain
  realized on the exchange will be recognized to the extent of the Cash
  Payment; and (ii) a holder
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
  of Firefox Common Stock who receives cash proceeds in lieu of a fractional
  share interest in FTP Common Stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the
  difference between such proceeds and the tax basis allocated to the
  fractional share interest.
 
    (b) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of FTP Common Stock so received
  by a Firefox stockholder in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate
  tax basis of the shares of Firefox Common Stock exchanged therefor,
  increased by the gain, if any, recognized on the exchange, decreased by the
  Cash Payment received in the exchange and reduced by the tax basis
  allocable to any fractional share for which cash is received.
 
    (c) The holding period of the FTP Common Stock so received by each
  Firefox stockholder in the Merger will include the period for which the
  Firefox Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor was considered to be
  held, provided that the Firefox Common Stock so surrendered is held as a
  capital asset at the time of the Merger.
 
  If the shares of Firefox Common Stock exchanged are held as a capital asset,
any gain recognized under (a) above will be capital gain unless the receipt of
the Cash Payment has the effect of a dividend. The determination whether such
stockholder recognizes capital gain or dividend income is made by reference to
the redemption rules of Section 302 of the Code. Under Section 302, the total
amount of such Cash Payment will be taxed as capital gain (but not in excess
of the total amount of gain realized in the Merger) if the deemed redemption
is a "substantially disproportionate redemption" of stock with respect to the
stockholder or is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend." For this
purpose, the Merger will be viewed as if all holders of Firefox Common Stock
had received only FTP Common Stock in the Merger and as if FTP had thereafter
redeemed appropriate portions of the FTP Common Stock in exchange for the Cash
Payment in the Merger. The deemed redemption is a "substantially
disproportionate redemption" if the stockholder's deemed share of FTP's voting
stock after the Merger but before the deemed redemption is reduced by more
than 20% as a result of the deemed redemption. The deemed redemption is "not
essentially equivalent to a dividend" if the stockholder experiences a
"meaningful reduction in his proportionate interest in the corporation" by
reason of the deemed redemption.
 
  In determining whether a stockholder has a "substantially disproportionate
redemption" or experiences a "meaningful reduction in his proportionate
interest in the corporation," shares of FTP Common Stock considered to be
owned by the stockholder by reason of certain constructive stock ownership
rules set forth in Section 318 of the Code, as well as shares actually owned,
must be taken into account. (In general, under Section 318 of the Code, a
stockholder constructively owns any stock which the holder has an option to
acquire, or any stock owned by: (1) the holder's spouse, children,
grandchildren or parents; (2) a partnership, trust or estate in which the
holder has an interest to the extent of the holder's interest; or (3) a
corporation to the extent of the holder's interest, but only if the
stockholder actually or constructively owns 50% or more in value of the
corporation's stock.)
 
  The IRS has issued a published ruling indicating that a distribution of cash
to a stockholder (i) whose proportionate interest in the company (taking into
account the constructive ownership rules of Section 318 of the Code described
above) is reduced, (ii) whose relative stock interest in the surviving
corporation is minimal (an interest of less than 1% should satisfy this
requirement), and (iii) who exercises no control over company affairs, will be
treated as "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" under Section 302(b)(1)
of the Code. Based upon that ruling, a stockholder who, immediately after the
Merger, owns actually and constructively less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of FTP Common Stock, who is not an officer or director of FTP or
otherwise in a position to control FTP (or Firefox), and who has his or her
interest in FTP reduced by reason of the deemed redemption of FTP Common Stock
for the Cash Payment, should recognize capital gain up to the lesser of (i)
the amount of the Cash Payment or (ii) the total amount of gain realized in
the Merger (i.e., the fair market value of the shares of FTP Common Stock plus
the Cash Payment minus the tax basis of the Firefox Common Stock at the
Effective Time).
 
  If neither of the redemption tests set forth above is satisfied, the Firefox
stockholder will be treated as having received a dividend equal to the amount
of such Firefox stockholder's recognized gain, assuming that such
stockholder's ratable share of the earnings and profits of Firefox (and/or
possibly FTP) equals or exceeds such recognized gain.
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
  If the Merger fails to qualify as a Reorganization, a holder of shares of
Firefox Common Stock who exchanges such shares for shares of FTP Common Stock
and a Cash Payment in the Merger will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference between (i) the amount of cash (received either as a Cash Payment
or in lieu of fractional shares) plus the fair market value at the Effective
Time of the shares of FTP Common Stock received in the exchange and (ii) the
holder's tax basis in the shares of Firefox Common Stock exchanged therefor.
The aggregate tax basis of the shares of FTP Common stock so received by each
Firefox stockholder in the Merger will be equal to the fair market value of
such shares at the Effective Time. The holding period of the FTP Common Stock
so received by each Firefox stockholder in the Merger will begin on the day
after the Effective Time.
 
  Even if the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization, a recipient of shares of
FTP Common Stock will recognize gain to the extent that such shares are
considered to be received in exchange for services or property (other than
solely Firefox Common Stock). All or a portion of such gain may be taxable as
ordinary income.
 
 Tax Consequences to Firefox Stockholders That Dissent
 
  A Firefox stockholder that exercises dissenters' rights, receives cash for
such holder's shares of Firefox Common Stock and who does not actually or
constructively (under the Code Section 318 rules described above) own any FTP
Common Stock after the Merger will recognize capital gain or loss (if the
Firefox Common Stock is a capital asset in the hands of the dissenting Firefox
stockholder) equal to the difference between such stockholder's basis in the
shares of Firefox Common Stock for which appraisal rights were sought and the
amount of cash received for such shares, exclusive of any interest.
 
  A dissenting Firefox stockholder that actually or constructively owns FTP
Common Stock after the Merger will recognize gain or loss as described above
unless the exchange has the effect of a dividend. In determining whether the
redemption has the effect of a dividend under Section 302 of the Code, it is
unclear whether dividend equivalence is determined by reference to the
holder's reduction in actual or constructive ownership of Firefox Common Stock
just before the Merger or, instead, by reference to the reduction in actual or
constructive ownership in the FTP Common Stock after the transaction. In
either case, however, a holder may be able to avoid application of the family
attribution rules of Section 318 of the Code, discussed above, by filing a
timely waiver of these rules with the IRS pursuant to Section 302(c) of the
Code and Treas. Reg. (S)1.302-4. Such holders should consult their own tax
advisors.
 
 Tax Consequences to FTP, Firefox and Sub
 
  No gain or loss will be recognized by FTP, Firefox or Sub in connection with
the Merger.
 
 Certain U.S. Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Firefox Common Stock
 
  If the receipt of the Cash Payment has the effect of a dividend with respect
to a Firefox stockholder that is (i) an individual who is not a citizen or
resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity
created or organized outside the United States, or (iii) an estate or trust
the income of which is not subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of source (each, a "Non-U.S. Holder"), such Cash Payment will
generally be subject to United States federal income tax, which will generally
be withheld at the rate of 30%, unless the rate is reduced by an applicable
treaty. If the Non-U.S. Holder is "resident" of the United Kingdom within the
meaning of the United States/United Kingdom income tax treaty, the treaty
withholding rate on dividends will be 15%, unless such Non-U.S. Holder is a
corporation that holds (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the
outstanding FTP Common Stock immediately after the Merger, in which case the
withholding rate will be 5%. Under current law, FTP is entitled to determine
the applicable withholding rate pursuant to the appropriate tax treaty based
on the address of the recipient. In any case, a Non-U.S. Holder can establish
its entitlement to a reduced treaty rate of withholding by submitting IRS Form
1001 to FTP. A Non-U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts
withheld by filing a United States federal income tax return with respect to
the tax year in which the Effective Time occurs.
 
  To the extent the receipt of cash in the Merger causes a Non-U.S. Holder to
recognize capital gain, the Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United
States federal income tax or withholding in respect of such gain
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
unless: (i) in the case of an individual Non-U.S. Holder that holds the
Firefox Common Stock as a capital asset, such Non-U.S. Holder is present in
the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year in which the
Effective Time occurs and certain other requirements are met, or (ii) the Cash
Payment is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a
trade or business in the United States, and, if an income tax treaty with the
United States applies, the gain is attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment. If the first of these conditions applies, gain recognized by
such Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to United States federal income tax
unless the rate is reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty
with the United States.
 
  If the dividend income or capital gain is effectively connected with the
conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder (other than a partnership) of a trade or
business in the United States, the Non-U.S. Holder will generally be taxed at
the graduated rates that are applicable to United States citizens, resident
aliens and domestic corporations, and will not be subject to withholding if
the Non-U.S. Holder furnishes to FTP an IRS Form 4224, in advance of the Cash
Payment. In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation, such
effectively connected income may also be subject to the United States federal
branch profits tax (which is generally imposed on a foreign corporation on the
repatriation from the United States of effectively connected earnings and
profits) at a 30% rate (unless the rate is reduced or eliminated by an
applicable income tax treaty and the holder is a qualified resident of the
treaty country). In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a partnership, a
payment from FTP to the partnership constituting dividend or capital gain
income that is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business
by the partnership in the United States will not be subject to withholding tax
if the partnership furnishes to FTP an IRS Form 4224 in advance of the Cash
Payment. In that case, however, the partners will generally be taxed on such
income at the graduated rates described above. Moreover, if the partnership
has foreign partners (i.e., persons that would be Non-U.S. Holders if they
held the Firefox Common Stock directly) such effectively connected income
would generally be subject to United States federal withholding tax at the
partnership level to the extent such income is allocable to any foreign
partner at a 35% rate, in the case of a partner that is a corporation, or a
39.6% rate, in the case of a non-corporate partner. Any foreign partner of
such a partnership would be entitled to a credit against his or her United
States federal income tax for his or her share of the withholding tax paid by
the partnership.
 
 Backup Withholding
 
  Federal income tax laws require that, to avoid backup withholding, each
holder of Firefox Common Stock must provide FTP with such holder's correct
taxpayer identification number on Form W-9 or, in the alternative, establish a
basis for exemption from backup withholding on Forms W-8 or W-9, as
applicable. Exempt holders (including, among others, all corporations and
certain foreign individuals) are not subject to backup withholding and
reporting requirements but may be required to provide the information outlined
below. If FTP is not provided with the correct taxpayer identification number
or an adequate basis for exemption, the holder of shares of Firefox Common
Stock may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS, and "reportable
payments," such as the cash received pursuant to the Merger, may be subject to
backup withholding in an amount equal to 31% of such "reportable payments." If
withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.
 
  To prevent backup withholding, each holder of the shares of Firefox Common
Stock must either (i) provide such holder's correct taxpayer identification
number (or certify under penalty of perjury that such holder is awaiting a
taxpayer identification number), and certify that (a) such holder has not been
notified by the IRS that such holder is subject to backup withholding as a
result of a failure to report all interest and dividends or (b) the IRS has
notified such holder that he is no longer subject to backup withholding, or
(ii) provide an adequate basis for exemption. A substitute Form W-9 will be
sent to the Firefox stockholders with the letter of transmittal following the
Effective Time.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The Merger will be accounted for as a purchase and certain adjustments will
have to be made with respect to Firefox's assets and liabilities based upon
estimated fair market values. The actual adjustments will be made on the basis
of appraisals and evaluations as of the Effective Time.
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
AFFILIATES' RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OF FTP COMMON STOCK
 
  The shares of FTP Common Stock to be issued in the Merger have been
registered under the Securities Act pursuant to the Registration Statement,
thereby allowing those shares to be traded without restriction by all former
holders of Firefox Common Stock who (i) are not deemed to be "affiliates" of
Firefox at the time of the Firefox Meeting (as "affiliates" is defined for
purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act) and (ii) who do not become
"affiliates" of FTP after the Merger. Firefox stockholders who are identified
by Firefox as its "affiliates" will be so advised prior to the Merger.
 
LISTING OF ADDITIONAL SHARES OF FTP COMMON STOCK ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
 
  FTP has agreed to use its reasonable efforts to cause the shares of FTP
Common Stock issued pursuant to the Merger to be approved for quotation on the
Nasdaq National Market and applied for approval for such quotation on June 18,
1996. It is a condition to Firefox's obligation to consummate the Merger that
the quotation of such shares has been so approved.
 
EXPENSES
 
  Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and the
Merger shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the
Merger is consummated. FTP and Firefox shall share equally all fees and
expenses, other than accountants' and attorneys' fees, incurred in connection
with the preparation of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
 Firefox Stockholders
 
  If the Merger is consummated, a holder of record of Firefox Common Stock on
the date of making a demand for appraisal, as described below, who continues
to hold such shares through the Effective Time, who has not voted such shares
in favor of the Merger and who strictly complies with the procedures set forth
under Section 262 of the DGCL ("Section 262"), will be entitled to have such
shares appraised by the Delaware Court of Chancery under Section 262 and to
receive payment of the "fair value" of such shares in lieu of the
consideration provided for in the Merger Agreement. THE STATUTORY RIGHT OF
APPRAISAL GRANTED BY SECTION 262 REQUIRES STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE
PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN SECTION 262. FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF SUCH PROCEDURES
MAY RESULT IN A TERMINATION OR WAIVER OF APPRAISAL RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 262.
 
  The following is a summary of certain of the provisions of Section 262 and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Section 262, a
copy of which is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix
D.
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being sent to all holders of record
of Firefox Common Stock at the record date and constitutes notice of the
appraisal rights available to such holders under Section 262.
 
  A holder of Firefox Common Stock electing to exercise appraisal rights under
Section 262 must deliver a written demand for appraisal of such stockholder's
shares to Firefox before the taking of the vote on the approval of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger at the Firefox Meeting. Such written demand must
reasonably inform Firefox of the identity of the stockholder of record and of
such stockholder's intention to demand appraisal of such stockholder's shares.
All such demand should be delivered to Firefox Communications Inc., Attention:
Mark A. Rowlinson, Secretary.
 
  Holders of shares of Firefox Common Stock on the date of making such written
demand for appraisal who continuously hold such shares through the Effective
Time are entitled to seek appraisal. Demand for appraisal must be executed by
or for the holder of record, fully and correctly, as such holder's name
appears on the holder's stock certificates representing shares of Firefox
Common Stock. If Firefox Common Stock is owned of
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian,
the demand should be made in that capacity, and if Firefox Common Stock is
owned of record by more than one person, as in a joint tenancy or tenancy in
common, the demand should be made by or for all owners of record. An
authorized agent, including one or more joint owners, may execute the demand
for appraisal for a holder of record; however, such agent must identify the
record owner or owners and expressly disclose in such demand that the agent is
acting as agent for the record owner or owners of such shares.
 
  Within 120 days after the Effective Time, Firefox or any Firefox stockholder
who has complied with the requirements of Section 262 may file a petition in
the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the fair value of
the shares of Firefox Common Stock held by all stockholders seeking appraisal.
A petitioning stockholder must serve a copy of such petition on Firefox. If no
petition is filed by either Firefox or a dissenting stockholder within such
120-day period, the rights of all dissenting stockholders to appraisal shall
cease. Firefox stockholders seeking to exercise appraisal rights should not
assume that Firefox will file a petition with respect to the appraisal of the
fair value of their shares or that Firefox will initiate any negotiations with
respect to the fair value of such shares. Firefox is under no obligation to
and has no present intention to take any action in this regard. Accordingly,
Firefox stockholders who wish to seek appraisal of their shares should
initiate all necessary action with respect to the perfection of their
appraisal rights within the time periods and in the manner prescribed in
Section 262. FAILURE TO FILE THE PETITION ON A TIMELY BASIS WILL CAUSE THE
STOCKHOLDER'S RIGHT TO AN APPRAISAL TO CEASE.
 
  Within 120 days after the Effective Time, any Firefox stockholder who has
complied with subsections (a) and (d) of Section 262 is entitled, upon written
request, to receive from Firefox a statement setting forth the aggregate
number of shares of Firefox Common Stock with respect to which demands for
appraisal have been received by Firefox and the number of holders of such
shares. Such statement must be mailed within 10 days after the written request
therefor has been received by Firefox or within 10 days after expiration of
the time for delivery of demands for appraisal under Section 262, whichever is
later.
 
  If a petition for an appraisal is timely filed, at the hearing of such
petition, the Delaware Court of Chancery will determine which stockholders are
entitled to appraisal rights and will appraise the shares of Firefox Common
Stock owned by such stockholders, determining the fair value of such shares,
exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or
expectation of the Merger, together with a fair rate of interest to be paid,
if any, upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining fair
value, the court is to take into account all relevant factors. The Delaware
Supreme Court has stated that "proof of value by any techniques or methods
which are generally considered acceptable in the financial community and
otherwise admissible in court" should be considered in the appraisal
proceedings. The Delaware Supreme Court has stated that, in making this
determination of fair value, the court must consider "market value, asset
value, dividends, earnings prospects, the nature of the enterprise and any
other facts which were known or which could be ascertained as of the date of
the merger which throw any light on future prospects of the merged
corporation." The Delaware Supreme Court has also held that "elements of
future value, including the nature of the enterprise, which are known or
susceptible of proof as of the date of the merger and not the product of
speculation, may be considered." In addition, Delaware courts have decided
that the statutory appraisal remedy, depending on factual circumstances, may
or may not be a dissenter's exclusive remedy.
 
  Firefox stockholders considering seeking appraisal should consider that the
fair value of their shares of Firefox Common Stock determined under Section
262 could be more, the same, or less than the value of the consideration to be
received pursuant to the Merger Agreement without the exercise of appraisal
rights, and that investment banking opinions as to fairness from a financial
point of view are not necessarily opinions as to fair value as determined
under Section 262. The cost of the appraisal proceeding may be determined by
the Delaware Court of Chancery and assessed against the parties as the Court
deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon application of a stockholder, the
court may order that all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any
stockholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding (including without
limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and the fees and expenses of experts) be
charged pro rata against the value of all shares of Firefox Common Stock
entitled to appraisal. In the absence of such a determination or assessment,
each party bears its own expenses.
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
  Any Firefox stockholder who has fully demanded appraisal in compliance with
Section 262 will not, after the Effective Time, be entitled to vote such
Firefox Common Stock for any purpose or receive payment of dividends or other
distributions on such stock, except for dividends or distributions payable to
stockholders of record at a date prior to the Effective Time.
 
  A Firefox stockholder may withdraw a demand for appraisal and accept the
terms of the Merger at any time within 60 days after the Effective Time, or
thereafter may withdraw such demand with the written approval of Firefox. In
the event an appraisal proceeding is properly instituted, such proceeding may
not be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the Delaware
Court of Chancery, and any such approval may be conditioned on the terms the
Court of Chancery deems just.
 
  IN VIEW OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THESE PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW, ANY
STOCKHOLDER OF FIREFOX WHO IS CONSIDERING EXERCISING APPRAISAL RIGHTS SHOULD
CONSULT HIS OR HER LEGAL ADVISOR.
 
 FTP Stockholders
 
  Stockholders of FTP who vote against the issuance of the shares of FTP
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will not be entitled to
rights of appraisal under the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
                              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements have been derived
from FTP's and Firefox's respective historical consolidated financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with the notes set forth
immediately thereafter and with the historical consolidated financial
statements of FTP and Firefox and the notes related thereto included elsewhere
herein. The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet
combines FTP's balance sheet with Firefox's balance sheet, each as of March
31, 1996, giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on March 31, 1996.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income combine
FTP's results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the three
months ended March 31, 1996 with Firefox's results of operations for the same
periods, giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 1995,
applying the purchase method of accounting. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial information does not purport to represent the actual
financial position or results of operations of FTP or Firefox had the Merger
actually occurred at the indicated dates, nor does it project FTP's or
Firefox's financial position or results of operations for any future date or
period.
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
               FTP SOFTWARE, INC. AND FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       HISTORICAL            PRO FORMA
                                    -----------------  ------------------------
                                      FTP     FIREFOX  ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                    --------  -------  -----------    ---------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>      <C>            <C>
              ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents........ $ 31,446  $ 6,519   $ (3,989)(A)  $  33,976
  Short-term investments...........   17,357    9,021     (9,021)(A)     17,357
  Accounts receivable, net.........   22,024    5,654                    27,678
  Inventories......................      894      --                        894
  Prepaid license fees.............      --     3,015   $ (2,437)(B)        578
  Prepaid expenses and other
   current assets..................    6,932    1,468     (1,304)(A)      7,096
  Income taxes.....................   15,969      700      1,335 (Q)     18,004
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
    Total current assets...........   94,622   26,377    (15,416)       105,583
Property and equipment, net........   19,651    1,679       (581)(C)     20,749
Purchased software, net............    6,192      --       4,928 (D)     11,120
Investments........................   57,303      --                     57,303
Deferred income taxes..............    1,396      --                      1,396
Other assets.......................    3,927      --          82 (D)      4,009
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
    Total assets................... $183,091  $28,056   $(10,987)     $ 200,160
                                    ========  =======   ========      =========
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQ-
                UITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable.................   12,794    1,209                    14,003
  Income taxes payable.............      --       --         --             --
  Accrued liabilities..............    3,546    1,604       (214)(A)
                                                             500 (E)
                                                             694 (E)      6,130
  Current portion of long-term
   obligations.....................      576      --                        576
  Deferred revenue.................    8,406    2,194     (2,194)(P)      8,406
  Current portion of capital lease
   obligations.....................      --       137                       137
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
    Total current liabilities......   25,322    5,144     (1,214)        29,252
Deferred income taxes..............      --       --       2,000 (D)      2,000
Long-term obligations..............      821      --                        821
Capital lease obligations, less
 current portion...................      --        62                        62
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
    Total liabilities..............   26,143    5,206        786         32,135
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock.....................      270        7         50 (F)        320
                                                              (7)(G)
  Additional paid-in capital.......   93,358   23,666     49,950 (F)    145,958
                                                           2,650 (H)
                                                         (23,666)(G)
  Retained earnings................   63,688     (754)   (41,573)(I)     21,361
                                                             754 (G)
  Equity adjustments...............     (368)     (69)        69 (G)       (368)
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
    Total stockholders' equity.....  156,948   22,850    (11,773)       168,025
                                    --------  -------   --------      ---------
      Total liabilities and
       stockholders' equity........ $183,091  $28,056   $(10,987)     $ 200,160
                                    ========  =======   ========      =========
</TABLE>
      See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
 
               FTP SOFTWARE, INC. AND FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        HISTORICAL          PRO FORMA
                                     ----------------  ----------------------
                                       FTP    FIREFOX  ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                                     -------- -------  -----------   --------
<S>                                  <C>      <C>      <C>           <C>
Revenue:
  Product revenue................... $123,024 $17,665                $140,689
  Service revenue...................   13,352   2,103    $  (250)(J)   15,205
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
    Total revenue...................  136,376  19,768       (250)     155,894
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Cost of revenue:
  Product cost......................    8,091   2,695      2,464 (K)   13,250
  Service cost......................    9,753     940                  10,693
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
    Total cost of revenue...........   17,844   3,635      2,464       23,943
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Gross margin........................  118,532  16,133     (2,714)     131,951
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing...............   40,605  10,270                  50,875
  Research and development..........   30,768   2,534         55 (K)   33,107
                                                            (250)(J)
  General and administrative........   14,213   2,933       (200)(C)   16,946
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
    Total operating expenses........   85,586  15,737       (395)     100,928
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Income from operations before non-
 recurring charges(b)...............   32,946     396     (2,319)      31,023
Investment income...................    6,156     656       (800)(L)    6,012
Interest expense....................      --      (88)                    (88)
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Income before income taxes..........   39,102     964     (3,119)      36,947
Provision for income taxes..........   14,468     446       (247)(M)   14,667
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Net income before non-recurring
 charges(b).........................   24,634     518     (2,872)      22,280
Accretion for preference shares.....      --      (64)        64 (N)      --
                                     -------- -------    -------     --------
Income attributable to common
 stock.............................. $ 24,634 $   454    $(2,808)    $ 22,280
                                     ======== =======    =======     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $12....... $    .87                        $    .68
                                     ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................   28,263              4,267 (O)   32,530
                                     ========            =======     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $10....... $    .87                        $    .67
                                     ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................   28,263              5,100 (O)   33,363
                                     ========            =======     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $8........ $    .87                        $    .64
                                     ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................   28,263              6,350 (O)   34,613
                                     ========            =======     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $6........ $    .87                        $    .64
                                     ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................   28,263              6,588 (O)   34,851
                                     ========            =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
      See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
 
               FTP SOFTWARE, INC. AND FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                 MARCH 31, 1996
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         HISTORICAL           PRO FORMA
                                      -----------------  ---------------------
                                        FTP     FIREFOX  ADJUSTMENTS  COMBINED
                                      --------  -------  -----------  --------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>      <C>          <C>
Revenue:
 Product revenue....................  $ 24,974  $ 3,538               $ 28,512
 Service revenue....................     4,030      645                  4,675
                                      --------  -------               --------
  Total revenue.....................    29,004    4,183                 33,187
                                      --------  -------               --------
Cost of revenue:
 Product cost.......................     2,576      651     $ 616 (K)    3,843
 Service cost.......................     2,650      322                  2,972
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
  Total cost of revenue.............     5,226      973       616        6,815
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
Gross margin........................    23,778    3,210      (616)      26,372
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
Operating expenses:
 Sales and marketing................    12,494    3,069                 15,563
 Research and development...........    20,773      917        14 (K)   21,704
 General and administrative.........     4,940    1,176       (50)(C)    6,066
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
  Total operating expenses..........    38,207    5,162       (36)      43,333
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
Income (loss) from operations before
 non-recurring charges(b)...........   (14,429)  (1,952)     (580)     (16,961)
Investment income...................     1,029      222      (200)(L)    1,051
Interest expense....................       --        (9)                    (9)
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
Income (loss) before income taxes...   (13,400)  (1,739)     (780)     (15,919)
Provision (benefit) for income tax-
 es.................................    (4,958)    (697)      (62)(M)   (5,717)
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
Net income (loss) before non-recur-
 ring charges(b)....................    (8,442)  (1,042)     (718)     (10,202)
Accretion for preference shares.....       --       --                     --
                                      --------  -------     -----     --------
Income (loss) attributable to common
 stock..............................    (8,442)  (1,042)    $(718)    $(10,202)
                                      ========  =======     =====     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $12.......  $   (.31)                       $   (.33)
                                      ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................    26,939              4,167(O)    31,106
                                      ========              =====     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $10.......  $   (.31)                       $   (.32)
                                      ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................    26,939              5,000(O)    31,939
                                      ========              =====     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $8........  $   (.31)                       $   (.31)
                                      ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................    26,939              6,250(O)    33,189
                                      ========              =====     ========
Net income per common share at an
 assumed Average Price of $6........  $   (.31)                       $   (.31)
                                      ========                        ========
Weighted average common and common
 equivalent shares..................    26,939              6,488(O)    33,427
                                      ========              =====     ========
</TABLE>
 
      See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
 
                         NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRANSACTION
 
  On May 21, 1996, FTP entered into the Merger Agreement. Under the terms of
the Merger Agreement, FTP will issue that number of shares of FTP Common Stock
representing $50,000, subject to adjustment, based upon the Average Price of
the FTP Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market ("NNM") calculated in
accordance with the Merger Agreement, and each option to purchase shares of
Firefox Common Stock outstanding under certain Firefox employee and director
stock option plans (see "The Merger and Related Transactions--Conversion of
Options") will be deemed to be converted into options to purchase shares of
FTP Common Stock. In addition, FTP will make Cash Payments totaling $10,000 to
each of the Firefox stockholders, and incur other costs. The total resulting
purchase price is estimated to be approximately $71,615. The actual purchase
price will depend upon the average of the average closing sales prices for FTP
Common Stock on the NNM for the 10 trading days prior to the date of the
Firefox Meeting. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--General." The
Merger will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
  The pro forma consolidated financial statements are intended for information
purposes and are not necessarily indicative of the future consolidated
financial position or future results of operations of the combined entity.
These pro forma consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of each of
FTP and Firefox and notes related thereto appearing elsewhere herein.
 
PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION
 
  The following is a summary of the purchase price and the allocation of the
purchase price to the net assets to be acquired as a result of the Merger,
calculated using an assumed Average Price of the FTP Common Stock of $10.00:
 
  Purchase Price:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                   <C>
   Fair value of shares of FTP Common Stock............................. $50,000
   Cash Payments to Firefox stockholders................................  10,000
   Fair value of stock options..........................................   2,650
   Estimated transaction costs..........................................   4,100
   Assumed liabilities..................................................   4,865
                                                                         -------
     Total purchase price............................................... $71,615
                                                                         =======
</TABLE>
 
  Allocation of the Purchase Price:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                   <C>
   Current assets....................................................... $23,934
   Property and equipment...............................................   1,098
   Purchased technology and other intangible assets.....................   5,010
   In-process technology................................................  41,573
                                                                         -------
                                                                         $71,615
                                                                         =======
</TABLE>
 
  The purchase price was allocated to the assets of Firefox based on their
estimated respective fair values. Completed technology that has reached
technological feasibility is valued using a risk adjusted cash flow model
under which future cash flows were discounted, taking into account risks
related to existing and future markets and assessments of the life expectancy
of the completed technology. In-process technology that has not reached
technological feasibility and that has no alternative future use is valued
using the same method. Expected future cash flows associated with in-process
technology are discounted considering risks and uncertainties related to the
viability of and to the potential changes in future target markets and to the
completion of the products expected to ultimately be marketed by FTP. The in-
process technology relates to three products that management
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
  NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
intends to further develop to the point of technological feasibility. The
first product will be a new client application-based software product intended
to include server connectivity software technology for a Windows NT platform.
The second product will be a new client-server product intended to provide
centralized management capabilities and improved network administration
productivity. The third product will be a new messaging and directory product
intended to enable the user to locate and send messages or files to specific
names, objects and locations. This product is intended to work both within the
same and different protocols. Management estimates that the cost to complete
these three products will be approximately $3.8 million.
 
PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  (a) The pro forma consolidated balance sheet reflects the acquisition of
Firefox as if the Merger had occurred on March 31, 1996. The pro forma
adjustments to reflect the excess of the estimated fair value of the net
assets of Firefox over the purchase price have been allocated pro rata to the
values assigned to the non-current assets of Firefox. The ultimate allocation
of the purchase price to the assets acquired is subject to change based on the
final determination of their respective fair values.
 
  (b) The pro forma consolidated statements of income have been prepared
assuming the acquisition of Firefox occurred on January 1, 1995. Pro forma
adjustments to the pro forma statements of income do not give effect to i) an
anticipated charge for in-process technology, which is non-deductible for tax
purposes and which is expected to be charged to operations upon consummation
of the Merger, or ii) the write-off of capitalized costs discussed in Note B
below and the associated tax benefits, which will be recorded upon
consummation of the Merger. The allocation of the purchase price to the fair
value of the in-process technology related to Firefox is subject to change
based on the final determination of the fair values of the assets of Firefox.
 
  The charges described in the preceding paragraph are currently expected to
amount to $41,573 and $1,462 (net of the resulting income tax benefit),
respectively. If these charges were reflected as if the Merger had been
consummated on January 1, 1995, the pro forma combined net income per common
share for the year ended December 31, 1995 at assumed Average Prices of $12,
$10, $8 and $6 would be reduced by $1.32, $1.29, $1.24 and $1.24 per share,
respectively.
 
  The pro forma combined per share amounts in the unaudited pro forma
consolidated statements of income are based upon the historical weighted
average number of shares of FTP Common Stock and dilutive common stock
equivalents of FTP outstanding during each period presented, except for loss
periods as their effect would be antidilutive. In addition, the shares of FTP
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger (see "The Merger and Related
Transactions--Conversion of Shares") (based on assumed Average Prices of $12,
$10, $8 and $6) and the options to purchase FTP Common Stock into which
options outstanding under certain Firefox employee and director stock option
plans (see "The Merger and Related Transactions--Conversion of Options") will
be deemed to be converted pursuant to the Merger (based on such assumed
Average Price and the number of shares of Firefox Common Stock subject to such
options as of the Firefox Record Date) are treated as if they were issued on
January 1, 1995.
 
  Certain financial statement balances of Firefox have been reclassified to
conform with the FTP financial statement presentation.
 
  The following pro forma adjustments are reflected in the unaudited pro forma
consolidated financial statements.
 
    (A) To record cash payments totaling $14,100 to be made in connection
  with the Merger which include the aggregate $10,000 Cash Payments to
  Firefox stockholders, $3,200 of Merger-related expenses including
  investment advisory fees, legal and accounting expenses and other
  transaction costs and $900 of other direct costs associated with the
  Merger. Such payments have been recorded as a reduction in cash and cash
  equivalents of $3,989, short-term investments of $9,021 and prepaid
  expenses and other current assets of $1,304, net of $214 of accrued
  liabilities recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets in the
  historical March 31, 1996 balance sheet.
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
  NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
    (B) To record the write-off of $2,437 of capitalized costs relating to
  products made redundant by the Merger, resulting in a $975 income tax
  benefit.
 
    (C) To record the estimated fair value of property and equipment acquired
  as a result of the Merger and to adjust depreciation expense over their
  remaining estimated useful lives.
 
    (D) To record the estimated fair value of acquired completed technology
  of $4,928 and employment agreements of $82 entered into in connection with
  the Merger and the associated deferred tax liability.
 
    (E) To record estimated additional liabilities assumed as a result of the
  Merger, including $500 of additional tax liabilities and $694 of costs
  expected to be incurred as a result of assumed contractual obligations.
 
    (F) To record the issuance of $50,000 of $.01 par value FTP Common Stock
  in exchange for $.001 par value Firefox Common Stock.
 
    (G) To eliminate Firefox stockholders' equity.
 
    (H) To record additional paid-in capital related to the estimated fair
  value of the options to purchase FTP Common Stock deemed to be exchanged
  for the outstanding options to acquire Firefox Common Stock described
  above.
 
    (I) To record the impact to retained earnings of the charge for acquired
  in-process technology expected to be recorded upon consummation of the
  Merger.
 
    (J) To eliminate the development fee paid by FTP to Firefox under the
  Development Agreement entered into by such parties in October 1995.
 
    (K) To record the amortization of completed technology and other
  intangibles over their estimated useful lives of two years and one and one-
  half years, respectively.
 
    (L) To record reduced interest income resulting from the Cash Payments
  made in connection with the Merger calculated assuming a rate of 5.5%.
 
    (M) To record the income tax benefit associated with Notes C, D, K and L
  above.
 
    (N) To reverse accretion associated with preferred stock of Firefox
  outstanding prior to June 1995, assumed to have been converted into shares
  of FTP Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger as if the Merger had
  occurred on January 1, 1995.
 
    (O) To record the issuance in the Merger of the 4,167,000, 5,000,000,
  6,250,000 and 6,488,000 shares of FTP Common Stock at an assumed Average
  Price of $12.00, $10.00, $8.00 and $6.00, respectively, and, for the year
  ended December 31, 1995, approximately 100,000 common stock equivalents
  representing options to acquire shares of FTP Common Stock deemed to be
  exchanged for the Firefox stock options described above pursuant to the
  Merger.
 
    (P) To eliminate deferred revenue associated with maintenance contracts.
 
    (Q) To record the income tax benefit of $360 related to the $900 of other
  direct costs associated with the Merger discussed in Note A above and the
  income tax benefit of $975 related to the write-off of capitalized costs
  discussed in Note B above.
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
                      SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
FTP
 
  Set forth below is certain selected historical consolidated financial data
of FTP for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and
for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and as of December 31,
1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996. The following consolidated
statement of income data of FTP for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995 and for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and the
consolidated balance sheet data of FTP as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and
March 31, 1996 were derived from the historical consolidated financial
statements of FTP for and as of such dates included elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The following consolidated statement of income
data of FTP for the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992 and consolidated
balance sheet data of FTP as of December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993 were derived
from the audited historical consolidated financial statements of FTP for and
as of such dates not included herein. The data should be read in conjunction
with "FTP Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and FTP's historical consolidated financial statements
and the notes related thereto included elsewhere herein.
 
                    FTP SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS
                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          ENDED MARCH 31,
                          ---------------------------------------- ---------------
                           1991    1992    1993    1994     1995    1995    1996
                          ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME
 DATA:
Total revenue...........  $21,419 $33,132 $58,726 $93,245 $136,376 $31,314 $29,004
Income (loss) from
 operations.............    8,698  13,103  26,250  33,609   32,946  11,516 (14,429)
Income (loss) before
 income taxes...........    8,997  13,412  26,935  36,741   39,102  12,559 (13,400)
Net income (loss)(1)....    5,398   8,047  16,324  22,975   24,634   7,850  (8,442)
Net income (loss) per
 share (fully diluted)..  $   .24 $   .34 $   .60 $   .79 $    .87 $   .27 $  (.31)
Weighted average common
 and common equivalent
 shares outstanding
 (fully diluted)........   22,419  23,429  27,361  29,070   28,263  28,721  26,939
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31,                 MARCH
                             -----------------------------------------   31,
                              1991    1992    1993     1994     1995     1996
                             ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S>                          <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents... $ 3,219 $ 4,978 $12,760 $ 10,896 $ 30,417 $ 31,446
Working capital(2)..........   7,247   9,575  69,242   53,482   87,731   69,300
Total assets................  13,508  18,775  83,711  129,142  189,968  183,091
Total liabilities...........   3,439   5,739   7,633   16,458   25,160   26,143
Stockholders' equity........  10,069  13,036  76,078  112,684  164,808  156,948
Dividends(3)................   6,132   7,365     --       --       --       --
Dividends per share.........     .42     .44     --       --       --       --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) From January 1, 1990 through June 30, 1992, FTP operated as an S
    corporation under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
    amended, and comparable provisions of certain state tax laws. The
    provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992
    reflect pro forma federal and state income taxes as if FTP had been
    subject to federal and state income taxation as a C corporation during
    such periods. Pro forma adjustments are not applicable to the years ended
    December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 or to the three months ended March 31,
    1995 and 1996.
(2) The reduction in working capital from 1993 to 1994 is principally due to
    the classification of a significant amount of FTP's investments as long-
    term.
(3) Dividends in 1991 and 1992 included distributions made to stockholders of
    approximately $5.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, to satisfy
    federal and state income tax obligations of the stockholders attributable
    to FTP's S corporation earnings for the years 1990, 1991 and 1992.
 
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
FIREFOX
 
  Set forth below is certain selected historical consolidated financial
information of Firefox for each of the five years in the period ended December
31, 1995 and for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and as of
December 31, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996. The following
consolidated statement of operations data of Firefox for the years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1995 and
1996 and the consolidated balance sheet data of Firefox as of December 31,
1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996 were derived from the historical consolidated
financial statements of Firefox for and as of such dates included elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The following consolidated statement of
operations data of Firefox for the year ended December 31, 1992 and the
consolidated balance sheet data of Firefox as of December 31, 1993 were
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Firefox for and
as of such dates not included herein. The following consolidated statements of
operations data of Firefox for the year ended December 31, 1991 and the
consolidated balance sheet data of Firefox as of December 31, 1991 and 1992
were derived from the unaudited historical consolidated financial statements
of Firefox for and as of such dates not included herein. The data should be
read in conjunction with "Firefox Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Firefox's historical
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
 
                  FIREFOX SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS
                                                                    ENDED MARCH
                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                31,
                          ---------------------------------------- --------------
                           1991    1992    1993     1994    1995    1995   1996
                          ------  ------- -------  ------- ------- ------ -------
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Net revenues............  $  772  $ 2,442 $ 5,172  $13,536 $19,768 $4,722 $ 4,183
Gross margin............     646    2,202   4,380   11,117  16,133  3,868   3,210
Income (loss) from oper-
 ations.................    (328)     307    (241)   1,199     396    511  (1,952)
Net income (loss).......    (286)     126    (209)     616     518    279  (1,042)
Income (loss) attribut-
 able to common stock...    (286)     126    (225)     419     454    234  (1,042)
Net income (loss) per
 share(1)...............  $ (.06) $   .03 $  (.05) $   .08 $   .07 $  .04 $  (.15)
Shares used in per share
 computation............   4,569    4,569   4,569    5,486   6,398  5,486   6,735
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                 ------------------------------------ MARCH 31,
                                 1991   1992    1993    1994   1995     1996
                                 -----  -----  ------  ------ ------- ---------
<S>                              <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents......  $   1  $ --   $  960  $  191 $ 6,547  $ 6,519
Working capital (deficit)......   (656)  (579)    453     942  22,152   21,233
Total assets...................    646    962   3,542   6,986  29,537   28,056
Capital lease obligations, less
 current portion...............     81     53     150     293     104       62
Redemption obligation for pref-
 erence shares.................    --     --    1,125   1,385     --       --
Total stockholders' equity (de-
 ficiency).....................   (556)  (349)   (265)    335  23,935   22,850
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Note 1 of the notes to the audited historical consolidated financial
    statements of Firefox included elsewhere herein.
 
                                      82
<PAGE>
 
                    COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE DATA
 
  FTP. The FTP Common Stock commenced trading on November 23, 1993 on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol FTPS. Quarterly high and low sales
prices for the FTP Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market are
shown below for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 HIGH    LOW
                                                                ------  ------
      <S>                                                       <C>     <C>
      1994:
        First Quarter.......................................... $31.25  $24.00
        Second Quarter.........................................  27.75   12.50
        Third Quarter..........................................  24.00   11.50
        Fourth Quarter.........................................  33.50   21.50
      1995:
        First Quarter.......................................... $35.50  $25.125
        Second Quarter.........................................  32.375  20.25
        Third Quarter..........................................  32.50   20.50
        Fourth Quarter.........................................  40.625  21.75
      1996:
        First Quarter.......................................... $29.00  $10.375
        Second Quarter (through June 25, 1996).................  13.625   8.25
</TABLE>
 
  Firefox. The Firefox Common Stock commenced trading on May 11, 1995 on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol FFOX. Quarterly high and low sales
prices for the Firefox Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market
are shown below for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  HIGH    LOW
                                                                 ------  ------
      <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
      1995:
        Second Quarter (commencing May 11, 1995)................ $29.25  $21.50
        Third Quarter...........................................  27.375  15.875
        Fourth Quarter..........................................  26.00   16.75
      1996:
        First Quarter........................................... $22.63  $ 8.75
        Second Quarter (through June 25, 1996)..................  11.25    7.375
</TABLE>
 
  On January 16, 1996, the last business day immediately preceding the public
announcement of the Merger, and on May 21, 1996, the last business day
immediately preceding the public announcement of the most recent amendment to
the Merger Agreement, the closing sales prices for the FTP Common Stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market were $11.75 and $13.625 per share,
respectively, and the closing sales prices for the Firefox Common Stock as
reported by the Nasdaq National Market were $9.25 and $11.25 per share,
respectively. On June 25, 1996, the closing sales price for the FTP Common
Stock as so reported was $8.375 per share, and the closing sales price for the
Firefox Common Stock as so reported was $7.375 per share.
 
  As of the FTP Record Date, there were 315 record holders of the FTP Common
Stock, as shown on the records of FTP's transfer agent. As of the Firefox
Record Date, there were 55 record holders of the Firefox Common Stock, as
shown on the records of Firefox's transfer agent for such shares.
 
  FTP has not since 1992, and Firefox has never, paid or declared any cash
dividends on its stock, and each anticipates that for the foreseeable future
it will continue to retain any earnings for use in the operation of its
respective business.
 
  BECAUSE THE MARKET PRICE OF THE FTP COMMON STOCK THAT HOLDERS OF FIREFOX
COMMON STOCK WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE PRIOR TO THE
MERGER, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS.
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
                           INFORMATION REGARDING FTP
 
OVERVIEW
 
  FTP designs, develops, markets and supports software products that enable
personal computer users to find, access and use heterogeneous hardware,
information and applications resources across local area, enterprise-wide and
global networks, including the Internet and its World Wide Web. FTP's
principal networking products, OnNet and PC/TCP, which are based upon the
industry standard TCP/IP data communications protocol suite, enable remote
access, file and resource sharing and other applications across a variety of
operating systems, computing platforms and network environments. Other FTP
products allow users to search, organize and share information, view and
convert documents in a large number of different formats, including legacy
formats, and collaborate with other users. FTP's products emphasize
performance, reliability, functionality, robustness and compatibility, which
FTP believes are the key purchasing criteria, along with technical support and
special engineering capability, for organizations establishing and expanding
enterprise-wide networks.
 
  FTP introduced version 1.0 of its PC/TCP product in 1986. In subsequent
years FTP has both added functionality to and improved the performance of this
product. In 1994, FTP introduced a new generation of its networking software,
OnNet, which included a new 32-bit kernel and was based on virtual device
driver technology. Later in 1994, FTP introduced Explore, a Windows-based
Internet access product that includes a World Wide Web browser. In early 1995,
FTP acquired a line of document viewer and conversion products. These
introductions and acquisitions are part of FTP's strategy of expanding its
product offerings beyond client-server connectivity products to include
applications that enable users to find and organize information and to harness
the power of computer networks to help users work collaboratively with others.
 
  In order to help implement this strategy, in July 1995, FTP reorganized its
business into two units, the Networking Products Business Unit and the New
Ventures Business Unit. The Networking Products Business Unit included, FTP's
core OnNet and PC/TCP product lines and was responsible for extending those
product lines to new platforms, including secure, wireless and mobile
connectivity, and developing and acquiring server and other products to
provide services for enterprise networks. The New Ventures Business Unit was
created to develop, acquire and commercialize new technologies, including
emerging Internet technologies. During February 1996, FTP acquired the Mariner
product line of Network Computing Devices, Inc. In March 1996, FTP acquired
substantially all of the assets of HyperDesk Corporation, including its
GroupWorks collaborative product. In April 1996, FTP acquired Campbell
Services, Inc., the Southfield, Michigan-based developer of OnTime, a client-
server solution for group scheduling, through a merger of a subsidiary of FTP
into Campbell Services, which continues to operate as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FTP. See "FTP Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Overview."
 
  Following the July 1995 reorganization described above, FTP concluded that
the increasingly rapid evolution of the Internet market was resulting in
increasing confusion among even sophisticated users of TCP/IP and Internet
products as to both the capabilities and the interplay of the various TCP/IP
and Internet products available in the market, including the potential for the
combination of such products to form private intranets. As a result, and in
connection with its determination to effect certain cost-cutting measures, FTP
decided to recombine its business units and reorganize its operations to
better position itself to deal with such confusion and to take advantage of
the market potential for intranet product suites incorporating traditional
TCP/IP and Internet products.
 
PRODUCTS
 
 OnNet and PC/TCP Product Family
 
  OnNet and PC/TCP, FTP's principal product lines, allow PC users to share
information, access data from other sources, run host-based applications and
use network services across an organization's entire computing environment.
OnNet and PC/TCP consist of FTP's own implementation of the TCP/IP protocol
suite, called the OnNet or PC/TCP Kernel, respectively, and numerous
networking and other applications. FTP's OnNet and
 
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<PAGE>
 
PC/TCP products are compatible with all major personal computer client-server
and network operating systems, including 16-bit and 32-bit Windows (including
Windows 95 and Windows NT), MS-DOS, OS/2, NetWare, LAN Manager, Pathworks,
Windows for WorkGroups and Vines. Both OnNet and PC/TCP operate over all major
local and wide-area network topologies and media, including Ethernet, Token
Ring, StarLAN, ProNet 10, Serial line, X.25, ISDN, Token Bus and FDDI. FTP's
design emphasis on compatibility is intended to both enhance and protect its
customers investments in different networking hardware and software and to
provide its customers flexibility for future investments.
 
  The OnNet and PC/TCP Kernels are high performance, highly reliable
implementations of the core TCP/IP suite of protocols which run under DOS and
in multi-tasking environments such as Windows and DesqView/X. The OnNet and
PC/TCP Kernels include a number of advanced features such as gateway fallback
and router discovery that allow for performance optimization, network
redundancy, easy configuration and error recovery in complex networks. The
OnNet and PC/TCP Kernels are typically bundled and sold with FTP's networking
applications. The OnNet and PC/TCP Kernels are also sold separately to
developers and to end users to run third party applications or other resource
sharing products. In addition, FTP offers a software development kit to enable
end users and third parties to develop application programs.
 
  In addition to the Kernels, both OnNet and PC/TCP contain a panoply of
networking applications and features, including network file and printer
sharing, terminal emulation, electronic mail ("e-mail"), remote file transfer,
remote command, remote printing, remote tape backup, Kerberos-based user
authentication and data encryption as well as access level restrictions based
on the Internet Protocol Security Option (IPSO), installation and
configuration utilities, and a World Wide Web browser based upon NCSA Mosaic.
 
  OnNet and PC/TCP are also available in a version compatible with OS/2 which
provides much of the same functionality as the Windows/DOS version.
 
 InterDrive
 
  InterDrive 95 and InterDrive NT are client applications that provide network
users with access to printers, directories and files systems on network
servers running the NFS server software. InterDrive 95 is available for
Windows 95 and InterDrive NT is available for the Windows NT operating system.
In addition to these separate products, InterDrive 95 is incorporated in
OnNet.
 
 Explore
 
  Explore is a Windows-based Internet access software product that includes
automatic configuration, a World Wide Web browser enhanced by FTP based on
NCSA Mosaic, and a Windows-based e-mail reader. Explore also includes other
applications such as Gopher (a search tool for tapping into universities,
libraries and other data sources worldwide), File Transport Protocol and
Telnet (a full-featured terminal emulation program that allows users to log on
to other computers on the Internet).
 
  Explore Anywhere for Windows ties corporate LANs and users into the Internet
infrastructure and simplifies switching between LAN-based and remote access to
the Internet. Explore Anywhere includes FTP's Explore 2.0 suite of Windows-
based Internet access applications for remote and mobile workers, small
companies and home-based PC users, and provides LAN drivers and a new
switching capability that makes it easy for users to manage their connections
whether they are remote or LAN-attached. Explore Anywhere coexists with Banyan
Vines and Novell NetWare networks and supports other TCP/IP-based networks.
 
 Web Server Products
 
  FTP's line of Web server products are based upon technology developed by
Open Market, Inc. ("Open Market") and FTP. These products enable organizations
to use the Internet to expand their internal information and communications
systems to geographically dispersed facilities in a secure fashion. FTP
distributes Open Market's Unix-based WebServer, Secure WebServer and
WebReporter products. FTP also has developed
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
versions of these products for Windows NT, which it markets directly as its
Esplanade line of products and distributes through Open Market. WebServer and
Secure WebServer allow hundreds of simultaneous connections to the World Wide
Web and incorporate open standards such as the Common Gateway Interface (CGI),
a standard interface for server scripts, and Hypertext Transport Protocol
(HTTP), which provides interoperability with all existing Web clients. Secure
WebServer combines WebServer with security technology to protect business
transactions being conducted on the Internet. WebReporter enables businesses
to generate customized end-user access and browsing pattern reports.
WebReporter is compatible with WebServer and any other Web server which
supports the standard logfile format. FTP's line of Web server products
coupled with FTP's Explore products family provide a complete, easily
administered electronic business solution for connecting to the World Wide Web
and for utilizing Internet-based technologies to reinvest internal business
processes, such as publishing internal documents on a FTP-wide network.
 
 Mariner
 
  Mariner is a product that allows users to search, organize and share
information on the Internet. It provides users the ability to organize
information by subject, regardless of its location on the Internet, and build
a personal "roadmap" of Internet sessions. The Mariner product was acquired by
FTP in early 1996 from Network Computing Devices, Inc. In addition to
marketing Mariner as a stand-alone product, FTP expects to incorporate parts
of the Mariner technology in its other products.
 
 Collaborative Products
 
  In February 1996, FTP acquired substantially all of the assets of HyperDesk
Corporation, including its GroupWorks product. GroupWorks is a graphical
workflow management product for small teams (up to approximately 15 persons)
collaborating on a shared project. The product incorporates distributed OLE
technology. It implements a peer-to-peer networking model so that no separate
server is required. GroupWorks is currently available for the Windows 3.1,
Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems.
 
  In April 1996, FTP acquired Campbell Services, Inc. and its OnTime product
line. The OnTime product line is a family of personal calendaring and group
scheduling applications that provides real-time calendar information to allow
users to check common time availability and schedule group meetings. The
OnTime products include security, optional e-mail notification, pager
notification, search capabilities and facilities to manage to-do lists. They
also provide a wide variety of printouts and support many laptop and palmtop
computers so that their users can be part of the group scheduling activity.
 
 Keyword Products
 
  In early 1995, FTP acquired substantially all of the assets of Keyword
Office Technologies Ltd. ("Keyword"), the Calgary, Alberta-based developer of
protocol-independent document interchange and viewing technology software. FTP
currently markets two products based on this technology: KEYpak and KEYview.
 
  KEYpak is a server-based product that enables users to share documents
across client-based through document interchange and document conversion.
KEYpak contains an extensive library of conversion software that supports both
standard document interchange formats as well as popular mainframe and
minicomputer legacy systems, such as IBM Profs and Wang.
 
  KEYview is a DOS/Windows client product that incorporates the KEYpak
conversion technology. It enables users to instantly view and print more than
100 different e-mail file attachments, including UNIX-based and legacy
systems. It provides users with the option of converting attachments to their
preferred format (e.g., converting a native Microsoft Word document directly
into a native Lotus Notes format). KEYview automatically integrates with Lotus
cc:Mail, Lotus Notes, Microsoft Mail and HP OpenMail, and in NetWare and Vines
environments. KEYview also automatically integrates into Mosaic and other
popular browsers, including Netscape's browser, allowing users to view
documents, spread sheets and graphics found on the World Wide Web even if
those documents are not in a standard format.
 
                                      86
<PAGE>
 
  Certain Keyword technology has also been integrated into FTP's Explore and
OnNet products, as well as FTP's recently announced Esplanade Web server.
 
 Intelligent Agent Products
 
  FTP is using agent-based enabling technology to develop applications for
managing corporate networks and provide end users with new tools to find and
exploit the information resources of the Internet.
 
  FTP's CyberAgent Software Development Kit (SDK) enables network
administrators to build software "intelligent agents" which can travel from PC
to PC accomplishing pre-assigned tasks, including data gathering, remote
execution and reporting. Intelligent agents also have the ability to make
real-time decisions and modify their behavior based on the changing conditions
of a network. For example, an agent can modify its pre-set travel plan to
return to a busy PC again at a later time, or generate a report listing
unavailable PCs. The SDK includes ready-to-launch time synchronization, virus
checking and configuration information collecting agents. The SDK provides
security features to allow the authentication of incoming agents and prevent
unauthorized use of agents. Agents developed with the SDK can work across
Windows 3.1, Windows for WorkGroups and Windows 95 platforms.
 
  FTP also incorporates some of the Intelligent Agents technology into other
products, including OnNet and Explore, and may incorporate it into future
internally developed or acquired products.
 
 Other Products
 
  FTP has developed over the years a strong technology base in the networking
field. In addition to the products described above, the products described
below embody some aspects of this technology. Although these products do not
account for a material portion of FTP's revenue, they do illustrate areas of
FTP's technologic competence and may also be useful in combination with other
current or future products.
 
  Services OnNet is a software product that includes a set of integrated
applications that enables peer-to-peer networking in PC-based TCP/IP
environments, which dramatically simplifies TCP/IP configuration management.
Services OnNet was the first commercially available Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) server, which makes it easy to set up and configure TCP/IP
networks from small work groups to large corporate enterprises. This package
of applications is an add-on product to FTP's current OnNet products.
 
  X OnNet (formerly EntranX/32 for Windows) is a software product that allows
Windows users to access networked applications based on the X-Windows (X.11)
standard. X OnNet is both powerful and easy to use, and can run on any Windows
Sockets compliant network software. FTP offers 16-bit and 32-bit versions of
this product.
 
  FTP also sells PC/Bind, a domain name server for DOS that allows use of user
or host names instead of specific network addresses, and PC/SNMP Tools, a set
of network management tools implementing the Simple Network Management
Protocol. LANWatch is a software-based network analyzer for PCs running DOS.
It allows a network manager to capture and display packets moving over the
network in real time and to store packets and examine them in detail to
diagnose problems. LANCatch is a software-based trace utility for PCs running
DOS which complements LANWatch. LANCatch allows network administrators and
support engineers to troubleshoot a remote network by capturing network
traffic in real time and saving it to a trace file on disk.
 
 Product Development
 
  FTP's product development efforts with regard to its networking products are
focused on enhancing and broadening its current line of products, including
the development and acquisition of new networking application programs and the
release of improved versions of its products on a regular basis. FTP is
actively developing security technology, license management technology and
other enhancements for its networking products. FTP is also developing
technology to enable transmission of multimedia content over IP networks.
 
                                      87
<PAGE>
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
  FTP distributes its products through multiple channels, including direct
sales, value-added resellers, systems integrators, OEMs and a limited number
of distributors. FTP's distribution strategy is to select and to utilize the
various channels to address cost-effectively the broadest available market
while minimizing conflicts among its distribution channels.
 
  As of May 2, 1996, FTP had 184 sales employees. FTP's sales operations are
conducted from its principal offices in Andover, Massachusetts, and additional
offices in Santa Clara, California and Arlington, Virginia. In addition, FTP
has sales support and marketing offices in Munich, Germany, Paris, France,
London, England, Singapore and Tokyo, Japan.
 
  FTP generally seeks to market its products to large and mid-size
organizations with a wide range of connectivity requirements by identifying
various features and applications of FTP's products that address the
customer's connectivity needs. FTP further seeks to address the needs of
consumers to access the Internet and other networks worldwide. Marketing
activities include participation in trade shows and conferences, publication
in newsletters and technical journals, and participation in the TCP/IP and
Internet standards setting process.
 
  United States. In the United States, FTP markets its networking products
directly to large and mid-size companies and educational institutions. These
companies and institutions generally have complex enterprise and
internetworking requirements that include a wide range of applications. FTP
believes it is important to maintain a close working relationship with its
customers to meet their demands and to provide reliable customer support. FTP
believes its direct sales force, assisted by a strong customer support staff,
is well-suited to address the needs of these customers and to differentiate
FTP's products and solutions from those of its competitors.
 
  FTP also markets its products in the United States through value-added
resellers, systems integrators and OEMs. FTP's sales to the United States
federal, state and local governments are conducted directly and through
government resellers and OEMs.
 
  International. In the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, FTP
derived 40%, 44% and 46% of its sales, respectively, from outside the United
States. FTP relies on a network of resellers, systems integrators and
distributors located in Europe, the Middle East, South America, Canada, Russia
and Asia Pacific to sell its products internationally. FTP's offices in
Germany, France, England, Singapore and Japan provide assistance to resellers,
systems integrators and distributors in their efforts to license FTP's
products; FTP's Calgary, Canada office provides such assistance with respect
to the licensing of certain of FTP's products. A Kanji version of PC/TCP has
been sold in Japan since 1988. A Korean version of PC/TCP has been sold in
Korea since 1993. Versions of OnNet and Explore are available in French,
German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
  FTP's customers include large corporations in the aerospace, automotive,
cable television, data processing, energy, financial services, mobile
communications, retail, telecommunications and other industries; federal,
state, local and foreign government organizations; and educational and
research institutions. No customer accounted for more than 10% of FTP's
revenue for 1995.
 
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
 
  FTP believes that a high level of continuing customer support and service is
critical to its objectives of developing long-term relationships with its
customers and establishing FTP as the leader in connectivity solutions. FTP's
service and support activities are related to software and network
configuration issues and are provided by telephone support and remote
telephone access from FTP's facilities located in North Andover,
Massachusetts. FTP also provides customers with on-site installation support
and training. FTP has established a training facility located at its corporate
headquarters. FTP has a toll-free technical support number available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Support is also available through e-mail and
electronic bulletin boards.
 
                                      88
<PAGE>
 
  FTP offers maintenance contracts for site licenses. Site license customers
can purchase an initial 15-month maintenance contract at a price equal to 15%
of the aggregate site license price, which entitles them to unlimited
telephone support and free updates of the product during the maintenance
period. After the first 15 months, annual 12-month renewals may be purchased.
 
  FTP also offers a Partnership Support Program for its strategic customers
that provides 24-hour support seven days a week. This program requires the
customer to establish and maintain a help desk on site to provide front-line
support to all users. A group of support engineers at FTP are available to
assist customer personnel at these help desks in providing support.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The connectivity industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive
factors in this market are performance, reliability, compatibility,
functionality, price, customer support, ease of use, memory requirements,
availability of third party applications and technical reputation.
 
  FTP competes with major computer and communications systems vendors,
including IBM, Microsoft, Novell and Sun, as well as networking software
companies such as NetManage, Attachmate and Wall Data. In certain markets, FTP
competes with Netscape, SPRY Inc. and other networking companies. FTP's
collaborative products compete with products of other vendors of collaborative
software, including Lotus and Netscape, as well as smaller companies. FTP's
Keyword products compete with products offered by the Mastersoft unit of Adobe
Systems Inc. and with Inso Corporation.
 
  Many of FTP's competitors have substantially greater financial, technical,
sales, marketing and other resources than FTP. Several of these vendors,
including IBM and Novell, have developed proprietary protocols that compete
with TCP/IP. Also, certain of such vendors, such as Microsoft, Novell and Sun,
include versions of the TCP/IP protocol in their products. Because FTP's
products are based upon an open non-proprietary protocol, other companies may
enter the market with their own implementations of TCP/IP.
 
  Increased competition from existing or new products could adversely affect
demand for FTP's products and could lead to increased price competition that
may adversely affect FTP's gross margins and operating results. See "Risk
Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--Competition."
 
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS AND LICENSING
 
  OnNet, Explore and PC/TCP are principally owned by FTP. A small portion of
the technology included in certain of FTP's products is licensed to FTP by
third parties, generally under an irrevocable license that also provides FTP
with access to source code to enable FTP to enhance and maintain the
technology.
 
  The WebServer, Secure WebServer and WebReporter products are distributed by
FTP under a license from Open Market. The Windows NT versions of these
products included in FTP's Esplanade line of Web server products were created
by FTP pursuant to a license from Open Market that provides FTP with full
source code rights to allow it to maintain the products.
 
  FTP relies on a combination of copyrights, trademarks, trade secret law and
contracts to protect its proprietary technology. FTP generally provides
software products to end users under non-exclusive shrink-wrap licenses, which
provide that the license may be terminated by FTP if the end user breaches the
terms of the license. These licenses generally require that the software be
used only internally and on a single PC. FTP authorizes its dealers to
sublicense software products to end users under similar terms. FTP also makes
available to end users master software licenses which permit either a
specified limited number of copies or an unlimited number of copies of the
software to be made for internal use. Certain provisions of these licenses,
including provisions protecting against unauthorized use, copying, transfer
and disclosure, may be unenforceable under the laws of certain jurisdictions.
FTP generally enters into confidentiality and/or license agreements with its
 
                                      89
<PAGE>
 
consultants, distributors, customers and potential customers and limits access
to and distribution of its source code and other proprietary information.
 
  Despite these precautions, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects
of FTP's products or to obtain and use information that FTP regards as
proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of FTP's products is difficult, and,
while FTP is unable to determine the extent to which piracy of software
exists, software piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem,
particularly in some international markets. The laws and enforcement
authorities of some foreign countries do not protect FTP's proprietary rights
to as great an extent as the laws of the United States, and because of FTP's
significant international presence, there can be no assurance that FTP will be
able to protect its proprietary rights abroad. Although FTP's implementation
of TCP/IP is proprietary, the basic TCP/IP protocols are non-proprietary.
Anyone who wishes to use them may do so, without having to pay for the right.
 
  Although FTP currently has no issued patents, the number of patents granted
on software inventions is increasing. Consequently, there is a growing risk of
third parties asserting patent claims against FTP. In the future, FTP may
receive communications from third parties asserting that FTP's products
infringe, or may infringe, the patents or other proprietary rights of such
third parties, or seeking indemnification against such infringement, or
asserting that FTP must obtain a license from such third parties. Such
communications, and any resulting litigation, could result in substantial
costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect
FTP's business, financial condition and results of operations. If any claims
or actions were to be asserted against FTP, and FTP were required to seek a
license of a third party's intellectual property, there can be no assurance
that FTP would be able to acquire such a license on reasonable terms or at
all, and no prediction can be made about the effect that such license might
have on FTP's business, financial condition or results of operations. Should
litigation with respect to any such claim commence, such litigation could be
extremely expensive and time consuming and could materially adversely affect
FTP's business, financial condition and results of operations regardless of
the outcome of the litigation. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and
Firefox--Proprietary Rights."
 
  FTP has registered or applied for the registration of the trademarks FTP
Software, OnNet, PC/TCP, InterDrive, LANWatch, PC/BIND, LANCatch, CyberAgent,
Esplanade, HyperDesk, GroupWorks, Mariner and OnTime in the United States and
in certain foreign countries. Several other trademark registrations are in
process in both the United States and in various foreign countries.
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also contains trademarks of certain
other companies.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of May 2, 1996, FTP had 816 full-time employees, including 375 in
marketing, sales and service, 258 in product development, 29 in manufacturing
and 154 in general and administrative functions and management. FTP employees
are not represented by a labor union or other collective bargaining agent, and
FTP believes that its relations with its employees are good.
 
SUBSIDIARIES
 
  FTP currently conducts its operations directly and through several
subsidiaries. FTP's subsidiaries include FTP Software Worldwide, Inc., FTP
Software Canada Ltd. (Canada), FTP Software (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd (Asia
Pacific other than Japan) and FTP Software K.K. (Japan).
 
FACILITIES
 
  FTP leases approximately 135,000 square feet at its facility in North
Andover, Massachusetts, approximately 107,000 square feet at its corporate
headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts and approximately 32,000 square feet at
its manufacturing facility in Wilmington, Massachusetts. FTP also leases
approximately 32,000 square feet for
 
                                      90
<PAGE>
 
sales, sales support and marketing offices in Santa Clara, California,
Arlington, Virginia, Munich, Germany, London, England, Paris, France,
Singapore and Tokyo, Japan and office space in Calgary, Canada.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts, naming FTP, certain of its
officers and two former officers as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the
defendants publicly issued false and misleading statements and omitted to
disclose material facts necessary to make statements not false and misleading,
which the plaintiffs contend caused an artificial inflation in the price of
the FTP Common Stock. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants
knowingly concealed adverse facts and made false or misleading forward and
non-forward looking statements concerning the operating results and financial
condition of FTP, the effects of its July 1995 corporate restructuring and
changing competitive factors in FTP's industry. The lawsuit, which is
purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the FTP Common Stock
during the period from July 14, 1995 to January 3, 1996, alleges violations of
Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder
and seeks relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages, costs and
expenses and such other and further relief as the Court deems proper and just.
FTP has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to be without
merit, and intends to defend itself and its officers vigorously. In order to
support an adequate defense, FTP may be required to expend substantial sums
for legal and expert fees and costs. The costs of defending the litigation and
the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the
lawsuit were determined adversely to FTP, FTP could be required to pay a
substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--
Litigation Against FTP" and "Recent Developments."
 
  Following the Merger, Firefox will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of
FTP. For information regarding the Firefox Litigation and the indemnification
to be provided to FTP, Firefox as the surviving corporation and certain other
persons in respect thereof pursuant to the Merger Agreement, see "Risk
Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against Firefox" and
"Recent Developments."
 
  Except as discussed herein and under "Recent Developments," FTP is unaware
of any other litigation, pending or threatened, which could have a material
adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations
of FTP.
 
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<PAGE>
 
                        FTP MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
           ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The following discussion and analysis provides information that management
of FTP believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of FTP's
consolidated results of operations and financial condition. This discussion
should be read in conjunction with FTP's historical consolidated financial
statements and the notes related thereto included elsewhere herein.
 
  Forward-looking statements in this section and elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained
herein for a variety of reasons. These reasons include, but are not
limited to, competition, technological change, increased demands on management
as a result of planned expansion, risks of integration of the two companies,
changes in distributor terms or performance or other risks outlined in "Risk
Factors."
 
  As described above under "Information Regarding FTP--Overview," in early
July 1995 FTP reorganized its business into two business units, the Networking
Products Business Unit and the New Ventures Business Unit. The Networking
Products Business Unit included FTP's core OnNet and PC/TCP product lines, and
was responsible for extending those product lines to new platforms, including
secure, wireless and mobile connectivity, and developing and acquiring server
and other products to provide services for enterprise networks. To date,
substantially all of FTP's revenue has been attributable to sales of its OnNet
and PC/TCP product lines.
 
  The New Ventures Business Unit was formed to develop, acquire and
commercialize new technologies. Since the July 1995 reorganization, FTP has
made substantial investments in new technologies. In February 1996, FTP
acquired the Mariner product line of Network Computing Devices, Inc. for a net
cash purchase price of approximately $7.4 million. In March 1996, FTP acquired
substantially all of the assets of HyperDesk Corporation, including its
GroupWorks product, for a net cash purchase price of approximately $6.3
million. In April 1996, FTP acquired Campbell Services, Inc. ("Campbell
Services"), the Southfield, Michigan-based developer of OnTime, for a net cash
purchase price of approximately $15 million through the merger of a subsidiary
of FTP into Campbell Services, which continues to operate as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FTP. See "Information Regarding FTP--Overview" and "--Products."
 
  Since the July 1995 reorganization described above, it became evident that
the increasingly rapid evolution of the Internet market was resulting in
confusion among even sophisticated users of TCP/IP and Internet products as to
both the capabilities and the interplay of the various TCP/IP and Internet
products available in the market, including the potential for the combination
of such products to form private intranets. As a result, and in connection
with its determination to effect certain cost-cutting measures, FTP decided to
recombine its business units and reorganize its operations to better position
itself to deal with such confusion and to take advantage of the market
potential for intranet product suites incorporating traditional TCP/IP and
Internet products. Such cost-cutting measures included a reduction of
approximately 10% in the number of FTP's full-time employees, effected May 1,
1996. See "--Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.
 
  Looking forward, FTP intends to continue to make substantial investments in
its business (including through internal and joint third party development
activities, royalty agreements and acquisitions) over the foreseeable future,
through FTP's internal cash resources, the issuance of shares of its common
stock or other securities, or a combination thereof. There can be no
assurance, however, that the capital resources necessary in order to fund such
investments will be available or that, if available, such resources will be on
terms acceptable to FTP.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table shows certain financial data of FTP as a percentage of
total revenue for the periods indicated. Such information, and the discussion
of FTP's results of operations set forth below, principally reflect the
results of operations from FTP's former Networking Products Business Unit,
except as otherwise indicated.
 
                                      92
<PAGE>
 
Because the activities associated with what was FTP's New Ventures Business
Unit were immaterial for all periods prior to July 1, 1995, the results of
operations of FTP for 1993, 1994 and the first six months of 1995 are treated
as being the results of operations of the Networking Products Business Unit. As
a result of the 1996 reorganization described above under "--Overview," FTP
does not intend to report separate financial information for these former
business units after the first quarter of 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1993     1994     1995
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      <S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
      Revenue:
        Product revenue..............................    94.7%    92.5%    90.2%
        Service revenue..............................     5.3      7.5      9.8
                                                      -------  -------  -------
          Total revenue..............................   100.0    100.0    100.0
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Cost of revenue:
        Product cost.................................     6.7      6.1      5.9
        Service cost.................................     6.8      7.9      7.2
                                                      -------  -------  -------
          Total cost of revenue......................    13.5     14.0     13.1
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Gross margin...................................    86.5     86.0     86.9
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Operating expenses:
        Sales and marketing..........................    16.2     17.9     29.8
        Product development..........................    16.0     22.0     22.6
        General and administrative...................     9.6     10.0     10.4
                                                      -------  -------  -------
          Total operating expenses...................    41.8     49.9     62.8
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Income from operations.........................    44.7     36.0     24.2
      Investment income..............................     1.2      3.4      4.5
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Income before income taxes.....................    45.9     39.4     28.7
      Provision for income taxes.....................    18.1     14.8     10.6
                                                      -------  -------  -------
      Net income.....................................    27.8%    24.6%    18.1%
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 Total Revenue
 
  Total revenue consists of product revenue and service revenue. Product
revenue includes revenue from product sales and royalties from certain OEM
customers. Service revenue includes revenue from maintenance and training
contracts and is recognized ratably over contract periods.
 
  Total revenue from the Networking Products Business Unit increased from
approximately $58.7 million in 1993 to approximately $93.2 million in 1994 and
approximately $131.9 million in 1995. Product revenue for this unit increased
from approximately $55.6 million in 1993 to approximately $86.2 million in 1994
and approximately $118.7 million in 1995. Service revenue for this unit
increased from approximately $3.1 million in 1993 to approximately $7.0 million
in 1994 and approximately $13.1 million in 1995. As a percentage of total
revenue, product revenue decreased from approximately 95% in 1993 to 92% in
1994 and 90% in 1995 while service revenue increased from approximately 5% in
1993 to 8% in 1994 and 10% in 1995.
 
  For the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996, total revenue from the
Networking Products Business Unit decreased from approximately $31.3 million
for the first quarter of 1995 to approximately $26.8 million for the first
quarter of 1996. Product revenue for this unit decreased from approximately
$28.7 million for the first quarter of 1995 to approximately $22.9 million for
the first quarter of 1996. Service revenue for this unit increased from
approximately $2.6 million for the first quarter of 1995 to approximately $3.9
million for the first quarter of 1996. As a percentage of total revenue,
product revenue decreased from approximately 92% for the first quarter of 1995
to approximately 85% for the first quarter of 1996 while service revenue
increased from approximately 8% for the first quarter of 1995 to approximately
15% for the first quarter of 1996.
 
                                       93
<PAGE>
 
  The dollar increase in product revenue from 1993 to 1994 was due to increased
unit sales, which FTP believes was attributable in part to additional sales
personnel hired during the third and fourth quarters of 1993 and in part to
product developments, including the release in the third quarter of 1994 of an
enhanced version of FTP's PC/TCP product and of the first product in its OnNet
line. The dollar increase in product revenue from 1994 to 1995 was primarily
due to increased unit sales, which FTP believes resulted primarily from the
establishment of sales support and marketing offices in France, Germany and the
United Kingdom during the first half of 1995 and from product developments,
including the release in the first quarter of 1995 of enhanced versions of both
FTP's OnNet and PC/TCP products. The 1994 to 1995 increase in product revenue
was mainly the result of strong sales increases in the first three quarters of
the year. Product revenue for the fourth quarter of 1995 increased by only 11%
over the prior year period, principally as a result of the effect of the
federal government budgetary uncertainties, which resulted in a decrease in
sales to federal government customers during such quarter, and unexpected
delays in closing several large orders in the U.S. and Europe. In addition,
during the fourth quarter of 1995, FTP began to experience increases in sales
cycles and increased pricing pressure associated with larger orders and
increased competition in the TCP/ICP market. These factors also resulted in a
decrease in total combined revenue from the third to the fourth quarter of 1995
of approximately 9%. The dollar increases in service revenue for 1994 and 1995
were primarily attributable to increased growth in FTP's installed product base
from which such revenues are obtained and revenues resulting from customer
education and training classes held at a customer training facility established
by FTP at its corporate headquarters in the second half of 1993.
 
  While unit sales for the Networking Products Business Unit increased from the
first quarter of 1995 to the first quarter of 1996, product revenue decreased
over such periods, primarily as a result of an increase in the number of
competitors and products offered in the TCP/IP market and lower average unit
sales prices for FTP's products, which FTP believes was attributable to not
only such increased competition but also to an increase in lower-priced or no
cost products introduced by certain of FTP's competitors in the third and
fourth quarters of 1995. In addition, FTP believes that federal government
budgetary uncertainties that existed during 1995 and the first three months of
1996 resulted in a decrease in sales to federal government customers during the
first quarter of 1996 compared to the first quarter of 1995, which also
contributed to the dollar decrease in product revenue. The $6.1 million
increase in service revenue from 1995 to 1996 was again primarily attributable
to increased growth in FTP's installed product base from which such revenues
are obtained. FTP anticipates that service revenue will continue to increase as
a percentage of total revenue as FTP's installed product base continues to grow
and as FTP markets its services more effectively to customers.
 
  International sales consist of export sales, primarily in Europe, Asia
Pacific and Canada. International sales of approximately $23.4 million, $41.0
million and $62.6 million accounted for approximately 40%, 44% and 46% of total
revenue for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
International sales of approximately $15.0 million and $13.1 million accounted
for approximately 44% and 49% of this unit's total revenue for the three months
ended March 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The increase in 1994 was
attributable to increased sales to existing and to new international resellers
resulting primarily from FTP's expanded sales and marketing efforts abroad. The
increase in 1995 was primarily attributable to increased unit sales to existing
international resellers and sales to new international resellers, which sales
FTP believes resulted in part from the establishment in the first half of 1995
of local offices in France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The dollar decrease
from the first quarter of 1995 to the first quarter of 1996 was primarily due
to increased competition and lower average unit sales prices as described in
the preceding paragraph. In addition, unfavorable monetary conditions in
certain Latin American countries resulted in a decrease in sales and/or a
decrease in average unit sales prices to customers in those countries, which
also contributed to the dollar decrease in international sales over such
periods. The percentage increase from the first quarter of 1995 to the first
quarter of 1996 was primarily due to the greater effect of increased
competition in the United States than outside the United States and the federal
government budgetary uncertainties described above, as a result of which the
decrease in sales in the United States exceeded the decrease in international
sales.
 
  Total revenue for the initial two quarters of the New Ventures Business Unit
was approximately $4.5 million, of which 95% consisted of product revenue. Of
such amount, approximately $1.9 million (or 42% of its total revenue) consisted
of international sales, primarily in Europe. Total revenue of the New Ventures
Business Unit for the first quarter of 1996 was approximately $2.2 million, of
which approximately 94% consisted of
 
                                       94
<PAGE>
 
product revenue. Of such amount, approximately $0.9 million (or 41% of its
total revenue) consisted of international sales, primarily in Europe, Asia
Pacific and Canada.
 
  FTP prices, invoices and collects international sales primarily in United
States dollars. Accordingly, currency fluctuations have not had a material
effect on FTP's income from operations. FTP anticipates that as the size of
its international customers and contracts increases, it will transact a
greater number of sales in local currencies. If this occurs, currency
fluctuations may in the future have an increased effect on FTP's results of
operations and financial condition.
 
  As indicated under "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--
Declining Average Selling Prices," FTP is facing increasing pricing pressures
from competitors which, as indicated above, has resulted in a decrease in
average unit sales prices for FTP's products. In response to these pressures,
FTP may further reduce the average unit sales prices for its products. If this
occurs and if FTP is unable to increase unit sales or effect offsetting cost
reductions, there may be a material adverse effect on FTP's results of
operations and financial condition. In addition, slowing PC and semiconductor
sales growth has recently been announced by several manufacturers. The
continuation of this slowed sales growth and its impact on the growth of the
networking software market cannot yet be determined; however, if a slow-down
in the growth of the networking software market occurs, there may be a
material adverse effect on FTP's revenue. Additionally, management of FTP
believes that the rapid expansion of its sales and marketing force since
January 1, 1995, from 220 persons at December 31, 1994 to 329 persons at
December 31, 1995 to 375 persons at May 2, 1996, and the opening and expansion
of several new offices outside of the United States during 1995 and early 1996
has resulted in certain inefficiencies in its sales and marketing
organizations. If such inefficiencies cannot be eliminated, FTP will not be
able to take full advantage of the expansion of its sales and marketing
organizations, which may have a material adverse effect on its results of
operations. Furthermore, FTP believes that the federal government budgetary
uncertainties that existed during 1995 and the first three months of 1996 will
continue to impact revenue through the second quarter of 1996, although the
magnitude of that effect cannot yet be determined, and may continue to have an
impact in future periods. FTP's ability to maintain or increase revenue will
be dependent upon its ability to effectively respond to these factors.
 
 Gross Margin
 
  For the Networking Products Business Unit, product gross margin as a
percentage of product revenue was approximately 93%, 93% and 94% in 1993, 1994
and 1995, respectively, and approximately 93% for the first quarter of both
1995 and 1996. The increase from 1994 to 1995 was primarily due to a decrease
in material costs in 1995 associated with increased efficiencies in product
packaging, which decrease was partially offset both by increased costs
associated with releases of enhanced versions of both FTP's OnNet and PC/TCP
products in mid-1995 and by increased amortization costs related to technology
licenses entered into by FTP in 1995 compared to 1994. The gross margin
percentage for the first quarter of 1996 included a decrease in material costs
in 1996 associated with increased efficiencies in product packaging, which
decrease was offset by increases in other costs, primarily those associated
the amortization of technologies licensed or purchased in 1995 and 1996.
 
  Service costs for the Networking Products Business Unit exceeded service
revenue in 1993 and 1994, reflecting FTP's significant investment in technical
support personnel, systems and infrastructure. Service costs in 1993 also
reflect the cost of establishing a customer training facility at FTP's
corporate headquarters. Service revenue for the Networking Products Business
Unit has exceeded service costs for such unit since the third quarter of 1994,
including for the year ended December 31, 1995, primarily as a result of an
increase in FTP's installed product base. For the three months ended March 31,
1995 and 1996, service gross margin as a percentage of service revenue was
approximately 11% and 39%, respectively. This increase is primarily
attributable to an increase in FTP's installed product base from which such
revenues are obtained.
 
  The Networking Products Business Unit's gross margin decreased from
approximately 87% in 1993 to approximately 86% in 1994, primarily as a result
of the increase in service costs associated with FTP's significant investment
in technical support described above. This unit's gross margin increased to
approximately 88% in 1995, primarily as a result of the reduction in product
packaging costs described above and a decrease from the prior year in
technical support expenses as a percentage of total revenue. Gross margin for
this unit decreased from
 
                                      95
<PAGE>
 
approximately 86% in the first quarter 1995 to approximately 85% in the first
quarter of 1996, primarily as a result of the increase in costs associated with
the amortization of technologies licensed or purchased in 1995 and 1996.
 
  The gross margin of the New Ventures Business Unit for its initial two
quarters of operations and for the first quarter of 1996 was approximately 68%
and 45%, respectively.
 
  The gross margins reported above are not necessarily indicative of gross
margin for future periods, which may vary significantly depending on, among
other things, product mix, price competition, technological change, cost
changes and changes in product distribution channels. As noted above under "--
Total Revenue," FTP believes that average unit sales prices for its products
may continue to decrease as the markets for those products continue to become
more competitive, reducing gross margin on those products.
 
 Sales and Marketing
 
  Sales and marketing expenses for the Networking Products Business Unit
increased from approximately $9.5 million in 1993 to approximately $16.7
million in 1994 and approximately $36.7 million in 1995, and from approximately
$7.1 million in the first quarter of 1995 to approximately $10.1 million in the
first quarter of 1996. Such expenses as a percentage of this unit's total
revenue were approximately 16%, 18% and 28% in 1993, 1994 and 1995,
respectively, and approximately 23% and 38% in the first quarter of 1995 and
1996, respectively. The $7.2 million increase and the percentage increase from
1993 to 1994 was primarily due to increased sales and marketing activities and
the opening of FTP's Santa Clara, California sales office in September 1994.
The $20.0 million increase from 1994 to 1995 and the $3.0 million increase from
the first quarter of 1995 to the first quarter of 1996 were primarily the
result of efforts to increase sales through the opening and expansion of
several international and domestic offices beginning in the first quarter of
1995 (including the opening and expansion of offices in Europe and the opening
of offices in Singapore and Japan), increasing the number of sales and
marketing employees, and increasing the levels of advertising, trade show and
international marketing activities. The percentage increases from 1994 to 1995
were also due to such factors. The percentage increase from the first quarter
of 1995 to the first quarter of 1996 was due to both the dollar increase in
such expenses described above and the dollar decrease in revenue over such
periods described under "--Total Revenue" above. FTP expects to continue to
incur significant expenses during 1996 relating to domestic and international
sales and marketing activities and expansion of certain of FTP's international
offices. If the Merger is consummated, FTP expects to incur both
proportionately and incrementally higher sales and marketing expenses in 1996
related to the integration of Firefox. As a result of these factors, sales and
marketing expenses are expected to continue to increase both in dollars and as
a percentage of revenue in 1996.
 
  Sales and marketing expenses for the New Ventures Business Unit, consisting
primarily of personnel and advertising expenses, amounted to approximately $3.9
million for its initial two quarters of operations and approximately $2.4
million for the first quarter of 1996.
 
 Product Development
 
  Product development expenses for the Networking Products Business Unit
increased from approximately $9.4 million in 1993 to approximately $20.5
million in 1994 (which included a $4.0 million non-recurring charge for certain
acquired in-process technology and a $0.8 million non-recurring charge related
to the consolidation of FTP's San Francisco engineering and development
operations into its main engineering and development operations in North
Andover, Massachusetts), and approximately $22.6 million in 1995 (which
included a $1.1 million non-recurring charge for certain acquired in-process
technology), representing approximately 16%, 22% and 17% of this unit's total
revenue for each period, respectively. Excluding the non-recurring charges of
$4.8 million in 1994 and $1.1 million in 1995, product development expenses as
a percentage of this unit's total revenue increased from approximately 16% for
1993 to approximately 17% for 1994 and decreased to approximately 16% for 1995.
 
  For the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996, product development
expenses for the Networking Products Business Unit increased from approximately
$5.6 million for the first quarter of 1995 (which included a $1.1 million non-
recurring charge for certain acquired in-process technology) to approximately
$5.9 million for the first quarter of 1996, representing approximately 18% and
22% of this unit's total revenue for each period, respectively. Excluding the
non-recurring charge of $1.1 million in 1995, product development expenses as a
percentage of this unit's total revenue was approximately 14% for the first
quarter of 1995.
 
                                       96
<PAGE>
 
  The increase from 1993 to 1994 of product development expenses of the
Networking Products Business Unit as a percentage of its total revenue
(excluding the $4.8 million charges described above) is primarily attributable
to additional compensation expenses incurred in 1994 in connection with an
increase in personnel. The percentage decrease from 1994 to 1995 (excluding the
$4.8 million charges in 1994 and the $1.1 million charge in 1995 described
above) is primarily attributable to the allocation of a portion of FTP's
internal engineering costs to the New Ventures Business Unit beginning in the
third quarter of 1995, and cost savings resulting from the consolidation of
FTP's San Francisco engineering and development operations into its main
engineering and development operations in North Andover, Massachusetts at the
end of 1994, partially offset by an increase in expenses associated with
increases in outside contractors and personnel hired during 1995. The
percentage increase from the first quarter of 1995 to the first quarter of 1996
is the result of both an increase in such expenses over such periods, which was
primarily attributable to additional compensation expenses incurred in 1996 in
connection with increases in the use of outside contractors and the hiring of
personnel during 1995 and the first quarter of 1996, and the decrease in
revenue over such periods described above under "--Total Revenue."
 
  Product development expenses for the New Ventures Business Unit amounted to
approximately $8.1 million for its initial two quarters of operations. Included
in this amount was a charge of $3.7 million in connection with
the joint development and marketing agreement with Open Market described in
Note I of the notes to FTP's historical consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere herein. The remaining $4.4 million of product development
expenses for such period is primarily attributable to personnel-related costs
and fees paid to outside contractors. Product development expenses for this
unit amounted to approximately $14.9 million for the first quarter of 1996,
which included $11.9 million of non-recurring charges for certain acquired in-
process technologies. The remaining $3.0 million of product development
expenses for such period is primarily attributable to personnel-related costs
and fees paid to outside contractors.
 
  FTP expects product development expenses to continue to increase in the
remainder of 1996 as a result of the growing demand of customers for increased
functionality in networking software products as well as the proposed Merger
and the recent acquisition of Campbell Services described above under "--
Overview."
 
  FTP allocates the purchase price of acquired technologies to completed
technology and in-process technology based upon their respective fair values.
Completed technology that has reached technological feasibility is valued using
a risk adjusted cash flow model under which future cash flows are discounted,
taking into account risks related to existing and future markets and
assessments of the life expectancy of the completed technology. In-process
technology that has not reached technological feasibility and that has no
alternative future use is valued using the same method. Expected future cash
flows associated with in-process technology are discounted considering risks
and uncertainties related to the viability of and to the potential changes in
future target markets and to the completion of the products expected to
ultimately be marketed by FTP. Amounts charged to product development expense
for in-process technology are not fully deductible in the same period for tax
purposes.
 
 General and Administrative
 
  General and administrative expenses for the Networking Products Business Unit
increased from approximately $5.6 million in 1993 to approximately $9.4 million
in 1994 and approximately $12.7 million in 1995, representing 10% of this
unit's total revenue for each year. General and administrative expenses for
this unit increased from approximately $2.8 million for the first quarter of
1995 to approximately $4.0 million for the first quarter of 1996, representing
approximately 9% and 15% of total revenue for the first quarter of 1995 and
1996, respectively. The dollar increases in 1994 and 1995 and from the first
quarter of 1995 to the first quarter of 1996 are primarily attributable to
increased staffing and associated expenses to manage and support FTP's growth.
The percentage increase from the first quarter of 1995 to the first quarter of
1996 is also due to such factors as well as to the decrease in revenue over
such periods described above under "--Total Revenue."
 
  General and administrative expenses for the New Ventures Business Unit
amounted to approximately $1.5 million (representing approximately 33% of its
total revenue) and approximately $1.0 million (representing approximately 44%
of its total revenue) for its initial two quarters of operations and for the
first quarter of 1996, respectively.
 
                                       97
<PAGE>
 
 Income from Operations
 
  Income from operations for the Networking Products Business Unit increased
from approximately $26.3 million in 1993 to approximately $33.6 million in
1994 and approximately $43.4 million in 1995, representing approximately 45%
of total revenue for 1993, 36% of total revenue for 1994 and 33% of total
revenue for 1995. Income from operations for this unit decreased from
approximately $11.5 million in the first quarter of 1995 to approximately $2.8
million in the first quarter of 1996, representing approximately 37% and 11%
of total revenue for the first quarter of 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
  For its initial two quarters of operations, the New Ventures Business Unit
experienced a loss of approximately $10.4 million, which includes the $3.7
million charge described above under "--Product
Development" and total recurring expenses of approximately $11.2 million
(consisting primarily of sales and marketing and product development expenses)
against approximately $4.5 million in total revenue generated by this unit.
For the first quarter of 1996, this unit experienced a loss of approximately
$17.3 million, which includes the $11.9 million charges described above under
"--Product Development" and total recurring expenses of approximately $7.6
million (consisting primarily of sales and marketing and product development
expenses) against approximately $2.2 million in total revenue generated by
this unit. Excluding such charges, the loss for this unit for the first
quarter of 1996 was approximately $5.4 million.
 
  For 1995, combined income from operations (including the results of the New
Ventures Business Unit for its initial two quarters of operations) totaled
approximately $32.9 million, representing approximately 24% of total revenue.
For the fourth quarter of 1995, combined income from operations decreased by
approximately 70%, to approximately $1.9 million from approximately $6.1
million for the third quarter of 1995. This decrease was primarily due to the
decrease in product revenue for the Networking Products Business Unit
described above under "--Total Revenue." Also contributing to such decrease
were increases in sales and marketing, product development and general and
administrative expenses incurred in such quarter to support the increased
levels of sales over 1994 and the anticipated expansion of FTP's business. For
the first quarter of 1996, combined loss from operations (including the
results of the New Ventures Business Unit) totaled approximately $14.4
million. Excluding the $11.9 million charges described above under "--Product
Development," the combined loss from operations for the first quarter of 1996
totaled approximately $2.5 million.
 
 Investment Income
 
  Investment income increased from approximately $0.7 million in 1993 to
approximately $3.1 million in 1994, and approximately $6.2 million in 1995.
Investment income was approximately $1.0 million for the first quarter of both
1995 and 1996. The increase from 1993 to 1994 was due to the placement of
proceeds from FTP's November 1993 and May 1994 public offerings into high
grade tax-free municipal bonds, U.S. government treasury obligations and high
grade corporate obligations. The increase from 1994 to 1995 was primarily
attributable to the placement of additional net cash provided by operating
activities into similar investments.
 
 Provision for Income Taxes
 
  The provision for income taxes for 1993, 1994 and 1995 was approximately
$10.6 million, $13.8 million and $14.5 million, respectively. FTP's effective
tax rate for 1993, 1994 and 1995 was 39.4%, 37.5% and 37.0%, respectively. The
difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate for each year
resulted primarily from the benefits received from FTP's foreign sales
corporation, which was incorporated in late 1993, and research and
experimentation credits. The decreases in effective tax rate are mainly
attributable to relative increases in benefits received from the foreign sales
corporation, tax exempt interest income and research and experimentation
credits.
 
  The provision for income taxes was approximately $4.7 million in the first
quarter of 1995 compared to a tax benefit of approximately $5.0 million in the
first quarter of 1996. FTP's effective tax rate for the first quarter of 1995
and 1996 was 37.5% and 37.0%, respectively. The difference between the
statutory rate and the effective rate resulted primarily from the effects of
FTP's foreign sales corporation in 1995 and 1996 and the benefits received
from research and experimentation credits in 1995. The decrease in effective
tax rate from 1995 to 1996 is mainly attributable to relative increases in
benefits received from FTP's foreign sales corporation and tax exempt interest
income. Because certain of the expenses incurred or to be incurred by FTP in
connection with
 
                                      98
<PAGE>
 
the Merger and the acquisition of Campbell Services described above under "--
Overview" will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes, FTP
anticipates that the effective tax rate for subsequent quarters of 1996 will
be adversely affected.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  At March 31, 1996, FTP had an aggregate of approximately $106.1 million in
cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments.
Of this amount, approximately $31.4 million was invested primarily in highly
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less,
approximately $17.4 million was invested in short-term investments consisting
of U.S. government obligations and commercial paper with maturities of less
than one year and approximately $57.3 million was invested in investments
consisting of U.S. government obligations, commercial paper and municipal
obligations with maturities of greater than one year and in equity
investments.
 
  FTP generated funds from operations of approximately $19.1 million, $36.2
million and $33.5 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively, and
approximately $11.3 million and $7.6 million in the first quarter of 1995 and
1996, respectively. FTP made capital expenditures of approximately $5.0
million, $12.4 million and $11.9 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively,
and approximately $1.5 million and $3.2 million in the three months ended
March 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Included in the capital expenditures
for 1994 and 1995 were payments for acquired technologies and related assets
in the amounts of $5.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Also
contributing to the increase in 1994 were capital expenditures related to the
opening and expansion of FTP's headquarters offices in Andover, Massachusetts.
The increase in capital expenditures in the first quarter of 1996 is primarily
the result of capital expenditures related to the opening and expansion of FTP
offices in Europe and Asia Pacific.
 
  Accounts receivable, net, totaled approximately $10.2 million at December
31, 1993, approximately $16.6 million at December 31, 1994, approximately
$30.8 million at December 31, 1995 and approximately $22.0 million at March
31, 1996. These increases are primarily attributable to increased unit sales
and, for 1995, a relative increase in the number of units shipped during the
last month of the fourth quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 1994. FTP
believes that it may continue to experience a relative increase in number of
units shipped during the last month of each quarter as it continues to grow,
as is typical in the software industry. In addition, as the size of FTP's
international customers and contracts has grown and competition for contracts
increased, the number of its contracts providing for the longer payment terms,
particularly in the international markets, has increased. As a result of such
factors, FTP's days sales outstanding have increased from 50 at December 31,
1993 to 55 at December 31, 1994 to 65 at December 31, 1995. See "Risk
Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--International Sales." The decrease
in accounts receivable from December 31, 1995 to March 31, 1996 is primarily
attributable to a decrease in revenue in the first quarter of 1996 and to the
payment in early 1996 of a substantial portion of the accounts receivable
outstanding at December 31, 1995.
 
  In March 1995, FTP acquired substantially all of the assets of Keyword
Office Technologies Ltd. for a net cash purchase price of approximately $2.4
million. As noted above under "--Overview," in February 1996, FTP acquired the
Mariner product line of Network Computing Devices, Inc. for a net cash
purchase price of approximately $7.4 million, in March 1996, FTP acquired
substantially all of the assets of HyperDesk Corporation for a net cash
purchase price of approximately $6.3 million, and in April 1996, FTP acquired
Campbell Services by merger for a net cash purchase price of approximately $15
million.
 
  In connection with the 1996 reorganization described above under "--
Overview," FTP expects to record a restructuring charge during the second
quarter of 1996, currently estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million,
which includes severance payments and other related expenses expected to be
incurred in connection with such reorganization.
 
  To date, inflation has not had a material impact on FTP's financial results.
 
  Looking forward, FTP believes that its available cash, short-term
investments and expected cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund
FTP's operations at least through 1996. As noted above under "--Overview," FTP
intends to fund its future acquisitions through its cash from operations, the
issuance of shares of its common stock or other securities, or a combination
thereof. There can be no assurance, however, that the capital resources
necessary to continue to fund its operations or such acquisitions will be
available or that, if available, such resources will be on terms acceptable to
FTP.
 
                                      99
<PAGE>
 
  On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts, naming FTP, certain of its
officers and two former officers as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the
defendants publicly issued false and misleading statements and omitted to
disclose material facts necessary to make such statements not false and
misleading, which the plaintiffs contend caused an artificial inflation in the
price of the FTP Common Stock. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the
defendants knowingly concealed adverse facts and made false or misleading
forward and non-forward looking statements concerning operating results and
financial condition of FTP, the effects of the July 1995 corporate
restructuring and changing competitive factors in FTP's industry. The lawsuit,
which is purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the FTP
Common Stock during the period from July 14, 1995 to January 3, 1996, alleges
violations of Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule
10b-5 thereunder and seeks relief in the form of unspecified compensatory
damages, costs and expenses and such other relief as the Court deems proper
and just. FTP has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to be
without merit, and intends to defend itself and its officers vigorously. In
order to support an adequate defense, FTP may be required to expend
substantial sums for legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of defending
the litigation and the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be
estimated. If the lawsuit were determined adversely to FTP, FTP could be
required to pay a substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to
FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against FTP" and "Recent Developments."
 
  Following the Merger, Firefox will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of
FTP. For information regarding the Firefox Litigation and the indemnification
to be provided to FTP, Firefox as the surviving corporation and certain other
persons in respect thereof pursuant to the Merger Agreement, see "Risk
Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--Litigation Against Firefox" and
"Recent Developments."
 
                         INFORMATION REGARDING FIREFOX
 
GENERAL
 
  Firefox develops, markets and supports server-based internetworking
connectivity and communications software. Firefox's products provide
connectivity for LANs running Novell NetWare and allow work groups to access
local and remote computing resources, including the Internet, across different
internetworking protocols and client operating systems. Firefox's products are
centrally configured on the server and integrated with the NOS, thereby taking
advantage of the management and security features already implemented in the
NOS and enhancing control, administration and security of the LAN.
 
  Forward-looking statements made in this section and elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ
materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements contained
herein as a result of competition, technological change, risks of integration
of the two companies, increased demands on management as a result of changes
in distributor terms or performance or other risks described under "Risk
Factors."
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
  The fundamental building block of the enterprise is the LAN. A LAN typically
consists of at least one central computer that acts as a server for a
workgroup consisting of multiple client PCs. A NOS running on the server
manages the components of the LAN and provides access security for the LAN.
The LAN allows individual users to share data, applications and computing
resources. An enterprise benefits not only from leveraging its computing
resources among multiple users and enabling users to communicate, but also
from its ability to manage the services provided on the LAN by centralizing
installation, administration, maintenance and security in the NOS.
 
  An enterprise typically connects and integrates a LAN with computing
resources located outside of the LAN. Many enterprises continue to use legacy
minicomputer and mainframe systems as an important part of their enterprise
network and connect these systems with their LANs. Similarly, many enterprises
connect open-system UNIX workstations to their LANs. Increasingly, enterprises
connect LANs with computing resources located outside of the enterprise such
as the Internet.
 
 
                                      100
<PAGE>
 
  Communications among LANs and other computing resources, or internetworking,
is a significant technical challenge due to the multitude of computing
standards and communications protocols likely to be used within and across
enterprises. Client PCs can run different operating systems, the most popular
of which are Windows, DOS and MacOS, as well as different client-server
applications, such as different electronic mail applications. LANs can run
different NOSs, the most widely used of which is Novell NetWare. LANs,
workstations, minicomputers and mainframes can use different internetworking
communications protocols, the most popular of which is TCP/IP (Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). This complexity places a premium on
efficient management of internetworking.
 
  The growing internetworking needs of many enterprises have been addressed
with solutions that provide some or all of the client PCs in a LAN with stand-
alone communications applications that are only nominally, if at all, under
the control of the NOS. While the stand-alone client-based approach to
internetworking can provide the individual user with the desired
communications functionality, it does so at a significant cost to the
enterprise, which loses many of the benefits of server-based services provided
under the control of the NOS. Perhaps most importantly, stand-alone
communications applications offer limited control over access security, as
these applications are only nominally administered by the NOS and yet allow
access into and out of the LAN and, ultimately, the enterprise network. An
enterprise also forgoes the efficiencies of centralized installation,
configuration and maintenance available from services under the control of the
NOS, as installation, configuration and maintenance of stand-alone client-
based communications applications typically must be done on a PC-by-PC basis.
Finally, the server-based approach permits reliability and resiliency
techniques, such as automatic alternate routing between servers and redundant
server capability, thereby helping to protect the enterprise against the
consequences of communications breakdowns.
 
  The growth of Internet communications has highlighted the limitations of
stand-alone client-based communications applications. A stand-alone connection
to the Internet is a relatively unregulated entry point into the LAN and
ultimately the enterprise network. Therefore, network security may be
compromised. In addition, the cost to the enterprise of acquiring and
administering stand-alone applications on a PC-by-PC basis is significant,
particularly as users increasingly access the Internet. The network
administrator cannot control the user's access to the Internet to ensure that
the user is only accessing resources that are relevant to the enterprise
mission.
 
  The growing enterprise demand for internetworking communications and the
shortcomings of client-based communications applications for the enterprise
have created the opportunity for server-based internetworking communications
solutions for the enterprise that are provided as a shared LAN workgroup
service under the centralized management of the NOS.
 
THE FIREFOX SOLUTION
 
  Firefox provides server-based internetworking communications software to a
LAN workgroup, rather than just to individual users. These solutions allow the
client PC to communicate across a wide range of physical networks, computing
platforms and operating systems without grappling with the complexities of the
underlying standards and protocols, while enhancing the organization's ability
to manage these communications in a consistent, efficient and secure manner
through the NOS.
 
  Firefox products operate on a server running the Novell NetWare NOS and
support either Firefox's software communications protocol stacks or third
party stacks to allow end users running a variety of front-end applications to
access computing resources outside the LAN. Firefox's products utilize the
management and security attributes of NetWare and provide internetworking
communications services to LAN users as a NOS-controlled service.
 
  Firefox's server-based Internetworking communications software is designed
to address the needs of three specific markets. Firefox's connectivity
products enable Novell NetWare LAN work groups to access applications and
services on workstations, minicomputers, mainframes and the Internet.
Firefox's client-server products enable third party client-server applications
running on Novell NetWare LANs to integrate with application servers running
on mainframe and minicomputer host systems. Firefox's current messaging
product is an electronic mail system enabling Novell NetWare LANs to connect
to UNIX mail systems and the Internet.
 
                                      101
<PAGE>
 
  The key attributes of Firefox's server-based internetworking communications
solutions are:
 
  .  Designed for NetWare and Major Client PC Operating Systems--To date, all
     of Firefox's products are designed to work with Novell NetWare, the most
     widely used LAN NOS. Firefox has designed its products to be tightly
     integrated with NetWare to take advantage of the management and security
     functionality already implemented in NetWare and familiar to the system
     administrator. Novell estimates that in 1994, NetWare connected
     approximately 40.0 million individual PCs and 2.5 million network
     servers. All of Firefox's products to date operate with DOS and Windows,
     and its NOV*IX products also operate with MacOS.
 
  .  Enhanced Network Administration and Security--Firefox's products are
     installed on the server, and the client software is automatically
     downloaded to the client PC whenever needed. These products are
     centrally configured from the server by a system administrator and take
     advantage of the management and security functionality already
     implemented in the NOS and familiar to the system administrator. These
     products enable the system administrator to control the resources
     available to LAN users by allocating network addresses, defining hosts
     and services accessible to users, configuring the communication links to
     host computers and maintaining proper LAN security by centrally
     controlling access to the LAN.
 
  .  Preservation and Enhancement of Investment in Client Applications--
     Firefox not only offers connectivity solutions that include both client
     and server components, but also separately offers server connectivity
     software. The server products are aimed at supporting third party
     distributed systems and distributed databases as well as certain third
     party stand-alone terminal emulation and file transfer applications,
     such as, for example, certain applications from NetManage and FTP. This
     approach allows an enterprise to preserve its investment in client
     solutions while increasing the value of these solutions to the
     enterprise by placing them under NOS management.
 
  .  Flexible Product Architecture--Firefox's products are designed to
     support most major internetworking protocols. Firefox's approach has
     been to implement common core functionality in each of its products and
     then to add separate protocol-specific software. This design approach
     has permitted Firefox to adapt its core technology to address different
     protocols, such as TCP/IP, OSI and DEC LAT.
 
  .  Multi-Server Enterprise Solutions--Firefox's software is designed to
     operate in and take advantage of the multi-server environment that is
     characteristic of many enterprise networks. The ability to accommodate
     multiple servers allows Firefox's products to utilize reliability and
     resiliency techniques such as automatic routing between servers, load
     balancing and redundant server capability.
 
THE FIREFOX STRATEGY
 
  Key elements of Firefox's strategy include the following:
 
  .  Focus on Server-Based Communications Solutions--In response to the
     growth of internetworking and the enterprise's need to efficiently and
     securely manage internetworking, Firefox believes the most important
     ongoing element of its strategy is to continue to focus on
     communications solutions providing the management and security benefits
     of server-based services. Firefox's initial products address the
     connectivity market, while recent products address the emerging client-
     server market and the messaging market.
 
  .  Continue to Offer Products Tightly Integrated with the NOS--Firefox has
     designed its products to be tightly integrated with the NOS, so as to
     take advantage of the management and security functionality already
     implemented in the NOS and familiar to the system administrator. To
     date, all of Firefox's products have been designed for NetWare. As other
     NOSs gain market acceptance, Firefox intends to develop server-based
     products designed for these NOSs. In particular, Firefox is currently
     developing products designed to be integrated with Windows NT, but there
     can be no assurance that such products will be developed in a timely
     manner or that such products will achieve market acceptance.
 
  .  Expand to Internet, Messaging and Other Product Offerings--Firefox
     introduced products addressing Internet communications in late 1994.
     Given the substantial increase in demand for Internet products over the
     past year, Firefox believes that the introduction of its Internet
     products is an important element
 
                                      102
<PAGE>
 
     of its strategy to expand its product offerings. Firefox plans to
     continue to build on its connectivity technology to provide client-
     server products and enterprise backbone messaging products. Firefox
     believes that these client-server and messaging products may play an
     increasingly important role in future periods.
 
PRODUCTS
 
  Firefox offers three families of server-based internetworking communications
software for the enterprise: connectivity products, client-server products and
messaging products. Firefox's connectivity products enable Novell NetWare LAN
work groups to access applications and services on workstations,
minicomputers, mainframes and the Internet. Firefox's client-server products
enable client-server applications running on NetWare LANs to integrate with
mainframe and minicomputer host system application servers. Firefox's current
messaging product is an electronic mail system enabling NetWare LANs to
connect to UNIX mail systems and the Internet. All of Firefox's products to
date incorporate the same core technology.
 
  Firefox has derived substantially all of its revenues to date from sales of
its connectivity products, and, specifically, sales of Firefox's NOV*IX
products have accounted for a majority of these revenues. Firefox expects that
NOV*IX and other connectivity products will continue to account for
substantially all of Firefox's revenues for the foreseeable future. A decline
in demand for Firefox's connectivity products as a result of competition,
technological change or other circumstances would have a material adverse
effect on Firefox's business and results of operations.
 
  The key features of Firefox's server-based products are:
 
    Centralized Installation, Configuration, Administration and Security--
  Firefox's products are installed on the server and the client software is
  automatically downloaded to the client PC whenever needed. These products
  are centrally configured from the server by a system administrator and take
  advantage of the management and security functionality already implemented
  in the NOS and familiar to the system administrator. These products enable
  the system administrator to control the resources available to LAN users by
  allocating network addresses, defining hosts and services accessible to
  users, configuring the communication links to host computers and
  maintaining proper LAN security by centrally controlling access to the LAN.
 
    No Protocol Stacks in the Client--Firefox products centralize the
  communications protocol handling on the NetWare server. Therefore, multiple
  protocol stacks are not required on the client PC, reducing the software
  overhead on the PC.
 
    Flexible Network Addressing--Firefox products enable all of the users in
  a NetWare LAN workgroup to share a single network address. This reduces
  address usage, centralizes address management and simplifies system
  configuration and maintenance. Alternatively, Firefox products can assign
  separate workgroup addresses by NetWare Login Username. This means that a
  user can get their specific addressing--or User Profile--at any PC on the
  LAN, no matter where they log in.
 
    Multi-Server Capabilities--Firefox products can run on any server in the
  network. This multi-server capability allows built-in reliability and
  resiliency, including alternate routing from workstation to server on
  failure, alternate routing between servers and hosts and a built-in hot
  standby capability.
 
  Connectivity Products. Firefox's connectivity products enable Novell NetWare
LAN work groups to access applications and services on workstations,
minicomputers, mainframes and the Internet. Firefox's connectivity products
employ a client-server architecture with the server portion providing
centralized management and security features and the client portion providing
terminal emulation, file transfer and other client services.
 
                                      103
<PAGE>
 
The following are Firefox's connectivity products:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CLIENT PC
                                        TRANSPORT     CLIENT     OPERATING    END USER
        PRODUCT              MARKET     PROTOCOL   APPLICATIONS    SYSTEM   LICENSE FEE*
        -------          -------------- --------- -------------- ---------  ------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>       <C>            <C>        <C>
NOV*IX Elite............ NetWare LANs    TCP/IP   Terminal       Windows,      $1,425
                         to UNIX and              emulation and  DOS and
                         UnixWare host            file transfer  MacOS
                         system
NOV*IX For WorkGroups... Net Ware LANs   TCP/IP   Terminal       Windows       $1,895
                         to UNIX, IBM             emulation,     and DOS
                         and DEC VMS              file transfer,
                         host system              printing, UNIX
                                                  command
                                                  interface and
                                                  IP tools
NOV*IX For Internet..... Net Ware LANs   TCP/IP   Terminal       Windows       $1,575
                         to the                   emulation,     and DOS
                         Internet                 file transfer,
                                                  mail, news,
                                                  Mosaic and
                                                  gopher
NOV*OS Elite............ Net Ware LANs   OSI      Mainframe      Windows       $4,855
                         to ICL/Fujitsu           terminal       and DOS
                         and other OSI            emulation and
                         host systems             file transfer
NOV*AX Elite............ Net Ware LANs   DEC LAT  DEC VAX        Windows       $3,370
                         to DEC VAX               terminal       and DOS
                         host system              emulation
</TABLE>
- --------
*  Firefox's products are licensed by the number of concurrent users per
   server. NOV*IX and NOV*OS products are licensed in increments of 5, 10, 25,
   50, 100 and 250 users and the license fees shown are for 5 user licenses.
   The NOV*AX product is licensed in increments of 16, 32, 64 and 128 users,
   and the license fee shown for this product is for a 16-user license.
   Firefox offers discounts from these list license fees based on quantities
   ordered and other factors.
 
  In December 1992, Firefox entered into an agreement with Novell pursuant to
which Firefox became an OEM for Novell's LAN WorkPlace client software.
Firefox currently offers the LAN WorkPlace product as part of its NOV*IX for
WorkGroups product.
 
  Client-Server Products. Firefox's client-server products enable client-
server applications running on NetWare LANs to integrate with mainframe and
minicomputer host system application servers. Firefox's client-server products
allow the enterprise to extend the management and security advantages of
Firefox's server-based connectivity technology to third party client software.
These products allow the enterprise not only to preserve its investment in
third party software, but also to increase its value to the enterprise by
placing the software under NOS management.
 
  These products consist of server communications software and a variety of PC
interfaces and drivers and application programming interfaces. Firefox client-
server products work with client applications in any language, allowing
Firefox to enter foreign language markets by bundling Firefox client-server
products with local language front-end software.
 
                                      104
<PAGE>
 
  The following are Firefox's client-server products:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CLIENT PC
                                       TRANSPORT     CLIENT      OPERATING     END USER
        PRODUCT             MARKET     PROTOCOL   APPLICATIONS     SYSTEM    LICENSE FEE*
        -------          ------------- --------- -------------- ------------ ------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>          <C>
NOV*IX For Client-       Support        TCP/IP   X/Windows, SQL Windows, DOS    $1,225
 Server................. client-server           systems,       and
                         applications            TUXEDO, OLTP   Macintosh
                         for UNIX, IBM           communication
                         and DEC VAX             applications
                         host systems            and third
                         and host                party terminal
                         systems on              emulations
                         the Internet
NOV*OS For Client-       Support        OSI      Distributed    Windows and     $2,910
 Server................. client-server           databases and  DOS
                         applications            terminal
                         for                     emulators
                         ICL/Fujitsu
                         and other OSI
                         host systems
NOV*AX For Client-       Support third  DEC LAT  Communication  Windows and     $1,625
 Server................. party                   applications   DOS
                         communication           with terminal
                         applications            emulators
                         for DEC VAX
                         host systems
</TABLE>
- --------
*  Firefox's products are licensed by the number of concurrent users per
   server. NOV*IX and NOV*OS products are licensed in increments of 5, 10, 25,
   50, 100 and 250 users and the license fees shown are for 5 user licenses.
   The NOV*AX product is licensed in increments of 16, 32, 64 and 128 users,
   and the license fee shown for this product is for a 16-user license.
   Firefox offers discounts from these list license fees based on quantities
   ordered and other factors.
 
  Messaging Products. Firefox began shipping its first messaging product,
NOV*IX Mail, in January 1995 and to date has not realized material revenues
from this product. This product is designed to address the NetWare-to-UNIX and
NetWare-to-Internet electronic mail marketplaces. This product provides a
server-based electronic mail system and therefore offers all of the benefits
of Firefox's connectivity products, including centralized installation and
administration, addressing flexibility and secure addressing allowing both
inbound and outbound security. NOV*IX Mail eliminates the need for an
organization to have a UNIX system to run an Internet mail service.
 
  NOV*IX Mail is available as a complete mail system with both server and
client elements. NOV*IX Mail is also available as a server-only system without
any Firefox mail client software. This allows NOV*IX Mail to support third-
party WINSOCK-compliant client mail applications, including either
commercially available products or mail applications downloaded from the
Internet. Firefox's five-user list license fee for end-users for NOV*IX Mail
is $1,250 for the client-server version and $1,050 for the server-only
version, with specific fee amounts depending on quantities ordered and other
factors.
 
  Firefox is developing OSI compliant messaging and directory systems for the
UnixWare and NetWare platforms. These products are being designed to
complement NOV*IX Mail, which is based on the UNIX and Internet protocol for
electronic mail, SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol), with products that
conform to the OSI messaging and directory standards (X.400 and X.500).
 
 
                                      105
<PAGE>
 
  Firefox's OSI messaging and directory products are being designed to address
the government and corporate markets where electronic messaging backbones are
being implemented to support any messaging based technology, including
electronic mail, electronic data interchange (EDI) and software distribution.
Firefox's OSI products are being designed to offer gateway, mail translation
and directory synchronization capabilities to LAN-based servers running PC LAN
mail systems, such as Microsoft Mail, Lotus cc:Mail and Novell's MHS, and to
connect these systems to both OSI and TCP/IP-based mail backbones and public
services. There can be no assurance that Firefox will be successful in
developing new messaging products on a timely basis, or that such new products
will achieve market acceptance.
 
END USERS
 
  Users of Firefox products include corporations in a wide variety of
businesses, federal and local governments, and educational institutions.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
  Firefox sells its products both directly to end users and indirectly through
distributors and other sales channels. To date, Firefox has primarily
conducted its direct sales activities in the United Kingdom and the United
States. Firefox often conducts its direct sales activities in coordination
with its sales channels and often fulfills orders resulting from direct sales
activities through the sales channels.
 
  Firefox has relationships with distributors, systems integrators and value-
added resellers in each of its geographic markets. These distributors include
Azlan Technology plc and Sphinx Level V in the United Kingdom and TechData,
GBC/Vitek, IBM, Waytech and Access Graphics in the United States. Firefox's
agreements with these organizations generally are non-exclusive and provide
for Firefox's sale of products to these organizations at a negotiated discount
from suggested list price. Firefox generally allows its distributors to
exchange unsold products for other products and provides inventory price
protection in the event of price reductions by Firefox. While Firefox provides
allowances for projected returns and price protection, there can be no
assurance that allowances will be sufficient to offset product returns and
price protection in the future. Firefox is typically obligated under its
distribution agreements to provide cooperative advertising funds to the
distributor based on the distributor's purchase of Firefox's products. In
1993, ICL accounted for 17% of Firefox's net revenues, and in 1994, GBC/Vitek
accounted for 21% of Firefox's net revenues. Firefox's agreement with
GBC/Vitek contains terms substantially similar to its agreements with its
other distributors.
 
  Sales in the United States accounted for approximately 18%, 41% and 45% of
Firefox's revenues in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively; sales in the United
Kingdom accounted for approximately 68%, 40% and 39% of Firefox's revenues in
1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively; and sales in the rest of the world
accounted for 14%, 19% and 16% of Firefox revenues in 1993, 1994 and 1995,
respectively. Firefox expects that sales in the United States and the United
Kingdom will continue to account for a substantial majority of Firefox's
revenues for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that Firefox
will be able to achieve significant penetration of the United States, United
Kingdom or other markets.
 
  Firefox's marketing activities are designed to increase awareness among
enterprises of the advantages of server-based internetworking. In addition to
securing key reference accounts, Firefox's marketing activities include
cooperative advertising, sponsorship of educational seminars, participation in
trade shows worldwide, involvement in industry seminars and conferences,
advertising, public relations and publication of technical articles.
 
  Firefox conducts its sales and marketing activities from its offices in the
United Kingdom and the United States. The Solihull, United Kingdom office is
primarily responsible for sales and marketing in Europe including the United
Kingdom, Germany and the Benelux and Scandinavian nations, the Middle East and
Africa (principally South Africa), and it also has offices in Germany and
Sweden to support sales and marketing efforts in those regions. The San Jose,
California office is primarily responsible for sales and marketing in North
and
 
                                      106
<PAGE>
 
South America and the Pacific Rim. Firefox also has offices in Washington,
D.C. and Philadelphia to support Firefox's sales and marketing efforts to the
United States Federal Government and in the eastern United States. As of
December 31, 1995, Firefox's sales and marketing organization consisted of 35
employees in the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden and 32 employees in the
United States.
 
CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SERVICE
 
  Firefox provides both pre-sales and post-sales end-user support. Firefox's
support operations are staffed by experienced engineers who handle most
support calls by telephone. Firefox's support operations also provide end-
user, distributor and reseller training. Firefox has support operations in
Solihull, United Kingdom and San Jose, California.
 
  Firefox provides a 90-day post-sale warranty for its products and sells
annual maintenance contracts. To date, costs associated with warranty claims
have not been material. Customers with maintenance contracts receive full
telephone support service, software updates and bug fixes. Firefox allows its
customers and end users to access support services by telephone, electronic
mail and a bulletin board system, and has a support service on the World Wide
Web.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
  Firefox's product development efforts are focused on enhancing its existing
products and developing and introducing new products in a timely fashion to
meet a wide range of customer needs. Firefox's products are designed to
support most major internetworking protocols. Firefox's approach has been to
implement common core functionality in each of its products and then add
separate protocol-specific software. This design approach has allowed Firefox
to adapt its core technology to address different protocols, such as TCP/IP,
OSI and DEC LAT.
 
  Firefox currently plans to introduce new products and product enhancements
over the next year, including additional products offering NetWare to TCP/IP
connectivity and messaging products. In addition, Firefox is currently
developing products designed to be integrated with Windows NT. There can be no
assurance that Firefox's products will be portable to new and different NOSs
and client operating systems, if at all, without significant investments of
resources. The failure to port its products to major NOSs or client operating
systems on a timely basis, together with the expenditure of resources
associated with related development efforts, could materially and adversely
affect Firefox's results of operations. Any failure by Firefox to anticipate
or respond adequately to changes in technology and customer preferences, or
any significant delays in product development or introduction, would have a
material adverse effect on Firefox's business, financial condition and results
of operations.
 
  Firefox's products include both internally developed technology and
technology acquired or licensed from other parties. For instance, Firefox has
licensed Internet tools from Spyglass, FineLine and INEL, mail and messaging
technology from Data Connection and Unipalm and client software (LAN
WorkPlace) from Novell. Firefox is to a certain extent dependent upon such
third parties' ability to enhance their current products, to develop new
products on a timely and cost-effective basis that will meet changing customer
needs and to respond to emerging industry standards and other technological
changes. There can be no assurance that Firefox would be able to replace the
functionality provided by the third party software currently offered in
conjunction with Firefox's products in the event that such software becomes
unavailable to Firefox or obsolete or incompatible with future versions of
Firefox's products, and the absence of that functionality could have a
material adverse effect on Firefox's business, financial condition and results
of operations.
 
  As of December 31, 1995, Firefox had 35 people employed in research,
development and engineering, 34 of whom were located in Firefox's Solihull
offices in the United Kingdom. During 1993, 1994 and 1995, Firefox's research
and development expenses were $948,000, $1,428,000 and $2,534,000,
respectively. Firefox anticipates that it will commit substantial resources to
research and development in the future.
 
 
                                      107
<PAGE>
 
COMPETITION
 
  The networking software market is intensely competitive and characterized by
rapid changes in technology and evolving standards. In the market for
connectivity products, Firefox competes primarily with vendors of stand-alone,
client-based connectivity solutions such as NetManage and FTP, vendors of LAN
gateways and vendors supporting Novell's IPX/SPX protocols directly on host
systems. In the market for client-server products, Firefox competes primarily
with vendors of stand-alone, client-based solutions and of LAN gateways. With
respect to Firefox's messaging and directory services products under
development, Firefox expects to compete primarily with vendors of proprietary
mail solutions that incorporate SMTP gateways, such as Microsoft, Lotus and
Novell. Firefox expects to encounter competition from new entrants selling
server-based solutions.
 
  In the future, providers of major NOS and client operating system products
may increasingly seek to incorporate in their products functionality similar
to that provided by Firefox's connectivity products. In particular, Microsoft
has incorporated internetworking connectivity and communications software in
its Windows 95 operating system, which may reduce the incremental value of
Firefox's product offerings to enterprises which adopt Windows 95. To the
extent that Microsoft enhances the internetworking capabilities of Windows 95,
this effect may increase. Further, Novell and other providers of NOSs
currently offer protocol stacks within their NOSs, and if they were to add
applications to their network operating systems offering functionality
competitive with that of Firefox's products, sales of Firefox's products could
be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that market uncertainty
relating to Novell's product plans, the introduction of new products by
Novell, or other actions by Novell, will not render Firefox's products
noncompetitive or obsolete or that Novell will continue to cooperate with
Firefox. In addition, in connection with the development and enhancement of
certain of its products, Firefox has in the past and expects in the future to
receive pre-release access to certain of Novell's products. There can be no
assurance, however, that Novell will continue to make such pre-release access
available, and any discontinuance could have an adverse effect on Firefox's
ability to provide timely enhancements to its products that are to some extent
dependent upon Novell's products.
 
  Firefox's server-based solutions have been designed to run certain
applications in third-party client connectivity software, and therefore the
Firefox NOV*IX product is able to run the software of most of Firefox's
competitors offering PC-centric solutions. As a result, Firefox has
established relationships with some of these competitors. For instance, ICL is
an OEM for Firefox's NOV*OS and NOV*IX product lines, which are distributed
worldwide by ICL through its standard price catalog.
 
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
  Firefox relies primarily on a combination of copyright and trademark laws,
trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to
protect its proprietary rights. Firefox seeks to protect its software,
documentation and other written materials under trade secret and copyright
laws, which afford only limited protection. Firefox presently has no patents
or patent applications pending. Despite Firefox's efforts to protect its
proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of
Firefox's products or to obtain and use information that Firefox regards as
proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of Firefox's products is difficult,
and, while Firefox is unable to determine the extent to which piracy of its
software exists, software piracy can be expected to be a persistent problem.
The laws of some foreign countries do not protect Firefox's proprietary rights
to as great an extent as do the laws of the United States, and because of
Firefox's significant international presence, there can be no assurance that
Firefox will be able to protect its proprietary rights in the jurisdictions
into which it sells its products. There can be no assurance that Firefox's
means of protecting its proprietary rights will be adequate or that Firefox's
competitors will not independently develop similar technology.
 
  In the future, Firefox may receive communications from third parties
asserting Firefox products infringe, or may infringe, the proprietary rights
of third parties, seeking indemnification against such infringement or
indicating that Firefox may be interested in obtaining a license from such
third parties. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion
of resources and could have a material adverse effect on Firefox's
 
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<PAGE>
 
business and results of operations. If any claims or actions are asserted
against Firefox, and Firefox were required to seek a license to a third
party's intellectual property, there can be no assurance that Firefox would be
able to acquire such a license on reasonable terms or at all. Should
litigation with respect to any such claims be commenced, such litigation could
be extremely expensive and time consuming and could materially and adversely
affect Firefox's business and results of operations.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of December 31, 1995, Firefox and its subsidiaries collectively employed
91 persons outside of the United States, of whom 34 were primarily engaged in
research and development activities, 13 in finance and administration and 44
in sales, marketing, customer support and related activities. As of December
31, 1995, Firefox or its wholly owned subsidiary, Firefox (U.S.) Inc.,
employed 58 persons in the United States, of whom one was primarily engaged in
research and development activities, 14 were engaged in finance and
administration and 43 in sales, marketing customer support and related
activities. None of Firefox's employees is currently represented by a labor
union. Firefox considers its relations with its employees to be good.
 
FACILITIES
 
  Firefox's principal offices are located in Santa Clara, California under a
lease that will expire July 31, 2002. Firefox's principal research and
development facilities and European sales and marketing offices are located in
Solihull, United Kingdom and are under a lease that will expire in December
1996. In addition, Firefox maintains a research and development facility in
Luton, United Kingdom, and sales offices in the Washington, D.C. area,
Philadelphia, Sweden and Germany.
 
LITIGATION
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco
Division, naming Firefox and certain of its officers and directors as
defendants. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants misrepresented or failed
to disclose material facts about Firefox's operations and financial results,
which the plaintiffs contend resulted in an artificial inflation of the price
of the Firefox Common Stock. The suit was purportedly brought on behalf of a
class of purchasers of Firefox's stock during the period from August 3, 1995
to January 2, 1996. The complaint alleged claims for violation of Section
10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and sought
relief in the form of unspecified compensatory damages, pre- and post-judgment
interest, attorneys' and expert witness fees and such extraordinary, equitable
and/or injunctive relief as permitted by law, equity and the federal statutory
provisions under which the suit was brought. Specifically, the complaint
alleged that each of the defendants knew or had access to allegedly material
adverse non-public information about Firefox's financial results and business
conditions which allegedly was not disclosed, improperly recognized certain
revenues and failed to keep adequate reserves and participated in drafting,
reviewing and/or approving alleged misleading statements, releases, analyst
reports and other public representations, including disclaimers and warnings,
of and about Firefox. On June 5, 1996, the District Court entered an order
dismissing plaintiffs' complaint. Certain of plaintiffs' claims that alleged
Firefox was responsible for false and misleading analyst reports, Firefox
statements and financial statements were dismissed with leave to amend on the
grounds that as to each of these types of statements, the complaint had to
failed plead the false or misleading statements with the specificity required
by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b) and the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act, and/or that plaintiffs failed to allege facts giving rise to a
strong inference that defendants acted intentionally or recklessly. In
addition, certain of plaintiffs' claims that warnings and disclosures in
Firefox's Form 10-Qs were false and misleading were dismissed with prejudice.
Because the District Court dismissed the claims in the complaint based on
violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, the
court also dismissed with leave to amend the "controlling person" liability
claim alleged under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against John A.
Kimberley, which requires adequate allegations that the "controlled person"
(here, allegedly, Firefox) was liable under Section 10(b) or Rule 10b-5. The
District Court gave plaintiffs until July 5, 1996 to amend the complaint.
Plaintiffs have advised that they will amend the complaint and have requested
that defendants stipulate to an extension to July 22, 1996 for them to file
the amended complaint. Defendants have so stipulated
 
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<PAGE>
 
in return for an extension to September 4, 1996 to respond to the amended
complaint. Firefox has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them
to be without merit, and intends to defend itself and its officers and
directors vigorously if the complaint is amended. In order to support an
adequate defense, Firefox may be required to expend substantial sums for legal
and expert fees and costs. The cost of defending the litigation and the
outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the
lawsuit were determined adversely to Firefox, Firefox could be required to pay
a substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--
Litigation Against Firefox" and "Recent Developments."
 
  A former employee filed a complaint against Firefox on March 23, 1995 in the
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, claiming
rights to compensation and punitive damages in connection with the cessation
of his employment with Firefox. Firefox has demurred to the complaint, but no
resolution of this matter has been obtained or is likely to occur in the near
future.
 
  A former U.K. employee filed suit against Firefox in July 1995 in the German
court in Saarlouise. The court has accepted jurisdiction, and a hearing of the
merits of the case has been set for April 12, 1996.
 
  Although litigation is inherently uncertain, Firefox believes that such
employment claims are without merit and that the ultimate resolution of these
matters will not be material to its future financial position or results of
operations, and Firefox intends to defend against these claims vigorously.
 
                                      110
<PAGE>
 
                      FIREFOX MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
           ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Firefox develops, markets and supports server-based internetworking software
for Novell NetWare LANs. Firefox's connectivity products enable NetWare LAN
work groups to access applications and services on workstations,
minicomputers, mainframes and the Internet. Firefox's client-server products
enable client-server applications running on NetWare LANs to integrate with
application servers running on mainframe and minicomputer host systems, and
Firefox's mail product is an electronic mail system enabling NetWare LANs to
connect to UNIX mail systems and the Internet. Firefox began shipping its
connectivity products in late 1990 with the introduction of its NOV*OS
product, which enables NetWare to OSI connectivity. In late 1992, Firefox
introduced the first of its NOV*IX products, which enable NetWare to TCP/IP
connectivity. In late 1993, Firefox introduced the first of its NOV*AX
products, which enable NetWare to DEC LAT connectivity. Firefox introduced its
client-server products in 1993 and its mail products in 1995.
 
  Firefox markets its products through its direct sales force, which is
focused on organizations with large enterprise networks, as well as through
selected distributors, systems integrators and value-added resellers. Firefox
has derived substantially all of its revenues to date from sales of its
connectivity products and, specifically, sales of Firefox's NOV*IX products
have accounted for a majority of these revenues. Firefox expects that its
NOV*IX and other connectivity products will continue to account for the
substantial majority of Firefox's net revenues for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, because NOV*IX and Firefox's other products have been developed
for LANs running Novell's NetWare LAN operating system, sales of Firefox's
products could be materially adversely affected by market developments adverse
to Novell or NetWare. Firefox may be required to enhance such products to
anticipate or respond adequately to changes in technology and customer
preferences. There can be no assurance that Firefox will be successful at
making such enhancements at all or in a timely fashion.
 
  Firefox's operating results will depend in substantial part upon its ability
to increase unit volume sales of its connectivity products and to begin to
generate significant product revenues from its client-server and mail products
and from messaging products currently under development. Any failure to
increase net revenues from connectivity products or to generate net revenues
from other products, whether due to competition, technological change or
otherwise, would have a material adverse effect on Firefox's business and
results of operations. For example, in each of the fourth quarter of 1995 and
the first quarter of 1996, Firefox's net revenues from connectivity products
declined from third quarter levels and contributed significantly to the net
loss of $1.0 million experienced by Firefox during each of those quarters.
 
  Firefox expanded the size of its operations significantly in 1995, and its
plans call for continued expansion in the number of its employees and the
geographic scope of its sales efforts and operations. The length of time
required to consummate the Merger has resulted in a loss of momentum for
Firefox's business, has resulted in the loss of key sales management personnel
and is likely to result in the loss of additional management and staff in the
near term, all of which has had and is likely to continue to have a material
adverse effect on Firefox's operating results and financial condition at least
in the near term.
 
  Firefox expects to experience significant fluctuations in quarterly
operating results in the future that may be caused by many factors, including,
among others, the size and timing of individual orders; customer order
deferrals in anticipation of new products; timing of introduction or
enhancement of products by Firefox or its competitors; market acceptance of
new products; technological changes in computer networking; competitive
pricing pressures; seasonality of revenues; changes in resellers' inventory
practices; the exercise of stock rotation or inventory price protection rights
by distributors; the accuracy of resellers' forecasts of end user demand;
changes in Firefox's operating expense; personnel changes; foreign currency
exchange rates; mix of products sold; quality control of products sold; and
general economic conditions. Cancellation or deferral of one or a small number
of orders could cause significant fluctuations in quarterly operating results.
As a result, Firefox believes
that period-to-period comparisons of its results of operations are not
necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of future
performance. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in volatility
in the price of the shares of Firefox Common Stock.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Because Firefox generally ships software products within a short period
after receipt of an order, Firefox typically does not have a material backlog
of unfilled orders, and revenues in any quarter are substantially dependent on
orders booked in that quarter. Further, Firefox typically generates a large
percentage of its quarterly revenues during the last weeks of the quarter.
Firefox's expense levels are based in part on its expectations as to future
revenues and to a large extent are fixed. Therefore, Firefox may be unable to
adjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue
shortfall. Accordingly, any significant shortfall of demand in relation to
Firefox's expectations or any material delay of customer orders would have an
almost immediate adverse impact on Firefox's operating results and on
Firefox's ability to maintain profitability. In fact, Firefox believes these
circumstances contributed significantly to its net losses experienced in the
fourth quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996.
 
  Firefox's net revenues increased 162% from 1993 to 1994 and increased by 46%
from 1994 to 1995. However, net revenues for the first quarter of 1996
decreased by 11% to $4.2 million from $4.7 million in the first quarter of
1995. Accordingly, the growth rates experienced in prior years are not
sustainable in the near term and are not necessarily indicative of future
operating results. Further, given Firefox's significantly different levels of
operations during each of these three years, year-to-year comparisons may not
be meaningful, and Firefox's limited operating history makes the prediction of
future annual or quarterly operating results difficult or impossible.
 
  Forward-looking statements in this section and elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
in this section and elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus include
terms such as "believes," "may be," "anticipates," "is likely," "in the
future," "expects" or similar phrases. All forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of
the size and timing of orders, the mix of products sold, customer deferrals in
anticipation of new products, competition, technological change, changes in
operating expenses, risks of integration of the two companies, changes in
distributor terms or performance or other risks outlined in "Risk Factors."
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth the percentage of net revenues represented by
certain items in Firefox's consolidated statements of operations for the
periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED        THREE MONTHS
                                          DECEMBER 31,      ENDED MARCH 31,
                                         -----------------  -----------------
                                         1993   1994  1995   1995      1996
                                         ----   ----  ----  -------   -------
<S>                                      <C>    <C>   <C>   <C>       <C>
Net revenues
  Licenses..............................  97%    92%   89%       93%       85%
  Service and other.....................   3      8    11         7        15
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
    Total net revenues.................. 100    100   100       100       100
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
Cost of revenues
  Licenses..............................  13     12    13        14        16
  Service and other.....................   2      6     5         4         8
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
    Total cost of revenues..............  15     18    18        18        24
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
Gross margin............................  85     82    82        82        76
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
Operating expenses
  Research and development..............  18     11    13        12        22
  Sales and marketing...................  50     47    52        45        73
  General and administrative............  21     15    15        14        28
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
    Total operating expenses............  89     73    80        71       123
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
Income (loss) from operations...........  (4)     9     2        11       (47)
Interest income (expense), net..........  (2)    (1)    3        (1)        5
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......  (6)     8     5        10       (42)
Provision (credit) for income taxes.....  (2)     3     2         4       (17)
                                         ---    ---   ---   -------   -------
Net income (loss).......................  (4)%    5%    3%        6%      (25)%
                                         ===    ===   ===   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
 Net Revenues
 
  Net revenues consist primarily of fees for licenses of Firefox's software
products and revenues from customer support. Firefox recognizes revenue from
software licenses after shipment of the product and fulfillment of acceptance
terms, if any, and when no significant contractual obligations remain
outstanding. When Firefox receives payment prior to shipment or fulfillment of
significant vendor obligations, such payments are recorded as deferred revenue
and customer deposits and are recognized as revenue upon shipment or
fulfillment of significant vendor obligations. Customer support revenue is
deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the support agreement, which
is typically one year.
 
  Net revenues from licenses grew from $5.0 million in 1993 to $12.5 million
in 1994 and to $17.7 million in 1995. The increase in license revenues during
the periods was due primarily to increased shipments of Firefox's connectivity
products, particularly the NOV*IS products introduced in late 1992. Firefox's
revenue decreased from the third to the fourth quarter of 1995 by
approximately $1.6 million and a loss of approximately $1.0 million was
incurred in the fourth quarter. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to
decreased product shipments as a result of, among other factors, poor
performance of Firefox's sales and marketing organization, which led to the
replacement of key personnel in the fourth quarter. The $1.0 million loss was
primarily due to lower net revenue and substantial increases in sales and
marketing expenses throughout the fourth quarter. Net revenues from licenses
for the first quarter of 1996 decreased by 20% to $3.5 million from $4.4
million in the first quarter of 1995. The decrease in the first quarter was
primarily due to decreased shipments of Firefox's connectivity products as a
result of the loss of momentum in Firefox's business due to the length of time
required to consummate the Merger and loss of sales management personnel in
the United States, as well as the timing of receipt of certain orders in the
United Kingdom.
 
  Net revenues from service and other grew from $148,000 in 1993 to $1.1
million in 1994 and to $2.1 million in 1995 and increased by 106% to $645,000
in the first quarter of 1996 from $313,000 in the first quarter of 1995. The
increase in service and other income was primarily attributable to revenue
from service contracts due to the increased number of users of Firefox's
connectivity products.
 
  In 1993, 1994 and 1995, sales in the United States accounted for 18%, 41%
and 45%, respectively, of Firefox's net revenues. Over the same periods, sales
in the United Kingdom accounted for 68%, 40% and 39%, respectively, of
Firefox's net revenues, and sales in the rest of the world accounted for 14%,
19% and 16%, respectively, of Firefox's net revenues. See Note 11 of Notes to
Firefox Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein. In the
first quarter of 1996, sales in the United States accounted for 50% of the
Company's net revenues compared with 45% in the first quarter of 1995, and
sales in the United Kingdom accounted for 37% of Firefox's net revenues
compared with 42% in the first quarter of 1995. The reduction of revenues
derived from the United Kingdom as a percentage of total revenues resulted
from the timing of receipt of certain UK orders. Sales in the rest of the
world remained constant at 13% of Firefox's net revenues in the first quarter
of both 1996 and 1995. Firefox expects that sales in the United States and the
United Kingdom will continue to account for a substantial portion of Firefox's
revenues for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that Firefox
will achieve significant penetration in the United States, United Kingdom or
other markets.
 
  In 1993, one distributor, ICL, accounted for 17% of Firefox's net revenues.
In 1994, another distributor, GBC/Vitek, accounted for 21% of Firefox's net
revenues. See Note 11 of Notes to Firefox Consolidated Financial Statements.
However, there can be no assurance that sales to these distributors will reach
or exceed historical levels in the future.
 
  Firefox expects that net revenues will consist principally of license
revenues and, to a lesser extent, service revenues for the foreseeable future.
However, Firefox may generate additional revenues in the future from time to
time by providing software consulting and development services for third
parties, such as the services provided by Firefox and its agents pursuant to
its agreement with UNIX Systems Laboratories.
 
 
                                      113
<PAGE>
 
  After implementing certain price increases in early 1995, Firefox generally
maintained its average selling prices for its various product ranges; however,
Firefox expects that, over time, average selling prices for its connectivity
products (which in 1995 and the first quarter of 1996 accounted for
substantially all of Firefox's net revenues) may decline as the market for
these products becomes more competitive. Any material reduction in the price
of Firefox's products would require Firefox to increase unit sales in order to
maintain net revenues and could result in a material adverse effect on
Firefox's results of operations.
 
  As is typical in the software industry, Firefox grants to its distributors
stock rotation rights and limited rights to return unsold inventories of
Firefox's products in exchange for new purchases. In addition, Firefox
provides price protection to its distributors, and a decrease in the price of
Firefox's products could have a material adverse effect on Firefox's operating
results. Firefox provides allowances for projected returns and price
protection. However, there can be no assurance that the balances will be
sufficient to offset product returns and price protection in the future.
 
 Gross Margin
 
  Gross margin consists of net revenues less cost of revenues, including
royalties, materials, manufacturing costs, warranty expenses and service
costs. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues declined from 85% in 1993
to 82% in both 1994 and 1995. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues
decreased from 82% in the first quarter of 1995 to 77% in the first quarter of
1996. Gross margins from licenses as a percentage of net revenues from
licenses were 87% in both 1993 and 1994 and 85% in 1995, and were 82% in the
first quarter of 1996 compared to 85% in the comparable 1995 quarter. Gross
margins from service and other as a percentage of net revenues from service
and other were 23% in 1993, 28% in 1994 and 55% in 1995, and 50% in the first
quarter of 1996 compared to 39% for the quarter ended March 31, 1995.
 
  The decrease in percentage gross margins from licenses from 1995 to 1996,
and for the first quarter of 1996 compared to the same quarter in 1995, is
primarily due to higher manufacturing costs associated with Firefox's products
and in particular royalty costs relating to the sale of Firefox's Internet
products. Firefox expects that, over time, average selling prices for its
connectivity products may decline as the market for these products becomes
more competitive, reducing the gross margins on these products. The increase
in percentage gross margins from services and other over the same periods is
primarily due to spreading associated costs over higher services revenues. The
improvement in 1995 over 1994 was also attributable to proportionately less
revenues from consulting services, which generally produced a lower gross
margin than other service and support activities.
 
 Research and Development
 
  Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee costs, costs
of materials consumed in developing and designing new products and, to a
lesser extent, outside contract service costs, equipment rentals, depreciation
and occupancy costs. Expenditures for research and development increased from
$948,000 in 1993 to $1.4 million in 1994 to $2.5 million in 1995. Research and
development expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenues from 18% in
1993 to 11% in 1994, but increased as a percentage of net revenues to 13% in
1995. The decrease from 1993 to 1994 primarily was due to Firefox's increased
net revenues over the period. The increase in the percentage from 1994 to 1995
was due to increased research and development expenditures, offset in part by
higher net revenues over 1994. Expenditures for research and development
increased from $558,000 in the first quarter of 1995 to $917,000 in the first
quarter of 1996. Research and development expenses increased as a percentage
of net revenues from 12% in the first quarter of 1995 to 22% in the first
quarter of 1996. The increase in research and development expenses in absolute
dollars resulted primarily from increased development efforts relating to
Firefox's client-server products, mail products and Internet connectivity
tools, including Firefox's efforts to develop NOV*IX products for use in
conjunction with the Microsoft Windows NT network operating system. The
increase in research and development expense as a percentage of net revenues
in the first quarter of 1996 compared to the same quarter of 1995 was
primarily due to increased development efforts and the effect of lower net
revenues for the 1996 period.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Firefox believes that continued commitment to research and development will
be required for Firefox to remain competitive. There can be no assurance,
however, that Firefox's research and development efforts, including those
related to Windows NT, will result in products or enhancements to existing
products which will be available on a timely basis or generate any significant
revenues for Firefox. Nonetheless, Firefox intends to continue to allocate
substantial resources to research and development, but research and
development expenses may continue to vary as a percentage of net revenues.
 
  Costs for the development of new software products and substantial
enhancements to existing software products are generally expensed as incurred
until technological feasibility has been established, at which time any
additional costs would be capitalized in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, "Computer Software to be Sold, Leased,
or Otherwise Marketed." To date, Firefox has essentially completed its
software development concurrently with the establishment of technological
feasibility, and, accordingly, no costs have been capitalized.
 
 Sales and Marketing
 
  Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and commissions
of sales and marketing personnel, advertising and promotion expenses and pre-
sales customer service and technical support costs. Sales and marketing
expenses increased from $2.6 million in 1993 to $6.4 million in 1994 to $10.3
million in 1995, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues from 50% in
1993 to 47% in 1994, increasing to 52% in 1995. The increases in sales and
marketing expenses in absolute dollars resulted from an expansion of Firefox's
sales and support organization, particularly in the United States and Europe
during 1995 in anticipation of increased shipments of Firefox's connectivity
products. These increases reflected additions to the sales and marketing
staff, the implementation of a telemarketing program and investment in
promotional activities relating to new products. The decrease from 1993 to
1994 in the percentage of revenues is primarily a function of the increased
revenues in such period, and the increase from 1994 to 1995 is due primarily
to expenses associated with additions of sales and marketing staff in both the
United States and Europe and the establishment of a German subsidiary focused
on sales and support. Sales and marketing expenses increased from $2.1 million
in the first quarter of 1995 to $3.1 million in the comparable 1996 quarter.
As a percentage of net revenues, sales and marketing expenses increased from
46% in the first quarter of 1995 to 73% in the comparable quarter of 1996. The
increase in sales and marketing expenses both in absolute dollars and as a
percentage of net revenues in the first quarter of 1996 compared to the same
quarter of 1995 resulted from the 1995 expansion of the Firefox sales and
support organization and a continuation of the telemarketing program and
promotional activities, with associated costs spread over lower revenues in
the first quarter of 1996.
 
  As is typical in the software industry, Firefox grants to its distributors
limited right to return unsold inventories of Firefox's products in exchange
for new purchases. In addition, Firefox provides price protection to its
distributors, and a decrease in the price of Firefox's products could have a
material adverse effect on Firefox's operating results. Firefox provides
allowances for projected returns and price protection. However, there can be
no assurance that the balances will be sufficient to offset product returns
and price protection in the future.
 
 General and Administrative
 
  General and administrative expenses increased from $1.1 million in 1993 to
$2.1 million in 1994 and to $2.9 million in 1995. General and administrative
expenses decreased as a percentage of net revenues from 21% in 1993 to 15% in
each of 1994 and 1995, primarily due to Firefox's increased net revenues in
such periods. The increases in absolute dollars were due principally to
additions of staff and infrastructure, including information systems, to
support Firefox's expanded operations during these periods.
 
  General and administrative expenses increased from $651,000 in the first
quarter of 1995 to $1.2 million in the comparable quarter of 1996. Firefox
completed its Initial Public Offering of stock on May 11, 1995 and general and
administrative costs for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 include costs
associated with being a
 
                                      115
<PAGE>
 
publicly-held company. During the quarter ended March 31, 1996, Firefox
incurred approximately $340,000 of non-recurring pre-tax charges relating to
the Merger. As a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative
expenses increased from 14% in the first quarter of 1995 to 28% in the first
quarter of 1996. Firefox anticipates that general and administrative expenses
may continue to vary as a percentage of net revenues.
 
 Interest Income (Expense), Net
 
  Firefox generated net interest income in 1995 of $568,000, compared to net
interest expense of $91,000 and $142,000 incurred by Firefox in 1993 and 1994,
respectively. In the first quarter of 1996, Firefox had $213,000 of net
interest income, compared to $46,000 of net interest expense in the first
quarter of 1995. The change in the respective periods was primarily as a
result of investing certain proceeds of Firefox's initial public offering.
 
 Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes
 
  Firefox's provision for income taxes for 1995 was $446,000, based on an
effective income tax rate of 46.3%. This rate was higher than the 1994
effective tax rate of 41.7%, because the 1995 rate was affected by
proportionately higher non-deductible expenses on a lower net income before
tax.
 
  The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pretax loss was 40.0% for
the first quarter of 1996 which compared to a similar provision for pretax
income in the first quarter of 1995.
 
 Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
  Firefox has financed its operations to date through private and public sales
of its equity securities, short-term bank borrowings and with cash from
operations. On May 11, 1995, Firefox completed its initial public offering of
common stock. Through this offering, Firefox sold an additional 1.5 million
shares of its common stock, which generated approximately $23.1 million of
cash, net of expenses.
 
  Net cash used in operating activities was $3.2 million for 1995, which
resulted primarily from increases in accounts receivable, increases in prepaid
expenses and license fees. This was partially offset by net income and
depreciation and by increases in income taxes payable and deferred revenue and
customer deposits. Cash used in
investing activities results primarily from purchases of short-term
investments and capital assets. Net cash used in operating activities was
$785,000 for the first three months of 1996 which resulted primarily from the
net loss incurred in the period, an increase in prepaid expenses and other
assets, a decrease in income taxes payable and an increase in prepaid income
taxes. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and
increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Cash provided by
investing activities during such period totaled $771,000, and was primarily
generated by the net sales of short-term investments.
 
  As of December 31, 1995, accounts receivable totaled $6.7 million compared
to $3.1 million at December 31, 1994. As of March 31, 1996, accounts
receivable totaled $5.7 million compared to $3.1 million at March 31, 1995.
Following its initial public offering, Firefox ended its factoring arrangement
with Lombard NatWest Limited, a factoring company based in the United Kingdom
which had been purchasing a significant percentage of Firefox's receivables
shortly after invoice generation. As a consequence of terminating this
factoring relationship, the increase in Firefox's revenues, and the granting
of extended payment terms to certain customers, Firefox's accounts receivable
have increased substantially. Firefox has taken steps to reduce the accounts
receivable balance, including pursuing outstanding receivables more
aggressively. However, there can be no assurance that Firefox will be able to
reduce its level of accounts receivables in the future.
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco
Division, naming Firefox and certain of its officers and directors as
defendants. On June 5, 1996, the District Court entered an order dismissing
the complaint in its entirety, with leave to amend. The lawsuit alleged that
the defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts about
Firefox's operations and financial results, which the plaintiffs contend
resulted in an artificial inflation of the price of the Firefox Common Stock.
The suit was purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the
 
                                      116
<PAGE>
 
Firefox Common Stock during the period from August 3, 1995 to January 2, 1996.
The complaint alleged claims for violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and sought relief in the form of
unspecified compensatory damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys'
and expert witness fees and such extraordinary, equitable and/or injunctive
relief as permitted by law, equity and the federal statutory provisions under
which the suit was brought. Specifically, the complaint alleged that each of
the defendants knew or had access to allegedly material adverse non-public
information about Firefox's financial results and business conditions which
allegedly was not disclosed, improperly recognized certain revenues and failed
to keep adequate revenues and participated in drafting, reviewing and/or
approving alleged misleading statements, releases, analyst reports and other
public representations, including disclaimers and warnings, of and about
Firefox. Firefox has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to
be without merit, and intends to defend itself and its officers and directors
vigorously if the complaint is amended. In order to support an adequate
defense, Firefox may be required to expend substantial sums for legal and
expert fees and costs. The cost of defending the litigation and the outcome of
the litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the lawsuit were
determined adversely to Firefox, Firefox could be required to pay a
substantial judgment. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to FTP and Firefox--
Litigation Against Firefox" and, for further information concerning the
reasons for the court's dismissal of the complaint, see "Recent Developments."
 
  As of March 31, 1996, Firefox had working capital of $21.2 million and had
cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $15.5 million. Firefox
had no bank indebtedness and no long-term commitments other than minimum
capital and operating lease obligations. Firefox believes that the existing
cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and funds generated from
operations will provide Firefox with sufficient funds to finance its
operations through at least the next 12 months. Thereafter, Firefox may
require additional funds to support its working capital requirements or for
other purposes and may seek to raise such additional funds through public or
private equity financing or from other sources. No assurance can be given that
additional financing will be available or that, if available, such financing
will be obtainable on terms favorable to Firefox or its stockholders.
 
                                      117
<PAGE>
 
                               MANAGEMENT OF FTP
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
  The following individuals are expected to serve as the executive officers
and directors of FTP immediately following the Merger:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                      AGE                               POSITION
- ----                      ---                               --------
<S>                       <C> <C>
David H. Zirkle.........   60 Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director (Class II)
Glenn C. Hazard.........   45 President and Chief Operating Officer and Director (Class III)
Douglas F. Flood........   38 Senior Vice President of Business Development and Planning, General
                              Counsel and Clerk
John H. Keller..........   44 Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Director (Class II)
John A. Kimberley.......   48 Vice Chairman of FTP, Executive Vice President of Firefox and
                              Director (Class II)
Peter R. Simkin.........   43 Chief Technical Officer
John J. Warnock, Jr.....   40 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Vinton G. Cerf (2)......   52 Director (Class III)
David D. Clark..........   53 Director (Class I)
F. David Fowler (1)(2)..   62 Director (Class I)
Louise A. Mathews          51
 (1)(2).................      Director (Class III)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of Audit Committee.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
 
  Immediately following the Merger, Firefox will be operated as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FTP. It is a condition to the Merger that Mr. Kimberley,
currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Firefox, be
elected as a member of the FTP Board of Directors effective as of the
Effective Time; and it is anticipated that he will be elected as a Class II
Director. At such time, Mr. Kimberley will also become Vice Chairman of FTP
and Executive Vice President of Firefox. As of the Effective Time, Mr. Simkin,
currently Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Firefox, will become
Chief Technical Officer of FTP, and Mr. Whitehead, currently Vice President
and Chief Scientist of Firefox, will continue as such. See "The Merger and
Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and "--
Conditions to the Merger."
 
  FTP's Restated Articles of Organization, as amended, and Amended and
Restated Bylaws provide for the classification of FTP's Board of Directors
into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the terms of
such classes staggered so that only one class is elected each year, in each
case for a three-year term or until a successor to each Director in such Class
is duly elected and qualified. The FTP Board of Directors presently consists
of seven persons. Of such persons, as indicated in the preceding table, two
are serving as Class I Directors for a term expiring at the FTP 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, two are serving as Class II Directors for a term
expiring at the FTP 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and two are serving
as Class III Directors for a term expiring at the FTP 1996 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.
 
  David H. Zirkle has served as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a
Director of FTP since January 1993 and served as President of FTP from January
1993 to April 1996. Mr. Zirkle served as a consultant to FTP from February
1992 through December 1992. From October 1982 to November 1991, Mr. Zirkle
served as an executive in the U.S. operations of Racal Electronics, PLC, a
data communications company. From 1986 through November 1991, he served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of The Racal Corporation, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Racal Electronics, PLC.
 
  Glenn C. Hazard joined FTP as President and Chief Operating Officer, and was
appointed to FTP's Board of Directors, in April 1996. Prior to joining FTP,
from March 1995 to December 1995, Mr. Hazard served as Senior Vice President
of Business Transformation of Legent Corporation, a systems management
software company acquired by Computer Associates in August 1995. Prior
thereto, Mr. Hazard held various management
 
                                      118
<PAGE>
 
positions with AT&T Corp. and its subsidiaries from 1983 to 1995, including
Senior Vice President of Business Transformation of AT&T Corp. from June 1994
to March 1995, Vice President of Business Process Reengineering of AT&T Global
Information Systems from September 1993 to June 1994, Vice President of
Process Reengineering of AT&T Global Business Communications Systems from
August 1992 to September 1993 and Director of Process Reengineering of AT&T
Global Business Communications Systems from 1990 to August 1992.
 
  Douglas F. Flood joined FTP as General Counsel in June 1993. In June 1994,
he was elected Clerk of FTP, in January 1995 he became Vice President, in
August 1995 he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Administration and in
February 1996 he became Senior Vice President of Business Development and
Planning. From 1991 to June 1993, he practiced law at Fish & Richardson,
concentrating in the areas of licensing and copyright. From 1987 to 1991, Mr.
Flood was Associate General Counsel at Interactive Data, a Dun & Bradstreet
corporation, and from 1983 to 1987 he served as an attorney for Raytheon
Company.
 
  John H. Keller joined FTP in November 1993 as Vice President of Technical
Services. He became Vice President of Engineering in May 1994 and was promoted
to Senior Vice President of Business Operations in August 1995. Mr. Keller was
appointed to the Board of Directors of FTP in February 1995. Prior to joining
FTP, Mr. Keller was employed by Fibronics International, Inc., a networking
company, from 1992 to November 1993 as Vice President of Operations, from 1991
to 1992 as Director of Operations, from 1989 to 1991 as Director of Customer
Service and from 1986 to 1989 as Customer Service Manager.
 
  John A. Kimberley has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Firefox since January 1990. Prior to
that time, beginning in 1986, Mr. Kimberley served as Managing Director of the
UNIX distribution subsidiary of TIS Limited, a UNIX hardware and software
distributor. Prior to jointing TIS, he served as Sales Director for Star plc,
a UNIX hardware and software distributor, where he was responsible for the
distribution of Convergent Technologies UNIX systems to the United Kingdom and
Europe.
 
  Peter R. Simkin was the founder of Firefox and has served as Vice President
and Chief Technical Officer of Firefox since January 1994. He previously
served as a Director of Firefox from November 1989 to February 1995 and as
Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy from November 1989 until
January 1994. Prior to that time, he was Sales and Marketing Director of
Network Designers International Limited, a supplier of network solutions. In
July 1985, Mr. Simkin joined Lion Systems Ltd, a networking solutions company,
as Marketing Manager responsible for developing the company's PC based
communications system. Lion Systems Ltd was part of the Atlantic Group and
subsequently became Atlantic Network Systems in 1986. Mr. Simkin also served
as Marketing Director of its PC communications subsidiary. Prior to joining
Lion Systems, Mr. Simkin held a number of sales and marketing positions with
International Computers plc over a 13-year period.
 
  John J. Warnock, Jr. joined FTP on January 24, 1996 as Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, and was elected Treasurer on February 14, 1996.
Prior to joining FTP, Mr. Warnock served as Managing Director of Mergers and
Acquisitions at Bell Atlantic Corporation from 1990 to November 1995, as Vice
President of Corporate Finance of W.H. Newbold's Son & Company, Inc., an
investment banking firm, from 1985 to 1990, and as audit manager at Arthur
Andersen & Co. from 1977 to 1985.
 
  Vinton G. Cerf has served as a Director of FTP since January 1994. Dr. Cerf
has been the Senior Vice President of Data Architecture of the Engineering
Division of MCI Telecommunications, Inc. since February 1994. From 1992 to
1995, Dr. Cerf served as President of the Internet Society. From June 1986
through February 1994, Dr. Cerf served as Vice President of the Corporation
for National Research Initiatives.
 
  David D. Clark has served as a Director of FTP since July 1995. Since 1973,
Dr. Clark has been employed as a Senior Research Scientist at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Laboratory for Computer Science. Since
the mid-1970's, Dr. Clark has been involved in the development of the Internet
protocol suite, and from 1981 to 1989 served as Chairman of the Internet
Activities Board. Dr. Clark is also a director of Proteon, Inc.
 
                                      119
<PAGE>
 
  F. David Fowler has served as a Director of FTP since November 1994. Mr.
Fowler has been the Dean of the School of Business and Public Management at
The George Washington University since July 1992. Prior to that time, Mr.
Fowler was a partner in the firm of KPMG Peat Marwick from 1969 until 1992,
during which time he served as a member of the Board of Directors of KPMG Peat
Marwick from 1987 until 1992 and as managing partner of the Washington Office
of KPMG Peat Marwick from 1987 until 1991.
 
  Louise A. Mathews has served as a Director of FTP since July 1995. Ms.
Mathews is a partner at Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge in Washington, D.C.,
where she has practiced law since 1984, concentrating in the areas of business
and commercial real estate. She was associated with Steptoe & Johnson from
1974 to 1984 and held various other legal positions following her graduation
from Duke Law School in 1969. Ms. Mathews also serves as General Counsel of
the Federal City Council in Washington, D.C.
 
FTP EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table and footnotes contain summary information regarding
compensation paid or accrued by FTP on behalf of the chief executive officer
of FTP, the other four most highly compensated executive officers of FTP for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and one other individual who would have been
included among the most highly compensated executive officers for 1995 but for
the fact he was not an executive officer of FTP at the end of 1995
(collectively, the "FTP Named Executive Officers") for FTP's fiscal years
ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1993.
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       ANNUAL                    LONG-TERM
                                    COMPENSATION                COMPENSATION
                         ----------------------------------  ------------------
                                                               AWARDS   PAYOUTS
                                                             ---------- -------
                                                  OTHER      SECURITIES
                                                  ANNUAL     UNDERLYING  LTIP      ALL OTHER
        NAME AND               SALARY   BONUS  COMPENSATION   OPTIONS   PAYOUTS COMPENSATION(1)
   PRINCIPAL POSITIONS   YEAR   ($)      ($)       ($)          ($)       ($)         ($)
   -------------------   ---- -------- ------- ------------  ---------- ------- ---------------
<S>                      <C>  <C>      <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>     <C>
David H. Zirkle......... 1995 $300,000 $    --   $31,160(2)   500,000      --       $4,620
 Chief Executive         1994  240,192 103,282    17,319(2)        --      --        4,620
 Officer                 1993  215,827 107,500        --      560,000      --        4,031
Dean L. Carmeris........ 1995  142,500  25,000     1,012(2)   160,000      --           --
 Vice President of Cus-
 tomer Services
Douglas F. Flood........ 1995  179,673      --    11,542(2)    50,000      --        4,620
 Senior Vice President
  of                     1994  131,312  18,135     8,888(2)    77,000      --        3,383
 Business Development
  and                    1993   64,209   4,000     1,041(2)    56,000      --           --
 Planning and General
  Counsel
Robert W. Goodnow,
 Jr. ................... 1995  135,173     --     13,050(2)       --       --        4,620
 Former Vice President
  of                     1994  165,000  70,950     1,983(2)       --       --        4,620
 Finance and Treasur-
  er(3)                  1993  165,106  82,500     1,825      160,000      --        4,497
John H. Keller.......... 1995  201,776     --      5,844(2)   100,000      --        4,620
 Senior Vice President
  of                     1994  150,154  64,567       --       100,000      --        4,620
 Business Operations     1993   18,462     --        --       160,000      --          --
Penny C. Leavy(4)....... 1995  140,000     --     77,840(5)       --       --        4,620
 Vice President of Sales 1994  110,000     --     81,778(5)    52,000      --        4,620
 and Marketing           1993   99,731     --    101,456(5)     8,000      --        4,497
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amounts shown represent contributions made by FTP to its 401(k) savings
    plan for the accounts of the FTP Named Executive Officers.
(2) Amounts shown represent vacation payouts accrued for such years.
(3) Mr. Goodnow resigned as a Director and officer of FTP in October 1995.
(4) Ms. Leavy now serves as Vice President of Marketing.
(5) Primarily represents commissions paid under FTP's sales incentive programs
    and includes $11,240, $10,278 and $6,956 in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
    respectively, for vacation payouts accrued for such years.
 
                                      120
<PAGE>
 
STOCK OPTIONS
 
  The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock
options under the FTP's Stock Option Plan to the FTP Named Executive Officers
during the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             POTENTIAL
                                                                        REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                                                                           ASSUMES ANNUAL
                                                                        RATES OF STOCK PRICE
                                                                            APPRECIATION
                                      INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                   FOR OPTION TERM
                         --------------------------------------------- ----------------------
                           NUMBER
                         SECURITIES    % OF TOTAL
                         UNDERLYING     OPTIONS
                          OPTIONS      GRANTED TO  EXERCISE
                          GRANTED     EMPLOYEES IN  PRICE   EXPIRATION
          NAME              (#)       FISCAL YEAR   ($/SH)     DATE      5%($)      10%($)
          ----           ----------   ------------ -------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
David H. Zirkle.........  500,000(1)     28.58%     $31.75   3/31/05   $9,983,702 $25,300,662
Dean L. Carmeris........  160,000(1)      9.15%      31.75   3/31/05    3,194,785   8,096,212
Douglas F. Flood........   50,000(2)      2.86%      24.75   8/18/05      778,257   1,972,356
Robert W. Goodnow,
 Jr.(3).................      --           --          --        --           --          --
John H. Keller..........  100,000(2)      5.72%      24.75   8/18/05    1,556,514   3,944,513
Penny C. Leavy..........      --           --          --        --           --          --
</TABLE>
- --------
 
(1) Options become exercisable in four equal annual installments beginning one
    year after March 31, 1995, the date of grant.
(2) Options become exercisable in four equal annual installments beginning one
    year after August 18, 1995, the date of grant.
(3) Mr. Goodnow resigned as a Director and officer of FTP in October 1995.
 
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END INTERESTS
 
  The following table provides information with respect to the FTP Named
Executive Officers concerning the exercise of options during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995 and unexercised options held as of the end of such
year.
 
                   AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL
                    YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NUMBER OF              VALUE OF
                                                        SECURITIES            UNEXERCISED
                                                  UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED     IN-THE-MONEY
                            SHARES                      OPTIONS AT            OPTIONS AT
                           ACQUIRED                FISCAL YEAR-END (#)    FISCAL YEAR-END($)
                              ON         VALUE         EXERCISABLE/          EXERCISABLE/
          NAME           EXERCISE (#) REALIZED($)     UNEXERCISABLE          UNEXERCISABLE
          ----           ------------ ----------- ---------------------- ---------------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>                    <C>
David H. Zirkle.........   160,000    $3,139,940     240,000/620,000     $5,460,000/$2,730,000
Dean L. Carmeris........       --            --                   --                       --
Douglas F. Flood........    11,600       195,750       19,250/140,550              875/871,326
Robert W. Goodnow,
 Jr.(1).................   353,175     8,683,981        324,325/ --            9,026,954/ --
John H. Keller..........       --            --       104,210/255,790          200,000/625,000
Penny C. Leavy..........    29,200       746,400       45,136/89,664         896,575/1,342,200
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Mr. Goodnow resigned as a Director and officer of FTP in October 1995.
 
                                      121
<PAGE>
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  Directors who are not full-time employees of FTP ("Non-employee Directors")
receive an annual fee of $10,000 for their services, plus $1,000 for each Board
of Directors meeting attended and $500 for each Board of Directors committee
meeting attended.
 
  Additionally, Non-employee Directors receive automatic, non-discretionary
grants of options to purchase shares of FTP Common Stock under FTP's 1993 Non-
employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. Such Plan provides generally for an
automatic grant to a Non-employee Director on the date such Director is
elected, or re-elected, as a Director, of options to purchase 30,000 shares of
FTP Common Stock at the fair market value at the time of the grant. One-third
of such options become exercisable at the end of each year of such Director's
three-year term. Non-employee Directors who are elected for less than a full
three-year term receive a proportionately smaller initial grant. Dr. Clark, who
was elected as a Director in June 1995 for a term expiring at the 1997 Annual
Meeting, was automatically granted, on such date, options to purchase 18,768
shares of FTP Common Stock at an exercise price of $30.875 per share pursuant
to this Plan. Ms. Mathews, who was elected as a Director in July 1995 for a
term expiring at the 1996 Annual Meeting, was automatically granted, on such
date, options to purchase 8,768 shares of FTP Common Stock at an exercise price
of $30.875 per share pursuant to this Plan.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  David H. Zirkle and FTP are parties to an employment agreement which provides
that Mr. Zirkle will serve as FTP's President and Chief Executive Officer for a
period of two years commencing on March 1, 1993. Mr. Zirkle's employment
agreement has twice been amended to extend his term of office, which currently
will end on March 1, 1997. Mr. Zirkle's base annual salary is currently
$300,000, subject to increase by the Board of Directors. Mr. Zirkle is entitled
to other benefits to the same extent as all other executive officers.
 
  Such employment agreement also provides that in the event any person, firm,
entity or group (as defined in the Exchange Act) acquires more than 50% of the
issued and outstanding shares of FTP Common Stock in a transaction that does
not receive the prior approval of the Board of Directors, (i) the term of Mr.
Zirkle's employment agreement will be automatically extended for a period of
two years from the date of such acquisition and (ii) all stock options
previously issued to Mr. Zirkle that are not yet exercisable will become
exercisable and all stock options previously issued to Mr. Zirkle will remain
exercisable for the remainder of the term of the options without regard to the
continuation of his employment with FTP. At the time the employment agreement
was entered into, Mr. Zirkle was granted options to purchase 320,000 shares of
FTP Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.25 per share, which options became
exercisable on November 16, 1993 (the effective date of FTP's registration
statement in connection with the initial public offering of FTP Common Stock).
 
  In the event of the breach by FTP of any material term of Mr. Zirkle's
employment agreement or if Mr. Zirkle is removed as President, Chief Executive
Officer or a Director of FTP prior to the end of the term of such agreement,
FTP would be required to pay Mr. Zirkle an amount equal to the greater of (i)
all amounts which would otherwise be due and payable under such agreement and
(ii) 25% of Mr. Zirkle's base salary as such base salary may have been
increased pursuant to such agreement.
 
  Mr. Zirkle resigned as President of the Company in connection with the
election of Glenn C. Hazard as President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company in April 1996. Mr. Zirkle continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer
of the Company. His resignation as President has had no effect on his
employment agreement.
 
  For a discussion of the Employment Agreements to be entered into with Messrs.
Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead, see "The Merger and Related Transactions--
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger--Employment Agreements with Certain
Firefox Officers."
 
                                      122
<PAGE>
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1995, FTP and David D. Clark, a Director of FTP,
entered into an oral consulting agreement pursuant to which FTP has retained
Dr. Clark as a consultant in the areas of technology, strategy, product
development and technology diligence related to corporate transactions, among
other things, at a fee of $3,000 per day. No services were performed by Dr.
Clark under this agreement during 1995.
 
  In connection with the relocation of John J. Warnock, Jr., FTP's new Senior
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, from Pennsylvania to
FTP's executive offices in Massachusetts, FTP has provided to Mr. Warnock a
non-interest bearing bridge loan in the principal amount of $95,000 for the
purchase of Mr. Warnock's new residence in Massachusetts and has agreed to pay
certain related closing costs and to reimburse Mr. Warnock for all mortgage
payments payable under the mortgage on Mr. Warnock's former Pennsylvania
residence for the period commencing upon the purchase of Mr. Warnock's
Massachusetts residence and continuing until the sale of Mr. Warnock's
Pennsylvania residence or October 31, 1996, whichever is earlier. The bridge
loan is repayable in full on the 15th day following the sale of Mr. Warnock's
Pennsylvania residence or, if Mr. Warnock should cease to be an employee of FTP
before that date, on the date he ceases to be an employee, and is secured by a
second mortgage on Mr. Warnock's Pennsylvania residence.
 
                                     122--1
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP STOCK OWNERSHIP
 
  The following table and footnotes set forth certain information regarding
the beneficial ownership of the FTP Common Stock as of June 11, 1996, before
giving effect to the Merger, by (i) each of the FTP Named Executive Officers,
(ii) each of the Directors of FTP and (iii) all Directors, FTP Named Executive
Officers and other executive officers of FTP as a group. FTP does not know of
any person (including any "group" as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act) that is a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of the FTP Common Stock, the only outstanding class of
voting securities of FTP.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      SHARES OF FTP COMMON
                                                    STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                    ------------------------
                                                     NUMBER OF       PERCENT
   DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS             SHARES        OF CLASS
   --------------------------------------           ----------      --------
   <S>                                              <C>             <C>
   David H. Zirkle.............................        425,564(2)     1.55%
   Dean L. Carmeris............................         40,000(3)       *
   Douglas F. Flood............................         22,563(4)       *
   Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.+.....................        782,577        2.90%
   John H. Keller..............................        104,210(5)       *
   Penny C. Leavy..............................         72,474(6)       *
   Vinton G. Cerf..............................         25,000(7)       *
   David D. Clark..............................            --           *
   F. David Fowler.............................          5,167(8)       *
   Louise A. Mathews...........................            --           *
   All Directors, Named Executive Officers and
    other executive officers as a group (12
    persons)...................................      1,477,555(9)     5.34%
</TABLE>
- --------
 *  Less than 1%.
 +  Mr. Goodnow resigned as a Director and officer of FTP in October 1995.
(1) The address of all Named Executive Officers and Directors is care of FTP,
    100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor, Andover, Massachusetts 01810. Only the
    Named Executive Officers are listed individually.
(2) Includes 423,426 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 40,000 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(4) Includes 21,750 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 104,210 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes 62,036 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes 25,000 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
(8) Includes 4,167 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options exercisable
    within 60 days.
(9) Includes 680,589 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options
    exercisable within 60 days.
 
                                      123
<PAGE>
 
                            FIREFOX STOCK OWNERSHIP
 
  The following table and footnotes set forth certain information regarding
the beneficial ownership of the Firefox Common Stock as of June 11, 1996,
before giving effect to the Merger, by (i) persons known by Firefox to be
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding Firefox Common Stock,
(ii) the Chief Executive Officer and the other three most highly compensated
executive officers of Firefox whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (collectively, the "Firefox Named
Executive Officers"), (iii) each of the directors of Firefox and (iv) all
executive officers and directors of Firefox as a group:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    SHARES OF FIREFOX COMMON
                                                    STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                    -----------------------------
   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
   AND 5% BENEFICIAL OWNERS (1)                       SHARES        PERCENT(2)
   -----------------------------                    -------------- --------------
   <S>                                              <C>            <C>
   John A. Kimberley..............................       1,474,298         21.9%
   Richard J. Whitehead...........................       1,338,000         19.9%
   Kopp Investment Advisers, Inc.(3)..............       1,098,915         16.3%
    6600 France Avenue South, Suite 672
    Edina, MN 55435
   Peter R. Simkin................................         465,000          6.9%
   GeoCapital Corporation(4)......................         362,200          5.4%
    767 Fifth Avenue
    New York, NY 10153
   Frank M. Richardson............................         250,080          3.7%
   Mark A. Rowlinson..............................         106,212          1.6%
   Archibald A. Thomas............................          21,702            *
   James L. Clark.................................             --             *
   All directors and executive officers as a group
    (8 persons)...................................       3,656,792         54.3%
</TABLE>
- --------
 * Represents less than 1%.
(1) Except as set forth herein, the address of the persons set forth in this
    table is the address of Firefox set forth elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
    Statement/Prospectus. The persons named in this table have sole voting and
    investment power with respect to all Firefox Common Stock shown as
    beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where
    applicable.
(2) Percentage of ownership is based on 6,735,484 shares of Firefox Common
    Stock outstanding as of June 11, 1996.
(3) The number of shares held is based on information supplied by the
    identified holder. According to such holder, although Kopp Investment
    Advisers, Inc. ("KIA") exercises investment discretion over such shares,
    neither KIA nor LeRoy C. Kopp (100% owner of KIA) vote the shares, and
    neither is the record owner of such shares.
(4) The number of shares held is based on information supplied by the
    identified holder.
 
                                      124
<PAGE>
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF FTP CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The following description of the capital stock of FTP and certain provisions
of FTP's Restated Articles of Organization, as amended (the "FTP Articles"),
and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "FTP Bylaws") is a summary which sets
forth all material provisions of, and (without limiting the foregoing) is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of, the FTP Articles
and FTP Bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a
part and are available as described under "Available Information."
 
  FTP's authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of FTP Common
Stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$0.01 par value per share ("Preferred Stock"), of which FTP's Board of
Directors has designated 500,000 shares as junior preferred stock, $0.01 par
value per share ("Junior Preferred Stock"). As of the FTP Record Date, there
were approximately 315 record holders of FTP Common Stock. As of such date,
there were no shares of Preferred Stock or Junior Preferred Stock outstanding.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  Holders of FTP Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on
all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and have no preemptive,
conversion or other rights to subscribe for additional shares or other
securities of FTP. There are no cumulative voting rights, with the result
that, subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding shares of any series
of Preferred Stock issued in the future, holders of an aggregate of more than
50% of the outstanding shares of FTP Common Stock are able to elect FTP's
directors whose term expires at the next annual meeting. See "--Junior
Preferred Stock" below for a description of the voting rights of such stock.
Holders of FTP Common Stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared
by the FTP Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. On
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FTP, the holders of FTP Common Stock
are entitled to receive pro rata the net assets of FTP remaining after the
payment of all creditors and all liquidation preferences, if any, of holders
of Preferred Stock. See "--Junior Preferred Stock" below for a description of
certain preferential dividend and liquidation rights of such stock. All of the
outstanding shares of FTP Common Stock are, and the shares to be issued by FTP
pursuant to the Merger, upon their issuance and sale in accordance with the
Merger Agreement, will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Board of Directors of FTP is authorized, subject to any limitations
prescribed by law, from time to time to issue up to an aggregate of 5,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock with such powers, designations, preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be determined by
the Board of Directors in a resolution or resolutions providing for the issue
of such Preferred Stock. Thus, any series may, if so determined by the Board
of Directors, have full voting rights with the FTP Common Stock or superior or
limited voting rights, be convertible into FTP Common Stock or another
security of FTP, and have such other preferences, relative rights, and
limitations as FTP's Board of Directors shall determine. As a result, any
series of Preferred Stock could have rights which would adversely affect the
voting power of the FTP Common Stock. See "--Junior Preferred Stock" below for
a description of the voting rights of such stock. The shares of any class or
series of Preferred Stock need not be identical. The issuance of Preferred
Stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of
FTP without any further action by shareholders. See "--Junior Preferred Stock"
and "--Rights" below. FTP has no present plans, understandings, agreements or
arrangements to issue any shares of Preferred Stock other than shares of
Junior Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of the Rights described under
"--Rights" below.
 
JUNIOR PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The FTP Board of Directors has designated 500,000 shares of the Preferred
Stock as Junior Preferred Stock, which may be purchased by the holders of the
Rights described under "--Rights" below. The rights of the holders of Junior
Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designation, Preferences and
Rights of Junior
 
                                      125
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
on December 11, 1995. The number of shares of Junior Preferred Stock may be
increased or decreased by the FTP Board of Directors, but may not be decreased
below the number of shares of Junior Preferred Stock then outstanding plus the
number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding
options, rights or warrants or upon conversion of any outstanding securities
convertible into Junior Preferred Stock.
 
  Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any shares of any
series of Preferred Stock ranking prior and superior to the shares of Junior
Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, the holders of shares of Junior
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
FTP Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the purpose,
quarterly dividends payable in cash on the last day of March, June, September
and December in each year (each, a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"), in an
amount equal to the greater of (i) $1.00 or (ii) subject to adjustment in
certain events, 100 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash
dividends, and 100 times the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of
all non-cash dividends or other distributions (other than a dividend payable
in shares of FTP Common Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of
FTP Common Stock), declared on the FTP Common Stock since the immediately
preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect to the first
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any share or
fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock. The rights of the holders of
Junior Preferred Stock to receive dividends are cumulative.
 
  The terms of the Junior Preferred Stock provide that FTP shall declare a
dividend or distribution on the Junior Preferred Stock immediately after it
declares a dividend or distribution on the FTP Common Stock (other than a
dividend payable in shares of, or a subdivision with respect to, the FTP
Common Stock). However, if no dividend or distribution shall have been
declared on the FTP Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the Junior Preferred
Stock shall nevertheless be payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date.
 
  Holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock are entitled to one hundred
votes, subject to adjustment in certain events, for each share of Junior
Preferred Stock held, on all matters submitted to a vote of FTP's
stockholders. On liquidation, dissolution or winding up of FTP, the holders of
shares of Junior Preferred Stock are entitled to receive $100.00 per share
plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions
thereon, prior to any distribution to the holders of shares of FTP Common
Stock or any other stock of FTP ranking junior to the Junior Preferred Stock.
If FTP shall enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other
transaction in which the outstanding shares of FTP Common Stock are exchanged
for or changed into other stock or securities, cash and/or any other property,
then the outstanding shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall be similarly
exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject to adjustment in certain
events) equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash
and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or
for which each share of FTP Common Stock is changed or exchanged. Shares of
Junior Preferred Stock may be purchased by FTP at such times and on such terms
as may be agreed to between FTP and the holder of such shares, subject to any
limitation which may be imposed by law or by the FTP Articles. The terms of
the Junior Preferred Stock further provide that the FTP Articles shall not be
amended in any manner which would materially alter or change the powers,
preferences or special rights of the Junior Preferred Stock so as to affect
them adversely without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-
thirds of the outstanding shares of Junior Preferred Stock, voting together as
a single class.
 
RIGHTS
 
  On December 1, 1995, the FTP Board of Directors declared a dividend of one
purchase right (a "Right") for every outstanding share of FTP Common Stock.
The Rights were distributed to holders of record of the FTP Common Stock as of
the close of business on December 8, 1995 (the "Dividend Record Date"). The
terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement dated as of December
1, 1995 (the "Rights Agreement") between FTP and State Street Bank and Trust
Company (the "Rights Agent"). The Rights Agreement provides for the issuance
of one Right for every share of FTP Common Stock issued and outstanding on the
Dividend Record
 
                                      126
<PAGE>
 
Date and for each share of FTP Common Stock which is issued or sold after that
date and prior to the "Distribution Date" (as defined below).
 
  Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from FTP one one-hundredth of a
share of Junior Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $150, subject to
adjustment in certain events. The Rights will expire on December 1, 2005 (the
"Expiration Date"), or upon the earlier redemption of the Rights, and are not
exercisable until the Distribution Date.
 
  No separate Rights certificates have been issued as of the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier
redemption or expiration of the Rights), (i) the Rights will be evidenced by
the FTP Common Stock certificates and will be transferred with and only with
the FTP Common Stock certificates, (ii) new FTP Common Stock certificates
issued after the Dividend Record Date upon transfer or new issuance of shares
of FTP Common Stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement
by reference and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any FTP Common Stock
certificate will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with
the shares of FTP Common Stock represented by such certificate.
 
  The Rights will separate from the FTP Common Stock on the Distribution Date.
Unless otherwise determined by a majority of the FTP Board of Directors then
in office, the Distribution Date (the "Distribution Date") will occur on the
earlier of (i) the 10th business day following the later of (A) the date of a
public announcement that a person, together with its affiliates and
associates, except as described below, has acquired or obtained the right to
acquire beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of FTP
Common Stock (collectively, an "Acquiring Person") or (B) the date on which an
executive officer of FTP has actual knowledge that an Acquiring Person has
become such (the "Stock Acquisition Date"), or (ii) the 10th business day
following commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result
in any person, together with its affiliates and associates, owning 15% or more
of the outstanding FTP Common Stock. After the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights ("Rights Certificates") will be mailed to
holders of record of the FTP Common Stock as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date and thereafter such separate Rights Certificates alone will
evidence the Rights. The Board may delay the distribution of the Rights
Certificates.
 
  If, at any time after December 1, 1995, any person or group of affiliated or
associated persons (other than FTP and its affiliates) shall become an
Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right will have the right to receive, upon
payment of the then-current exercise price of the Right, shares of FTP Common
Stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of
FTP) having a market value of two times the then-current exercise price of the
Right. Following the occurrence of any of such event, any Rights that are, or
(under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were,
beneficially owned by any Acquiring Person shall immediately become null and
void.
 
  The FTP Board of Directors may, at its option, at any time after any person
becomes an Acquiring Person, exchange all or part of the then outstanding and
exercisable Rights for shares of FTP Common Stock at an exchange ratio of one
share of FTP Common Stock per Right, appropriately adjusted to reflect any
stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurring after December 1,
1995 (as the same may be adjusted, the "Rights Exchange Ratio"). The FTP
Board, however, may not effect any exchange at any time after any person
(other than (i) FTP, (ii) any subsidiary of FTP, (iii) any employee benefit
plan of FTP or of any subsidiary of FTP or (iv) any entity holding FTP Common
Stock for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan), together with all
affiliates of such person, becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the
FTP Common Stock then outstanding. Immediately upon the action of the FTP
Board ordering the exchange of any Rights and without any further action and
without any notice, the right to exercise such Rights will terminate and the
only right thereafter of a holder of such Rights will be to receive that
number of shares of FTP Common Stock equal to the number of such Rights held
by the holder multiplied by the Rights Exchange Ratio.
 
  The exercise price of the Rights, and the number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Junior Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable upon
exercise of the Rights, are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent
dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision,
combination or reclassification of,
 
                                      127
<PAGE>
 
the Junior Preferred Stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Junior
Preferred Stock of certain rights or warrants to subscribe for shares of the
Junior Preferred Stock or certain convertible securities at less than the
current market price of the Junior Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon the
distribution to holders of the Junior Preferred Stock of evidences of
indebtedness or assets (excluding cash dividends paid out of the earnings or
retained earnings of FTP and certain other distributions) or of subscription
rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).
 
  At any time prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date, FTP, by a
majority vote of the FTP Board of Directors, may redeem the Rights at a
redemption price of $.01 per Right, subject to adjustment in certain events
(as the same may be adjusted, the "Redemption Price"). Immediately upon the
action of the FTP Board electing to redeem the Rights, the right to exercise
the Rights will terminate, and the only right of the holders of Rights will be
to receive the Redemption Price.
 
  Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as a stockholder of FTP, including, without limitation, the right to vote or
to receive dividends.
 
  The separation of the Rights on the Distribution Date will not be a taxable
event for FTP or its stockholders. Holders of Rights may, depending upon the
circumstances, recognize taxable income upon the occurrence of certain Rights
triggering events including a tender offer for 15% or more of the outstanding
FTP Common Stock or a person or group attaining beneficial ownership of 15% or
more of the outstanding FTP Common Stock (collectively, "Common Stock
Events"). In addition, holders of Rights may have taxable income as a result
of (i) an exchange by FTP of shares of FTP Common Stock for Rights as
described above or (ii) certain anti-dilution adjustments made to the terms of
the Rights after the Distribution Date. A redemption of the Rights would be a
taxable event to holders.
 
  The Rights Agreement may be amended by the FTP Board at any time prior to
the Distribution Date without the approval of the holders of the Rights. From
and after the Distribution Date, the Rights Agreement may be amended by the
FTP Board without the approval of the holders of the Rights in order to cure
any ambiguity, to correct any defective or inconsistent provisions, to change
any time period for redemption or any other time period under the Rights
Agreement or to make any other changes that do not adversely affect the
interests of the holders of the Rights (other than any Acquiring Person or its
affiliates and associates or their transferees).
 
CERTAIN CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
  The FTP Articles and the FTP Bylaws contain certain provisions that are
intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the
composition of FTP's Board of Directors and in the policies formulated by the
Board and to delay or prevent a change in control of FTP if the Board
determines that such a change in control is not in the best interests of FTP
and its stockholders. The Board, in determining whether a change of control is
in the best interests of the FTP and its stockholders, may consider a variety
of factors, depending on the circumstances, including, without limitation, the
long-term and short-term interests of FTP and its stockholders, whether the
proposed transaction might violate federal or state laws, the consideration
being offered in a proposed transaction in relation to current and historical
market prices, economic, market and other factors bearing on securities
prices, FTP's financial condition and future prospects, the interests of FTP's
employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy and community and
societal considerations. These provisions could have the effect of
discouraging attempts to acquire control of FTP even if some or a majority of
FTP's stockholders deem such an attempt to be in its best interest. FTP is not
able to predict at this time the nature of any attempts to acquire control of
FTP and therefore cannot determine whether any particular attempt would be
discouraged by these provisions.
 
  Pursuant to the FTP Articles and FTP Bylaws, the Board of Directors of FTP
has been divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. See
"Management of FTP--Executive Officers and Directors." Directors can be
removed from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the
holders of two-thirds
 
                                      128
<PAGE>
 
of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of FTP
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a
single class.
 
  The FTP Bylaws provide that stockholders may not take action by written
consent.
 
  The FTP Articles authorize, and the FTP Bylaws establish, procedures,
including advance notice procedures, with regard to the nomination, other than
by or at the direction of the FTP Board of Directors, of candidates for
election as directors and with regard to certain matters to be brought before
meetings of stockholders of FTP. In general, notice must be received by FTP
not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the stockholder meeting
and must contain certain specified information concerning the persons to be
nominated or the matters to be brought before the meeting and concerning the
stockholder submitting the proposal. In addition, the FTP Bylaws require that
any such nomination of a candidate for election as a director be accompanied
by a petition signed by at least 100 record holders of the capital stock
entitled to vote in the election of directors, representing in the aggregate
at least 1% of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon. Such
procedures also authorize regulation of the order of business and conduct of
stockholder meetings, the authority of the presiding officer and attendance at
such meetings.
 
  The FTP Board of Directors is permitted pursuant to the FTP Articles to
consider special factors, such as employee welfare and the future prospects of
FTP, in determining what the FTP Board reasonably believes to be in the best
interests of FTP when evaluating proposed tender or exchange offers or
business combinations.
 
  The affirmative vote of 80% of the total number of votes of the then
outstanding shares of capital Stock entitled to vote generally in the election
of directors, voting together as a single class, is required to amend certain
provisions of the FTP Articles, including the provisions referred to above
relating to the classification of the FTP Board, interested transaction
provisions, director exculpation provisions, evaluation of certain
transactions and regulation of nominations of directors and of business to be
conducted at meetings of stockholders. The requirement of a supermajority vote
to approve certain amendments to the FTP Articles could enable a minority of
FTP's stockholders to exercise veto powers over such transactions and
amendments. The persons who are expected to serve as FTP's executive officers
and directors immediately following the Merger (including Messrs. Kimberley,
Simkin and Whitehead) will beneficially own approximately 15% of the FTP
Common Stock outstanding after giving effect to the Merger. See "Management of
FTP--Executive Officers and Directors" and "FTP Stock Ownership."
 
  The FTP Articles provide that no director of FTP shall be liable to FTP or
its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty, except
to the extent such exculpation from liability is not permitted under the
Massachusetts Business Corporation Law (the "MBCL"). This provision does not
prevent stockholders from obtaining injunctive or other equitable relief
against directors nor does it shield directors from liability under federal or
state securities laws.
 
MASSACHUSETTS "ANTI-TAKEOVER" LAWS
 
  FTP is covered by the provisions of Chapter 110F of the MBCL, known as the
Business Combination Statute. Under Chapter 110F, a Massachusetts corporation
with more than 200 stockholders may not engage in a "business combination"
with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of
the transaction in which the person becomes an interested stockholder, unless
(i) the interested stockholder obtains the approval of the board of directors
prior to becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) the interested stockholder
acquires 90% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding
shares held by certain affiliates of the corporation) at the time it becomes
an interested stockholder or (iii) the business combination is approved by
both the board of directors and the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by the interested
stockholder). An "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with its
affiliates and associates, owns (or at any time within the prior three years
did own) 5% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation. A
"business combination" includes a merger, a stock or asset sale, and other
transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder.
 
                                      129
<PAGE>
 
  The FTP Bylaws provide that the provisions of Chapter 110D of the MBCL,
known as the Control Share Statute, shall not apply to FTP. However, FTP may
in the future become subject to the statute if its Board of Directors votes to
amend the FTP Bylaws so as to make the statute applicable to FTP. In general,
if the Control Share Statute were applicable, it would provide that any person
or entity that acquired 20% or more of FTP's outstanding voting stock could
not vote such stock unless the other stockholders of FTP were to so authorize.
 
  FTP is not subject to the provisions of Chapter 156B, Section 50A of the
MBCL providing for an automatic classified board of directors for any
corporation which has a class of voting stock registered under the Exchange
Act. However, the FTP Articles and the FTP Bylaws provide for a classified
board of directors as described above under "--Certain Charter and Bylaw
Provisions." See "Management of FTP--Executive Officers and Directors."
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for the FTP Common Stock is State Street
Bank and Trust Company.
 
            COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF FTP AND FIREFOX
 
  The following is a summary of certain of the material differences between
the rights of holders of FTP Common Stock and the rights of holders of Firefox
Common Stock.
 
  Until the Merger, the rights of Firefox's stockholders will continue to be
governed by the Restated and Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Firefox
(the "Firefox Certificate") and the Bylaws of Firefox (the "Firefox Bylaws")
and also by the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). If the Merger is consummated, holders of Firefox
Common Stock will become holders of FTP Common Stock. Upon consummation of the
Merger, the rights of former Firefox stockholders will be governed by the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including the MBCL and will also be
governed by the FTP Articles and the FTP Bylaws. The following is a summary
comparison of certain differences between the rights of holders of FTP Common
Stock under the FTP Articles and FTP Bylaws and the MBCL and the rights of
holders of Firefox Common Stock under the Firefox Certificate and Firefox
Bylaws and the DGCL. This summary does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the corporate statutes of
Massachusetts and Delaware, and the corporate charters and bylaws of FTP and
Firefox.
 
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The DGCL provides that special meetings of stockholders may be called only
by the directors or by any other person or persons as may be authorized by the
corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws. The Firefox Bylaws
provide that special meetings may be called, at any time, by the Firefox Board
of Directors or the holders of not less than 10% of all shares entitled to
vote on the subject matter for which the special meeting is called, voting
together as a single class.
 
  The FTP Bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called
by the President or by the Board of Directors of FTP, and shall be called by
the Clerk (or, in certain circumstances, any other officer) upon written
application of stockholders who hold at least 40% in interest of the capital
stock of FTP entitled to be voted at the proposed meeting. Under the MBCL,
special meetings of stockholders of a corporation with a class of voting stock
registered under the Exchange Act, unless otherwise provided in the articles
of organization or bylaws, must be called by the clerk (or, in certain
circumstances, any other officer) upon written application by stockholders who
hold at least 40% in interest of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat.
 
INSPECTION RIGHTS
 
  Under the DGCL, every stockholder has a right to examine, in person or by
agent or attorney, during the usual hours for business, and for any proper
purpose, the corporation's stock ledger, a list of its stockholders and
 
                                      130
<PAGE>
 
its other books and records, and to make copies or extracts therefrom. In
order to exercise the foregoing right, a stockholder must submit a written
demand to the corporation, under oath, stating the purpose of the inspection.
Upon refusal of the corporation (or its agent or an officer of the
corporation) to permit an inspection demanded by a stockholder, or of a
failure to reply to a stockholder's demand within five business days after
such demand has been made, a stockholder may apply to the Delaware Court of
Chancery to compel the inspection. Where a stockholder seeks to have the
Chancery Court compel an inspection of the corporation's books and records,
other than its stock ledger or list of stockholders, the stockholder must
first establish that it has complied with the formal requirements of making a
demand for inspection and that the inspection is for a proper purpose. For
purposes of this provision of the DGCL, a "proper purpose" is one that is
reasonably related to such person's interest as a stockholder. The Firefox
Bylaws provide that Firefox shall prepare a complete list of stockholders
entitled to vote at a given meeting, at least 10 days before such meeting.
Such list shall be open for examination by any stockholder for any purpose
germane to the relevant meeting, during regular business hours, for a period
of at least 10 days prior to such meeting.
 
  The MBCL requires that every domestic corporation maintain in Massachusetts,
and make available for inspection by its stockholders, the original, or
attested copies of, the corporation's articles of organization, bylaws,
records of all meetings of incorporators and stockholders, and the stock and
transfer records listing the names of all stockholders and their record
addresses and the amount of stock held by each. The MBCL further provides that
if any officer or agent of a corporation having charge of such corporate
records (or copies thereof) refuses or neglects to exhibit them in legible
form or to produce for examination a list of stockholder names, record
addresses and amount of stock held by each, such officer or agent or the
corporation will be liable to any stockholder for actual damages sustained by
reason of such refusal or neglect. In an action for damages or a proceeding in
equity under the foregoing provision, however, it is a defense to such action
that the actual purpose and reason for the inspection being sought is to
secure a list of stockholders or other information for the purpose of selling
the list or other information or of using them for purposes other than in the
interest of the person seeking them, as a stockholder, relative to the affairs
of the corporation. The foregoing rights relating to inspection are deemed to
include the right to copy materials and to be represented by agent or counsel
in exercising these rights. In addition to the rights of inspection provided
by the MBCL, a stockholder of a Massachusetts corporation has a common law
right to inspect additional documents which, if such request is refused by the
corporation, may be obtained by petitioning a court for the appropriate order.
In petitioning a court for such an order, the granting of which is
discretionary, the stockholder has the burden of demonstrating (i) that such
holder is acting in good faith and for the purposes of advancing the interests
of the corporation and protecting such holder's own interest as a stockholder
and (ii) that the requested documents are relevant to those purposes.
 
  The FTP Articles provide that no stockholder shall have any right to examine
any property or any books, accounts or writings of FTP upon a vote of the FTP
Board of Directors refusing such permission and stating that in the opinion of
the Board of Directors such examination would be adverse to the interests of
FTP. Such vote shall be prima facie evidence that such examination would be
adverse to the interests of FTP. Every such examination shall also be subject
to such reasonable regulations as the FTP Board of Directors may establish
without a meeting.
 
ACTION BY CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
  Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise,
any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at a meeting may
be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if the
stockholders having the number of votes that would be necessary to take such
action at a meeting at which all stockholders were present and voted, consent
to the action in writing and the written consents are filed with the records
of the meetings of stockholders. The Firefox Certificate, however, prohibits
an action to be taken by stockholders by a consent in writing.
 
  Under the MBCL, any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders
at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if all stockholders entitled to
vote on the matter consent to the action in writing and the written
 
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<PAGE>
 
consents are filed with the records of the meetings of stockholders. The FTP
Bylaws prohibit taking action by written consent.
 
CUMULATIVE VOTING
 
  Under the DGCL, a corporation may provide in its certificate of
incorporation for cumulative voting by stockholders in the election of
directors. The Firefox Certificate does not provide for cumulative voting. The
MBCL has no cumulative voting provision, and the FTP Articles do not provide
for it.
 
DIVIDENDS AND STOCK REPURCHASES
 
  Under the DGCL, a corporation generally is permitted to declare and pay
dividends out of surplus or out of net profits for the current and/or
preceding fiscal year, provided that the capital of the corporation is not
less than the aggregate amount of capital represented by the issued and
outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of
assets. In addition, under the DGCL a corporation may generally redeem or
repurchase shares of its stock if the capital of the corporation is not
impaired and if such redemption or repurchase will not impair the capital of
the corporation. Under the DGCL, the directors of a corporation are jointly
and severally liable for negligently or willfully making improper dividend
payments, stock repurchases or redemptions. Directors held to be liable
pursuant to this provision of the DGCL are entitled to be subrogated to the
rights of the corporation against stockholders receiving dividends on, or
assets for the sale or redemption of, their stock with knowledge that such
dividend, repurchase or redemption was unlawful.
 
  Under the MBCL, the directors of a corporation will be jointly and severally
liable if a payment of dividends or a repurchase of a corporation's stock is
(i) made when the corporation is insolvent, (ii) renders the corporation
insolvent or (iii) violates the corporation's articles of organization.
Stockholders to whom a corporation makes any distribution (except a
distribution of stock of the corporation) if the corporation is, or is thereby
rendered, insolvent, are liable to the corporation for the amount of such
distribution made, or for the amount of such distribution which exceeds that
which could have been made without rendering the corporation insolvent, but in
either event only to the extent of the amount paid or distributed to them,
respectively. In such event, a stockholder who pays more than such holder's
proportionate share of such distribution or excess shall have a claim for
contribution against the other stockholders.
 
  The Firefox Certificate provides that holders of Firefox Series A Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Firefox Board of
Directors, out of any assets of Firefox legally available therefor, and pari
passu with the holders of Firefox Common Stock, such dividends as may be
declared by the Firefox Board of Directors. No shares of such Series A
Preferred Stock are currently outstanding.
 
  The FTP Articles provide that the FTP Board of Directors may determine what
amounts, if any, of the earnings of FTP deemed to be surplus shall be declared
as dividends. See "Description of FTP Capital Stock--Junior Preferred Stock"
for a description of the preferential dividend rights of such stock. Since
1992, FTP has not paid or declared any cash dividends on its stock and does
not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.
 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The DGCL permits (but does not require) classification of a corporation's
board of directors into one, two or three classes. Under the DGCL, the number
of directors shall be fixed or determined in the manner the bylaws provide,
unless the corporation's certificate of incorporation fixes the number of
directors, in which case the number of directors may only be changed by
amending the certificate of incorporation. The Firefox Certificate and the
Firefox Bylaws provide for the classification of the Firefox Board of
Directors into three classes, with the terms of the classes staggered so that
only one class is elected each year, in each case for a three-year term or
until a successor to each director in each such class is duly elected and
qualified. The Firefox Certificate and the Firefox Bylaws provide that the
number of directors shall initially be six and thereafter shall be fixed by
resolution of the Board of Directors.
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
  The MBCL requires classification of a public corporation's board of
directors into three classes (each having a three-year term) and imposes
certain other obligations, unless the directors of such public corporation
elect by vote to be exempt from such requirement or the stockholders of such
public corporation, at a meeting duly called for such purpose, elect to be
exempt from such requirement by a vote of two-thirds of each class of stock
outstanding. The FTP Articles and FTP Bylaws provide for the classification of
the FTP Board of Directors into three classes, as nearly equal in number as
possible, with the terms of the classes staggered so that only one class is
elected each year, in each case for a three-year term or until a successor to
each director in each such class is duly elected and qualified. The FTP Bylaws
provide that the number of directors of FTP shall be at least three and not
more than 15. The number of directors may be increased or decreased either by
the stockholders or by the directors by vote of a majority of the directors
then in office. See "Management--Executive Officers and Directors" and
"Description of FTP Capital Stock."
 
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
 
  Under the DGCL, stockholders may generally remove directors with or without
cause by majority vote; however, stockholders may remove members of a
classified board only for cause, unless the certificate of incorporation
provides otherwise. The Firefox Bylaws provide that any one or all of the
directors may be removed at any time for cause, by the holders of a majority
of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors, voting
together as a single class. Delaware law does not permit directors to remove
other directors.
 
  Under the MBCL, in the case of a public company such as FTP, which has not
elected to be exempt from the provision of the MBCL that requires a classified
board, directors may be removed by the stockholders only for cause by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election
of directors. The FTP Bylaws provide that any director or directors may be
removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by either the
vote of not less than two-thirds of the holders of the shares then entitled to
vote or by the vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office.
 
VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws, vacancies on the board of directors and newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of
directors may be filled by the vote of a majority of directors then in office,
even though less than a quorum. The DGCL also provides that where directors
are elected by classes or series of stock, vacancies are to be filled by the
remaining directors elected by the class or series in whose directorships the
vacancy occurs. The Firefox Bylaws provide that subject to the rights of the
holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of
directors or any vacancies in the Firefox Board of Directors for any other
reason may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office,
though not less than a quorum, and directors so chosen shall hold office for a
term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of
office of the class to which they have been elected expires.
 
  The MBCL provides that in the case of a classified board (such as FTP's),
any vacancy in the board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from the
enlargement of the board of directors, shall be filled solely by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though
less than a quorum. The FTP Bylaws also provide that a sole remaining director
may fill a vacancy in the FTP Board of Directors. Newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall be filled by the
FTP Board of Directors, or if not so filled, by the stockholders at the next
annual meeting thereof or at a special meeting called for that purpose.
 
EXCULPATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  The DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of
incorporation that a director shall not be personally liable for monetary
damages stemming from breaches of fiduciary duties. Under the DGCL, a charter
provision limiting directorial liability cannot relieve a director of personal
liability for (i) any breach of the
 
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<PAGE>
 
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful
repurchases or redemptions of stock or (iv) any transactions from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
  In Massachusetts, a corporation's articles of organization may limit the
personal liability of its directors for breaches of their fiduciary duties.
Under the MBCL, this limitation is generally unavailable for acts or omission
by a director which (i) were in violation of such director's duty of loyalty,
(ii) were in bad faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law or (iii) involved a financial profit or other advantage to
which the director was not legally entitled. The MBCL also prohibits the
elimination or limitation of director liability for unauthorized loans to
insiders or distributions that occur when a corporation is, or which renders a
corporation, insolvent.
 
  The Firefox Certificate and the FTP Articles provide for limitations on
directors' liability as permitted by the DGCL and the MBCL, respectively.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OTHERS
 
  Both the DGCL and the MBCL generally permit indemnification of directors,
officers, employees and certain others for expenses incurred by them by reason
of their position with the corporation, if such person has acted in good faith
and with the reasonable belief that his or her conduct was in the best
interest of the corporation. However, unlike the MBCL, the DGCL does not
permit a corporation to indemnify persons against judgments in actions brought
by or in the right of the corporation (although it does permit indemnification
in such situations if approved by the Delaware Court of Chancery and for
expenses related to such actions). In Delaware, any indemnification shall be
made by a corporation only as authorized in a specific case upon a
determination that the indemnified person has met the required standard of
conduct by (i) a majority vote of the directors not party to the relevant
action, even though less than a quorum, or if there are no such directors, or
if the directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion,
or (ii) by the stockholders. Under the MBCL, indemnification may be provided
for in a corporation's articles of organization, bylaws adopted by
stockholders or by a vote of stockholders entitled to vote in the election of
directors.
 
  The Firefox Bylaws provide that Firefox shall indemnify any director,
officer or trustee to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL.
Firefox has entered into indemnity agreements with its directors and certain
of its officers pursuant to which Firefox has agreed to provide
indemnification to such persons for applicable amounts not covered by
directors' and officers' insurance.
 
  The FTP Bylaws provide that FTP shall, to the extent legally permissible,
indemnify each of its directors and officers (including persons who were
acting at its request as directors, officers or trustees of another
organization or in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan)
against all liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction
of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees,
reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or
criminal, in which such person may be involved or with which such person may
be threatened; provided, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a
compromise payment by such director or officer, pursuant to a consent decree
or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other
expenses shall be provided unless such compromise shall be approved as in the
best interests of the corporation, after notice that it involves such
indemnification: (i) by a disinterested majority of the directors then in
office; or (ii) by a majority of the disinterested directors then in office,
provided that there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent
legal counsel to the effect that such director or officer appears to have
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the
best interests of the corporation; or (iii) by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding stock at the time entitled to vote for directors, voting as a
single class, exclusive of any stock owned by any interested director or
officer. See "The Merger and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger--Continuation of Rights to Indemnification; Limitation
of Liability; Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance."
 
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<PAGE>
 
INTERESTED DIRECTOR TRANSACTIONS
 
  The DGCL provides that no transaction between a corporation and one or more
of its directors or officers, or an entity in which one or more of its
directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial or other
interest, shall be void or voidable solely for that reason, nor will such a
transaction be void or voidable solely because the director or officer is
present at or votes at the meeting of the board of directors or committee
which authorizes the transaction or solely because his or her votes are
counted for such purpose, provided that (i) the material facts as to the
relationship or interest and as to the transaction are disclosed or are known
to the board of directors or a committee thereof and the board or committee
authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
disinterested directors even though the disinterested directors number less
than a quorum, (ii) the material facts as to the interested director's or
officer's relationship or interest and as to the transaction are disclosed or
are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon and the transaction is
specifically approved in good faith by vote of those stockholders or (iii) the
transaction is fair as to the corporation as of the time it is authorized,
approved or ratified by the board of directors or committee or the
stockholders. The DGCL permits common or interested directors to be counted in
determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board or of a
committee that authorizes an interested director or officer transaction.
 
  The MBCL contains no provision comparable to that of the DGCL. The FTP
Articles provide that, in the absence of fraud, any director, officer or
stockholder individually (or any individual having any interest in any concern
which is a stockholder of FTP, or any concern in which any of such directors,
officers, stockholders or individuals has any interest) may be a party to, or
may be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in, any contract, transaction or
other act of FTP and (i) such contract, transaction or act shall not be in any
way invalidated or otherwise affected by that fact, (ii) no such director,
officer, stockholder or individual shall be liable to account to FTP for any
profit or benefit realized through any such contract, transaction or act and
(iii) any such director of FTP may be counted in determining the existence of
a quorum at any meeting of the directors or of any committee thereof which
shall authorize any such contract, transaction or act, and may vote to
authorize the same; provided, however, that any contract, transaction or act
in which any director or officer of FTP is so interested individually or as a
director, officer, trustee or member of any concern which is not a subsidiary
or affiliate of, or in which any directors or officers are so interested as
holders, collectively, of a majority of shares of capital stock or other
beneficial interest at the time outstanding in any concern which is not a
subsidiary or affiliate of FTP, shall be duly authorized or ratified by a
majority of the directors who are not so interested, to whom the nature of
such interest has been disclosed and who have made any findings required by
law.
 
  The FTP Articles further provide that, to the extent permitted by law, the
authorizing or ratifying vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
each class of the capital stock of FTP outstanding and entitled to vote for
directors at any meeting duly called for that purpose shall validate any
contract, transaction or act of FTP, or of the FTP Board of Directors or any
committee thereof, with regard to all stockholders of FTP, whether or not of
record at the time of such vote, and with regard to all creditors and other
claimants under FTP; provided, however, that: (i) the nature of such
contracts, transactions or acts and the interests of any director, officer or
stockholder therein shall be summarized in the notice of any such meeting, or
in a statement or letter accompanying such notice, and shall be fully
disclosed at any such meeting; (ii) the stockholders so voting shall have made
any findings required by law; (iii) the stockholders so interested may vote at
any such meeting except to the extent otherwise provided by law; and (iv) any
failure of stockholders to authorize or ratify such contract, transaction or
act shall not be deemed in any way to invalidate the same or to deprive FTP or
its directors, officers or employees of its or their right to proceed with
such contract, transaction or act.
 
FUNDAMENTAL TRANSACTIONS
 
  The DGCL generally requires that mergers and consolidations, and sales,
leases or exchanges of all or substantially all of a corporation's property
and assets, be approved both by the directors and by a vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote, though a corporation's
certificate of incorporation may require a greater-than-majority vote. Under
the DGCL, a corporation that is the surviving corporation in a merger need not
have stockholder approval for the merger if (i) each share of the surviving
corporation's stock
 
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<PAGE>
 
outstanding prior to the merger remains outstanding in identical form after
the merger, (ii) there is no amendment to its certificate of incorporation and
(iii) the consideration going to stockholders of the non-surviving corporation
is not common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) of the
surviving corporation or, if it is such stock or securities convertible into
such stock, the aggregate number of shares of common stock actually issued or
delivered, or initially issuable upon conversion does not exceed 20% of the
shares of the surviving corporation's common stock outstanding immediately
prior to the effective date of the merger. The Firefox Certificate does not
provide anything different from the DGCL requirements.
 
  The MBCL generally requires approval of mergers and consolidations and
sales, mortgages, leases or exchanges of all or substantially all of a
corporation's property by a vote of two-thirds of the shares of each class of
stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, except that (i) the articles
of organization may provide (which the FTP Articles do) for a vote of a lesser
proportion but not less than a majority of each such class and (ii) unless
required by the corporation's articles of incorporation (which the FTP
Articles do not), an agreement providing for a merger need not be submitted to
the stockholders of a corporation surviving a merger but may be approved by
vote of its directors if (a) the agreement of merger does not change the name,
the amount of shares authorized of any class of stock or other provisions of
the articles of organization of such corporation, (b) the authorized unissued
shares or shares held in the treasury of such corporation of any class of
stock of such corporation to be issued or delivered pursuant to the agreement
of merger do not exceed 15% of the shares of such corporation of the same
class outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger, and
(c) the issue by vote of the directors of any unissued stock to be issued
pursuant to the agreement of merger has been authorized in accordance with the
provision of the MBCL governing the issue of authorized but unissued capital
stock.
 
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
 
  Under the DGCL, charter amendments require the approval of the board of
directors and both a general vote of a majority of all outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon, and a class vote of a majority of outstanding shares
of each class entitled to vote as a class. In addition, the DGCL requires a
class vote when, among other things, an amendment will adversely affect the
powers, preferences or special rights of a particular class of stock. The
Firefox Certificate provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of 66
2/3% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital
stock of Firefox entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,
voting together as a single class, is required in order to amend or repeal the
provisions of the Firefox Certificate that relate to: (i) the management of
the board of directors and the conduct of the affairs of the company; (ii) the
number of directors and other provisions relating to the directors; (iii) the
power of the board of directors to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; (iv)
indemnification of directors; or (v) amending or repealing those provisions in
the Firefox Certificate described in (i) through (iv).
 
  Under the MBCL, a majority vote of each class of stock outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon is required to authorize an amendment of the articles
of organization effecting one or more of the following: (i) an increase or
reduction of the capital stock of any authorized class; (ii) a change in the
par value of authorized shares with par value, or any class thereof; (iii) a
change of authorized shares (or any class thereof) from shares with par value
to shares without par value, or from shares without par value to shares with
par value; (iv) certain changes in the number of authorized shares (or any
class thereof); or (v) a corporate name change. Subject to certain conditions,
a two-thirds vote of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote
thereon is required to authorize any other amendment of the articles of
organization, or, if the articles of organization so provide, for a vote of a
lesser proportion but not less than a majority of each class of stock
outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. If any amendment requiring a two-
thirds vote would adversely affect the rights of any class or series of stock,
a two-thirds vote of such class voting separately, or a two-thirds vote of
such series, voting together with any other series of the same class adversely
affected in the same manner, is also necessary to authorize such amendment.
The FTP Articles require the vote of the holders of 80% of the then
outstanding shares of capital stock of FTP entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors in order to amend certain provisions of the FTP
Articles. See "Description of FTP Capital Stock--Certain Charter and Bylaw
Provisions."
 
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<PAGE>
 
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
 
  Both the DGCL and the MBCL provide that stockholders may amend a
corporation's bylaws and, if so provided in its charter, the board of
directors may also have this power. Under the DGCL, the power to adopt, amend
or repeal bylaws lies in the stockholders entitled to vote; provided, however,
that any corporation may, in its certificate of incorporation, confer the
power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws upon the directors. Under the MBCL, the
power to make, amend or repeal bylaws also lies in the stockholders entitled
to vote; provided, that if authorized by the articles of organization, the
bylaws may provide that the directors may also make, amend or repeal the
bylaws, except with respect to any provision which by law, the articles of
organization or the bylaws requires action by the stockholders.
 
  The Firefox Certificate and the Firefox Bylaws provide that the Firefox
Board of Directors may adopt, amend or repeal bylaws by a majority vote of the
directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present. The Firefox
Bylaws also expressly recognize the right of the stockholders to adopt, amend
or repeal bylaws, upon a vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the issued and
outstanding stock entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders, voting
together as a single class.
 
  The FTP Articles and FTP Bylaws provide that the FTP Board of Directors and
the stockholders, respectively, may amend or repeal the FTP Bylaws to the
extent permitted by law. The FTP Bylaws provide that any alteration, amendment
or repeal of a bylaw by the Board may be amended or repealed by the
stockholders. The FTP Articles provide that certain Bylaws, if enacted by the
FTP Board of Directors, may only be amended or repealed upon the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the total number of votes then outstanding represented
by shares of FTP capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, voting together as a single class. The FTP Bylaws further provide
that the FTP Board of Directors may not take any action which provides for the
indemnification of directors or which would alter the FTP Bylaw provisions
relating to amendments to the FTP Bylaws. See "Description of FTP Capital
Stock."
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
  Under the DGCL, appraisal rights are available to dissenting stockholders in
connection with a statutory merger or consolidation in certain specified
situations. Appraisal rights are not available under the DGCL when a
corporation is to be the surviving corporation and no vote of its stockholders
is required in order to approve the merger. In addition, unless otherwise
provided in a corporation's charter, no appraisal rights are available under
the DGCL to holders of shares of any class of stock which is either (i) listed
on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system
security on an inter-dealer quotation system by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000
stockholders, unless such stockholders (in (i) or (ii)) are required by the
terms of the merger to accept in exchange for their shares anything other
than: (a) shares of stock of the surviving corporation; (b) shares of stock of
another corporation which are or will be listed on a national securities
exchange or designated as a national market system security on an inter-dealer
quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders; (c) cash in lieu of fractional
shares of such stock; or (d) any combination thereof. Appraisal rights are not
available under the DGCL in the event of the sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of a corporation's assets or the adoption of an amendment to
its certificate of incorporation, unless such rights are granted in the
certificate of incorporation. The Firefox Certificate does not grant such
rights.
 
  Under the MBCL, a properly dissenting stockholder is entitled to receive the
appraised value of his shares when the corporation votes (i) to sell, lease or
exchange all or substantially all of its property and assets, (ii) to adopt an
amendment to its articles of organization which adversely affects the rights
of the stockholder, or (iii) to merge or consolidate with another corporation,
unless a vote of the stockholders was not required to approve such merger or
consolidation.
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
"ANTI-TAKEOVER" STATUTES
 
  Business Combination Statutes. Delaware's "business combination" statute is
substantially similar to its Massachusetts counterpart. However, whereas the
DGCL provides that, if a person acquires 15% or more of the stock of a
Delaware corporation without the approval of the board of directors of that
corporation, such person may not engage in certain transactions with the
corporation for a period of three years, in Massachusetts, the threshold is
only 5%, with certain persons being excluded. Both the Delaware and
Massachusetts statutes include certain exceptions to this prohibition. If, for
example, the board of directors approves the stock acquisition or the
transaction prior to the time that the person becomes an interested
stockholder, or if the interested stockholder acquires 85% (under the Delaware
statute) or 90% (under the Massachusetts statute) of the voting stock of the
corporation (excluding voting stock owned by directors who are also officers
and certain employee stock plans) in one transaction, or if the transaction is
approved by the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested
stockholder, then the prohibition on business combinations is not applicable.
See "Description of FTP Capital Stock--Massachusetts "Anti-Takeover' Laws."
 
  Control Share Acquisition Statute. Under the Massachusetts Control Share
Acquisition statute for Massachusetts corporations, a person who acquires
beneficial ownership of shares of stock of a corporation in a threshold amount
equal to or greater than one-fifth, one-third, or a majority of the voting
stock of the corporation (a "control share acquisition") must obtain the
approval of a majority of shares entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors (excluding (i) any shares owned by such person acquiring or
proposing to acquire beneficial ownership of shares in a control share
acquisition, (ii) any shares owned by any officer of the corporation and (iii)
any shares owned by any employee of the corporation who is also a director of
the corporation) in order to vote the shares that such person acquires in
crossing the foregoing thresholds. The statute does not require that such
person consummate the purchase before the stockholder vote is taken.
 
  The Massachusetts Control Share Acquisition statute permits, to the extent
authorized by a corporation's articles of organization or bylaws, redemption
of all shares acquired by an acquiring person in a control share acquisition
for fair value (which is to be determined in accordance with procedures
adopted by the corporation) if (i) no control acquisition statement is
delivered by the acquiring person or (ii) a control share acquisition
statement has been delivered and voting rights were not authorized for such
shares by the stockholders in accordance with applicable law.
 
  The Massachusetts Control Share Acquisition statute permits a Massachusetts
corporation to elect not to be governed by the statute's provisions, by
including a provision in the corporation's articles of organization or bylaws
pursuant to which the corporation opts out of the statute. As is permitted by
Massachusetts law, FTP (through an appropriate bylaw provision) has elected
not to be governed by the Massachusetts control share acquisition provisions.
See "Description of FTP Capital Stock--Massachusetts "Anti-Takeover' Laws."
 
  The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete statement of the
rights of holders of FTP Common Stock and Firefox Common Stock under, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the MBCL, DGCL and the respective
charters and bylaws of FTP and Firefox.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated balance sheets of FTP as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and
the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 included in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus have been included herein in reliance on the
report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the
authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Firefox as of December 31, 1995 and
for the year ended December 31, 1995 included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
 
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<PAGE>
 
LLP (San Jose, California), independent auditors, as stated in their report
appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the report of such firm
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Firefox as of December 31, 1994 and
for each of the two years ended December 31, 1994 included elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
(Birmingham, England), independent auditors, as stated in their report
appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the report of such firm
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  Representatives of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. are expected to be present at
the FTP Meeting, and representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to
be present at the Firefox Meeting. In each case, such representatives will
have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the shares of FTP Common Stock offered hereby and certain
federal income tax relating to the Merger will be passed upon for FTP by Ropes
& Gray, Boston, Massachusetts. Certain federal income tax relating to the
Merger will be passed upon for Firefox by Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, A
Professional Corporation, Palo Alto, California.
 
                                      139
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      PAGE NO.
                                                                      --------
<S>                                                                   <C>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF FTP
Report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.--Independent Accountants..........    F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1994 and 1995..............    F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income--For the Years Ended December 31,
 1993, 1994 and 1995.................................................    F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity--For the Years Ended
 December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995....................................    F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the Years Ended December
 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.............................................    F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................    F-7
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996
 (unaudited).........................................................   F-20
Consolidated Statements of Operations--Three Months Ended March 31,
 1995 and 1996 (unaudited)...........................................   F-21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Three Months Ended March 31,
 1995 and 1996 (unaudited)...........................................   F-22
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).......   F-23
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF FIREFOX
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP--Independent Auditors................   F-25
Report of Deloitte & Touche--Independent Auditors....................   F-26
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1994 and 1995..............   F-27
Consolidated Statements of Operations--For the Years Ended December
 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.............................................   F-28
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity--For the Years Ended
 December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995....................................   F-29
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the Years Ended December
 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.............................................   F-30
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................   F-31
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1995 and March
 31, 1996 (unaudited)................................................   F-40
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations--Three Months Ended
 March 31, 1995
 and 1996 (unaudited)................................................   F-41
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Three Months Ended
 March 31, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).................................   F-42
Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 (unaudited).........................................................   F-43
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
 of FTP Software, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FTP
Software, Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of FTP Software,
Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                       COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Boston, Massachusetts
January 31, 1996, except
Note L for which the dates are
March 27, 1996 and, for the
fifth paragraph, May 21, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                             -----------------
                                                               1994     1995
                                                             -------- --------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 10,896 $ 30,417
  Short-term investments....................................   37,690   36,211
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful ac-
   counts of
   $1,000 for 1994 and $1,600 for 1995......................   16,646   30,787
  Inventories...............................................      388    1,063
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................    1,796   11,398
  Deferred income taxes.....................................    1,295    2,194
                                                             -------- --------
    Total current assets....................................   68,711  112,070
Property and equipment, net.................................   11,712   18,703
Purchased software, net.....................................    4,449    4,359
Investments.................................................   42,759   52,751
Deferred income taxes.......................................    1,152    1,717
Other assets................................................      359      368
                                                             -------- --------
    Total assets............................................ $129,142 $189,968
                                                             ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................    4,706    9,904
  Income taxes payable......................................      892      --
  Accrued employee compensation and benefits................    3,832    4,533
  Current portion of long-term obligations..................      545      811
  Deferred revenue..........................................    5,254    9,091
                                                             -------- --------
    Total current liabilities...............................   15,229   24,339
Long-term obligations.......................................    1,229      821
                                                             -------- --------
    Total liabilities.......................................   16,458   25,160
                                                             -------- --------
Commitments (Note I)
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000
   shares;
   none issued and outstanding..............................      --       --
  Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000
   shares;
   issued and outstanding 23,344,122 and 26,506,729 shares
   in 1994 and 1995, respectively...........................      233      265
  Additional paid-in capital................................   64,955   92,607
  Retained earnings.........................................   47,496   72,130
  Equity adjustments........................................       --     (194)
                                                             -------- --------
    Total stockholders' equity..............................  112,684  164,808
                                                             -------- --------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............ $129,142 $189,968
                                                             ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ------------------------
                                                         1993    1994     1995
                                                        ------- ------- --------
<S>                                                     <C>     <C>     <C>
REVENUE:
  Product revenue...................................... $55,629 $86,207 $123,024
  Service revenue......................................   3,097   7,038   13,352
                                                        ------- ------- --------
   Total revenue.......................................  58,726  93,245  136,376
                                                        ------- ------- --------
COST OF REVENUE:
  Product cost.........................................   3,949   5,702    8,091
  Service cost.........................................   3,979   7,389    9,753
                                                        ------- ------- --------
   Total cost of revenue...............................   7,928  13,091   17,844
                                                        ------- ------- --------
GROSS MARGIN...........................................  50,798  80,154  118,532
                                                        ------- ------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Sales and marketing..................................   9,510  16,668   40,605
  Product development..................................   9,389  20,515   30,768
  General and administrative...........................   5,649   9,362   14,213
                                                        ------- ------- --------
   Total operating expenses............................  24,548  46,545   85,586
                                                        ------- ------- --------
Income from operations.................................  26,250  33,609   32,946
Investment income......................................     685   3,132    6,156
                                                        ------- ------- --------
Income before income taxes.............................  26,935  36,741   39,102
Provision for income taxes.............................  10,611  13,766   14,468
                                                        ------- ------- --------
Net income............................................. $16,324 $22,975 $ 24,634
                                                        ======= ======= ========
Net income per share................................... $   .65 $   .80 $    .87
                                                        ======= ======= ========
Net income per share (fully diluted)................... $   .60 $   .79 $    .87
                                                        ======= ======= ========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
 outstanding (primary).................................  25,129  28,553   28,215
                                                        ======= ======= ========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
 outstanding (fully diluted)...........................  27,361  29,070   28,263
                                                        ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                        TREASURY STOCK         TOTAL
                         ------------------  PAID-IN   RETAINED   EQUITY    -------------------  STOCKHOLDERS'
                           SHARES    AMOUNT  CAPITAL   EARNINGS ADJUSTMENTS   SHARES    AMOUNT      EQUITY
                         ----------  ------ ---------- -------- ----------- ----------  -------  -------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>    <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>
Balance at January 1,
 1993................... 17,472,240   $175   $ 5,224   $ 8,197        --       320,000  $  (560)   $ 13,036
Issuance of common
 stock..................  5,637,540     56    45,037        --        --            --       --      45,093
Purchase of treasury
 stock..................         --     --        --        --        --     1,096,000   (2,650)     (2,650)
Retirement of treasury
 stock.................. (1,416,000)   (14)   (3,196)       --        --    (1,416,000)   3,210          --
Tax benefit of stock
 option activity........         --     --     4,275        --        --            --       --       4,275
Net income..............         --     --        --    16,324        --            --       --      16,324
                         ----------   ----   -------   -------     -----    ----------  -------    --------
Balance at December 31,
 1993................... 21,693,780    217    51,340    24,521        --            --       --      76,078
Issuance of common
 stock..................  1,650,342     16     5,148        --        --            --       --       5,164
Tax benefit of stock
 option activity........         --     --     8,467        --        --            --       --       8,467
Net income..............         --     --        --    22,975        --            --       --      22,975
                         ----------   ----   -------   -------     -----    ----------  -------    --------
Balance at December 31,
 1994................... 23,344,122    233    64,955    47,496        --            --       --     112,684
Issuance of common
 stock..................  3,162,607     32     8,852        --        --            --       --       8,884
Tax benefit of stock
 option activity........         --     --    18,800        --        --            --       --      18,800
Net income..............         --     --        --    24,634        --            --       --      24,634
Foreign exchange
 translation
 adjustments............         --     --        --        --     $  14            --       --          14
Net unrealized
 investment losses......         --     --        --        --      (208)           --       --        (208)
                         ----------   ----   -------   -------     -----    ----------  -------    --------
Balance at December 31,
 1995................... 26,506,729   $265   $92,607   $72,130     $(194)           --  $    --    $164,808
                         ==========   ====   =======   =======     =====    ==========  =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                     1993      1994      1995
                                                   --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.....................................  $ 16,324  $ 22,975  $ 24,634
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization................     1,369     3,433     7,229
    Loss on disposition of property and
     equipment...................................       --        --        255
    Provision for doubtful accounts and notes....       497       400       600
    Write-off of acquired in-process technology..       --        --      1,129
    Amortization of discounts and premiums on
     investments.................................       --        --     (1,407)
    Deferred income taxes........................      (454)   (1,828)   (1,324)
    Reserve for decline in investments...........        48       --        --
    Tax benefit of stock option activity.........     4,275     8,467    18,800
    Financed in-process technology...............       --      1,774       --
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
     net of effects from acquisition of business:
    Accounts receivable..........................    (4,754)   (6,889)  (14,741)
    Inventories..................................      (332)      319      (675)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets....    (1,090)      200    (9,563)
    Other assets.................................         9      (211)      --
    Accounts payable.............................       701     2,485     4,978
    Income taxes payable.........................       --        892      (892)
    Accrued employee compensation and benefits...     1,128     1,653       617
    Deferred revenue.............................     1,381     2,566     3,837
                                                   --------  --------  --------
      Net cash provided by operating activities..    19,102    36,236    33,477
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures...........................    (5,005)  (12,361)  (11,905)
  Purchase of investments........................   (47,291)  (30,903)   (7,454)
  Acquisition of business........................       --        --     (2,365)
  Other investing activities.....................        33       --         15
                                                   --------  --------  --------
      Net cash used for investing activities.....   (52,263)  (43,264)  (21,709)
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock.........    45,093     5,164     8,884
  Principal payments on long-term obligations....       --        --     (1,142)
  Purchase of treasury stock.....................    (2,650)      --        --
  Dividends paid.................................    (1,500)      --        --
                                                   --------  --------  --------
      Net cash provided by financing activities..    40,943     5,164     7,742
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..........       --        --         11
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equiva-
 lents...........................................     7,782    (1,864)   19,521
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year.....     4,978    12,760    10,896
                                                   --------  --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year...........  $ 12,760  $ 10,896  $ 30,417
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Income taxes paid..............................  $  7,508  $  5,843  $  1,952
                                                   ========  ========  ========
Non-cash financing activities:
  Financed purchased software....................  $    --   $    --   $  1,000
                                                   ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
A.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS:
 
  FTP Software, Inc. (the "Company") designs, develops, markets and supports
  software products that enable personal computer users to find, access and
  use heterogeneous hardware, information and applications resources across
  local area, enterprise-wide and global networks, including the Internet and
  its World Wide Web. The Company's principal networking products, OnNet and
  PC/TCP, which are based upon the industry standard TCP/IP data
  communications protocol suite, enable remote access, file and resource
  sharing and other applications across a variety of operating systems,
  computing platforms and network environments. Other products allow users to
  search, organize and share information, view and convert documents in a
  large number of different formats, including legacy formats, and
  collaborate with other users. The Company's products emphasize performance,
  reliability, functionality, robustness and compatibility, which the Company
  believes are the key purchasing criteria, along with technical support and
  special engineering capability, for organizations establishing and
  expanding enterprise-wide networks.
 
B.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
   Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
  and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
  transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
   Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenue is generally recognized from the license of software upon shipment
  when collection of the resulting receivable is deemed probable. At the time
  the Company recognizes revenue from licensed software products, no
  significant vendor or post-contract support obligations remain. Service
  revenue includes revenue from support, training and consulting. Payments
  received in advance for support contracts are initially recorded as
  deferred revenue and are recognized ratably over the term of the contract,
  typically one year. Revenue from training and consulting is recognized as
  the services are performed.
 
   Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash equivalents consist of money market funds, commercial paper and
  government obligations with original maturities of three months or less and
  are carried at amortized cost, which approximates market value. The Company
  places its temporary cash investments in money market investments with high
  credit quality financial institutions.
 
   Investments
 
  The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
  "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," at the
  beginning of 1994. At December 31, 1994, the Company had investments
  primarily in debt securities and had the requisite intent and ability to
  hold them until maturity. Accordingly, investments were classified as held-
  to-maturity and reported at amortized cost.
 
  On December 31, 1995, the Company changed the classification of its
  investments, consisting primarily of debt securities, to available-for-sale
  to better enable the Company to react quickly to investment opportunities.
  Accordingly, investments are reported at market value with unrealized
  holding gains and losses reflected net as a separate component of
  stockholders' equity until realized.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  The Company's investment portfolio is widely diversified, generally
  consisting of both short-term and long-term investment grade securities.
  The cost of short-term investments and investments is determined on the
  specific identification method and the market value is based on quoted
  market prices.
 
   Inventories
 
  Inventories, consisting of finished goods and raw materials, are stated at
  the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market.
 
   Property and Equipment
 
  Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the
  straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three
  to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of
  their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease.
  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
 
  Upon retirement or other disposition of assets, the cost and related
  accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting
  gain or loss is included in net income.
 
   Foreign Currency Translation
 
  The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local
  currency, accordingly, assets and liabilities of these operations are
  translated at exchange rates in effect at year-end. Income and expense
  items are translated at average rates of exchange for the period. Resulting
  translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of
  stockholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions,
  which are immaterial, are included in net income.
 
   Product Development Costs
 
  Costs related to research, design and development of computer software are
  charged to product development expense as incurred, as the capitalizable
  costs of internally developed software to date have not been material.
  Purchased software of approximately $5.4 million and $3.1 million was
  acquired in 1994 and 1995, respectively. These assets are being amortized
  over a one- to four-year period based on the expected useful life of the
  product. Related amortization charges, reflected in cost of revenue, were
  approximately $1.0 million and $3.2 million in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
   Income Taxes
 
  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences
  between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts
  in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible
  amounts in future years.
 
   Net Income Per Common Share
 
  Net income per common share is computed using the weighted average number
  of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive common stock equivalents
  from stock options using the treasury stock method.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
  
  Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin
  No. 83, common and common equivalent shares issued during the 12-month
  period preceding the date of the initial filing of the Company's public
  offering have been included in the calculation using the treasury stock
  method, as if they were outstanding for all periods prior to such public
  offering.
 
   Risks and Uncertainties
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
  disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
  financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
  during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
  estimates.
 
  The Company sells its products outside the United States primarily through
  a network of resellers in North and South America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
  In the United States, the Company distributes its products through multiple
  channels, including direct sales, value-added resellers, systems
  integrators, OEMs and a limited number of distributors. The Company
  performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains reserves
  for potential credit risk as determined by management. The Company
  generally requires no collateral. Accounts receivable are from customers
  who are geographically and industry dispersed. No one customer accounted
  for more than 10% of consolidated revenue for any period presented.
 
   Accounting for Stock Options
 
  In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
  of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
  Compensation." This Statement, which is effective for fiscal years
  beginning after December 15, 1995, defines a fair value based method of
  accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Company plans to
  continue to measure compensation cost for those plans using the intrinsic
  value based method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25,
  "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and disclose pro forma net
  income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method of
  accounting had been applied. As such, adoption of this statement will have
  no effect on the Company's reported results of operations.
 
   Reclassification
 
   Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
current year's presentation.
 
C.INVESTMENTS:
 
  Investments consist of the following at December 31, 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AMORTIZED MARKET
                                                                COST     VALUE
                                                              --------- -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                        <C>       <C>
   U.S. government obligations...............................  $25,683  $24,974
   Corporate obligations.....................................   24,329   23,095
   Municipal obligations.....................................   30,437   29,279
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $80,449  $77,348
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1994, gross unrealized gains and losses amounted to
  approximately $176,000 and $3,310,000, respectively.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Investments consist of the following at December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AMORTIZED MARKET
                                                                COST     VALUE
                                                              --------- -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                        <C>       <C>
   U.S. government obligations...............................  $54,500  $54,469
   Corporate obligations.....................................   14,397   14,075
   Municipal obligations.....................................   20,412   20,418
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $89,309  $88,962
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1995, gross unrealized gains and losses amounted to
  approximately $518,000 and $865,000, respectively.
 
  The Company's investments at December 31, 1994, valued at amortized cost,
  and at December 31, 1995, valued at market value, mature as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ---------------
   YEARS TO MATURITY                                              1994    1995
   -----------------                                             ------- -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   0-1.......................................................... $37,690 $36,211
   1-5..........................................................  31,789  46,478
   5-10.........................................................     372     268
   Over 10......................................................  10,598   6,005
                                                                 ------- -------
                                                                 $80,449 $88,962
                                                                 ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
D.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
 
  Property and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1994     1995
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                         <C>      <C>
   Development equipment...................................... $ 4,092  $ 5,737
   Equipment..................................................   8,939   15,020
   Furniture and leasehold improvements.......................   4,260    7,230
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                17,291   27,987
   Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.............  (5,579)  (9,284)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $11,712  $18,703
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
E.PURCHASED TECHNOLOGY AND ACQUISITIONS:
 
  In August 1994, the Company licensed certain technology for $4.9 million, a
  portion of which is payable in equal installments of $500,000 per year
  through 1998, to enable the Company to bring commercial versions of Mosaic,
  a navigational tool for the Internet, into current and future product lines
  and bring advanced messaging applications for Internet users into the
  Company's current and future product lines. The Company allocated
  approximately $900,000 to completed technology, which is included in
  purchased software and is being amortized over its estimated useful life of
  two years. The remaining $4.0 million was allocated to in-process
  technology and charged to product development expense.
 
  In March 1995, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of
  Keyword Office Technologies Ltd., a privately-held, Calgary, Alberta,
  developer of protocol-independent document interchange and viewing
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
  
  technology software, for approximately $2.4 million. The transaction was
  accounted for as a purchase. The Company allocated approximately $1.3
  million primarily to completed technology, which is included in purchased
  software and is being amortized over its estimated useful life of two
  years, and approximately $1.1 million to in-process technology, which has
  been charged to product development expense. This acquisition was deemed to
  be immaterial for purposes of presenting pro forma information.
 
  The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired technologies to
  completed technology and in-process technology based upon their respective
  fair values. Completed technology that had reached technological
  feasibility was valued using a risk adjusted cash flow model under which
  future cash flows were discounted, taking into account risks related to
  existing and future markets and assessments of the life expectancy of the
  completed technology. In-process technology that had not reached
  technological feasibility and that had no alternative future use was valued
  using the same method. Expected future cash flows associated with in-
  process technology were discounted considering risks and uncertainties
  related to the viability of and to the potential changes in future target
  markets and to the completion of the products expected to ultimately be
  marketed by the Company. Amounts charged to product development expense for
  in-process technology are not fully deductible in the same period for tax
  purposes.
 
F.PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN:
 
  The Company sponsors a profit sharing retirement plan for eligible
  employees established under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the
  Internal Revenue Code (the "Plan"), under which participants may defer a
  portion of their annual compensation on a pre-tax basis. Contributions by
  the Company to the Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and
  amounted to approximately $303,000, $645,000 and $965,000 for the years
  ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
  While the Company expects to continue the Plan indefinitely, it has
  reserved the right to modify, amend or terminate the Plan. In the event of
  termination, the entire amount contributed under the Plan, at the time of
  termination, must be applied to the payment of benefits to the participants
  or their beneficiaries.
 
  The Company does not currently offer post-retirement or post-employment
  benefits.
 
G.INCOME TAXES:
 
  The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1993     1994     1995
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   <S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
   Current provision:
     Federal......................................... $ 8,871  $12,845  $12,538
     State...........................................   2,194    2,749    2,859
     Foreign.........................................      --       --      395
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                       11,065   15,594   15,792
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   Deferred benefit:
     Federal.........................................    (347)  (1,410)  (1,024)
     State...........................................    (107)    (418)    (300)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                        (454)   (1,828)  (1,324)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                      $10,611  $13,766  $14,468
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
  
  The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying
  the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as
  follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEARS ENDED
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                              1993   1994  1995
                                                              -----  ----  ----
   <S>                                                        <C>    <C>   <C>
   Tax at statutory rate.....................................  35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
   State income taxes net of federal tax benefit.............   5.5   4.2   4.3
   Benefit from foreign sales corporation....................  (0.6) (1.5) (2.3)
   Tax-exempt interest income................................    --  (0.9) (1.1)
   Research and experimentation credit.......................  (0.5) (0.5) (0.2)
   Foreign tax credits.......................................  (0.3) (0.1)   --
   Other.....................................................   0.3   1.3   1.3
                                                              -----  ----  ----
                                                              39.4%  37.5% 37.0%
                                                              =====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
  The current federal and state provisions for income taxes do not reflect
  the tax savings resulting from deductions associated with the Company's
  various stock plans. These savings were approximately $4.3 million, $8.5
  million and $18.8 million in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively, and were
  credited to stockholders' equity.
 
   The components of the deferred tax asset are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------
                                                                  1994    1995
                                                                 ------  ------
                                                                      (IN
                                                                  THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   In-process technology charges................................ $1,704  $2,656
   Employee compensation and benefits accruals..................    486     848
   Accounts receivable reserve..................................    412     642
   Deferred revenue.............................................    329     380
   Other reserves and liabilities...............................     21     224
   Capitalized inventory costs..................................     47     170
   Depreciation and amortization expense........................   (552) (1,009)
                                                                 ------  ------
                                                                 $2,447  $3,911
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 1995
  is approximately $7.8 million of refundable income taxes.
 
H.STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
   Stock Split
 
  The Company effected an 8-for-1 split of the Common Stock during 1993. All
  share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect this split.
 
   Preferred Stock
 
  The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed
  by law, to issue up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
  $0.01 par value per share, with such powers, designations, preferences and
  relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such
  qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be determined
  by the Board of Directors in a resolution or resolutions providing for the
  issuance of such Preferred Stock.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  On December 1, 1995, the Board of Directors designated 500,000 shares of
  its Preferred Stock as Junior Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share.
  Dividends accrue on the Junior Preferred Stock at a quarterly rate equal to
  the greater of $1.00 or, subject to adjustment, 100 times the aggregate per
  share amount of all dividends paid during the quarter on the Company's
  Common Stock. The Junior Preferred Stock carries a liquidation preference
  of $100 per share, is redeemable, and entitles the holder to 100 votes per
  share on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders.
 
   Shareholder Rights Plan
 
  On December 1, 1995, the Company adopted a shareholder rights plan (the
  "Rights Plan") whereby each share of Common Stock issued after December 8,
  1995 will have an attached right which, when exercisable, will entitle the
  holder to purchase 1/100th of a share of Junior Preferred Stock at a price
  of $150 (the "Rights"). Additionally, the Board of Directors declared a
  dividend of one Right for each share of Common Stock outstanding on
  December 8, 1995.
 
  The Rights become exercisable if a person acquires or announces a tender or
  exchange offer for 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock. The Rights
  Plan also provides that if a person (an "Acquiring Person") acquires or
  obtains the right to acquire 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock
  (other than pursuant to certain approved offers), each Right (other than
  Rights held by the Acquiring Person) will entitle the holder to purchase
  shares of Common Stock having a market value of twice the exercise price of
  the Right. In addition, if the Company is involved in a merger or other
  business combination with another person in which it is not the surviving
  corporation or in connection with which the Common Stock is changed or
  converted into securities of any other person or other property, or if the
  Company sells or transfers 25% or more of its assets or earning power to
  another person, each Right that has not previously been exercised will
  entitle its holder to purchase shares of the common stock of such other
  person having a market value of twice the exercise price of the Right.
 
  The Board of Directors may redeem the Rights at any time prior to their
  expiration on December 1, 2005 at a redemption price of $0.01 per Right.
  The Company has reserved 500,000 shares of Junior Preferred Stock for
  issuance upon exercise of the Rights.
 
   Stock Option Plan
 
  In January 1987, the Company adopted the FTP Software, Inc. Stock Option
  Plan (the "Option Plan"). Under the Option Plan, as amended, the Company
  may grant to certain employees either incentive or nonqualified stock
  options to purchase up to 26,400,000 shares of Common Stock which generally
  vest over four to six years. The exercise price for the stock options may
  not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
  grant, as determined by the Board of Directors, and the term of the stock
  options may not exceed 10 years.
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Stock option activity under this plan is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NUMBER OF    OPTION PRICE
                                                       SHARES      PER SHARE
                                                     ----------  --------------
   <S>                                               <C>         <C>
   Outstanding, January 1, 1993..................... 10,244,160  $0.069-$ 1.75
     Granted........................................  2,251,000    6.25- 26.50
     Exercised...................................... (3,180,456)  0.069-  1.74
     Canceled....................................... (1,102,000)   .354-  6.25
                                                     ----------  --------------
   Outstanding, December 31, 1993...................  8,212,704    .121- 26.50
     Granted........................................    913,750   27.25- 31.625
     Exercised...................................... (1,520,342)   .121- 19.00
     Canceled.......................................   (270,750)   1.42- 27.25
                                                     ----------  --------------
   Outstanding, December 31, 1994...................  7,335,362    .121- 31.625
     Granted........................................  1,722,000   24.75- 31.75
     Exercised...................................... (3,097,635)   .121- 27.25
     Canceled....................................... (1,775,361)  1.396- 31.75
                                                     ----------  --------------
   Outstanding, December, 31, 1995..................  4,184,366  $ .121-$31.75
                                                     ----------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1995, the number of shares of Common Stock for which stock
  options were exercisable were totaled 1,140,437 and the number of shares of
  Common Stock available for future stock option grants amounted to
  4,094,561.
 
   Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
 
  In September 1993, the Company adopted the 1993 Non-Employee Directors'
  Stock Option Plan which provides for the automatic grant of stock options
  to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock to non-employee directors
  which vest over three years. The exercise price for the stock options may
  not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
  the grant, as determined by the Board of Directors, and the term of the
  stock options may not exceed 10 years.
 
   Stock option activity under this plan is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NUMBER OF  OPTION PRICE
                                                      SHARES     PER SHARE
                                                     --------- --------------
   <S>                                               <C>       <C>
   Outstanding, September 17, 1993 (inception of
    plan)                                                 --              --
     Granted........................................   60,000         $19.00
     Exercised......................................      --              --
     Canceled.......................................      --              --
                                                      -------  --------------
   Outstanding, December 31, 1993...................   60,000          19.00
     Granted........................................  109,167  $17.25- 26.50
     Exercised......................................  (30,000)         19.00
     Canceled.......................................  (30,000)         17.25
                                                      -------  --------------
   Outstanding, December 31, 1994...................  109,167   17.25- 26.50
     Granted........................................   27,536          30.875
     Exercised......................................  (40,000)  17.25- 19.00
     Canceled.......................................  (20,000)         17.25
                                                      -------  --------------
   Outstanding, December 31, 1995...................   76,703  $25.75-$30.875
                                                      =======  ==============
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  At December 31, 1995, the number of shares of Common Stock for which stock
  options were exercisable totaled 19,167 and the number of shares of Common
  Stock available for future stock option grants amounted to 353,297.
 
   Employee Stock Purchase Plans
 
  The Company adopted the FTP Software, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  effective January 1, 1994. This plan provides a maximum of 1,000,000 shares
  of Common Stock for purchase by eligible employees at 85% of the fair
  market value of the Common Stock on the first or last trading day of each
  six-month purchase period under this plan, whichever is lower. During 1994
  and 1995, 4,034 and 20,938 shares of Common Stock, respectively, were
  issued under this plan.
 
  In October 1995, in order to preserve the qualification of its existing
  employee stock purchase plan under the Internal Revenue Code, the Company
  adopted the FTP Software, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Purchase Plan for
  Employees of Certain Subsidiaries. This plan is for the benefit of non-U.S.
  employees employed outside of the United States by subsidiaries of the
  Company approved for participation in the plan by the Compensation
  Committee of the Board of Directors and provides a maximum of 100,000
  shares of Common Stock for purchase by eligible employees. The price at
  which the Common Stock will be purchased by eligible employees is 85% of
  the fair market value of the Common Stock on the first or last trading day
  of each six-month purchase period under this plan, whichever is lower. The
  first purchase period under this plan commenced on January 1, 1996.
  Accordingly, no shares of Common Stock were issued under this plan during
  1995.
 
   Public Offerings
 
  On November 23, 1993, the Company consummated an initial public offering of
  5,750,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock
  were sold for the account of the Company. The Company's aggregate net
  proceeds from the initial public offering were approximately $43.3 million.
  On May 11, 1994, the Company consummated an offering of 1,724,130 shares of
  Common Stock, of which 100,000 shares of Common Stock were sold for the
  account of the Company. The Company's aggregate net proceeds from this
  offering were approximately $1.5 million.
 
   Dividends
 
  From January 1, 1990 through June 30, 1992, the Company operated as an S
  Corporation under subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
  amended, and comparable provisions of certain state tax laws. Dividends
  declared by the Company in 1992 and paid in 1993 represent reimbursements
  to the stockholders for income taxes paid relating to their respective
  share of the Company's S Corporation taxable income and a return on
  investment. Effective June 30, 1992, the Company terminated its status as
  an S Corporation.
 
I.COMMITMENTS:
 
   Lease Commitments
 
  The Company leases its corporate and administrative office facilities under
  long-term non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various
  dates through August 2002. The agreements generally require the payment of
  utilities, real estate taxes, insurance and repairs. Total rent expense for
  the years ended
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
  
  December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 amounted to approximately $1.2 million,
  $2.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
 
  At December 31, 1995, future minimum annual rental payments required under
  the operating lease agreements are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                  --------------
         <S>                                                      <C>
         1996....................................................    $ 4,476
         1997....................................................      4,254
         1998....................................................      4,325
         1999....................................................      4,425
         2000....................................................      4,381
         Thereafter..............................................      5,750
                                                                     -------
                                                                     $27,611
                                                                     =======
</TABLE>
 
   Joint Marketing and Development Agreement
 
  In August 1995, the Company entered into a multi-year joint marketing and
  development agreement with Open Market, Inc. under which the Company has
  the right to sell certain server products and to develop the server
  technology onto future platforms. The Company has allocated $3.7 million
  paid under this agreement to in-process technology and charged it to
  product development expense. Under this agreement the Company has future
  minimum royalty obligations for 1997, 1998 and 1999.
 
  In January, 1996, the Company acquired shares of preferred stock of Open
  Market, Inc. for a cash purchase price of $5 million.
 
J.BUSINESS UNIT INFORMATION:
 
  The Company is active in only one business segment: designing, developing,
  marketing and supporting networking and other software products and related
  services. This segment currently operates and reports results as two
  business units: the Networking Products Business Unit and the New Ventures
  Business Unit. The Networking Products Business Unit, which is the
  Company's core operating unit, includes the Company's OnNet and PC/TCP
  product lines and is responsible for developing and acquiring server and
  other products to provide services for enterprise networks. The New
  Ventures Business Unit was formed in July 1995 and currently consists of
  four operating units: the Internet Solutions Unit, the HyperDesk Unit, the
  Keyword Unit and the Intelligent Agents Unit. The New Ventures Business
  Unit is responsible for developing, acquiring and commercializing new
  technologies.
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Activities associated with the New Ventures Business Unit were not material
  for all periods prior to July 1, 1995. Financial data by business unit for
  the year ended December 31, 1995 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
       <S>                                                        <C>
       Revenue:
         Networking Products Business Unit.......................    $131,865
         New Ventures Business Unit..............................       4,511
                                                                     --------
           Total revenue.........................................    $136,376
                                                                     ========
       Income (loss) from operations:
         Networking Products Business Unit.......................    $ 43,361
         New Ventures Business Unit..............................     (10,415)
                                                                     --------
           Total income from operations..........................    $ 32,946
                                                                     ========
       Assets:
         Networking Products Business Unit.......................    $187,675
         New Ventures Business Unit..............................       2,293
                                                                     --------
          Total assets...........................................    $189,968
                                                                     ========
</TABLE>
 
  Sales from the Company's foreign operations are not material. The Company's
  international export sales can be grouped into the following geographic
  areas:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                  31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                         1993    1994    1995
                                                        ------- ------- -------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
   Geographic area:
    North and South America (other than U.S.).......... $ 3,616 $ 7,114 $10,364
    Asia Pacific.......................................   2,587   5,732  10,165
    Europe.............................................  15,410  27,457  40,310
    Other..............................................   1,829     592   1,792
                                                        ------- ------- -------
     Total............................................. $23,442 $40,895 $62,631
                                                        ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
K.QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIRST  SECOND   THIRD  FOURTH
                                                QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
                                                ------- ------- ------- -------
                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                             DATA)
   <S>                                          <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
   1995
   Total revenue............................... $31,314 $34,083 $37,116 $33,863
   Gross margin................................  27,003  29,916  32,422  29,182
   Income from operations......................  11,516  13,473   6,106   1,851
   Net income..................................   7,850   9,314   4,759   2,711
   Net income per share (fully diluted)........ $   .27 $   .33 $   .17 $   .10
   1994
   Total revenue............................... $19,075 $20,879 $24,013 $29,278
   Gross margin................................  16,358  17,716  20,395  25,685
   Income from operations......................   7,545   8,249   5,707  12,108
   Net income..................................   4,938   5,542   4,122   8,373
   Net income per share (fully diluted)........ $   .17 $   .20 $   .14 $   .29
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
L.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  Subsequent to year-end, the Company acquired certain technologies and other
  assets from unrelated companies. The transactions will be recorded under
  the purchase method of accounting. The costs associated with these
  acquisitions are expected to total approximately $15 million.
 
  On January 17, 1996, the Company entered into a merger agreement (the
  "Merger Agreement") with Firefox Communications Inc. ("Firefox") whereby a
  subsidiary of the Company will be merged into Firefox, which will survive
  the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and each
  outstanding share of Firefox common stock would be converted into one share
  of the Company's Common Stock (approximately 6,735,000 shares at December
  31, 1995), subject to adjustment. Outstanding Firefox stock options will be
  converted into options to purchase (or will otherwise become exercisable
  for) shares of the Company's Common Stock at the same conversion rate of
  one for one, subject to adjustment, with appropriate changes to the
  exercise price. This merger, which is intended to be accounted for as a
  pooling of interests, is conditioned on, among other things, approval of
  the merger by Firefox's stockholders and approval by the Company's
  stockholders of the issuance of the shares of the Company's Common Stock to
  be issued in the merger. Firefox reported revenues and earnings of
  approximately $20 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the year
  ended December 31, 1995.
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
  District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco
  Division, naming Firefox and certain of its officers and directors as
  defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants misrepresented or
  failed to disclose material facts about Firefox's operations and financial
  results, which the plaintiffs contend resulted in an artificial inflation
  of the price of Firefox's common stock. The suit is purportedly brought on
  behalf of a class of purchasers of Firefox's common stock during the period
  from August 3, 1995 to January 2, 1996. The complaint alleges claims for
  violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
  1934. Firefox has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit, believes them to
  be without merit, and intends to defend itself vigorously. In order to
  support an adequate defense, Firefox may be required to expend substantial
  sums for legal and expert fees and costs. The cost of defending the
  litigation and the outcome of the litigation are uncertain and cannot be
  estimated. If the lawsuit were determined adversely to Firefox, Firefox
  could be required to pay a substantial judgment.
 
  In March 1996, the Merger Agreement was amended to provide that shares of
  the Company's Common Stock having a value of $15 million, which would
  otherwise be issued to persons holding Firefox common stock at the
  effective time of the merger, will instead be delivered to and held in an
  escrow as security for an indemnity in favor of the Company and certain
  related persons under the Merger Agreement relating to the securities
  litigation described above and certain related litigation, to the extent
  that the amount of all such claims arising from such litigation exceeds the
  sum of all payments recovered under Firefox's $10 million director's and
  officer's liability insurance policy plus $5 million. Any escrow shares
  remaining after satisfaction of such indemnity will be allocated among the
  former Firefox stockholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the
  number of shares of Firefox common stock held by each former Firefox
  stockholder immediately prior to the merger will be delivered to the former
  Firefox stockholders following final resolution of such litigation or the
  third anniversary of the merger, whichever is earlier.
 
  On May 21, 1996, the Merger Agreement was amended to provide that all of
  the outstanding Firefox common stock will be converted into the right to
  receive $10,000,000 in cash plus shares of approximately $50,000,000 of the
  Company's Common Stock (based upon the average closing price of the
  Company's Common Stock, as defined, subject to adjustment). In addition,
  options to acquire Firefox common stock will be deemed to be
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
  
  converted into options to acquire the Company's Common Stock based upon an
  exchange ratio as defined. In the event that the Company's average share
  price is less than $8 per share or greater than $12 per share, the average
  share price will be deemed to be $8 or $12, respectively, and the number of
  Company shares exchanged would be 6,250,000 or 4,166,666 shares,
  respectively. If the mean of the high and low sales prices of one share of
  the Company's Common Stock at the effective time of the merger (the
  "Effective Time Closing Price") is less than $7 per share, each outstanding
  share of Firefox common stock will be entitled to receive that additional
  number of shares of the Company's Common Stock equal to (a) the amount
  obtained by dividing the difference between $7 and the Effective Time
  Closing Price by $7, multiplied by (b) $10,000,000 divided by the number of
  outstanding shares of Firefox common stock, divided by (c) the Effective
  Time Closing Price (such number of additional shares of the Company's
  Common Stock being referred to as the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and the
  cash payment applicable to each outstanding share of Firefox common stock
  shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of the Share Adjustment
  Factor multiplied by the Effective Time Closing Price. In connection with
  the amended Merger Agreement, the Company agreed to eliminate the escrow
  provisions. As a result of the amendments, the proposed merger will be
  accounted for as a purchase. The consummation of the proposed merger is
  subject to obtaining shareholder approval and certain other conditions.
  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the merger will be completed.
 
  On March 14, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
  District Court for the District of Massachusetts naming the Company,
  certain of its officers and two former officers as defendants. The lawsuit
  alleges that the defendants publicly issued false and misleading statements
  and omitted to disclose material facts necessary to make such statements
  not false and misleading, which the plaintiffs contend caused an artificial
  inflation in the price of the Company's Common Stock. The lawsuit, which is
  purportedly brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Company's
  Common Stock during the period from July 14, 1995 to January 3, 1996,
  alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange
  Act of 1934. The Company has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit,
  believes them to be without merit, and intends to defend itself and its
  officers vigorously. In order to support an adequate defense, the Company
  may be required to expend substantial sums for legal and expert fees and
  costs. The cost of defending the litigation and the outcome of the
  litigation are uncertain and cannot be estimated. If the lawsuit were
  determined adversely to the Company, the Company could be required to pay a
  substantial judgment.
 
  On March 27, 1996, the Company entered into a merger agreement with
  Campbell Services, Inc., the Southfield, Michigan-based developer of
  OnTime, a client/server solution for group scheduling. The merger agreement
  provides for the acquisition by the Company of Campbell for approximately
  $15 million in cash, through a merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
  Company into Campbell. This acquisition is expected to be consummated in
  early April 1996.
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31,  MARCH
                                                             1995     31, 1996
                                                         ------------ --------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................   $ 30,417   $ 31,446
  Short-term investments................................     36,211     17,357
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful ac-
   counts of $1,600 for
   1995 and 1996........................................     30,787     22,024
  Inventories...........................................      1,063        894
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.............      3,623      6,932
  Income taxes..........................................      9,969     15,969
                                                           --------   --------
    Total current assets................................    112,070     94,622
  Property and equipment, net...........................     18,703     19,651
  Purchased software, net...............................      4,359      6,192
  Investments...........................................     52,751     57,303
  Deferred income taxes.................................      1,717      1,396
  Other assets..........................................        368      3,927
                                                           --------   --------
    Total assets........................................   $189,968   $183,091
                                                           ========   ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable......................................      9,904     12,794
  Accrued employee compensation and benefits............      4,533      3,546
  Current portion of long-term obligations..............        811        576
  Deferred revenue......................................      9,091      8,406
                                                           --------   --------
    Total current liabilities...........................     24,339     25,322
 Long-term obligations..................................        821        821
                                                           --------   --------
    Total liabilities...................................     25,160     26,143
                                                           --------   --------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000
   shares; none issued and
   outstanding..........................................        --         --
  Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000
   shares; issued and
   outstanding 26,506,729 and 26,966,222 in 1995 and
   1996, respectively...................................        265        270
  Additional paid-in capital............................     92,607     93,358
  Retained earnings.....................................     72,130     63,688
  Equity adjustments....................................       (194)      (368)
                                                           --------   --------
    Total stockholders' equity..........................    164,808    156,948
                                                           --------   --------
      Total liabilities and stockholders equity.........   $189,968   $183,091
                                                           ========   ========
</TABLE>
 


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

 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            THREE MONTHS
                                                           ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                           --------------- 
                                                            1995    1996
                                                           ------- -------
<S>                                                        <C>     <C>      
Revenue:
  Product revenue........................................  $28,661 $24,974
  Service revenue........................................    2,653   4,030
                                                           ------- -------
    Total revenue........................................   31,314  29,004
                                                           ------- -------
Cost of Revenue:
  Product cost...........................................    1,948   2,576
  Service cost...........................................    2,363   2,650
                                                           ------- -------
    Total cost of revenue................................    4,311   5,226
                                                           ------- -------
Gross Margin                                                27,003  23,778
                                                           ------- -------
Operating Expenses:
  Sales and marketing ...................................    7,083  12,494
  Product development....................................    5,560  20,773
  General and administrative.............................    2,844   4,940
                                                           ------- -------
    Total operating expenses.............................   15,487  38,207
                                                           ------- -------
Income (loss) from operations............................   11,516 (14,429)
Investment income........................................    1,043   1,029
                                                           ------- -------
Income (loss) before income taxes .......................   12,559 (13,400)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....................    4,709  (4,958)
                                                           ------- -------
Net income (loss)........................................  $ 7,850 $(8,442)
                                                           ------- -------
Net income (loss) per share (fully diluted)..............  $  0.27 $ (0.31)
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares out-
 standing (fully diluted)................................   28,721  26,939
                                                           ------- -------
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (IN THOUSANDS, UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               THREE MONTHS
                                                             ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                             -----------------
                                                              1995      1996
                                                             -------  --------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income (loss).......................................... $ 7,850  $ (8,442)
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash pro-
  vided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.............................   1,556     2,289
  Write-off of acquired in-process technology...............   1,129    11,912
  Amortization of discounts and premiums on investments.....     --         70
  Deferred income taxes ....................................    (465)      321
  Tax benefit of stock option activity......................   5,960       --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects
   from acquisition of business and product line:
    Accounts receivable.....................................  (1,608)    8,763
    Inventories.............................................    (236)      169
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets...............  (3,504)   (2,358)
    Income taxes ...........................................    (892)   (6,000)
    Other assets............................................     (87)     (354)
    Accounts payable........................................   1,735     2,890
    Accrued employee compensation and benefits..............  (1,021)     (987)
      Deferred revenue......................................     932      (685)
                                                             -------  --------
    Net cash provided by operating activities...............  11,349     7,588
                                                             -------  --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Capital expenditures.......................................  (1,547)   (3,226)
 Maturities of investments..................................   5,669    14,056
 Acquisition of business and product line...................  (2,365)  (13,681)
 Increase in notes receivable...............................     --     (4,171)
 Other investing activities.................................     --        (35)
                                                             -------  --------
      Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities..   1,757    (7,057)
                                                             -------  --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Proceeds from issuance of common stock.....................   2,247       756
 Principal payments on long-term obligations................     --       (235)
                                                             -------  --------
    Net cash provided by financing activities...............   2,247       521
                                                             -------  --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.....................     --        (23)
                                                             -------  --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents...................  15,353     1,029
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period..............  10,896    30,417
                                                             -------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.................... $26,249  $ 31,446
                                                             =======  ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
              NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
1. INTERIM FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared by FTP Software, Inc. (the "Company") in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, the accompanying
unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments,
consisting only of those of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair
presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and
cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated. While the Company
believes that the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information
not misleading, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the audited consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto
included elsewhere herein.
 
  The results of the three-month period ended March 31, 1996 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilites and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
2. ACQUISITIONS
 
  In February 1996, the Company acquired the Mariner product line of Network
Computing Devices, Inc. for a net cash purchase price of approximately $7.4
milion. In March 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of
HyperDesk Corporation, including its GroupWorks product, for a net cash
purchase price of approximately $6.3 million. These transactions were
accounted for as purchases and accordingly the Company has allocated $1.8
million primarily to completed technology, which is included in purchased
software and will be amortized over their estimated useful lives of three
years. The remaining $11.9 million was allocated to in-process technology and
charged to product development expense in the three-month period ended March
31, 1996. Results from operations include activity from the Mariner product
line and the assets of HyperDesk Corporation since the date of the respective
acquisitions in February and March 1996. Pro forma presentation for prior
periods is not reflected as the impact would be immaterial.
 
  The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired technologies to
completed technology and in-process technology based upon their respective
fair values. Completed technology that had reached technological feasiblity
was valued using a risk adjusted cash flow model under which future cash flows
were discounted, taking into account risks related to existing and future
markets and assessments for the life expectancy of the completed technology.
In-process technology that had not reached technological feasiblity and that
had no alternative future use was valued using the same method. Expected
future cash flows associated with in-process technology were discounted
considering risks and uncertainties related to the viability of and to
potential changes in the future target markets and to the completion of the
products expected to ultimately be marketed by the Company. Amounts charged to
product development expense for in-process technology were not fully
deductible in the same period for tax purposes.
 
  In April 1996, the Company acquired Campbell Services, Inc., the Southfield,
Michigan-based developer of OnTime, by merger for a net cash purchase price of
approximately $15 million.
 
3. STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY
 
  During the first quarter of 1996, the Company granted options to purchase
1,885,500 shares of its common stock at prices ranging from $11.625 to $13.625
per share.
 
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
       NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

4. RECLASSIFICATION
 
  Certain components of the statement of cash flows for the three-month period
ended March 31, 1995 have been reclassified to appropriately reflect the
acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Keyword Office Technologies
Ltd. in March 1995. These reclassifications had no impact on the net increase
in cash and cash equivalents during that period.
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Firefox Communications Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Firefox
Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31,
1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficiency) and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Firefox
Communications Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1995 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Deloitte & Touche llp
 
February 5, 1996 (May 21, 1996 as to Note 12)
San Jose, California
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Firefox Communications Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Firefox
Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31,
1994, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficiency) and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Firefox
Communications Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1994, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1994 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
 
Deloitte & Touche
 
Chartered Accountants Birmingham, England 
February 8, 1995 (May 3, 1995 as to
the  first paragraph of Note 7)
 
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ----------------
                                                               1994     1995
                                                              ------  --------
ASSETS
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................. $  191  $  6,547
  Short-term investments.....................................    --      9,774
  Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $20 in 1994 and
   $56 in 1995...............................................  3,113     6,695
  Prepaid license fees.......................................  2,247     3,079
  Prepaid expenses and other assets..........................    209     1,241
  Deferred income taxes......................................    155       314
                                                              ------  --------
    Total current assets.....................................  5,915    27,650
Property and equipment--net..................................  1,071     1,887
                                                              ------  --------
    Total assets............................................. $6,986  $ 29,537
                                                              ======  ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable........................................... $1,130  $  1,069
  Short-term borrowings......................................    442       --
  Income taxes payable.......................................    285       649
  Accrued liabilities........................................  1,518     1,497
  Deferred revenue and customer deposits.....................  1,059     2,132
  Current portion of capital lease obligations...............    249       151
  Amounts payable to related company.........................    290       --
                                                              ------  --------
    Total current liabilities................................  4,973     5,498
Capital lease obligations, less current portion..............    293       104
Redemption obligation for preference shares..................  1,385       --
                                                              ------  --------
    Total liabilities........................................  6,651     5,602
                                                              ------  --------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
  Convertible preferred stock: $.001 par value; 3,000 shares
   authorized, shares outstanding: 916 in 1994 and none in
   1995......................................................    243       --
  Common stock: $.001 par value; 27,000 shares authorized,
   shares outstanding: 4,319 in 1994 and 6,735 in 1995.......    332    23,673
  Deferred stock compensation................................    (76)      (25)
  Net unrealized gain on investments available for sale......    --          3
  Accumulated translation adjustment.........................    109        (3)
  Retained earnings (deficit)................................   (273)      287
                                                              ------  --------
    Total stockholders' equity...............................    335    23,935
                                                              ------  --------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............... $6,986  $ 29,537
                                                              ======  ========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                    1993      1994      1995
                                                  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
Net revenues:
  Licenses......................................    $5,024   $12,482   $17,665
  Service and other.............................       148     1,054     2,103
                                                  --------  --------  --------
    Total net revenues..........................     5,172    13,536    19,768
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Cost of revenues:
  Cost of licenses..............................       678     1,659     2,695
  Cost of service and other.....................       114       760       940
                                                  --------  --------  --------
    Total cost of revenues......................       792     2,419     3,635
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Gross margin....................................     4,380    11,117    16,133
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Operating expenses:
  Research and development......................       948     1,428     2,534
  Sales and marketing...........................     2,579     6,397    10,270
  General and administrative....................     1,094     2,093     2,933
                                                  --------  --------  --------
    Total operating expenses....................     4,621     9,918    15,737
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Income (loss) from operations...................      (241)    1,199       396
Interest income.................................       --          6       656
Interest expense................................       (91)     (148)      (88)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Income (loss) before income taxes...............      (332)    1,057       964
Provision (credit) for income taxes.............      (123)      441       446
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net income (loss)...............................      (209)      616       518
Accretion for preference shares.................       (16)     (197)      (64)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Income (loss) attributable to common stock 
 (Note 1).......................................  $   (225) $    419  $    454
                                                  ========  ========  ========
Net income (loss) per share (Note 1)............  $  (0.05) $   0.08  $   0.07
                                                  ========  ========  ========
Shares used in per share computation............     4,569     5,486     6,398
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             SERIES A
                          PREFERRED STOCK       COMMON STOCK
                          ------------------   --------------
                                                                                NET
                                                                            UNREALIZED
                                                                              GAIN ON                             TOTAL
                                                                 DEFERRED   INVESTMENTS ACCUMULATED RETAINED  STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                                  STOCK      AVAILABLE  TRANSLATION EARNINGS     EQUITY
                          SHARES    AMOUNT     SHARES AMOUNT   COMPENSATION  FOR SALE    ADJUSTMENT (DEFICIT) (DEFICIENCY)
                          -------   --------   ------ -------  ------------ ----------- ----------- --------- -------------
<S>                       <C>       <C>        <C>    <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
Balances, January 1,
 1993...................       --   $    --    4,000  $    39     $ --         $ --        $ 79       $(467)     $  (349)
Issuance of preferred
 stock (net of
 issuance costs of
 $127)..................       916       243     --       --        --           --         --          --           243
Accretion of redemption
 and dividend
 amount for redeemable
 preference shares......       --        --      --       --        --           --         --          (16)         (16)
Stock compensation
 charges................       --        --      --         4       --           --         --          --             4
Accumulated translation
 adjustment.............       --        --      --       --        --           --          62         --            62
Net loss................       --        --      --       --        --           --         --         (209)        (209)
                           -------  --------   -----  -------     -----        -----       ----       -----      -------
Balances, December 31,
 1993...................       916       243   4,000       43       --           --         141        (692)        (265)
Issuance of ordinary
 shares (including
 stock compensation
 expense of $195).......       --        --      319      197       --           --         --          --           197
Deferred stock
 compensation from
 option grants..........       --        --      --        92       (92)         --         --          --           --
Amortization of deferred
 stock
 compensation...........       --        --      --       --         16          --         --          --            16
Accretion of redemption
 and dividend
 amount for redeemable
 preference shares......                                                                               (197)        (197)
Accumulated translation
 adjustment.............       --        --      --       --        --           --         (32)        --           (32)
Net income..............       --        --      --       --        --           --         --          616          616
                           -------  --------   -----  -------     -----        -----       ----       -----      -------
Balances, December 31,
 1994...................       916       243   4,319      332       (76)         --         109        (273)         335
Initial public offering,
 net of
 issuance costs of
 $1,986.................       --        --    1,500   23,124       --           --         --          --        23,124
Conversion of Series A
 preferred stock........      (916)     (243)    916      243       --           --         --          --           --
Cancellation of stock
 options................       --        --      --       (26)       19          --         --          --            (7)
Amortization of deferred
 stock
 compensation...........       --        --      --       --         32          --         --          --            32
Accretion of redemption
 and dividend
 amount for redeemable
 preference shares......       --        --      --       --        --           --         --          (64)         (64)
Excess accretion on
 redeemable
 preference shares at
 time of redemption.....       --        --      --       --        --           --         --          106          106
Net unrealized gain on
 investments available
 for sale...............       --        --      --       --        --             3        --          --             3
Accumulated translation
 adjustment.............       --        --      --       --        --           --        (112)        --          (112)
Net income..............       --        --      --       --        --           --         --          518          518
                           -------  --------   -----  -------     -----        -----       ----       -----      -------
Balances, December 31,
 1995...................       --   $    --    6,735  $23,673     $ (25)       $   3       $ (3)      $ 287      $23,935
                           =======  ========   =====  =======     =====        =====       ====       =====      =======
 
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                   1993      1994      1995
                                                  -------- --------  ---------
<S>                                               <C>      <C>       <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income (loss)............................... $  (209) $    616  $     518
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
  net cash provided by (used in) operating
  activities:
 Depreciation and amortization...................     181       319        495
 Deferred income taxes...........................    (125)       79       (159)
 Stock compensation expense......................       4       211         25
 License revenue in exchange for prepaid license
  fees...........................................     --       (150)       --
 Changes in assets and liabilities:
 Accounts receivable.............................    (601)   (1,962)    (3,582)
 Prepaid license fees............................    (516)   (1,552)      (832)
 Prepaid expenses and other assets...............    (119)       15     (1,032)
 Accounts payable................................     338       523        (61)
 Income taxes payable............................       3       282        364
 Accrued liabilities.............................     596       427        (21)
 Deferred revenue and customer deposits..........     276       710      1,073
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
   Net cash used in operating activities.........    (172)     (482)    (3,212)
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property and equipment.............    (205)     (461)    (1,505)
 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment....     --         24        231
 Purchases of investments........................     --        --     (14,063)
 Proceeds from maturities of investments.........     --        --       2,845
 Proceeds from sale of investments...............     --        --       1,447
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
   Net cash used in investing activities.........    (205)     (437)   (11,045)
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Bank borrowings, net............................     (41)      302       (442)
 Proceeds from capital leases of existing
  equipment......................................     --        123        --
 Payments of capital lease obligations...........     (77)     (231)      (303)
 Receipts from related party loans...............      89       --         --
 Repayment of related party loans................     (41)      (69)      (290)
 Proceeds from sale of preference shares.........   1,110       --         --
 Redemption of preference shares.................     --        --      (1,343)
 Proceeds from sale of common and preferred
  stock, net.....................................     243         2     23,124
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
   Net cash provided by financing activities.....   1,283       127     20,746
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..........      54        23       (133)
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents.....................................     960      (769)     6,356
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 period..........................................     --        960        191
                                                  -------  --------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period....... $   960  $    191  $   6,547
                                                  =======  ========  =========
Noncash investing and financing activities:
 Property and equipment acquired under capital
  leases......................................... $   256  $    364  $      37
 Net unrealized gain on investments available for
  sale........................................... $   --   $    --   $      (3)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
 information--
 Cash paid during the period:
 Interest........................................ $    73  $    148  $      88
 Income taxes.................................... $   --   $     90  $     287
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, AND 1995
 
1.ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Organization--Firefox Communications Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in
  Delaware in February 1995 (see Note 7). The Company develops, markets and
  supports server-based internetworking software. The Company markets its
  products through its direct sales force, which is focused on organizations
  with large enterprise networks, as well as through selected distributors,
  systems integrators and value-added resellers, located in the United
  States, Europe and the Far East.
 
  Principles of Consolidation--The consolidated financial statements include
  the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All
  significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
  Currency--The functional currency for the Company's foreign operations is
  the local currency. The translation from the functional currency to the
  U.S. dollar is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange
  rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense
  accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The
  gains and losses resulting from such translation are included as a separate
  component in stockholders' equity.
 
  Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included
  in income and have not been significant to date.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents--All highly liquid debt investments with a
  remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are
  classified as cash equivalents.
 
  Short-Term Investments--The Company has classified its investments as
  "securities available-for-sale." The investments are measured at market
  value with a corresponding recognition of the net unrealized holding gains
  and losses, net of taxes, as a separate component of stockholders' equity
  until realized.
 
  Any gains and losses on sales of investments are computed on a specific
  identification basis.
 
  Prepaid License Fees--The Company licenses software from certain vendors
  and relicenses such software to customers in conjunction with licenses of
  the Company's own products. Payments for licenses which have not been
  relicensed are included in prepaid license fees and are amortized on a
  specific identification basis.
 
  Property and Equipment--Property and equipment are stated at cost less
  accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line
  method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are
  generally three to five years. Assets acquired under capital leases are
  amortized over their useful life or the lease term, as appropriate.
 
  Revenue Recognition--Revenue consists primarily of fees for licenses of the
  Company's software products, maintenance and customer support and
  consulting contracts.
 
   License Revenue--Revenue from software licenses is generally recognized
   upon product shipment. For those agreements which provide the customer
   the right to multiple copies in exchange for a non-refundable fixed fee,
   revenue is recognized at delivery of the product master or first copy. In
   either case, revenue is recognized only when no significant vendor or
   post-contract support obligations remain and when collection of the
   resulting receivable is deemed probable. Revenue is deferred for
   estimated future returns, including stock balancing arrangements. Costs
   related to insignificant vendor or post-contract support obligations are
   not material and are accrued upon recognition of the license revenue.
 
                                     F-31
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
   Service and Other Revenue--Revenue from support contracts is deferred and
   recognized ratably over the term of the agreement, which is typically one
   year. Other revenue primarily consists of revenue from consulting
   contracts. Such revenue is generally recognized using the percentage of
   completion method.
 
  Software Development Costs--Costs for the development of new software
  products and substantial enhancements to existing software products are
  expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established,
  at which time any additional costs would be capitalized in accordance with
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, "Accounting for the
  Costs of Computer Software To Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed." To
  date, the Company has essentially completed its software development
  concurrently with the establishment of technological feasibility, and,
  accordingly, no costs have been capitalized to date.
 
  Income Taxes--Income taxes are provided under the provisions of Statement
  of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
  This statement requires an asset and liability approach to account for
  income taxes and requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and
  assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences
  between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of
  assets and liabilities and net operating losses and tax credit
  carryforwards.
 
  Net Income (Loss) Per Share--Net income (loss) per share is computed using
  the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent
  shares outstanding during the periods. Common equivalent shares include
  convertible preferred stock and common stock options; such common
  equivalent shares have been excluded from the per share calculation in loss
  periods as they would be anti-dilutive. All common shares issued and stock
  options granted by the Company between March 17, 1994 and May 11, 1995 at a
  price less than the initial public offering price have been included in the
  computation of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for all
  periods prior to the initial public offering (see Note 7).
 
  For the purposes of the net income (loss) per share computation, net income
  has been reduced (net loss has been increased) by the amount of the
  periodic accretion of redemption and dividend amounts for redeemable
  preference shares (see Note 6). Upon the completion of the Company's
  initial public stock offering, the preference shares were redeemed.
 
  Certain Significant Risks and Uncertainties--The preparation of financial
  statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
  requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
  reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
  assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
  reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such
  management estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts
  receivable, the recoverability of prepaid license fees and future product
  returns. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
  concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents,
  investments and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents consist primarily of
  money market funds and commercial debt securities and are held primarily
  with two financial institutions. The Company places its investments for
  safekeeping with a credit-worthy financial institution. The Company sells
  its products primarily to organizations in diversified industries in North
  America, Europe, and the Far East, and generally does not require its
  customers to provide collateral or other security to support accounts
  receivable. While the Company maintains allowances for potential bad debt
  losses, such losses to date have not been material.
 
                                     F-32
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
  The Company participates in a very dynamic high technology industry and
  believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material
  adverse effect on the Company's future financial position or results of
  operations; changes in the overall demand for connectivity products;
  changes in the technology underlying the connectivity market; increased
  competition; litigation against the Company based on securities,
  intellectual property or other claims; risks associated with international
  operations; and the Company's ability to implement and improve its
  operational and financial systems and attract and retain employees
  necessary to support its growth.
 
  Stock Compensation--Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
  "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," is effective for fiscal years
  beginning after December 15, 1995. The Company will adopt this statement on
  January 1, 1996 and will elect to continue applying APB Opinion No. 25 to
  account for its stock-based employee compensation arrangements. Based on
  the Company's current use of equity instruments, adoption of the new
  standard will not affect reported earnings, financial position or cash
  flows.
 
2.SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
  The amortized cost and estimated market value of investments at December
  31, 1995 are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 GROSS      GROSS    ESTIMATED
                                     AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED  MARKET
                                       COST      GAINS      LOSSES     VALUE
                                     --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
   <S>                               <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
   Equity securities................  $1,300     $ --       $ --      $1,300
   Corporate bonds and commercial
    paper...........................   7,469         6         (3)     7,472
   U.S. agency security.............   1,002       --         --       1,002
                                      ------     -----      -----     ------
                                      $9,771     $   6      $  (3)    $9,774
                                      ======     =====      =====     ======
</TABLE>
 
  The contractual maturity of debt securities at December 31, 1995 are as
  follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      ESTIMATED
                                                            AMORTIZED  MARKET
                                                              COST      VALUE
                                                            --------- ---------
   <S>                                                      <C>       <C>
   Within one year.........................................  $6,973    $6,978
   One year to five years..................................   1,498     1,496
                                                             ------    ------
   Total...................................................  $8,471    $8,474
                                                             ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
  During 1995, sales of investments did not result in significant gross
  realized gains or losses.
 
                                     F-33
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
3.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Property and equipment at December 31 consists of (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------
                                                                  1994    1995
                                                                 ------  ------
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   Computers and equipment...................................... $  824  $1,721
   Motor vehicles...............................................    721     686
   Furniture and fixtures.......................................    212     318
                                                                 ------  ------
                                                                  1,757   2,725
   Less accumulated depreciation and amortization...............   (686)   (838)
                                                                 ------  ------
   Property and equipment--net.................................. $1,071  $1,887
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1994 and 1995, property and equipment included assets
  leased under capital lease obligations of $655,000 and $246,000 (net of
  accumulated amortization of $191,000 and $175,000), respectively.
 
4.ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
  Accrued liabilities at December 31 consist of (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1994   1995
                                                                  ------ ------
   <S>                                                            <C>    <C>
   Salaries and related benefits................................. $  512 $  448
   Other accrued liabilities.....................................  1,006  1,049
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  $1,518 $1,497
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
5.AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO RELATED COMPANY
 
  At December 31, 1994, the Company had a loan of $290,000 from Speakeasy
  Limited, a company owned by two significant stockholders and officers of
  the Company. The loan was interest free and was repaid in 1995.
 
6.REDEMPTION OBLIGATION FOR PREFERENCE SHARES
 
  In November 1993, 750,000 redeemable preference shares of Firefox
  Communications Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation and wholly-owned
  subsidiary of the Company, were issued for $1,110,000. In connection with
  the Company's initial public offering in May 1995, the Company redeemed the
  preference shares for $1,343,000, which was $106,000 less than the amount
  recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at that time. This excess
  accretion has been reflected as an increase to retained earnings in the
  consolidated statement of stockholders' equity.
 
7.STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  On May 3, 1995, the Company was reincorporated in Delaware, such that two
  shares of the successor Delaware corporation's common stock were exchanged
  for each share of the predecessor United Kingdom corporation's related
  ordinary share and 0.97 shares of the Delaware corporation's Series A
  preferred stock were exchanged for each A Ordinary share, and the Company's
  name was changed to Firefox Communications Inc. All common stock data in
  the accompanying financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to
  reflect these exchanges, as well as previous stock splits.
 
                                     F-34
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
  Initial public offering
 
  In May 1995, the Company completed its initial public offering and issued
  1,500,000 shares of common stock to the public at a price of $18.00 per
  share. As a result of this offering, the Company received $23,124,000, net
  of underwriting discounts, commissions, offering costs and expenses payable
  by the Company. Simultaneously, all outstanding preferred shares were
  automatically converted into an equal number of shares of common stock.
 
  Convertible Preferred Stock
 
  The Company has authorized 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock. At December
  31, 1995, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.
 
  Stock Option Plans
 
  Prior to the Company's 1995 reincorporation and initial public offering,
  the Company granted options to employees under the 1994 Share Option Plan.
  Options under this plan generally vest after three years and must be
  exercised no later than seven years from date of grant. The Board has
  determined that no additional options will be granted under this Plan.
 
  During 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Stock Option Plan and reserved a
  total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under this plan.
  Under this plan, the Board of Directors may grant to employees, consultants
  and directors options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock. The
  exercise price for an incentive stock option and a nonqualified stock
  option cannot be less than 100% and 85%, respectively, of the fair market
  value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. Options granted
  under this plan generally vest over four years and must be exercised no
  later than ten years from date of grant.
 
  Also during 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Outside Directors Stock
  Option Plan (the "Directors Plan") and reserved 100,000 shares of common
  stock for issuance under this plan. The Directors Plan provides for the
  automatic grant of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors of
  the Company. Under the Directors Plan, certain outside directors at the
  time of the initial public offering received, and each new outside director
  will receive, an option to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company's common
  stock. Each year thereafter, the outside director will receive an option to
  purchase 6,667 shares of common stock. The exercise price of the Director
  options is the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date
  of grant and such options vest over three years and must be exercised no
  later than ten years from date of grant.
 
  Option activity under all of the Company's Plans is summarized as follows
  (shares in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
                                                         ----------------------
                                                         NUMBER OF  PRICE PER
                                                          SHARES      SHARE
                                                         --------- ------------
   <S>                                                   <C>       <C>
   Balances, January 1, 1994............................    --     $      --
     Granted............................................    190          0.16
                                                           ----    ------------
   Balances, December 31, 1994..........................    190          0.16
     Granted............................................    333     6.58- 23.00
     Cancelled..........................................   (119)    0.16-  8.31
                                                           ----    ------------
   Balances, December 31, 1995..........................    404    $0.16-$23.00
                                                           ====    ============
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
  
  At December 31, 1995, 869,000 shares and 80,000 shares were available for
  future grant under the 1995 Stock Option Plan and Outside Directors Option
  Plan, respectively. At December 31, 1995, no options were exercisable.
 
  Employee Stock Transactions and Deferred Stock Compensation
 
  During 1993, the Company entered into agreements to sell 266,000 shares of
  common stock to three employees for a total of $1,000. Such shares were
  issued in 1994. An additional 53,000 shares of common stock were sold to
  employees in September 1994 for a total of $1,000 and, in December 1994, a
  significant shareholder sold 22,000 shares of common stock to a director of
  the Company for $47,000.
 
  In connection with the above mentioned sales of stock to employees and with
  the 1994 stock option grants, the Company recorded original stock
  compensation of $291,000 for the difference between the deemed fair value
  for accounting purposes and the issuance price or option price. Of such
  amounts, $199,000 related to fully vested shares hence it was expensed
  prior to December 31, 1994 and $92,000 was deferred and is being amortized
  over the three year vesting term of the options; such deferred compensation
  is presented as a reduction of stockholders' equity.
 
8.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
  In 1995, the Company established a Group Pension Plan, under which
  employees in the United Kingdom may elect to have a portion of their annual
  compensation deferred and contributed to the plan. Participants vest
  immediately in their contributions. The Company is required to contribute
  6% of employee's annual base compensation. During 1995, the Company
  contributed $50,000 to the plan.
 
9.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Leases
 
  The Company leases equipment under capital leases and also leases
  facilities, vehicles and equipment under noncancellable operating lease
  agreements which expire through 2000.
 
  Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 was
  approximately $125,000, $174,000 and $865,000, respectively.
 
  Future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 1995 are as follows (in
  thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               CAPITAL OPERATING
   YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,                                    LEASES   LEASES
   ------------------------                                    ------- ---------
   <S>                                                         <C>     <C>
     1996.....................................................  $ 159    $ 880
     1997.....................................................    107      601
     1998.....................................................     30      435
     1999.....................................................    --       293
     2000.....................................................    --       217
                                                                -----   ------
   Total minimum lease payments...............................    296   $2,426
                                                                        ======
   Less amounts representing interest.........................    (41)
                                                                -----
   Present value of minimum lease payments....................    255
   Less current portion.......................................   (151)
                                                                -----
   Capital lease obligations..................................  $ 104
                                                                =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-36
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
  Contingencies
 
  The Company is involved in litigation in the normal course of business. In
  the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters will
  not have a material effect on the Company, the Company's financial position
  or results of operations. In addition to these matters, the Company is a
  defendant in a class action lawsuit; see Note 12 for further discussion
  regarding this litigation.
 
10.INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision (credit) for income taxes for the three years in the period
  ended December 31 consists of (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -------------------
                                                            1993   1994   1995
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   <S>                                                      <C>    <C>    <C>
   Current:
     United States......................................... $ --   $ --   $ 255
     Foreign...............................................     2    371    350
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   Total current...........................................     2    371    605
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   Deferred:
     United States.........................................  (103)   (16)  (139)
     Foreign...............................................   (22)    86    (20)
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   Total deferred..........................................  (125)    70   (159)
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   Total provision (credit) for income taxes............... $(123)  $441  $ 446
                                                            =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
  Total income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amounts computed by
  applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) before
  income taxes as a result of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                              1993   1994  1995
                                                              -----  ----  ----
   <S>                                                        <C>    <C>   <C>
   Tax (benefit) at statutory rates.......................... $(116) $370  $318
   State tax, net of federal benefit.........................    (8)  --    (65)
   Nondeductible stock compensation expense..................     1    74    22
   Foreign exchange loss.....................................   --    --     57
   Permanent and other differences, net......................   --     (3)  114
                                                              -----  ----  ----
   Total provision (credit) for income taxes................. $(123) $441  $446
                                                              =====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
  The components of deferred tax assets at December 31 consist of (in
  thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1994   1995
                                                                  ------ ------
   <S>                                                            <C>    <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Timing differences arising from:
     Nondeductible accruals and reserves.........................   $132   $341
     Depreciation................................................     23    (27)
                                                                  ------ ------
   Net deferred tax asset........................................   $155   $314
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
  Income (loss) before taxes attributable to foreign subsidiaries was
  $(8,000), $1,095,000 and $925,000 in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                     F-37
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
11.GEOGRAPHICAL AREA INFORMATION AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
  The Company operates in a single industry segment: the development,
  marketing, and support of internetworking communications software. The
  Company's foreign operations consist primarily of development, sales and
  marketing and support conducted through its European subsidiaries.
 
  Revenues, operating income (loss) and identifiable assets, classified by
  the major geographical areas in which the Company operates, are as follows
  (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1993    1994     1995
                                                     ------  -------  -------
   <S>                                               <C>     <C>      <C>
   Revenues from unaffiliated customers:
     United States.................................. $  921  $ 5,499  $ 8,815
     Europe.........................................  4,251    8,037   10,953
                                                     ------  -------  -------
   Total............................................ $5,172  $13,536  $19,768
                                                     ======  =======  =======
   Transfers between geographical areas (eliminated
    in consolidation):
     From Europe to United States................... $  133  $ 2,358  $ 2,639
                                                     ------  -------  -------
   Operating income (loss):
     United States.................................. $ (324) $    58  $  (662)
     Europe.........................................     83    1,141    1,058
                                                     ------  -------  -------
   Total............................................ $ (241) $ 1,199  $   396
                                                     ======  =======  =======
   Identifiable assets:
     United States.................................. $  593  $ 5,213  $28,632
     Europe.........................................  3,432    5,395    8,403
     Eliminations...................................   (483)  (3,622)  (7,498)
                                                     ------  -------  -------
   Total............................................ $3,542  $ 6,986  $29,537
                                                     ======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  In 1993, one customer accounted for 17% of total net revenues. Another
  customer accounted for 21% of total net revenues in 1994. No customer
  accounted for greater than 10% of net revenues in 1995. Export sales from
  the United Kingdom represented 14%, 19% and 16% of total net revenues in
  1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. In particular, sales to the Pacific Rim
  represented 13% of total net revenues in 1994. (During 1993 and 1995, no
  single geographic export market accounted for more than 10% of total
  revenues.) Export sales from the United States were not significant in any
  period presented. The Company's transfers between geographic areas are
  accounted for on a basis intended to approximate arm's-length prices as
  negotiated by unrelated entities.
 
12.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On January 17, 1996, as amended through May 21, 1996, the Company entered
  into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with FTP Software, Inc. (FTP) whereby
  all of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock and options to
  purchase common stock would be acquired by FTP for $10,000,000 in cash plus
  shares, or options to acquire shares, of approximately $50,000,000 of FTP
  stock (based upon FTP's average closing price, as defined). In the event
  that FTP's average share price, is less than $8 per share or greater than
  $12 per share, the number of FTP shares exchanged will be 6,250,000 and
  4,166,666 shares, respectively. If the mean of the high and low sales
  prices of one share of the FTP Common Stock at the effective time of the
 
                                     F-38
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONCLUDED)
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
  
  merger (the "Effective Time Closing Price") is less than $7 per share, each
  outstanding share of the Company's common stock will be entitled to receive
  that additional number of shares of the FTP Common Stock equal to (a) the
  amount obtained by dividing the difference between $7 and the Effective
  Time Closing Price by $7, multiplied by (b) $10,000,000 divided by the
  number of outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, divided by (c)
  the Effective Time Closing Price (such number of additional shares of the
  FTP Common Stock being referred to as the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and
  the cash payment applicable to each outstanding share of the Company's
  common stock shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of the
  Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by the Effective Time Closing Price. The
  consummation of the proposed merger is subject to obtaining shareholder
  approval and certain other conditions. Accordingly, there can be no
  assurance that the merger will be completed.
 
  On February 23, 1996, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States
  District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco
  Division, naming the Company and certain of its officers and directors as
  defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants misrepresented or
  failed to disclose material facts about the Company's operations and
  financial results, which the plaintiffs contend resulted in an artificial
  inflation of the price of the Company's stock. The suit is purportedly
  brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Company's stock during
  the period from August 3, 1995 to January 2, 1996. The complaint alleges
  claims for violation of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange
  Act of 1934. The Company has reviewed the allegations in the lawsuit,
  believes them to be without merit, and intends to defend itself vigorously.
  Nevertheless, due to the fact that this litigation is in its initial
  stages, the ultimate outcome and possible loss, if any, cannot be
  reasonably estimated at this time.
 
                                     F-39
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31,  MARCH 31,
                                                           1995        1996
                                                       ------------ -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................   $ 6,547      $ 6,519
  Short-term investments..............................     9,774        9,021
  Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $105 and
   $56)...............................................     6,695        5,654
  Prepaid license fees................................     3,079        3,015
  Prepaid income taxes................................       --           492
  Prepaid expenses and other assets...................     1,241        1,468
  Deferred income taxes...............................       314          208
                                                         -------      -------
    Total current assets..............................    27,650       26,377
Property and equipment--net...........................     1,887        1,679
                                                         -------      -------
    Total assets......................................   $29,537      $28,056
                                                         =======      =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable....................................   $ 1,069      $ 1,209
  Income taxes payable................................       649          --
  Accrued liabilities.................................     1,497        1,604
  Deferred revenue and customer deposits..............     2,132        2,194
  Current portion of capital lease obligations........       151          137
                                                         -------      -------
    Total current liabilities.........................     5,498        5,144
Capital lease obligations, less current portion.......       104           62
                                                         -------      -------
    Total liabilities.................................     5,602        5,206
                                                         -------      -------
Stockholders equity:
  Common stock........................................    23,673       23,673
  Deferred stock compensation.........................       (25)         (17)
  Net unrealized gain (loss) on short-term invest-
   ments..............................................         3           (6)
  Accumulated translation adjustment..................        (3)         (46)
  Retained earnings (deficit).........................       287         (754)
                                                         -------      -------
    Total stockholders' equity........................    23,935       22,850
                                                         -------      -------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........   $29,537      $28,056
                                                         =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   UNAUDITED
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                THREE MONTHS
                                                                   ENDED
                                                                 MARCH 31,
                                                               ---------------
                                                                1995    1996
                                                               ------  -------
<S>                                                            <C>     <C>
Net revenues:
  Licenses.................................................... $4,409  $ 3,538
  Services and other..........................................    313      645
                                                               ------  -------
    Total net revenues........................................  4,722    4,183
                                                               ------  -------
Cost of revenues:
  Licenses....................................................    663      651
  Services and other..........................................    191      322
                                                               ------  -------
    Total cost of revenues....................................    854      973
                                                               ------  -------
Gross margin..................................................  3,868    3,210
                                                               ------  -------
Operating expenses:
  Research and development....................................    558      917
  Sales and marketing.........................................  2,148    3,069
  General and administrative..................................    651    1,176
                                                               ------  -------
    Total operating expenses..................................  3,357    5,162
                                                               ------  -------
Income (loss) from operations.................................    511   (1,952)
Interest income (expense), net................................    (46)     213
                                                               ------  -------
Income (loss) before income taxes.............................    465   (1,739)
Provision (credit) for income taxes...........................    186     (697)
                                                               ------  -------
Net income (loss).............................................    279   (1,042)
Accretion for preference shares...............................    (45)     --
                                                               ------  -------
Income (loss) attributable to common stock.................... $  234  $(1,042)
                                                               ======  =======
Net income (loss) per share................................... $ 0.04  $ (0.15)
                                                               ======  =======
Shares used in per share computation..........................  5,486    6,735
                                                               ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   UNAUDITED
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                THREE MONTHS
                                                                    ENDED
                                                                  MARCH 31,
                                                                --------------
                                                                1995    1996
                                                                -----  -------
<S>                                                             <C>    <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income (loss)............................................. $ 279  $(1,042)
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash pro-
  vided by (used in)
  operating activites:
 Depreciation and amortization.................................   107      135
 Deferred income taxes.........................................   (13)     106
 Stock compensation expense....................................     1        8
 Changes in assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable..........................................    85    1,041
  Prepaid license fees.........................................  (333)      64
  Prepaid expenses and other assets............................  (252)    (265)
  Accounts payable.............................................  (334)     140
  Prepaid income taxes/taxes payable...........................   206   (1,141)
  Accrued liabilities..........................................   190      107
  Deferred revenue and customer deposits.......................    79       62
                                                                -----  -------
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities........    15     (785)
                                                                -----  -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property and equipment, net......................  (126)      (7)
 Loss on disposal of assets....................................   --        34
 Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term investments...   --     3,298
 Purchases of short-term investments...........................   --    (2,554)
                                                                -----  -------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities........  (126)     771
                                                                -----  -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Bank borrowings, net..........................................   324      --
 Principal payments under capital lease obligations............   (46)     (52)
                                                                -----  -------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities........   278      (52)
                                                                -----  -------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash........................    12       38
                                                                -----  -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...........   179      (28)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.................   191    6,547
                                                                -----  -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period....................... $ 370  $ 6,519
                                                                =====  =======
Noncash investing and financing activities:
 Property and equipment acquired under capital leases.......... $  52  $   --
 Net unrealized loss on investments available for sale......... $ --   $    (6)
 Accrued deferred offering costs............................... $(547) $   --
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 Cash paid during the period--
  Interest..................................................... $  31  $     8
  Income taxes................................................. $   3  $   250
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>
 
                            FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS
 
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein have been
prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not contain all of
the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management,
the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary
for a fair presentation of the Company's financial condition at March 31, 1996
and for the three month periods ended March 31, 1995 and 1996. These financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements
of the Company and notes related thereto included elsewhere herein. The
interim results presented herein are not necessarily representative of the
results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 1996 or for any
future period.
 
2. ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS
 
  The Company has classified its investments as securities available-for-sale.
Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value, with
unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity until realized.
 
  As of March 31, 1996, the Company had short-term investments of $9.0 million
which consisted primarily of highly liquid corporate bonds and commercial
paper purchased with a maturity date of less than one year. The net unrealized
holding losses totaled $6,000 which has been recorded as a separate component
of stockholders' equity.
 
3. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
  Net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the periods.
Common equivalent shares include convertible preferred stock and common stock
options; such common equivalent shares are excluded from the per share
calculation in loss periods as they would be anti-dilutive. All common shares
issued and stock options granted by the Company at a price less than the
initial public offering (IPO) price subsequent to March 17, 1994 and prior to
the IPO (using the treasury stock method for outstanding options) have been
included in the computation of common and common equivalent shares outstanding
for all periods prior to the IPO (May, 1995).
 
4. PROPOSED MERGER WITH FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
  On January 17, 1996, as amended through May 21, 1996, the Company entered
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with FTP Software, Inc. (FTP) whereby all
of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock and options to purchase
common stock would be acquired by FTP for $10,000,000 in cash plus shares, or
options to acquire shares, of approximately $50,000,000 of FTP stock (based
upon FTP's average closing price, as defined). In the event that FTP's average
share price, is less than $8 per share or greater than $12 per share, the
number of FTP shares exchanged will be 6,250,000 and 4,166,666 shares,
respectively. If the mean of the high and low sales prices of one share of the
FTP Common Stock at the effective time of the merger (the "Effective Time
Closing Price") is less than $7 per share, each outstanding share of the
Company's common stock will be entitled to receive that additional number of
shares of the FTP Common Stock equal to (a) the amount obtained by dividing
the difference between $7 and the Effective Time Closing Price by $7,
multiplied by (b) $10,000,000 divided by the number of outstanding shares of
the Company's common stock, divided by (c) the Effective Time Closing Price
(such number of additional shares of the FTP Common Stock being referred to as
the "Share Adjustment Factor"), and the cash payment applicable to each
outstanding share of the Company's common stock shall be reduced by an amount
equal to the product of the Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by the
Effective Time Closing Price. The consummation of the proposed merger is
subject to obtaining shareholder approval and certain other conditions.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the merger will be completed.
 
 
                                     F-43
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
                                  BY AND AMONG
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                           FIREFOX ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                      and
 
                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                          DATED AS OF JANUARY 17, 1996
 
                           AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF
 
                                  MAY 21, 1996
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
  This Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 21,
1996 amends and restates the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January
17, 1996 (as so amended and restated, this "AGREEMENT"), among FTP Software,
Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("PARENT"), Firefox Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("MERGER SUB"),
and Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its
predecessor, the "COMPANY").
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
  WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have
each determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of their
respective stockholders for Parent to enter into a business combination with
the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
 
  WHEREAS, in furtherance of such combination, the Boards of Directors of
Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have each approved the merger (the
"MERGER") of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"),
and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
 
  WHEREAS, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company intend, by approving resolutions
authorizing this Agreement, to adopt this Agreement as a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder; and
 
  WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share (a "SHARE") of the
Company's common stock, $.001 par value (the "COMPANY COMMON STOCK"), shall be
converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration (as defined in
Section 1.7(b)), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein; and
 
  WHEREAS, the parties hereto having executed the original Agreement and Plan
of Merger as of January 17, 1996 and having amended and restated the original
Agreement on March 16 and March 25, 1996 in order to make certain changes
herein, have, subsequent to the date of such first and second amendment and
restatement, agreed to make certain additional changes herein;
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby,
Parent, Merger Sub and the Company amend and restate the original form of the
aforesaid Agreement and Plan of Merger as set forth herein (all references
herein to "the date hereof" or "the date of this Agreement" or similar
references being deemed to refer to January 17, 1996 unless otherwise
indicated) and hereby agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                                  THE MERGER
 
  SECTION 1.1 The Merger.
 
  (a) Effective Time. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2), and
subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the DGCL,
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, the separate corporate
existence of Merger Sub shall cease, and the Company shall continue as the
surviving corporation. The Company as the surviving corporation after the
Merger is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "SURVIVING CORPORATION."
 
  (b) Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated and the
transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to Section
7.1 and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
forth in Article VI, the consummation of the Merger will take place as
promptly as practicable (and in any event within two business days) after
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, at the
offices of Ropes & Gray, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts,
unless another date, time or place is agreed to in writing by the parties
hereto.
 
  SECTION 1.2 Effective Time. As promptly as practicable after the
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, the parties
hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of
merger as contemplated by the DGCL (the "CERTIFICATE OF MERGER"), together
with any required related certificates, with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware, in such form as required by, and executed in accordance
with the relevant provisions of, the DGCL (the time of such filing being the
"EFFECTIVE TIME").
 
  SECTION 1.3 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the
Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and
the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time all the property,
rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall
vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of
the Company and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of
the Surviving Corporation.
 
  SECTION 1.4 Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws.
 
  (a) Certificate of Incorporation. Unless otherwise determined by Parent
prior to the Effective Time, at the Effective Time the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation
until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL and such Certificate of
Incorporation.
 
  (b) By-Laws. Unless otherwise determined by Parent prior to the Effective
Time, the By-Laws of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, shall be the By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL, the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and such By-Laws; provided,
however, that the Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation shall
consist of the same number of directors as the number of directors of Merger
Sub at the Effective Time.
 
  SECTION 1.5 Directors and Officers. The directors of Merger Sub immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial directors of the Surviving
Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of
Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
officers of the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
 
  SECTION 1.6 Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company
or the holders of any of the following securities:
 
  (a) Conversion of Securities. Each Share issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (excluding any Shares to be canceled pursuant to
Section 1.6(b) (the "OUTSTANDING FIREFOX SHARES") and excluding Shares owned
by holders who have properly exercised their rights of appraisal within the
meaning of Section 262 of the DGCL ("DISSENTING SHARES")), shall be converted
into the right to receive the following: (i) that number of validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable shares ("PARENT SHARES") of the Common Stock,
$.01 par value, of Parent ("PARENT COMMON STOCK") which equals the amount
obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding
Firefox Shares by (y) the Closing Market Price (the "EXCHANGE RATIO"), subject
to Section 1.6(f); and (ii) cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided by the
number of Outstanding Firefox Shares (the "CASH PAYMENT"); provided, however,
that (i) in the event that the Closing Market Price of one share of Parent
Common Stock is greater than $12.00, then the Closing Market Price shall be
deemed to be $12.00, and (ii) in the event that the Closing Market Price of
one share of Parent Common Stock is less than $8.00, then the Closing Market
Price shall be deemed to be $8.00; provided, further, however,
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
that in the event the mean of the high and low sales price of one share of
Parent Common Stock as quoted on Nasdaq on the day of the Effective Time (or
if the Effective Date is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately
preceding the Effective Time) (the "EFFECTIVE TIME CLOSING PRICE") is less
than $7.00 per share, each such Share shall be entitled to receive that number
of additional shares of Parent Common Stock equal to (i) the amount obtained
by dividing (A) the difference between $7.00 and the Effective Time Closing
Price by (B) $7.00, multiplied by (ii) (A) $10,000,000 divided by (B) the
number of Outstanding Firefox Shares, divided by (iii) the Effective Time
Closing Price (such number of additional shares of Parent Common Stock being
referred to as the "SHARE ADJUSTMENT FACTOR"), and the Cash Payment applicable
to each Outstanding Firefox Share shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
product of (i) the Share Adjustment Factor multiplied by (ii) the Effective
Time Closing Price.
 
  "CLOSING MARKET PRICE" of a share of Parent Common Stock shall mean the
average closing price of the Parent Common Stock as quoted on Nasdaq for the
10 trading days immediately preceding the date of the Company Stockholders
Meeting referred to in Section 5.3.
 
  (b) Cancellation. Each Share held in the treasury of the Company and each
Share owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any direct or indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company or Parent immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, cease to be outstanding, be canceled and retired without
payment of any consideration therefor and cease to exist.
 
  (c) Stock Options.
 
    (i) At the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase Company
  Common Stock (a "STOCK OPTION") granted under the Company's 1995 Stock
  Option Plan or the Company's 1995 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan
  (collectively, and with the Company's 1994 Option Scheme, the "COMPANY
  STOCK OPTION PLANS"), whether vested or unvested, shall be deemed assumed
  by Parent and deemed to constitute an option to acquire, on the same terms
  and conditions as were applicable under such Stock Option prior to the
  Effective Time, the number (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of
  shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the aggregate of (A) that number of
  shares of Parent Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder
  of such Stock Option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the
  Merger had such holder exercised such Option in full immediately prior to
  the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not such Option was
  in fact exercisable) plus (B) that number of additional shares of Parent
  Common Stock calculated by dividing (I) the aggregate Cash Payment that the
  holder of such Stock Option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to
  the Merger had such holder exercised such Option in full immediately prior
  to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not such Option
  was in fact exercisable) by (II) the Closing Market Price. The exercise
  price for such Stock Options shall be price per share equal to (x) the
  aggregate exercise price for Company Common Stock otherwise purchasable
  pursuant to such Stock Option divided by (y) the number of shares of Parent
  Common Stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such Stock Option.
 
    (ii) At the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase Company
  Common Stock granted under the Company's 1994 Option Scheme (a "SCHEME
  OPTION") may be assumed by Parent and converted into an option to purchase
  the number (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of shares of Parent
  Common Stock equal to the aggregate of (A) that number of shares of Parent
  Common Stock (based on the Exchange Ratio) as the holder of such Scheme
  Option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such
  holder exercised such Option in full immediately prior to the Effective
  Time (not taking into account whether or not such Option was in fact
  exercisable) plus (B) that number of additional shares of Parent Common
  Stock calculated by dividing (I) the aggregate Cash Payment that the holder
  of such Scheme Option would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the
  Merger had such holder exercised such Option in full immediately prior to
  the Effective Time (not taking into account whether or not such Option was
  in fact exercisable) by (II) the Closing Market Price. The exercise price
  for such Scheme Options shall be a price per share equal to (x) the
  aggregate exercise price for Company Common Stock otherwise purchasable
  pursuant to such Scheme Option divided by (y) the number of shares of
  Parent Common Stock
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
  deemed purchasable pursuant to such Scheme Option. Any such assumption and
  conversion shall be subject to the written agreement of each holder of a
  Scheme Option to such assumption. In the event that a holder does not
  consent to such written agreement, Scheme Options will become exercisable
  in full for a six-month period beginning at the Effective Time for the same
  number of shares of Parent Common Stock as calculated pursuant to the first
  sentence of this subparagraph (ii), at the same exercise price as
  calculated pursuant to the second sentence of this subparagraph (ii). At
  the end of such six-month period, any Scheme Options which have not been so
  converted and assumed or exercised will terminate.
 
    (iii) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall
  deliver to each holder of an outstanding Stock Option an appropriate notice
  setting forth such holder's rights pursuant thereto, and such Stock Option
  shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions (including
  antidilution provisions).
 
    (iv) Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
  issuance a sufficient number of Parent Shares for delivery pursuant to the
  terms set forth in this Section 1.6(c).
 
    (v) Subject to any applicable limitations under the Securities Act of
  1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "SECURITIES
  ACT"), Parent shall either (A) file a Registration Statement on Form S-8
  (or any successor form), effective as of the Effective Time, with respect
  to the shares of Parent Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Stock
  Options or Scheme Options, or (B) file any necessary amendments to the
  Company's previously-filed Registration Statement(s) on Form S-8 in order
  that the Parent will be deemed a "successor registrant" thereunder, and, in
  either event the Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to maintain the
  effectiveness of such registration statement(s) (and maintain the current
  status of the prospectus or prospectuses relating thereto) for so long as
  such options shall remain outstanding.
 
  (d) Capital Stock of Merger Sub. Each share of common stock, $.01 par value,
of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of common stock, $.01 par value, of the Surviving
Corporation.
 
  (e) Adjustments to Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment. The Exchange Ratio and
Cash Payment shall be adjusted to reflect fully the effect of any stock split,
reverse split, stock dividend (including any dividend or distribution of
securities convertible into Parent Common Stock), reorganization,
recapitalization or other like change with respect to Parent Common Stock
occurring after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time.
 
  (f) Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing less than one
Parent Share shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of a certificate
or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
outstanding Shares (the "CERTIFICATES"). In lieu of any such fractional share,
each holder of Shares who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of
a Parent Share (after aggregating all fractional Parent Shares to be received
by such holder) upon surrender of Certificates for exchange shall be paid upon
such surrender cash (without interest) equal to the product of (i) such
fraction, multiplied by (ii) the Closing Market Price.
 
  (g) Dissenting Shares. Any Dissenting Shares shall be converted into the
right to receive from the Surviving Corporation such consideration as may be
determined to be due with respect to each such Dissenting Share pursuant to
Section 262 of the DGCL; provided, however, Shares that are Dissenting Shares
at the Effective Time of the Merger and are held by a holder who shall, after
the Effective Time of the Merger, withdraw his demand for appraisal or lose
his right of appraisal as provided in the Section 262 of the DGCL, shall be
deemed to be converted, as of the Effective Time of the Merger, into the right
to receive the Merger Consideration (as defined below) in accordance with the
procedures specified in Section 1.7. The Company shall give Parent (i) prompt
notice of any written demands for appraisal, withdrawals of demands for
appraisal and any other instruments served pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL
received by the Company and (ii) the opportunity to direct all negotiations
and proceedings with respect to demands for appraisal under Section 262 of the
DGCL. The Company will not voluntarily make any payment with respect to any
demands for appraisal and will not, except with the prior written consent of
Parent, settle or offer to settle any such demands. It is
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
understood and agreed that the obligation to make any payment under Section
262 of the DGCL shall be exclusively that of the Surviving Corporation and
that Parent shall be under no obligation to perform and discharge any such
obligation or to reimburse or make any contribution to the capital of the
Surviving Corporation to enable it to perform and discharge any such
obligation.
 
  SECTION 1.7 Delivery of Cash and Exchange of Certificates.
 
  (a) Exchange Agent. Parent shall supply, or shall cause to be supplied, to
or for the account of State Street Bank and Trust Company, or such other bank
or trust company as shall be designated by Parent (the "EXCHANGE AGENT"), in
trust for the benefit of the holders of Company Common Stock, for exchange in
accordance with this Section 1.7, through the Exchange Agent, (i) cash in an
amount sufficient to pay the aggregate amount of the Cash Payment which the
holders of Company Common Stock are entitled to receive pursuant to Section
1.6 above and (ii) certificates evidencing the Parent Shares issuable pursuant
to Section 1.6 in exchange for outstanding Shares.
 
  (b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, Parent will instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder
of record of Certificates (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify
that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the
Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as
Parent may reasonably specify), and (ii) instructions to effect the surrender
of the Certificates in exchange for the certificates evidencing Parent Shares
and the Cash Payment. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the
Exchange Agent together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and
such other customary documents as may be required pursuant to such
instructions, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor (A) certificates evidencing that number of whole Parent
Shares which such holder has the right to receive in accordance with the
Exchange Ratio in respect of the Shares formerly evidenced by such Certificate
(subject to the terms of Section 5.18), (B) any dividends or other
distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.7(c), (C)
cash (without interest) in respect of fractional shares as provided in Section
1.6(f) and (D) cash (without interest) in the amount of the Cash Payment which
such holder has the right to receive in accordance with Section 1.6 in respect
of the Shares formerly evidenced by such Certificate (the Parent Shares,
dividends, distributions, cash in lieu of fractional shares and Cash Payment
being, collectively, the "MERGER CONSIDERATION"), and the Certificate so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of
ownership of Shares which is not registered in the transfer records of the
Company as of the Effective Time, Parent Shares, dividends, distributions,
cash in lieu of fractional shares and Cash Payment may be issued and paid in
accordance with this Article I to a transferee if the Certificate evidencing
such Shares is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents
required to evidence and effect such transfer pursuant to this Section 1.7(b)
and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until
so surrendered, each outstanding Certificate that, prior to the Effective
Time, represented Shares of Company Common Stock will be deemed from and after
the Effective Time, for all corporate purposes, other than the payment of
dividends and subject to Section 1.6(f), to evidence the ownership of the
number of full Parent Shares into which such Shares of Company Common Stock
shall have been so converted. The holder of a Certificate that prior to the
Effective Time represented issued and outstanding shares of Company Common
Stock shall have no rights, after the Effective Time, with respect to such
shares except to surrender the certificates in exchange for the Merger
Consideration or to perfect the rights of appraisal as a holder of Dissenting
Shares that such holder may have pursuant to the applicable provisions of the
DGCL.
 
  (c) Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Parent Shares. No dividends or
other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to
Parent Shares with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the
holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the Parent Shares they
are entitled to receive until the holder of such Certificate shall surrender
such Certificate. Subject to applicable law, following surrender of any such
Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of the certificates
representing whole Parent Shares issued in exchange therefor, without
interest, at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other
distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid
with respect to such whole Parent Shares.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
  (d) Transfers of Ownership. If any certificate for Parent Shares is to be
issued in a name other than that in which the Certificate surrendered in
exchange therefor is registered, it will be a condition to the issuance
thereof that the Certificate so surrendered will be properly endorsed and
otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such
exchange will have paid to Parent or any agent designated by it any transfer
or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate for Parent
Shares in any name other than that of the registered holder of the certificate
surrendered, or have established to the satisfaction of Parent or any agent
designated by it that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
 
  (e) No Liability. Neither Parent, Merger Sub nor the Company shall be liable
to any holder of Company Common Stock for any Merger Consideration delivered
to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law.
 
  (f) Withholding Rights. Parent or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to
deduct and withhold from the Merger Consideration otherwise payable pursuant
to this Agreement to any holder of Company Common Stock such amounts as Parent
or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the
making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or
foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Parent or the
Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of
this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the Shares in respect of
which such deduction and withholding was made by Parent or the Exchange Agent.
 
  SECTION 1.8 Stock Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer
books of the Company shall be closed, and there shall be no further
registration of transfers of Company Common Stock thereafter on the records of
the Company.
 
  SECTION 1.9 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock. The Merger
Consideration delivered upon the surrender for exchange of Shares in
accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been issued in full
satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Shares, and there shall be no
further registration of transfers on the records of the Surviving Corporation
of Shares which were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If,
after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving
Corporation for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided
in this Article I.
 
  SECTION 1.10 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any
Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent
shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates, upon
the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, such Parent
Shares as may be required pursuant to Section 1.6; provided, however, that
Parent may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance
thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates to
deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as indemnity against
any claim that may be made against Parent or the Exchange Agent with respect
to the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
 
  SECTION 1.11 Tax Consequences. It is intended by the parties hereto that the
Merger shall constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of
the Code. The parties hereto hereby adopt this Agreement as a "plan of
reorganization" within the meaning of Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) of
the United States Treasury Regulations.
 
  SECTION 1.12 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. Each of Parent,
Merger Sub and the Company will take all such reasonable and lawful action as
may be necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the Merger in
accordance with this Agreement as promptly as possible. If, at any time after
the Effective Time, any such further action is necessary or desirable to carry
out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with
full right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges,
powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub, the officers and
directors of the Company and Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective
Time are fully authorized in the name of their respective corporations or
otherwise to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary action.
 
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 1.13 Material Adverse Effect. When used in connection with the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, or Parent or any of its subsidiaries, as
the case may be, the term "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any change, effect
or circumstance that, individually or when taken together with all other such
changes, effects or circumstances that have occurred prior to the date of
determination of the occurrence of the Material Adverse Effect, (a) is or is
reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, assets (including
intangible assets), financial condition or results of operations of the
Company and its subsidiaries or Parent and its subsidiaries, as the case may
be, in each case taken as a whole, or (b) is or is reasonably likely to delay
or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
                                  ARTICLE II
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
 
  The Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that,
except as set forth in the written disclosure schedule delivered on January
24, 1996 that is arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and
lettered paragraphs contained in this Article II (the "COMPANY DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE"):
 
  SECTION 2.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. Each of the
Company and each of its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority and is in
possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits,
easements, consents, certificates, approvals and orders ("APPROVALS")
necessary to own, lease and operate the properties it purports to own, operate
or lease and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except
where the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing or to have
such power, authority and Approvals could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries is
duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in
good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties
owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failures to be so duly
qualified or licensed and in good standing that could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. A true and complete list of all of
the Company's subsidiaries, together with the jurisdiction of incorporation of
each subsidiary, the authorized capitalization of each subsidiary, and the
percentage of each subsidiary's outstanding capital stock owned by the Company
or another subsidiary, is set forth in Section 2.1 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule. Except as set forth in Section 2.1 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule as of the date hereof, the Company does not directly or indirectly
own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for, any equity or similar interest in, any
corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or
entity, with respect to which interest the Company has invested or is required
to invest $100,000 or more, excluding securities in any publicly traded
company held for investment by the Company and comprising less than five
percent of the outstanding stock of such company.
 
  SECTION 2.2 Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws. The Company has
heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and correct copy of its Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws as most recently restated and subsequently
amended to date, and has furnished or made available to Parent the Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws (or equivalent organizational documents) of each
of its subsidiaries (the "COMPANY SUBSIDIARY DOCUMENTS"). Such Certificate of
Incorporation, By-Laws and Company Subsidiary Documents are in full force and
effect. Neither the Company nor any of subsidiaries is in violation of any of
the provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or Company
Subsidiary Documents, except for immaterial violations of the Company
Subsidiary Documents which may exist.
 
  SECTION 2.3 Capitalization. As of December 31, 1995, the authorized capital
stock of the Company consist of (1) 27,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock
and (ii) 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, none
of which is issued and outstanding and none of which is held in treasury. As
of December 31, 1995, (i) 6,735,484 shares of Company Common Stock were issued
and outstanding, all of which
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no shares were held in
treasury, (ii) no shares of Company Common Stock were held by subsidiaries of
the Company, and (iii) 407,246 shares of Company Common Stock were reserved
for future issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options granted under the
Company Stock Option Plans. No material change in such capitalization has
occurred between December 31, 1995 and the date hereof. Except as set forth in
Section 2.3 or Section 2.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the date
hereof there are no options, warrants or other rights, agreements,
arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or
unissued capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or obligating
the Company or any of its subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of capital
stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. All shares of Company Common Stock subject to issuance as
aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the
instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, shall be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as disclosed in Section
2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no obligations, contingent
or otherwise, of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire any shares of Company Common Stock or the capital stock
of any subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any investment (in the form
of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any such subsidiary or any
other entity other than guarantees of bank obligations of subsidiaries entered
into in the ordinary course of business. Except as set forth in Sections 2.1
and 2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of each of the Company's subsidiaries is duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and all such shares are owned by
the Company or another subsidiary of the Company free and clear of all
security interests, liens, claims, pledges, agreements, limitations in the
Company's voting rights, charges or other encumbrances of any nature
whatsoever (collectively, "LIENS").
 
  SECTION 2.4 Authority Relative to this Agreement. The Company has all
necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated
hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are
necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions so
contemplated (other than the adoption of this Agreement by the holders of at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to
vote in accordance with the DGCL and the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws). The Board of Directors of the Company has
determined that it is advisable and in the best interest of the Company's
stockholders for the Company to enter into a business combination with Parent
and Merger Sub upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement,
and has unanimously recommended that the Company's stockholders approve and
adopt this Agreement and the Merger. This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub, as applicable, constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the
Company in accordance with its terms.
 
  SECTION 2.5 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
 
  (a) Section 2.5(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule includes a list as of
the date hereof of (i) all loan agreements, indentures, mortgages, pledges,
conditional sale or title retention agreements, security agreements, equipment
obligations, guaranties, standby letters of credit, equipment leases or lease
purchase agreements to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party
or by which any of them is bound, each in an amount equal to or exceeding
$100,000, but excluding any such agreement between the Company and its wholly-
owned subsidiaries or between two or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Company; (ii) all contracts, agreements, commitments or other understandings
or arrangements to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or
by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets are bound
or affected, but excluding contracts, agreements, commitments or other
understandings or arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business
and involving, in each case, payments or receipts by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries of less than $100,000 in any single instance but not more than
$500,000 in the aggregate; and (iii) all agreements which, as of the date
hereof, are required to be filed as "material contracts" with the Securities
Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the SEC's rules and regulations
thereunder (the "EXCHANGE ACT").
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 2.5(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, (i) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has breached, is
in default under, or has received written notice of any breach of or default
under, any of the agreements, contracts or other instruments referred to in
clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.5(a), (ii) to the best knowledge of
the Company, no other party to any of the agreements, contracts or other
instrument referred to in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.5 (a) has
breached or is in default of any of its obligations thereunder, and (iii) each
of the agreements, contracts and other instruments referred to in clauses (i),
(ii) or (iii) of Section 2.5(a) is in full force and effect, except in any
such case for breaches, defaults or failures to be in full force and effect
that has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
 
  (c) Except as set forth in Section 2.5(c) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company do not,
and the performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict with or violate
the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company, (ii) conflict with
or violate any federal, foreign, state or provincial law, rule, regulation,
order, judgment or decree (collectively, "LAWS") applicable to the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or by which its or any of their respective properties
are bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of or constitute a
default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a
default under), or impair the Company's or any of its subsidiaries' rights or
alter the rights or obligations of any third party under, or give to others
any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or
result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other
instrument or obligation to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a
party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its or any of
their respective properties are bound or affected, except in any such case for
any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  (d) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company do not, and
the performance of this Agreement by the Company will not, require any
consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification
to, any federal, foreign, state or provincial governmental or regulatory
authority except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act, state securities laws ("BLUE SKY LAWS"), the pre-merger
notification requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), and the filing and recordation of
appropriate merger or other documents as required by the DGCL, and (ii) where
the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or
to make such filings or notifications, would not prevent or delay consummation
of the Merger, or otherwise prevent or delay the Company from performing its
obligations under this Agreement, or would not otherwise have a Material
Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 2.6 Compliance; Permits.
 
  (a) Except as disclosed in Section 2.6(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in conflict with,
or in default or violation of, (i) any Law applicable to the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or by which its or any of their respective properties are
bound or affected or (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract,
agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation
to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or its or any of their respective
properties are bound or affected, except for any such conflicts, defaults or
violations which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 2.6(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the Company and its subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses,
easements, variances, exemptions, consents, certificates, orders and approvals
from governmental authorities which are material to the operation of the
business of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole as it is now
being conducted (collectively, the "COMPANY PERMITS"). The Company and its
subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the Company Permits, except
where the failure so to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 2.7 SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
 
  (a) The Company has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be
filed with the SEC and has made available to Parent (i) its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 and its Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 1995, September 30, 1995 and March
31, 1996, (ii) its Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-90436) as
declared effective by the SEC (the "S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT"), (iii) all
other reports or registration statements filed by the Company with the SEC,
and (iv) all amendments and supplements to all such reports and registration
statements filed by the Company with the SEC (collectively, the "COMPANY SEC
REPORTS"). Except as disclosed in Section 2.7 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the Company SEC Reports (i) were prepared in all material respects
in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act,
as the case may be, and (ii) did not at the time they were filed (or if
amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on
the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. None of the Company's subsidiaries is
required to file any forms, reports or other documents with the SEC.
 
  (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the Company SEC Reports was prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated
in the notes thereto), and each fairly presents in all material respects the
consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as at the
respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of its operations and
cash flows and stockholder equity for the periods indicated, except that the
unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments which were not or are not expected to be
material in amount.
 
  SECTION 2.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in
Section 2.8 of the Company Disclosure Schedule or the Company SEC Reports,
since January 1, 1995, the Company has conducted its business in the ordinary
course and there has not occurred: (a) any Material Adverse Effect; (b) after
May 11, 1995, any amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or
By-laws of the Company; (c) any damage to, destruction or loss of any asset of
the Company (whether or not covered by insurance) that could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (d) any material change by the
Company in its accounting methods, principles or practices; (e) any material
revaluation by the Company of any of its assets, including, without
limitation, writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or
accounts receivable other than in the ordinary course of business; (f) any
other material action or event that would have required the consent of Parent
pursuant to Section 4.1 had such action or event occurred after the date of
this Agreement; or (g) any sale of a material amount of property of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, except in the ordinary course of business.
 
  SECTION 2.9 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as is disclosed in Section
2.9 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries has any liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise),
except liabilities (a) in the aggregate adequately provided for in the
Company's audited balance sheet (including any related notes thereto) for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 included in the Company's Annual Report on
form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 (the "1995 COMPANY BALANCE
SHEET"), (b) incurred in the ordinary course of business and not required
under generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected on the 1995
Company Balance Sheet, (c) incurred since December 31, 1995 in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice, (d) incurred in connection
with this Agreement, or (e) which could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 2.10 Absence of Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 2.10 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule and except for the pending legal proceeding
captioned Richard Zeid and Siom Misrahi et al v. John Kimberley, Frank M.
Richardson, Mark A. Rowlinson and Firefox Communications, Inc., Case No. C96
20136 (Northern District of California) (the "FIREFOX LITIGATION"), there are
no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its
 
                                     A-10
<PAGE>
 
subsidiaries, or any properties or rights of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, before any federal, foreign, state or provincial court,
arbitrator or administrative, governmental or regulatory authority or body
that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 2.11 Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Agreements.
 
  (a) Section 2.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists as of the date
hereof all employee pension plans (as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")), all material
employee welfare plans (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and all other
material bonus, stock option, stock purchase, incentive, deferred
compensation, supplemental retirement, severance and other similar fringe or
employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements, and any material current or
former employment, executive compensation, consulting or severance agreements,
written or otherwise, for the benefit of, or relating to, any employee of or
consultant to the Company, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated)
which is a member of a controlled group including the Company or which is
under common control with the Company (a "COMPANY ERISA AFFILIATE") within the
meaning of Section 414 of the Code, or any subsidiary of the Company, as well
as each plan with respect to which the Company or a Company ERISA Affiliate
could incur liability under Section 4069 (if such plan has been or were
terminated) or Section 4212(c) of ERISA (all such plans, practices and
programs are referred to as the "COMPANY EMPLOYEE PLANS"). There have been
made available to Parent copies of (i) each such written Company Employee Plan
(other than those referred to in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA), (ii) the most
recent annual report on Form 5500 series, with accompanying schedules and
attachments, filed with respect to each Company Employee Plan required to make
such a filing, and (iii) the most recent actuarial valuation for each Company
Employee Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA. For purposes of this Section
2.11(a), the term "material," used with respect to any Company Employee Plan,
shall mean that the Company or a Company ERISA Affiliate has incurred or may
incur obligations in an annual amount exceeding $100,000 with respect to such
Company Employee Plan.
 
  (b) Except in each case as set forth in Section 2.11(b) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, and except where it could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) none of the Company Employee Plans
promises or provides retiree medical or other retiree welfare benefits to any
person, and none of the Company Employee Plans is a "multiemployer plan" as
such term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA; (ii) there has been no
"prohibited transaction," as such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA and
Section 4975 of the Code, with respect to any Company Employee Plan, which
could result in any material liability of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries; (iii) all Company Employee Plans are in compliance in all
material respects with the requirements prescribed by any and all Laws
(including ERISA and the Code) currently in effect with respect thereto
(including all applicable requirements for notification to participants or the
Department of Labor, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC"),
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or Secretary of the Treasury), and the
Company and each of its subsidiaries have performed all material obligations
required to be performed by them under, are not in any material respect in
default under or violation of, and have no knowledge of any material default
or violation by any other party to, any of the Company Employee Plans;
(iv) each Company Employee Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of
the Code and each trust intended to qualify under Section 501(a) of the Code
is the subject of a favorable determination letter from the IRS, and nothing
has occurred which may reasonably be expected to impair in any material
respect such determination; (v) all contributions required to be made to any
Company Employee Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code, or the terms of the
Company Employee Plan or any collective bargaining agreement, have been made
on or before their due dates; (vi) with respect to each Company Employee Plan,
no "reportable event" within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA (excluding
any such event for which the 30 day notice requirement has been waived under
the regulations to Section 4043 of ERISA) nor any event described in Section
4062, 4063 or 4041 of ERISA has occurred; and (vii) neither the Company nor
any Company ERISA Affiliate has incurred, nor reasonably expects to incur, any
material liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than liability for premium
payments to the PBGC arising in the ordinary course).
 
  (c) Section 2.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and
complete list of each current or former employee, officer or director of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries who holds (i) any option to
 
                                     A-11
<PAGE>
 
purchase Company Common Stock as of the date hereof, together with the number
of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such option, the option price of
such option (to the extent determined as of the date hereof), whether such
option is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning
of Section 422(b) of the Code (an "ISO"), and the expiration date of such
option and (ii) any other right, directly or indirectly, to acquire Company
Common Stock, together with the number of shares of Company Common Stock
subject to such right. Section 2.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule also
sets forth the total number of such ISOs, such nonqualified options and such
other rights.
 
  (d) Section 2.11(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and
complete list of: (i) all employment agreements with officers of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) all agreements with consultants who are
individuals obligating the Company or any of its subsidiaries to make annual
cash payments in an amount exceeding $100,000; (iii) all employees of, or
consultants to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries who have executed a
non-competition agreement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and to
whom the Company is obligated to make annual cash payments in excess of
$100,000. (iv) all severance agreements, programs and policies of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries with or relating to its employees, in each case
with outstanding commitments exceeding $100,000, excluding programs and
policies required to be maintained by law; and (v) all plans, programs,
agreements and other arrangements of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
with or relating to its employees which contain change in control provisions
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or impede
the transaction proposed hereunder in any material respect.
 
  SECTION 2.12 Labor Matters. Except as set forth in Section 2.12 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule: (i) there are no claims or proceedings pending
or, to the knowledge of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, threatened,
between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective
employees, asserting that the Company has committed an unfair labor practice
which claims or proceedings have or could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries
is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other labor union
contract applicable to persons employed by the Company or its subsidiaries,
nor does the Company or any of its subsidiaries know of any activities or
proceedings of any labor union to organize any such employees; and (iii)
neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any knowledge of any
strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages, lockouts, or threats thereof, by or with
respect to any employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 2.13 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The
information supplied by the Company for inclusion in the Registration
Statement (as defined in Section 3.13) shall not at the time the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the SEC contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The information
supplied by the Company for inclusion in the joint proxy statement/prospectus
to be sent to the stockholders of the Company in connection with the meeting
of the stockholders of the Company to consider the Merger (the "COMPANY
STOCKHOLDERS MEETING") and to be sent to the stockholders of Parent in
connection with the meeting of the stockholders of Parent to consider the
Merger (the "PARENT STOCKHOLDERS MEETING," and together with the Company
Stockholder Meeting, the "STOCKHOLDERS MEETINGS") (such joint proxy
statement/prospectus as amended or supplemented is referred to herein as the
"JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS"), will not, on the date the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first
mailed to stockholders, at the time of the Stockholders Meetings, or at the
Effective Time, contain any statement which, at such time and in light of the
circumstances under which it shall be made, is false or misleading with
respect to any material fact, or shall omit to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made therein not false or
misleading, or omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any
statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of
proxies for the Stockholders Meetings which has become false or misleading. If
at any time prior to the Effective Time any event relating to the Company or
any of its affiliates, officers or directors should be discovered by the
Company which is required to be set forth in an amendment to the Registration
Statement or a supplement to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Company
shall promptly
 
                                     A-12
<PAGE>
 
inform Parent and Merger Sub. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes
no representation or warranty with respect to any information supplied by
Parent or Merger Sub which is contained in any of the foregoing documents.
 
  SECTION 2.14 [Intentionally Omitted]
 
  SECTION 2.15 Title to Property. Except as set forth in Section 2.15 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each of its subsidiaries have
good and defensible title to all of their properties and assets, free and
clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances, except liens for taxes not yet
due and payable and such liens or other imperfections of title, which could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and, to the
knowledge of the Company, all leases pursuant to which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries lease from others material amounts of real or personal
property, are in good standing, valid and effective in accordance with their
respective terms, and there is not, to the knowledge of the Company, under any
of such leases, any existing material default or event of default (or event
which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a material
default), except where the lack of such good standing, validity and
effectiveness or the existence of such default or event of default could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 2.16 Taxes.
 
  (a) For purposes of this Agreement, "TAX" or "TAXES" shall mean taxes, fees,
levies, duties, tariffs, imposts, and governmental impositions or charges of
any kind in the nature of (or similar to) taxes, payable to any federal,
state, local or foreign taxing authority, including (without limitation) (i)
income, franchise, profits, gross receipts, ad valorem, net worth, value
added, sales, use, service, real or personal property, special assessments,
capital stock, license, payroll, withholding, employment, social security,
workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, utility, severance,
production, excise, stamp, occupation, premiums, windfall profits, transfer
and gains taxes, and (ii) interest, penalties, additional taxes and additions
to tax imposed with respect thereto; and "TAX RETURNS" shall mean returns,
reports, and information statements with respect to Taxes required to be filed
with the IRS or any other federal, foreign, state or provincial taxing
authority, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, consolidated,
combined and unitary tax returns.
 
  (b) Other than as disclosed in Section 2.16(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, (i) the Company and its subsidiaries have filed all Tax Returns
required to be filed by them, (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries have paid
and discharged all Taxes due in connection with or with respect to the periods
or transactions covered by such Tax Returns and have paid all other Taxes as
are due, except such as are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings (to the extent that any such proceedings are required) and with
respect to which the Company is maintaining adequate reserves, and (iii) there
are no other Taxes that would be due if asserted by a taxing authority, except
with respect to which the Company is maintaining reserves to the extent
currently required unless the failure to do so could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as does not involve or
would not result in liability to the Company or any of its subsidiaries that
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) there are
no tax liens on any assets of the Company or any subsidiary thereof; and (ii)
neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has granted any waiver of any
statute of limitations with respect to, or any extension of a period for the
assessment of, any Tax. The accruals and reserves for Taxes (including
deferred taxes) reflected in the 1994 Company Balance Sheet are in all
material respects adequate to cover all Taxes required to be accrued through
the date thereof (including interest and penalties, if any, thereon and Taxes
being contested) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  (c) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is, or has been, a
United States real property holding corporation (as defined in Section
897(c)(2) of the Code) during the applicable period specified in Section
897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code. To the best knowledge of the Company, neither
the Company nor any of its subsidiaries owns any property of a character, the
indirect transfer of which, pursuant to this Agreement, would give rise to any
material documentary, stamp or other transfer tax.
 
                                     A-13
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 2.17 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 2.17 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, and except in all cases as, in the aggregate,
have not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect, the Company and each of its subsidiaries to the Company's knowledge:
(i) have obtained all Approvals which are required to be obtained under all
applicable federal, state, foreign or local laws or any regulation, code,
plan, order, decree, judgment, notice or demand letter issued, entered,
promulgated or approved thereunder relating to pollution or protection of the
environment, including laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or
threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous or toxic
materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, ground water, or land or
otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants,
contaminants or hazardous or toxic materials or wastes by the Company or its
subsidiaries or their respective agents ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"); (ii) are in
compliance with all terms and conditions of such required Approvals and also
are in compliance with all other limitations, restrictions, conditions,
standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations, schedules and timetables
contained in applicable Environmental Laws; (iii) as of the date hereof, are
not aware of nor have received notice of any past or present violations of
Environmental Laws or any event, condition, circumstance, activity, practice,
incident, action or plan which is reasonably likely to interfere with or
prevent continued compliance with or which would give rise to any common law
or statutory liability, or otherwise form the basis of any claim, action, suit
or proceeding, against the Company or any of its subsidiaries based on or
resulting from the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport or handling, or the emission, discharge or
release into the environment, of any pollutant, contaminant or hazardous or
toxic material or waste; and (iv) have taken all actions necessary under
applicable Environmental Laws to register any products or materials required
to be registered by the Company or its subsidiaries (or any of their
respective agents) thereunder.
 
  SECTION 2.18 Intellectual Property.
 
  (a) The Company, directly or indirectly, owns, or is licensed or otherwise
possesses legally enforceable rights to use, (i) all trademarks, trade names,
service marks and copyrights, and any applications therefor, (ii) to its
knowledge, all patents and any applications therefore, and (iii) maskworks,
net lists, schematics, technology, know-how, computer software programs or
applications (in both source code and object code form), and tangible or
intangible proprietary information or material (excluding Commercial Software
as defined in paragraph (c) below), that are material to the business of the
Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted (including with respect to
new products or product enhancements currently contemplated as part of the
business) by the Company or its subsidiaries (the "COMPANY INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS").
 
  (b) Section 2.18(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete
list of all material patents, trademarks, registered copyrights, trade names
and service marks, and any applications therefor, included in the Company
Intellectual Property Rights, and specifies, where applicable, the
jurisdictions in which each such Company Intellectual Property Right has been
issued or registered or in which an application for such issuance and
registration has been filed, including the respective registration or
application numbers and the names of all registered owners. None of the
software products currently marketed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries
has been registered for copyright protection with the United States Copyright
Office or any foreign offices nor has the Company or any of its subsidiaries
been requested to make any such registration. Section 2.18(b) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule also sets forth a complete list of all material licenses,
sublicenses and other agreements as to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party and pursuant to which the Company, any of its
subsidiaries or any other person is authorized to use any Company Intellectual
Property Right (excluding object code end-user licenses granted to end-users
in the ordinary course of business that permit use of software products
without a right to modify, distribute or sublicense the same ("END-USER
LICENSES")) or other trade secret material to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, and includes the identity of all parties thereto and the
applicable royalty contained therein. None of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is in violation of any license, sublicense or agreement described
on such list except such violations as do not materially impair the Company's
or such subsidiary's rights under such license, sublicense or agreement. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby, will neither cause the Company or any
of its subsidiaries to be in material violation or
 
                                     A-14
<PAGE>
 
default under any such license, sublicense or agreement, nor entitle any other
party to any such license, sublicense or agreement to terminate or materially
modify such license, sublicense or agreement. No claims with respect to the
Company Intellectual Property Rights have been asserted or, to the knowledge
of the Company, are threatened by any person that reasonably would be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
(i) to the effect that the manufacture, sale, licensing or use of any of the
products of the Company or any of its subsidiaries as now manufactured, sold
or licensed or used or currently proposed for manufacture, use, sale or
licensing by the Company or any of its subsidiaries infringes on any
copyright, patent, trade mark, service mark or trade secret, (ii) against the
use by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any material trademarks,
service marks, trade names, trade secrets, copyrights, patents, technology,
know-how or computer software programs and applications used in the business
of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, or (iii)
challenging the ownership, validity or effectiveness of any of the Company
Intellectual Property Rights. All registered trademarks, service marks and
copyrights held by the Company are valid and subsisting. To the knowledge of
the Company, there is no unauthorized use, infringement or misappropriation of
any of the Company Intellectual Property Rights by any third party, including
any employee or former employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No
Company Intellectual Property Right or product of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding decree, order, judgment, or
stipulation restricting in any manner the licensing thereof by the Company or
any of its subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has
entered into any agreement (other than exclusive distribution agreements
identified as such in Section 2.18(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule)
under which the Company or its subsidiaries is restricted from selling,
licensing or otherwise distributing any of its products to any class of
customers, in any geographic area, during any period of time or in any segment
of the market. The Company and its subsidiaries have a policy requiring each
employee to execute a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form
previously delivered to Parent.
 
  (c) "COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE" means software programs generally available to the
public through retail dealers or other sources in computer software which have
been licensed or made available legitimately to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (or, in the case of Section 3.18, to Parent) pursuant to End-User
Licenses or other channels of distribution without restriction as to use and
which are used in the Company's or its subsidiaries' business (or in Parent's
business in the case of Section 3.18).
 
  SECTION 2.19 Interested Party Transactions. Except as set forth in Section
2.19 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and except for the Company's
commitment to advance the payment of certain expenses to certain of its
directors and officers in connection with the Firefox Litigation, since
December 31, 1995, no event has occurred that would be required to be reported
as a Certain Relationship or Related Transaction, pursuant to Item 404 of
Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
 
  SECTION 2.20 Insurance. Section 2.20 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a complete list of all material fire and casualty, general liability,
business interruption, product liability, professional liability and sprinkler
and water damage insurance policies maintained by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. All such policies are with reputable insurance carriers, provide
full and adequate coverage for all normal risks incident to the business of
the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective properties and assets
and are in character and amount similar to that carried by entities engaged in
similar businesses and subject to the same or similar perils or hazards,
except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 2.21 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of the Company and
its subsidiaries as reflected in the most recent financial statements
contained in the Company SEC Reports, to the extent uncollected on the date
hereof and the accounts receivable reflected on the books of the Company and
its subsidiaries are valid and existing and represent monies due, subject to
reserves reasonably considered adequate for receivables not collectible in the
ordinary course of business, and (subject to the aforesaid reserves) are
subject to no refunds or other adjustments and to no defenses, rights of
setoff, assignments, restrictions, encumbrances or conditions enforceable by
third parties on or affecting any thereof, except for such refunds,
adjustments, defenses, rights of setoff, assignments, restrictions,
encumbrances or conditions as could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                     A-15
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 2.22 [Intentionally Omitted.]
 
  SECTION 2.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has been advised in
writing by its financial advisor, Cowen & Company, that in its opinion, as of
May 21, 1996, the Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment set forth herein, considered
together, are fair to the holders of Shares from a financial point of view.
 
  SECTION 2.24 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Cowen & Company, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by the Company)
is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries or
affiliates. The Company has heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and
correct copy of all agreements between the Company and Cowen & Company
pursuant to which such firm would be entitled to any payment relating to the
transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
  SECTION 2.25 Section 203 of the DGCL Not Applicable. The Board of Directors
of the Company has taken all actions so that the restrictions contained in
Section 203 of the DGCL applicable to a "business combination" (as defined in
Section 203) will not apply to the execution, delivery or performance of this
Agreement or the respective Stockholders Agreements dated as of the date
hereof between Parent and certain stockholders of the Company (collectively,
the "STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENTS"), copies of which are attached as Exhibit 2.25
hereto, or the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or by the Stockholders Agreements.
 
  SECTION 2.26 Change in Control Payments. Except as set forth on Section
2.11(d) or Section 2.26 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the
Company nor any of its subsidiaries have any plans, programs or agreements to
which they are parties, or to which they are subject, pursuant to which
payments may be required or acceleration of benefits may be required upon a
change of control of the Company.
 
  SECTION 2.27 Expenses. The Company has provided to Parent a good faith
estimate and description of the expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries
which the Company expects to incur, or has incurred, in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
 
  Parent and Merger Sub hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant
to the Company that, except as set forth in the written disclosure schedule
delivered on January 24, 1996 that is arranged in paragraphs corresponding to
the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Article III (the
"PARENT DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE"):
 
  SECTION 3.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. Each of Parent and
its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the
requisite corporate power and authority and is in possession of all Approvals
necessary to own, lease and operate the properties it purports to own, operate
or lease and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except
where the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing or to have
such power, authority and Approvals could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Each of Parent and each of its subsidiaries is duly
qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good
standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned,
leased or operated by it or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failures to be so duly
qualified or licensed and in good standing that could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. A true and complete list as of the
date hereof of all of Parent's subsidiaries, together with the jurisdiction of
incorporation of each subsidiary, the authorized capitalization of each
subsidiary and the percentage of each subsidiary's outstanding capital stock
owned by Parent or another subsidiary, is set forth in Section 3.1 of the
 
                                     A-16
<PAGE>
 
Parent Disclosure Schedule. Except as set forth in Section 3.1 of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule as of the date hereof, Parent does not directly or
indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any equity or similar interest in,
any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business association or
entity, with respect to which Parent has invested or is required to invest
$100,000 or more, excluding securities in any publicly traded company held for
investment by Parent and comprising less than five percent of the outstanding
capital stock of such company.
 
  SECTION 3.2 Charter and By-Laws. Parent has heretofore furnished to the
Company a complete and correct copy of its Restated Articles of Organization
and By-Laws, as most recently restated and subsequently amended to date, and
has furnished or made available to the Company the Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws (or equivalent organizational documents) of each of
its subsidiaries (the "PARENT SUBSIDIARY DOCUMENTS"). Such Restated Articles
of Organization, By-Laws and Parent Subsidiary Documents are in full force and
effect. Neither Parent nor Merger Sub nor any other subsidiaries is in
violation of any of the provisions of its Charter or By-Laws or Parent
Subsidiary Documents, except for immaterial violations of the Parent
Subsidiary Documents (other than of Merger Sub) that may exist.
 
  SECTION 3.3 Capitalization. As of December 31, 1995, the authorized capital
stock of Parent consisted of (i) 50,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock of
which 26,506,729 shares were issued and outstanding, all of which are validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable, no shares were held in treasury,
9,777,322 shares were reserved for future issuance under Parent's stock option
and employee stock purchase plans and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, $.01 par value per share, of which 500,000 shares have been designated
as shares of Junior Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share, none of which
was issued and outstanding and none of which was held in treasury. No material
change in such capitalization has occurred between December 31, 1995 and the
date hereof. Except as set forth in Sections 3.3 and 3.11 of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof there are no options, warrants or
other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character
relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or obligating Parent or any of its subsidiaries to issue or sell
any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Parent or any of
its subsidiaries. All shares of Parent Common Stock subject to issuance as
aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the
instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, shall be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as set forth in Section
3.3 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule as of the date hereof, there are no
obligations, contingent or otherwise, of Parent or any of its subsidiaries to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Parent Common Stock or
the capital stock of any subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any
investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any
such subsidiary or any other entity other than guarantees of bank obligations
of subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business. Except as set
forth in Section 3.1 or 3.3 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, all of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of each of Parent's subsidiaries is duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and all such shares
are owned by Parent or another subsidiary of Parent free and clear of all
security interests, liens, claims, pledges, agreements, limitations in
Parent's voting rights, charges or other encumbrances of any nature
whatsoever.
 
  SECTION 3.4 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Each of Parent and Merger
Sub has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Merger Sub, and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of Parent or Merger Sub (other than approval
by a majority of the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock entitled to
vote therein of the issuance of Parent Shares in the Merger) are necessary to
authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated
thereby. The Board of Directors of Parent has determined that it is advisable
and in the best interest of Parent's stockholders for Parent to enter into a
business combination with the Company upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of Parent and Merger Sub enforceable against each
of them in accordance with its terms.
 
                                     A-17
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 3.5 No Conflict, Required Filings and Consents.
 
  (a) Section 3.5(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule includes a list as of
the date hereof of: (i) all loan agreements, indentures, mortgages, pledges,
conditional sale or title retention agreements, security agreements, equipment
obligations, guaranties, standby letters of credit, equipment leases or lease
purchase agreements to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a party or
by which any of them is bound, each in an amount equal to or exceeding
$500,000, but excluding any such agreement between Parent and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries or between two or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of Parent; (ii)
all contracts, agreements, commitments or other understandings or arrangements
to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them
or any of their respective property or assets are bound or affected, but
excluding contracts, agreements, commitments or other understandings or
arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business and involving, in
each case, payments or receipts by Parent or any of its subsidiaries of less
than $1,000,000 in any single instance but not more than $2,000,000 in the
aggregate; and (iii) all agreements which, as of the date hereof are required
to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act as
"material contracts."
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.5(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
(i) neither the Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has breached, is in default
under, or has received written notice of any breach of or default under, any
of the agreements, contracts or other instruments referred to in clauses (i),
(ii) or (iii) of Section 3.5(a), (ii) to the best knowledge of Parent, no
other party to any of the agreements, contracts or other instrument referred
to in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of Section 3.5(a) has breached or is in
default of any of its obligations thereunder, and (iii) each of the
agreements, contracts and other instruments referred to in clauses (i), (ii)
or (iii) of Section 3.5(a) is in full force and effect, except in any such
case for breaches, defaults or failures to be in full force and effect that
has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
 
  (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.5(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub do not,
and the performance of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict
with or violate the Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Incorporation)
or By-Laws of Parent or Merger Sub, (ii) conflict with or violate any Law,
applicable to Parent or any of its subsidiaries or by which its or their
respective properties are bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of
or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or
both would become a default under), or impair Parent's or any of its
subsidiaries' rights or alter the rights or obligations of any third party
under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or
cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien on any of the properties
or assets of Parent or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or
other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a
party or by which Parent or any of its subsidiaries or its or any of their
respective properties are bound or affected, except in any such case for any
such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  (d) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub do
not, and the performance of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub will not,
require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or
notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or
foreign, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act, the Blue Sky Laws, the pre-merger notification
requirements of the HSR Act, and the filing and recordation of appropriate
merger or other documents as required by the DGCL, and (ii) where the failure
to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such
filings or notifications, would not prevent or delay consummation of the
Merger, or otherwise prevent or delay Parent or Merger Sub from performing
their respective obligations under this Agreement, or would not otherwise have
a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.6 Compliance; Permits.
 
  (a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.6(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries is in conflict with, or in default
or violation of, (i) any Law applicable to Parent or any of its
 
                                     A-18
<PAGE>
 
subsidiaries or by which its or any of their respective properties are bound
or affected or (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement,
lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which
Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or its or any of their respective properties are bound or
affected, except for any such conflicts, defaults or violations which could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.6(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
Parent and its subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses, easements, variances,
exemptions, consents, certificates, orders and approvals from governmental
authorities which are material to the operation of the business of the Parent
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole as it is now being conducted
(collectively, the "PARENT PERMITS"). Parent and its subsidiaries are in
compliance with the terms of the Parent Permits, except where the failure so
to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.7 SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
 
  (a) Parent has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be filed
with the SEC and has heretofore delivered to the Company, in the form filed
with the SEC, (i) its Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, (ii) its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for
the periods ended March 31, 1995, June 30, 1995 and September 30, 1995 and
March 31, 1996, (iii) all proxy statements relating to Parent's meetings of
stockholders (whether annual or special) since January 1, 1994, (iv) all other
reports or registration statements (other than Reports on Form 10-Q not
referred to in clause (ii) above) filed by Parent with the SEC, and (v) all
amendments and supplements to all such reports and registration statements
filed by Parent with the SEC (collectively, the "PARENT SEC REPORTS"). The
Parent SEC Reports (i) were prepared in all material respects in accordance
with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case
may be, and (ii) did not at the time they were filed (or if amended or
superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date
of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading. None of Parent's subsidiaries is required to
file any forms, reports or other documents with the SEC.
 
  (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the Parent SEC Reports has been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied
on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be
indicated in the notes thereto), and each fairly presents in all material
respects the consolidated financial position of Parent and its subsidiaries as
at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of its operations
and cash flows and stockholder equity for the periods indicated, except that
the unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments which were not or are not expected to be
material in amount.
 
  SECTION 3.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in
Section 3.8 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule or in the Parent SEC Reports,
since January 1, 1995, Parent has conducted its business in the ordinary
course and there has not occurred: (a) any Material Adverse Effect; (b) any
amendments or changes in the Articles of Organization or By-Laws of Parent;
(c) any damage to, destruction or loss of any assets of the Parent (whether or
not covered by insurance) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect; (d) any material change by Parent in its accounting methods,
principles or practices; (e) any material revaluation by Parent of any of its
assets, including without limitation, writing down the value of inventory or
writing off notes or accounts receivable other than in the ordinary course of
business; (f) any other action or event that would have required the consent
of the Company pursuant to Section 4.3 had such action or event occurred after
the date of this Agreement; or (g) any sale of a material amount of assets of
Parent or any of its subsidiaries, except in the ordinary course of business.
 
  SECTION 3.9 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as is disclosed in Section
3.9 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries has any liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise),
except liabilities (a) in the aggregate adequately provided for in Parent's
balance sheet (including any related
 
                                     A-19
<PAGE>
 
notes thereto) as of December 31, 1994 included in the Parent's 1994 Annual
Report on Form 10-K (the "PARENT BALANCE SHEET"), (b) incurred in the ordinary
course of business and not required under generally accepted accounting
principles to be reflected on the Parent Balance Sheet, (c) incurred since
December 31, 1994 in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice, (d) incurred in connection with this Agreement, or (e) which could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.10 Absence of Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.10 of
the Parent Disclosure Schedule and except for the legal proceeding captioned
Lawrence M. Greebel v. FTP Software Inc., Robert W. Goodnow, Jr., Penny C.
Leavy, Douglas F. Flood, Jonathan Rodin, Charlotte H. Evans and David H.
Zirkle (Case No. 96-10544) (District of Massachusetts) (the "GREEBEL CASE"),
there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or,
to the knowledge of the Parent, threatened against the Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, or any properties or rights of the Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, before any federal, foreign, state or provincial court,
arbitrator or administrative, governmental or regulatory authority or body,
that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.11 Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Agreements.
 
  (a) Section 3.11(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule lists as of the date
hereof all employee pension plans (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), all
material employee welfare plans, (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and all
other material bonus, stock option, stock purchase, incentive, deferred
compensation, supplemental retirement, severance and other similar fringe or
employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements, and any material current or
former employment, executive compensation or severance agreements, written or
otherwise, for the benefit of, or relating to, any employee of or consultant
to Parent, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a
member of a controlled group including Parent or which is under common control
with Parent (a "PARENT ERISA AFFILIATE") within the meaning of Section 414 of
the Code, or any subsidiary of Parent, as well as each plan with respect to
which Parent or a Parent ERISA Affiliate could incur liability under Section
4069 (if such plan has been or were terminated) or Section 4212(c) of ERISA
(all such plans, practices, and programs are referred to herein as the "PARENT
EMPLOYEE PLANS"). There have been made available to the Company copies of (i)
each such written Parent Employee Plan (other than those referred to in
Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA), (ii) the most recent annual report on form 5500
series, with accompanying schedules and attachments, filed with respect to
each Parent Employee Plan required to make such a filing, and (iii) the most
recent actuarial valuation for each Parent Employee Plan subject to Title IV
of ERISA. For purposes of this Section 3.11(a) the term "material", used with
respect to any Parent Employee Plan, shall mean that Parent or a Parent ERISA
Affiliate has incurred or may incur obligations in an annual amount exceeding
$1,000,000 with respect to such Parent Employee Plan.
 
  (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.1l(b) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, (i) none of the Parent Employee Plans promises or provides retiree
medical or other retiree welfare benefits to any person, and none of the
Parent Employee Plans is a "multiemployer plan" as such term is defined in
Section 3(37) of ERISA; (ii) there has been no "prohibited transaction," as
such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code,
with respect to any Parent Employee Plan, which could result in any material
liability of Parent or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) all Parent Employee
Plans are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements
prescribed by any and all Laws (including ERISA and the Code) currently in
effect with respect thereto (including all applicable requirements for
notification to participants or the Department of Labor, IRS, PBGC or
Secretary of the Treasury), and Parent and each of its subsidiaries have
performed all material obligations required to be performed by them under, are
not in any material respect in default under or violation of, and have no
knowledge of any default or violation by any other party to, any of the Parent
Employee Plans; (iv) each Parent Employee Plan intended to qualify under
Section 401(a) of the Code and each trust intended to qualify under Section
501(a) of the Code is the subject of a favorable determination letter from the
IRS, and nothing has occurred which may reasonably be expected to impair such
determination; (v) all contributions required to be made to any Parent
Employee Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code, or the terms of the Parent
Employee Plan or any collective bargaining agreement, have been made on or
before their due dates; (vi) with respect to each Parent Employee Plan, no
"reportable event" within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA
 
                                     A-20
<PAGE>
 
(excluding any such event for which the 30 day notice requirement has been
waived under the regulations to Section 4043 of ERISA) nor any event described
in Section 4062, 4063 or 4041 of ERISA has occurred; and (vii) neither Parent
nor any Parent ERISA Affiliate has incurred, nor reasonably expects to incur,
any liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than liability for premium
payments to the PBGC arising in the ordinary course).
 
  (c) Section 3.1l(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and
complete list of each current or former employee, officer or director of
Parent or any of its subsidiaries who holds (i) any option to purchase Parent
Common Stock as of the date hereof, together with the number of shares of
Parent Common Stock subject to such option, the option price of such option
(to the extent determined as of the date hereof), whether such option is
intended to qualify as an ISO, and the expiration date of such option and (ii)
any other right, directly or indirectly, to acquire Parent Common Stock,
together with the number of shares of Parent Common Stock subject to such
right. Section 3.11(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule also sets forth the
total number of such ISOs, such nonqualified options and such other rights
outstanding on the date hereof.
 
  (d) Section 3.11(d) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and
complete list of: (i) all employment agreements with officers of Parent or any
of its subsidiaries; (ii) all agreements with consultants who are individuals
obligating Parent or any of its subsidiaries to make annual cash payments in
an amount exceeding $100,000; (iii) all employees of or consultants to, Parent
or any of its subsidiaries who have executed a non-competition agreement with
Parent or any of its subsidiaries; (iv) all severance agreements, programs and
policies of Parent with or relating to its employees in each case with
outstanding commitments exceeding $100,000, excluding programs and policies
required to be maintained by law; and (iii) all plans, programs, agreements
and other arrangements of Parent or any of its subsidiaries with or relating
to its employees which contain change in control provisions.
 
  SECTION 3.12 Labor Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the
Parent Disclosure Schedule: (i) there are no claims or proceedings pending or,
to the knowledge of Parent or any of its subsidiaries, threatened, between
Parent or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective employees,
asserting that Parent has committed an unfair labor practice which claims or
proceedings have or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect; (ii) neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any
collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract applicable to
persons employed by Parent or its subsidiaries, nor does Parent or any of its
subsidiaries know of any activities or proceedings of any labor union to
organize any such employees; and (iii) neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries has any knowledge of any strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages,
lockouts, or threats thereof, by or with respect to any employees of Parent or
any of its subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.13 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Subject to the accuracy of the representations of the
Company in Section 2.13, the registration statement (the "REGISTRATION
STATEMENT") pursuant to which the Parent Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger will be registered with the SEC shall not, at the time the Registration
Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) is declared
effective by the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements included
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. The information supplied by Parent for inclusion in the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus will not, on the date the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is first mailed to stockholders, at the time of the
Stockholders Meetings and at the Effective Time, contain any statement which,
at such time and in light of the circumstances under which it shall be made,
is false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or will omit to
state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not
false or misleading; or omit to state any material fact necessary to correct
any statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of
proxies for the Stockholders Meetings which has become false or misleading. If
at any time prior to the Effective Time any event relating to Parent, Merger
Sub or any of their respective affiliates, officers or directors should be
discovered by Parent or Merger Sub which should be set forth in an amendment
to the Registration Statement or
a supplement to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Parent or Merger Sub
will promptly inform the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent and
Merger Sub make no representation or warranty with respect to any information
supplied by the Company which is contained in any of the foregoing documents.
 
                                     A-21
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 3.14 [Intentionally Omitted]
 
  SECTION 3.15 Title to Property. Except as disclosed in Section 3.15 of the
Parent Disclosure Schedule, Parent and each of its subsidiaries have good and
defensible title to all of their properties and assets, free and clear of all
liens, charges and encumbrances, except liens for taxes not yet due and
payable and such liens or other imperfections of title, which could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and, to Parent's
knowledge, all leases pursuant to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries
lease from others material amounts of real or personal property are in good
standing, valid and effective in accordance with their respective terms, and
there is not, to the knowledge of Parent, under any of such leases, any
existing material default or event of default (or event which with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute a material default), except where the
lack of such good standing, validity and effectiveness, or the existence of
such default or event of default could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.16 Taxes. Other than as disclosed in Section 3.16 of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, (a) Parent and its subsidiaries have filed all Tax
Returns required to be filed by them, (b) Parent and its subsidiaries have
paid and discharged all Taxes due in connection with or with respect to the
periods or transactions covered by such Tax Returns and have paid all other
Taxes as are due, except such as are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings (to the extent that any such proceedings are required)
and (c) there are no other Taxes that would be due if asserted by a taxing
authority, except with respect to which Parent is maintaining reserves to the
extent currently required unless the failure to do so could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as does not involve or
would not result in liability to Parent that could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect: (a) there are no tax liens on any assets of
Parent or any subsidiary thereof; and (b) neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries has granted any waiver of any statute of limitations with respect
to, or any extension of a period for the assessment of, any Tax. The accruals
and reserves for Taxes (including deferred taxes) reflected in the Parent
Balance Sheet are in all material respects adequate to cover all Taxes
required to be accrued through the date thereof (including interest and
penalties, if any, thereon and Taxes being contested) in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  SECTION 3.17 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.17 of
the Parent Disclosure Schedule, and except in all cases as, in the aggregate,
have not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect, Parent and each of its subsidiaries to the best of Parent's knowledge:
(i) have obtained all Approvals which are required to be obtained under all
applicable Environmental Laws by Parent or its subsidiaries (or their
respective agents); (ii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of
such required Approvals and also are in compliance with all other limitations,
restrictions, conditions, standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations,
schedules and timetables contained in applicable Environmental Laws; (iii) as
of the date hereof, are not aware of nor have received notice of any past or
present violations of Environmental Laws, or any event, condition,
circumstance, activity, practice, incident, action or plan which is reasonably
likely to interfere with or prevent continued compliance with or which would
give rise to any common law or statutory liability, or otherwise form the
basis of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, against Parent or any of its
subsidiaries based on or resulting from the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling, or
the emission, discharge or release into the environment, of any pollutant,
contaminant or hazardous or toxic material or waste; and (iv) have taken all
actions necessary under applicable Environmental Laws to register any products
or materials required to be registered by Parent or its subsidiaries (or any
of their respective agents) thereunder.
 
  SECTION 3.18 Intellectual Property. Parent, directly or indirectly, owns, or
is licensed or otherwise possesses legally enforceable rights to use, all
patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, and any
applications therefor, maskworks, net lists, schematics, technology, know-how,
computer software programs or applications (in both source code and object
code form), and tangible or intangible proprietary information or material
(excluding Commercial Software) that are material to the business of Parent
and its subsidiaries as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted by
Parent and its subsidiaries (the "PARENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS"). None
of Parent or any of its subsidiaries is, nor will they be as a result of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, in violation of any
 
                                     A-22
<PAGE>
 
agreement to which a Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a party and pursuant
to which Parent, any of its subsidiaries or any other person is authorized to
use any Parent Intellectual Property Rights except such violations as do not
materially impair Parent's or any such subsidiary's rights under any such
agreement, nor will the execution of this Agreement by Parent entitle any
other party to such license agreement or sublicense to terminate or modify
such license agreement or sublicense. Either Parent or one of its subsidiaries
is the sole and exclusive owner or licensee of, with all right, title and
interest in and to (free and clear of any liens or encumbrances), Parent
Intellectual Property Rights, and has sole and exclusive rights (and is not
contractually obligated to pay any compensation to any third party in respect
thereof) to the use thereof or the material covered thereby in connection with
the services or products in respect of which Parent Intellectual Property
Rights are being used, except in each case as set forth in the Parent
Disclosure Schedule. No claims with respect to Parent Intellectual Property
Rights have been asserted or, to the knowledge of Parent, are threatened by
any person that reasonably would be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on Parent or any of its subsidiaries, nor are there any valid grounds, to the
knowledge of Parent, for any bona fide claims that reasonably would be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, (i) to the effect that the manufacture, sale, licensing or use
of any product of Parent or any of its subsidiaries as now used, sold or
licensed or proposed for use, sale or license by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries infringes on any copyright, patent, trade mark, service mark or
trade secret, (ii) against the use by Parent or any of its subsidiaries of any
trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, copyrights, patents,
technology, know-how or computer software programs and applications used in
Parent's or its subsidiaries' business as currently conducted or as proposed
to be conducted, or (iii) challenging the ownership, validity or effectiveness
of any of Parent Intellectual Property Rights. All United States registered
trademarks, service marks and copyrights held by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, except as described in the Parent
Disclosure Schedule. To the knowledge of Parent, there is no unauthorized use,
infringement or misappropriation of any Parent Intellectual Property Rights by
any third party, including any employee or former employee of Parent or any of
its subsidiaries, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. No Parent Intellectual Property Right or product of Parent or
any of its subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding decree, order, judgment,
or stipulation restricting in any manner the licensing thereof by Parent or
any of its subsidiaries. Neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has
entered into any agreement (other than exclusive distribution agreements
identified as such in Section 3.18 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule) under
which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is restricted from selling, licensing
or otherwise distributing any of its products to any class of customers, in
any geographic area, during any period of time or in any segment of the
market. There is no outstanding order, judgment, decree or stipulation on
Parent or any of its subsidiaries restricting in any manner the licensing of
products by Parent or any of its subsidiaries. Parent and its subsidiaries
have a policy of requiring each employee to execute a confidentiality
agreement substantially in the form previously delivered to the Company.
 
  SECTION 3.19 Interested Party Transactions. Except as set forth in Section
3.19 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule and except for the Parent's commitment
to advance the payment of certain expenses to certain directors and officers
in connection with the Greeble Case, since September 30, 1995, no event has
occurred that would be required to be reported as a Certain Relationship or
Related Transaction, pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
SEC.
 
  SECTION 3.20 Insurance. Section 3.20 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a complete list of all material fire and casualty, general liability,
business interruption, product liability, professional liability and sprinkler
and water damage insurance policies maintained by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries. All such policies are with reputable insurance carriers, provide
full and adequate coverage for all normal risks incident to the business of
Parent and its subsidiaries and their respective properties and assets and are
in character and amount at least equivalent to that carried by entities
engaged in similar businesses and subject to the same or similar perils or
hazards, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.21 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of Parent and its
subsidiaries as reflected in the most recent financial statements contained in
the Parent SEC Reports, to the extent uncollected on the date hereof and the
accounts receivable reflected on the books of Parent and its subsidiaries are
valid and existing
 
                                     A-23
<PAGE>
 
and represent monies due, and Parent has made reserves reasonably considered
adequate for receivables not collectible in the ordinary course of business,
and (subject to the aforesaid reserves) are subject to no refunds or other
adjustments and to no defenses, rights of setoff, assignments, restrictions,
encumbrances or conditions enforceable by third parties on or affecting any
thereof, except for such refunds, adjustments, defenses, rights of setoff,
assignments, restrictions, encumbrances or conditions as could not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
  SECTION 3.22 [Intentionally Omitted].
 
  SECTION 3.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Parent has received the opinion
of its financial advisor, Montgomery Securities, that, as of May 20, 1996, the
Exchange Ratio and Cash Payment, considered together, are fair to Parent from
a financial point of view.
 
  SECTION 3.24 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Montgomery Securities, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by Parent)
is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub. Parent has
heretofore furnished to the Company a complete and correct copy of all
agreements between Parent and Montgomery Securities pursuant to which such
firm would be entitled to any payment relating to the transactions
contemplated hereunder.
 
  SECTION 3.25 [Intentionally Omitted].
 
  SECTION 3.26 Ownership of Merger Sub; No Prior Activities.
 
  (a) Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  (b) As of the date hereof and the Effective Time, except for obligations or
liabilities incurred in connection with its incorporation or organization and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and except for this Agreement
and any other agreements or arrangements contemplated by this Agreement,
Merger Sub has not and will not have incurred, directly or indirectly, through
any subsidiary or affiliate, any obligations or liabilities or engaged in any
business activities of any type or kind whatsoever or entered into any
agreements or arrangements with any person.
 
                                  ARTICLE IV
 
                    CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
 
  SECTION 4.1 Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger. The
Company covenants and agrees that, during the period from the date of this
Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this
Agreement or the Effective Time, unless Parent shall otherwise agree in
writing, the Company shall conduct its business and shall cause the businesses
of its subsidiaries to be conducted only in, and the Company and its
subsidiaries shall not take any action except in, the ordinary course of
business and the Company shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to
preserve substantially intact the business organization of the Company and its
subsidiaries, to keep available the services of the present officers,
employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries and to preserve
the present relationships of the Company and its subsidiaries with customers,
suppliers and other persons with which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
has significant business relations. By way of amplification and not
limitation, except as contemplated by this Agreement, neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries shall, during the period from the date of this
Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this
Agreement or the Effective Time, directly or indirectly do, or propose to do,
any of the following without the prior written consent of Parent:
 
  (a) amend or otherwise change the Charter or By-Laws of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries;
 
  (b) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or authorize the issuance,
sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of, any shares of capital stock of
any class, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other
 
                                     A-24
<PAGE>
 
rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock, or any other
ownership interest (including, without limitation, any phantom interest) in
the Company, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (except for the issuance of
shares of Company Common Stock issuable pursuant to Stock Options which were
granted under either the Company Stock Option Plans or the Director Option
Plan and are outstanding on the date hereof).
 
  (c) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any assets of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries (except for (i) sales of assets in the ordinary course of
business and in a manner consistent with past practice, (ii) dispositions of
obsolete or worthless assets, and (iii) sales of immaterial assets not in
excess of $100,000 in the aggregate);
 
  (d) (i) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
(whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of
any of its capital stock, except that a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company
may declare and pay a dividend to its parent, (ii) split, combine or
reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize or propose the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for shares of its capital stock, or (iii) amend the terms or change the period
of exercisability of, purchase, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or
permit any subsidiary to purchase, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire,
any of its securities or any securities of its subsidiaries, including,
without limitation, shares of Company Common Stock or any option, warrant or
right, directly or indirectly, to acquire shares of Company Common Stock, or
propose to do any of the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Company Stock
Option Plans);
 
  (e) (i) acquire (by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or
assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
division thereof other than those listed on Section 4.1(e) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule; (ii) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue
any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse or otherwise as an
accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any person or, except
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, make any
loans or advances; (iii) enter into or amend any material contract or
agreement; (iv) authorize any capital expenditures or purchase of fixed assets
which are, in the aggregate, in excess of $100,000 for the Company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole; or (v) enter into or amend any contract,
agreement, commitment or arrangement to effect any of the matters prohibited
by this Section 4.1(e);
 
  (f) increase the compensation payable or to become payable to its officers
or employees, or grant any severance or termination pay which in the aggregate
exceeds $400,000, or enter into any employment agreement or severance
agreement (except with regard to severance agreements which in the aggregate
do not exceed a liability of $400,000) (subject to the same $400,000
limitation) with any director, officer or other employee of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend any collective
bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option,
restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment,
termination, severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or
arrangement for the benefit of any current or former directors, officers or
employees, except, in each case, as may be required by law;
 
  (g) take any action to change accounting policies or procedures (including,
without limitation, procedures with respect to revenue recognition, payments
of accounts payable and collection of accounts receivable);
 
  (h) make any material tax election inconsistent with past practice or settle
or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign tax liability or
agree to an extension of a statute of limitations;
 
  (i) pay, discharge or satisfy any material claims, liabilities or
obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practice of liabilities reflected
or reserved against in the financial statements contained in the Company SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or incurred in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practice; or
 
  (j) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the actions
described in Sections 4.1 (a) through (i) above, or any action which would
make any of the representations or warranties of the Company contained in this
Agreement untrue or incorrect or prevent the Company from performing or cause
the Company not to perform its covenants hereunder.
 
                                     A-25
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 4.2 No Solicitation.
 
  (a) The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, through any officer,
director, employee, representative or agent of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage the initiation of any
inquiries or proposals regarding any merger, sale of substantial assets, sale
of shares of capital stock (including without limitation by way of a tender
offer) or similar transactions involving the Company or any subsidiaries of
the Company other than the Merger (any of the foregoing inquiries or proposals
being referred to herein as an "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL"), (ii) engage in
negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide any nonpublic information
to any person relating to, any Acquisition Proposal or (iii) agree to, approve
or recommend any Acquisition Proposal. Nothing contained in this Section
4.2(a) shall prevent the Board of Directors of the Company from considering,
discussing, negotiating, agreeing, approving and recommending to the
stockholders of the Company a bona fide Acquisition Proposal not solicited in
violation of this Agreement, provided the Board of Directors of the Company
determines in good faith (upon advice of outside counsel) that it is required
to do so in order to discharge properly its fiduciary duties.
 
  (b) The Company shall immediately notify Parent after receipt of any
Acquisition Proposal, or any modification of or amendment to any Acquisition
Proposal, or any request for nonpublic information relating to the Company or
any of its subsidiaries in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or for
access to the properties, books or records of the Company or any subsidiary by
any person or entity that informs the Board of Directors of the Company or
such subsidiary that it is considering making, or has made, an Acquisition
Proposal. Such notice to Parent shall be made orally and in writing, and shall
indicate whether the Company is providing or intends to provide the person
making the Acquisition Proposal with access to information concerning the
Company as provided in Section 4.2(c).
 
  (c) If the Board of Directors of the Company receives a request for material
nonpublic information by a person who makes, or indicates that it is
considering making, a bona fide Acquisition Proposal, and the Board of
Directors determines in good faith and upon the advice of outside counsel that
it is required to cause the Company to act as provided in this Section 4.2(c)
in order to discharge properly the directors' fiduciary duties, then, provided
the person making the Acquisition Proposal has executed a confidentiality
agreement substantially similar to the one then in effect between the Company
and Parent, the Company may provide such person with access to information
regarding the Company.
 
  (d) The Company shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing discussions or negotiations with any persons (other than Parent and
Merger Sub) conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing. The
Company agrees not to release any third party from the confidentiality
provisions of any confidentiality agreement to which the Company is a party.
 
  (e) The Company shall ensure that the officers, directors and key employees
of the Company and its subsidiaries and any investment banker or other advisor
or representative retained by the Company are aware of the restrictions
described in this Section 4.2.
 
  SECTION 4.3 Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the Merger. During the
period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, Parent covenants and
agrees that, unless the Company shall otherwise agree in writing, Parent shall
conduct its business, and cause the businesses of its subsidiaries to be
conducted, in the ordinary course, other than actions taken by Parent or its
subsidiaries in contemplation of the Merger as provided for herein, and shall
not directly or indirectly do, or propose to do, any of the following without
the prior written consent of the Company:
 
  (a) amend or otherwise change Parent's Restated Articles of Organization or
By-Laws;
 
  (b) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
(whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of
any of its capital stock, except that a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent may
declare and pay a dividend to its parent; or
 
                                     A-26
<PAGE>
 
  (c) take or agree in writing or otherwise to take any action which would
make any of the representations or warranties of Parent contained in this
Agreement untrue or incorrect or prevent Parent from performing or cause
Parent not to perform its covenants hereunder.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
  SECTION 5.1 HSR Act. As promptly as practicable after the date of the
execution of this Agreement, the Company, Parent and all other necessary
parties shall file notifications under and in accordance with the HSR Act in
connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby and shall
respond as promptly as practicable to any inquiries received from the Federal
Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice (the "ANTITRUST DIVISION") for additional information or documentation
and to respond as promptly as practicable to all inquiries and requests
received from any State Attorney General or other governmental authority in
connection with antitrust matters.
 
  SECTION 5.2 Joint Proxy Statement Prospectus; Registration Statement. As
promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, the Company and
Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC preliminary proxy materials which
shall constitute the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration
Statement of the Parent with respect to the Parent Common Stock to be issued
in connection with the Merger. As promptly as practicable after comments are
received from the SEC thereon and after the furnishing by the Company and
Parent of all information required to be contained therein, the Company and
Parent shall file with the SEC a combined proxy and Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (or on such other form as shall be appropriate) (the "S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT") relating to the adoption of this Agreement and
approval of the transactions contemplated hereby by the stockholders of the
Company and the approval by the stockholders of Parent to increase the number
of authorized shares of Parent Common Stock and the issuance of Parent Common
Stock in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement, and shall use all reasonable
efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective, and to mail
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to their respective shareholders, as soon
thereafter as practicable. The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall include
the recommendation of the Boards of Directors of the Company and Parent in
favor of the Merger, subject to the last sentence of Section 5.3.
 
  SECTION 5.3 Stockholders Meetings. The Company and Parent shall call and
hold their respective Stockholders Meetings as promptly as practicable and in
accordance with applicable laws for the purpose of voting upon the approval of
the Merger, and Parent and the Company shall use their reasonable best efforts
to hold the Stockholders Meetings on the same day (and at the same time of
such day) and as soon as practicable after the date on which the Registration
Statement becomes effective. Unless otherwise required under the applicable
fiduciary duties of the respective directors of the Company and Parent, as
determined by such directors in good faith after consultation with and based
upon the advice of outside legal counsel, the Company and Parent shall use all
reasonable efforts to solicit from their respective stockholders proxies in
favor of adoption of this Agreement and approval of the transactions
contemplated hereby or approval of the increase in the number of authorized
shares of Parent Common Stock and the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the
Merger pursuant to this Agreement, as the case may be, and shall take all
other action necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of
stockholders to obtain such approvals.
 
  SECTION 5.4 Access to Information; Confidentiality. Upon reasonable notice
and subject to restrictions contained in confidentiality agreements to which
such party is subject (from which such party shall use reasonable efforts to
be released), the Company and Parent shall each (and shall cause each of their
subsidiaries to) afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel and
other representatives of the other, reasonable access, during the period to
the Effective Time, to all its properties, books, contracts, commitments and
records and, during such period, the Company and Parent each shall (and shall
cause each of their subsidiaries to) furnish promptly to the other all
information concerning its business, properties and personnel as such other
party may reasonably request, and each shall make available to the other the
appropriate individuals (including attorneys,
 
                                     A-27
<PAGE>
 
accountants and other professionals) for discussion of the other's business,
properties and personnel as either Parent or the Company may reasonably
request. Each party shall keep such information confidential in accordance
with the terms of the respective confidentiality letters, each dated October
2, 1995 (the "CONFIDENTIALITY LETTERS"), between Parent and the Company.
 
  SECTION 5.5 Consents; Approvals. The Company and Parent shall each use all
reasonable efforts to obtain all consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations
or orders (including, without limitation, all United States and foreign
governmental and regulatory rulings and approvals), and the Company and Parent
shall make all filings (including, without limitation, all filings with United
States and foreign governmental or regulatory agencies) required in connection
with the authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Company and Parent and the consummation by them of the transactions
contemplated hereby, in each case as promptly as practicable. The Company and
Parent shall furnish promptly all information required to be included in the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement, or for any
application or other filing to be made pursuant to the rules and regulations
of any United States or foreign governmental body in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  SECTION 5.6 Agreements with Respect to Affiliates. Each of Parent and the
Company shall deliver to the other, prior to the date the Registration
Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, a letter (each an
"AFFILIATE LETTER") identifying all persons who are, at the time of the Parent
Stockholders Meeting or Company Stockholders Meeting, as the case may be,
"affiliates" of Parent or the Company, respectively, for purposes of Rule 145
under the Securities Act ("RULE 145"). Each of Parent and the Company shall
use all reasonably efforts to cause each person who is identified as an
"affiliate" in its Affiliate Letter to deliver, prior to the Effective Time, a
written agreement (an "AFFILIATE AGREEMENT") in connection with restrictions
on affiliates under Rule 145, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
a Parent and the Company.
 
  SECTION 5.7 Indemnification and Insurance.
 
  (a) The By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation shall contain the provisions
with respect to indemnification set forth in the By-Laws of the Company, which
provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period
of three years from the Effective Time in any manner that would adversely
affect the rights thereunder of individuals who at the Effective Time were
directors, officers, employees or agents of the Company, unless such
modification is required by law.
 
  (b) The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law
or under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws and regardless
of whether the Merger becomes effective, indemnify and hold harmless, and,
after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall, to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable law or under the Surviving Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, indemnify and hold harmless, each
present and former director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (collectively, the "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") against any costs or
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (excluding any damage or loss
suffered by any Indemnified Party as a Record Holder (as defined in Section
5.18) on account of the operation of Section 5.18), whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, (x) arising out of or pertaining to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (y) otherwise with respect to
any acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, to the same
extent as provided in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or
any applicable contract or agreement as in effect on the date hereof, in each
case for a period of three years after the Effective Time. In the event of any
such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether arising before
or after the Effective Time), (i) any counsel retained by the Indemnified
Parties for any period after the Effective Time shall be reasonably
satisfactory to the Surviving Corporation, (ii) after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such
counsel, promptly after statements therefor are received, and (iii) the
Surviving Corporation will cooperate in the defense of any such matter;
provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation shall not be liable for any
settlement effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld); and provided, further, that, in the event that any
claim or claims for
 
                                     A-28
<PAGE>
 
indemnification are asserted or made within such three-year period, all rights
to indemnification in respect of any such claim or claims shall continue until
the disposition of any and all such claims. The Indemnified Parties as a group
may retain only one law firm to represent them with respect to any single
action unless there is, under applicable standards of professional conduct, a
conflict on any significant issue between the positions of any two or more
Indemnified Parties.
 
  (c) The Surviving Corporation shall honor and fulfill in all respects the
obligations of the Company pursuant to indemnification agreements with the
Company's current or former directors, officers and employees in effect at or
before the Effective Time.
 
  (d) For a period of three years after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause
the Surviving Corporation to maintain in effect, if available, directors' and
officers' liability insurance covering those persons who are currently covered
by the Company's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy (a copy
of which has been made available to Parent) on terms comparable to those now
applicable to directors and officers of the Company; provided, however, that
in no event shall Parent or the Surviving Corporation be required to expend in
excess of 150% of the annual premium currently paid by the Company for such
coverage; and provided further, that if the premium for such coverage exceeds
such amount, Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall purchase a policy with
the greatest coverage available for 150% of the annual premium.
 
  (e) This Section shall survive the consummation of the Merger at the
Effective Time, is intended to benefit the Company, the Surviving Corporation
and the Indemnified Parties, shall be binding on all successors and assigns of
Parent and the Surviving Corporation, as applicable, and shall be enforceable
by the Indemnified Parties in accordance with its terms.
 
  SECTION 5.8 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt
notice to Parent, and Parent shall give prompt notice to the Company, of (i)
the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any event the occurrence or nonoccurrence
of which would be likely to cause any representation or warranty contained in
this Agreement to become materially untrue or inaccurate, or (ii) any failure
of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub, as the case may be, materially to comply
with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or
satisfied by it hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice
pursuant to this Section shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies
available hereunder to the party receiving such notice; and provided further,
that failure to give such notice shall not be treated as a breach of covenant
for the purposes of Sections 6.2(a) or 6.3(a) unless the failure to give such
notice results in material prejudice to the other party.
 
  SECTION 5.9 Further Action/Tax Treatment. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions hereof each of the parties hereto shall use all reasonable efforts
to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all
other things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective
as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to
obtain in a timely manner all necessary waivers, consents and approvals and to
effect all necessary registrations and filings, and otherwise to satisfy or
cause to be satisfied all conditions precedent to its obligations under this
Agreement. The foregoing covenant shall not include any obligation by Parent
to agree to divest, abandon, license or take similar action with respect to
any assets (tangible or intangible) of Parent or the Company. Each of Parent,
Merger Sub and the Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the
Merger to qualify, and will not (both before and after consummation of the
Merger) take any actions which to its knowledge could reasonably be expected
to prevent the Merger from qualifying, as a reorganization under the
provisions of Section 368 of the Code.
 
  SECTION 5.10 Public Announcements. Parent and the Company shall consult with
each other before issuing any press release with respect to the Merger or this
Agreement and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public
statement without the prior consent of the other party, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that a party may, without the
prior consent of the other party, issue such press release or make such public
statement as may upon the advice of counsel be required by law or the rules
and regulations of the Nasdaq National Market ("NASDAQ"), if it has used all
reasonable efforts to consult with the other party prior thereto.
 
                                     A-29
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 5.11 Conveyance Taxes. Parent and the Company shall cooperate in the
preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires,
applications, or other documents regarding any real property transfer or
gains, sales, use, transfer, value added, stock transfer and stamp taxes, any
transfer, recording, registration and other fees, and any similar taxes which
become payable in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby that
are required or permitted to be filed at or before the Effective Time.
 
  SECTION 5.12 Accountants' Letters. Upon reasonable notice from the other,
the Company and Parent shall use their respective reasonable efforts to cause
Deloitte & Touche LLP and Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., respectively, to deliver
to Parent and the Company letters, dated within 2 business days of the
Effective Date of the S-4 Registration Statement addressed to each such
Company and the respective Board of Directors covering such matters as are
reasonably requested by Parent and the Company, and as are customarily
addressed in accountant's "comfort" letters.
 
  SECTION 5.13 [Intentionally Omitted].
 
  SECTION 5.14 Board Representation. Parent will take such action as is
necessary to cause John Kimberley to be elected to serve as a director of
Parent as of the Effective Time and will provide Mr. Kimberley and Mr. Simkin
(as an officer of Parent) with such indemnification and insurance as is
provided to other members of the Parent's Board of Directors and executive
officers, respectively.
 
  SECTION 5.15 Nasdaq Listing. The Company shall use its best efforts to
continue the quotation of the Company Common Stock on the Nasdaq during the
term of this Agreement and until the Effective Time.
 
  SECTION 5.16 Listing of Parent Shares. Parent shall use its best efforts to
cause the Parent Shares to be issued in the Merger to be approved for
quotation, upon official notice of issuance, on the Nasdaq at or before the
Effective Time.
 
  SECTION 5.17 Consent of Option Holders. The Company shall use its reasonable
efforts to obtain from each holder of a Scheme Option granted under the
Company's 1994 Option Scheme, a written consent to the assumption of such
option by Parent in accordance with Section 1.6(c) hereof.
 
  SECTION 5.18 Conduct of Firefox Litigation. Until the Effective Time, the
Company will conduct the defense of the Firefox Litigation, having due regard
for the mitigation of costs and expenses, and shall consult with Parent
regarding the conduct of such litigation and afford Parent and its
representatives the opportunity to review and comment upon all pleadings and
other papers to be filed in court in connection with the Firefox Litigation.
Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall not settle or otherwise
compromise the Firefox Litigation without Parent's prior written consent.
 
                                  ARTICLE VI
 
                           CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
  SECTION 6.1 Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:
 
  (a) Effectiveness of the Registration Statement. The Registration Statement
shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act. No
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall
have been issued by the SEC and no proceedings for that purpose and no similar
proceeding in respect of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall have been
initiated or threatened by the SEC;
 
  (b) Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have been
approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Company,
and the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger pursuant to
this Agreement shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the
stockholders of Parent;
 
                                     A-30
<PAGE>
 
  (c) HSR Act. All waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the
Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated;
 
  (d) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No temporary restraining
order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court
of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing
the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect, nor shall any proceeding
brought by any administrative agency or commission or other governmental
authority or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, seeking any of the
foregoing be pending; and there shall not be any action taken, or any statute,
rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to
the Merger, which makes the consummation of the Merger illegal; and
 
  (e) Governmental Actions. There shall not have been instituted, pending or
threatened any action or proceeding (or any investigation or other inquiry
that might result in such an action or proceeding) by any governmental
authority or administrative agency before any governmental authority,
administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction, nor shall there be
in effect any judgment, decree or order of any governmental authority,
administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction, in either case,
seeking to prohibit or limit Parent from exercising all material rights and
privileges pertaining to its ownership of the Surviving Corporation or the
ownership or operation by Parent or any of its subsidiaries of all or a
material portion of the business or assets of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, or seeking to compel Parent or any of its subsidiaries to
dispose of or hold separate all or any material portion of the business or
assets of Parent or any of its subsidiaries (including the Surviving
Corporation and its subsidiaries), as a result of the Merger or the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  (f) Dissenting Shares. The aggregate number of Dissenting Shares and cash in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock issuable in the Merger shall
not be such as to result in the Merger not constituting a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code.
 
  SECTION 6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger
Sub. The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also
subject to the following conditions:
 
  (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects at and as of the Effective Time as if made at and as of such
time, except for (i) changes contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) those
representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular
date (which shall have been true and correct as of such date, subject to
clause (iii)), and (iii) where the failure to be true and correct could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, with the same force
and effect as if made at and as of the Effective Time, and Parent and Merger
Sub shall have received a certificate to such effect signed by the President
and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company;
 
  (b) Agreements and Covenants. The Company shall have performed or complied
in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective
Time, and Parent and Merger Sub shall have received a certificate to such
effect signed on behalf of the Company by the President and the Chief
Financial Officer of the Company;
 
  (c) Consents Obtained. All consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations or
orders required to be obtained, and all filings required to be made, by the
Company for the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have
been obtained and made by the Company, except where the failure to receive
such consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders could not
reasonably be expected to (i) have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or
Parent, or (ii) significantly delay or prevent the consummation of the Merger;
 
  (d) Opinion of Counsel. Parent shall have received a written opinion from
Ropes & Gray, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, to the
effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368 of the Code;
 
                                     A-31
<PAGE>
 
  (e) Release of Liens. All liens, encumbrances and security interests
relating to the Company's prior or current borrowing, financing, or similar
arrangements with National Westminister Bank (or any other banking
institutions) shall have been released and discharged, and evidence of such
release and discharge shall have been duly filed and recorded in all
applicable filing offices and registries.
 
  (f) Affiliate Agreements. Parent shall have received from each person who is
identified in the Affiliate Letter as an "affiliate" of the Company, an
Affiliate Agreement, and such Affiliate Agreement shall be in full force and
effect;
 
  (g) Stockholders Agreements. Stockholders Agreements with Mr. Kimberley, Mr.
Simkin and Mr. Whitehead shall be in full force and effective at and as of the
Effective Time;
 
  (h) Fairness Opinion. The fairness opinion referred to in Section 3.23 shall
not have been withdrawn, amended or modified;
 
  (i) Blue Sky Laws. Parent shall have received all permits and other
authorizations necessary under the Blue Sky Laws to issue shares of Parent
Common Stock pursuant to the Merger; and
 
  (j) Employment Agreements. Parent and the Company shall have entered into
employment agreements with each of John Kimberley and Peter Simkin, and the
Company shall have entered into an employment agreement with Richard
Whitehead, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent but in
no event on terms less favorable than such employees respective existing
employment arrangements with the Company, and providing for a prohibition of
sales of more than 40,000 shares of Parent Common Stock by each such
individual during any fiscal quarter.
 
  SECTION 6.3 Additional Conditions to Obligation of the Company. The
obligation of the Company to effect the Merger is also subject to the
following conditions:
 
  (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
Parent and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all respects on and as of the Effective Time, except for (i) changes
contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) those representations and warranties
which address matters only as of a particular date (which shall have been true
and correct as of such date, subject to clause (iii)), and (iii) where the
failure to be true and correct could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, with the same force and effect as if made on and as
of the Effective Time, and the Company shall have received a certificate to
such effect signed by the President and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent;
 
  (b) Agreements and Covenants. Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed or
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required
by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the
Effective Time, and the Company shall have received a certificate to such
effect signed by the President and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent;
 
  (c) Consents Obtained. All material consents, waivers, approvals,
authorizations or orders required to be obtained, and all filings required to
be made, by Parent and Merger Sub for the authorization, execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation by them of the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been obtained and made by Parent and Merger
Sub, except where the failure to receive such consents, waivers, approvals,
authorizations or orders could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company or Parent;
 
  (d) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received a written opinion of Gray
Cary Ware & Freidenrich, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company, to the effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368 of the Code;
 
  (e) [Intentionally Omitted].
 
 
                                     A-32
<PAGE>
 
  (f) Fairness Opinion. A fairness opinion shall have been delivered to the
Company and its Board of Directors dated as of the Effective Time, such
opinion to be in substantially the same form as the opinion delivered by Cowen
& Company as of May 21, 1996 pursuant to Section 2.23;
 
  (g) Employment Agreements. Parent shall have executed and delivered
employment agreements as contemplated by Section 6.2(j) above.
 
  (h) Nasdaq. The Parent Shares to be issued in the Merger shall have been
approved, upon official notice of issuance, for quotation on the Nasdaq.
 
  (i) Registration Rights Agreement. Parent shall have executed and delivered
to John Kimberley, Peter Simkin and Richard Whitehead a registration rights
agreement providing piggyback registration rights on customary terms with pro
rata cutbacks and expenses, including the fees of one counsel for selling
stockholders, to be paid by Parent.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
 
                                  TERMINATION
 
  SECTION 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior
to the Effective Time, notwithstanding approval thereof by the stockholders of
the Company or Parent:
 
  (a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of
Parent and the Company; or
 
  (b) by either Parent or the Company if the Merger shall not have been
consummated by August 15, 1996 (provided that the right to terminate this
Agreement under this Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose
failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of
or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before such date); or
 
  (c) by either Parent or the Company if a court of competent jurisdiction or
governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission shall have
issued a nonappealable final order, decree or ruling or taken any other action
having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise
prohibiting the Merger (provided that the right to terminate this Agreement
under this Section 7.1(c) shall not be available to any party who has not
complied with its obligations under Section 5.9 and such noncompliance
materially contributed to the issuance of any such order, decree or ruling or
the taking of such action); or
 
  (d) by Parent or the Company, if the requisite vote of the stockholders of
the Company or Parent, respectively, shall not have been obtained by August
15, 1996; or
 
  (e) by Parent or the Company, if: (i) the Board of Directors of the Company
shall withdraw, modify or change its approval or recommendation of this
Agreement or the Merger in a manner adverse to Parent or shall have resolved
to do so; (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have recommended to
the stockholders of the Company an Alternative Transaction (as defined below);
or (iii) a tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the outstanding
shares of Company Common Stock is commenced (other than by Parent or an
affiliate of Parent) and the Board of Directors of the Company recommends that
the stockholders of the Company tender their shares in such tender or exchange
offer; or
 
  (f) by Parent or the Company, (i) if any representation or warranty of the
Company or Parent, respectively, set forth in this Agreement shall be untrue
when made, or (ii) upon a breach of any covenant or agreement on the part of
the Company or Parent, respectively, set forth in this Agreement, such that
the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) or 6.2(b), or Section 6.3(a) or
6.3(b), as the case may be, would not be satisfied (either (i) or (ii) above
being a "TERMINATING BREACH"), provided, that, if such Terminating Breach is
curable prior to August 15, 1996 by the Company or Parent, as the case may be,
through the exercise of its reasonable efforts and for so long as the Company
or Parent, as the case may be, continues to exercise such reasonable efforts,
neither Parent nor the Company, respectively, may terminate this Agreement
under this Section 7.1(f); or
 
                                     A-33
<PAGE>
 
  (g) [Intentionally Omitted]; or
 
  (h) by Parent or the Company, if the Board of Directors of Parent shall
withdraw, modify or change its approval or recommendation of this Agreement or
the Merger in a manner adverse to the Company or shall have resolved to do so;
or
 
  (i) by Parent, if any person (or "group", as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act) other than Parent or its affiliates is or becomes the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of the outstanding Shares.
 
  As used herein, "Alternative Transaction" means any of (i) a transaction
pursuant to which any person (or group of persons) other than Parent or its
affiliates (a "THIRD PARTY") acquires or would acquire more than 25% of the
outstanding Shares, whether from the Company or pursuant to a tender offer or
exchange offer or otherwise, (ii) a merger or other business combination
involving the Company pursuant to which any Third Party acquires more than 25%
of the outstanding equity securities of the Company or the entity surviving
such merger or business combination, or (iii) any other transaction pursuant
to which any Third Party acquires or would acquire control of assets
(including for this purpose the outstanding equity securities of subsidiaries
of the Company, and the entity surviving any merger or business combination
including any of them) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries having a fair
market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good
faith) equal to more than 25% of the fair market value of all the assets of
the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, immediately prior to such
transaction.
 
  SECTION 7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void
and there shall be no liability on the part of any party hereto or any of its
affiliates, directors, officers or stockholders except (i) as set forth in
Section 7.3 and Section 8.1 hereof, and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any
party from liability for any breach hereof; provided, that in the event a
payment is required under Section 7.3(b) hereof, such payment shall be the
sole and exclusive remedy of Parent.
 
  SECTION 7.3 Fees and Expenses.
 
  (a) Except as set forth in this Section 7.3, all fees and expenses incurred
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the Merger
is consummated; provided, however, that Parent and the Company shall share
equally all fees and expenses, other than accountants' and attorneys' fees,
incurred in connection with the printing and filing of the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (including any preliminary materials related thereto) and
the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits) and
any amendments or supplements thereto.
 
  (b) The Company shall pay Parent a fee of $2,400,000 (the "FEE") upon the
termination of this Agreement by Parent or the Company pursuant to Section
7.1(e) and subsequent thereto, the Company enters into a definitive agreement
with a Third Party with respect to an Alternative Transaction.
 
  (c) The Fee payable pursuant to Section 7.3(b) shall be paid within one
business day after the execution and delivery of the definitive agreement
referred to in Section 7.3(b); provided, that, in no event shall the Company
be required to pay such Fee to Parent if, immediately prior to the termination
of this Agreement, Parent was in material breach of its obligations under this
Agreement.
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII
 
                              GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
  SECTION 8.1 Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements;
Knowledge, Etc.
 
  (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1, the representations,
warranties and agreements of each party hereto shall remain operative and in
full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
any other party hereto, any person controlling any such party or any of their
officers or directors,
 
                                     A-34
<PAGE>
 
whether prior to or after the execution of this Agreement. The
representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement shall terminate
at the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1, as the case may be, except that the agreements set forth in
Article I and Sections 5.7 and 5.18 shall survive the Effective Time
indefinitely and those set forth in Section 7.3 shall survive such termination
indefinitely. The Confidentiality Letters shall survive termination of this
Agreement as provided therein.
 
  (b) Any disclosure made with reference to one or more sections of the
Company Disclosure Schedule or the Parent Disclosure Schedule, as the case may
be, shall be deemed disclosed with respect to any section with such Disclosure
Schedule to which such disclosure reasonably relates.
 
  SECTION 8.2 Notices. All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given or made if and when delivered personally or by overnight courier to the
parties at the following addresses or sent by electronic transmission, with
confirmation received, to the telecopy numbers specified below (or at such
other address or telecopy number for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
 
  (a) If to Parent or Merger Sub:
 
    FTP Software, Inc.
    100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor
    Andover, MA 01810
    Telecopier No.: (508) 684-6162
    Telephone No.: (508) 685-5000
    Attention: General Counsel
 
  With a copy to:
 
    Gregory E. Moore, Esq. and
    David B. Walek, Esq.
    Ropes & Gray
    One International Place
    Boston, MA 02110
    Telecopier No.: (617) 951-7050
    Telephone No.: (617) 951-7388
 
  (b) If to the Company:
 
    Firefox Communications Inc.
    2841 Junction Avenue, Suite 103
    San Jose, CA 95134-1921
    Telecopier No.: (408) 467-1109
    Telephone No.: (408) 321-8344
    Attention: President
 
  With a copy to:
 
    Diane Holt Frankle, Esq.
    Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich
    400 Hamilton Avenue
    Palo Alto, CA 94301
    Telecopier No.: (415) 327-3699
    Telephone No.: (415) 833-2026
 
                                     A-35
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 8.3 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the term:
 
  (a) "affiliates" means a person that directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with, the first mentioned person; including, without limitation, any
partnership or joint venture in which the first mentioned person (either
alone, or through or together with any other subsidiary) has, directly or
indirectly, an interest of 10% or more;
 
  (b) "beneficial owner" with respect to any shares of Company Common Stock
means a person who shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares
(i) which such person or any of its affiliates or associates (as such term is
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) beneficially owns, directly or
indirectly, (ii) which such person or any of its affiliates or associates has,
directly or indirectly, (A) the right to acquire (whether such right is
exercisable immediately or subject only to the passage of time), pursuant to
any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion
rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or (B) the right
to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or (iii)
which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other persons
with whom such person or any of its affiliates or associates has any
agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding,
voting or disposing of any shares;
 
  (c) "business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required or authorized to be closed;
 
  (d) "control" (including the terms "controlled by" and "under common control
with") means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or executor,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of
a person, whether through the ownership of stock, as trustee or executor, by
contract or credit arrangement or otherwise;
 
  (e) "generally accepted accounting principles" shall mean United States
generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (f) "knowledge" means the actual knowledge of any director, executive
officer or other officer having oversight responsibility for a business unit
within a person;
 
  (g) "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association,
trust, unincorporated organization, other entity or group (as defined in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); and
 
  (h) "subsidiary" or "subsidiaries" of the Company, Parent or any other
person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other legal entity
of which the Company, the Surviving Corporation, Parent or such other person,
as the case may be (either alone or through or together with any other
subsidiary), owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other
equity interests the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the
election of the board of directors or other governing body of such corporation
or other legal entity.
 
  SECTION 8.4 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto
by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any
time prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that, after approval of
the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, no amendment may be made which
by law requires further approval by such stockholders without such further
approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed by the parties hereto.
 
  SECTION 8.5 Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party
hereto may with respect to any other party hereto (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts, (b) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto, or (c) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall
be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or
parties to be bound thereby.
 
 
                                     A-36
<PAGE>
 
  SECTION 8.6 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
 
  SECTION 8.7 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or
public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any
manner adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties
hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect
the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable
manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to
the fullest extent possible.
 
  SECTION 8.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings (other than the
Confidentiality Letters), both written and oral, among the parties, or any of
them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
 
  SECTION 8.9 Assignment; Guarantee of Merger Sub Obligations. This Agreement
shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except that Parent and
Merger Sub may assign all or any of their rights hereunder to any affiliate
thereof provided that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of
its obligations hereunder. Parent guarantees the full and punctual performance
by Merger Sub of all the obligations hereunder of Merger Sub (which shall not
include any obligations arising under or with respect to Section 262 of the
DGCL) or any such assignees pertaining to the period prior to the Effective
Time.
 
  SECTION 8.10 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other
person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by
reason of this Agreement, including, without limitation, by way of
subrogation, other than Section 5.7 (which is intended to be for the benefit
of the Indemnified Parties and may be enforced by each such Indemnified
Parties).
 
  SECTION 8.11 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No
failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in the exercise of any right
hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or
acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty or agreement
herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude
any other or further exercise thereof or of any other right. All rights and
remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative to, and not exclusive
of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.
 
  SECTION 8.12 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware
applicable to contracts executed and fully performed within the State of
Delaware.
 
  SECTION 8.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts,
each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
                    [This space intentionally left blank.]
 
                                     A-37
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger Agreement to be executed as
of May 21, 1996 by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ Douglas F. Flood
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name: Douglas F. Flood
                                             Title: Senior Vice President
 
                                          FIREFOX ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                          By: /s/ Douglas F. Flood
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name: Douglas F. Flood
                                             Title: President
 
                                          FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ Mark A. Rowlinson
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name: Mark A. Rowlinson
                                             Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 2.25
 
                  AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
 
  This AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT, dated as of May 21, 1996
(as so amended and restated, the "Agreement"), between the undersigned holder
(the "Holder") of shares of the common stock, $.001 par value (the "Company
Common Stock"), of Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Parent")
amends and restates the Stockholder Agreement dated as of January 17, 1996
(the "Original Agreement") among the parties hereto.
 
                                   RECITALS
 
  The Company, Parent and Firefox Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation
and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), propose to enter into
an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated the date hereof
(the "Merger Agreement"; capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein being
used herein as therein defined), pursuant to which Merger Sub would be merged
(the "Merger") with and into the Company, and each outstanding share of
Company Common Stock would be converted into the right to receive shares
("Parent Shares") of the common stock, $0.01 par value, of Parent and cash as
provided therein;
 
  In order to induce Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement, and at the
request of Parent, the Holder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement in
order to make certain changes in the Original Agreement;
 
  Prior to the date hereof, except for the Original Agreement, Parent, Merger
Sub and the Holder had no agreement, arrangement or understanding (as defined
in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL")) for the
purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of shares of Company Common
Stock; and
 
  In consideration for the agreements contained herein and in the Merger
Agreement, prior to the date hereof, and prior to the time at and date on
which each of Parent and Merger Sub became an "interested stockholder" for
purposes of Section 203 of the DGCL, the board of the directors of the Company
has approved this Agreement in its original form.
 
                                   AGREEMENT
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
  1. Representations and Warranties of Holder. The Holder represents and
warrants to Parent as follows:
 
    (a) Ownership of Securities. The Holder is the record and beneficial
  owner of the number of shares of Company Common Stock (together with any
  shares of Company Common Stock hereafter acquired by the Holder, the
  "Subject Shares") and the number and kind of other securities of the
  Company (together with the Subject Shares and any other securities of the
  Company hereafter acquired by the Holder, the "Subject Securities") set
  forth on the signature page to this Agreement. The Holder has sole voting
  power and sole power to issue instructions with respect to the voting of
  the Subject Securities, sole power of disposition, sole power of exercise
  or conversion and the sole power to demand appraisal right, in each case
  with respect to all of the Subject Securities.
 
    (b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Holder has the legal capacity, power
  and authority to enter into and perform all of the Holder's obligations
  under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this
  Agreement by the Holder will not violate any other agreement to which such
  Holder is a party including, without limitation, any trust agreement,
  voting agreement, stockholder's agreement or voting
 
                                     A-39
<PAGE>
 
  trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
  the Holder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such Holder,
  enforceable against the Holder in accordance with its terms. If the Holder
  is married and the Subject Securities constitute community property, this
  Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and
  constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the Holder's spouse,
  enforceable against such person in accordance with its terms.
 
    (c) No Conflicts. Except for filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
  Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), if
  applicable, no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
  approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for
  the execution of this Agreement by the Holder and the consummation by the
  Holder of the transactions contemplated hereby and neither the execution
  and delivery of this Agreement by the Holder nor the consummation by the
  Holder of the transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by the Holder
  with any of the provisions hereof shall conflict with or result in any
  breach of any applicable partnership or other organizational documents
  applicable to the Holder, result in a violation or breach of, or constitute
  (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise
  to any third-party right of termination, cancellation, material
  modification or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or
  provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, contract,
  commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument or
  obligation of any kind to which the Holder is a party or by which the
  Holder's properties or assets may be bound or violate any order, writ,
  injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable
  to the Holder or any of the Holder's properties or assets.
 
    (d) No Liens. The Subject Securities are now and are at all times during
  the term hereof will be held by the Holder, or by a nominee or custodian
  for the benefit of the Holder, free and clear of all liens, claims,
  security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings or
  arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any
  encumbrances arising hereunder.
 
    (e) No Plan or Intention. The Holder has no present plan or intention (a
  "Plan") to engage in a sale, exchange, transfer, distribution (other than
  distributions by a partnership to its partners pursuant to the provisions
  of its partnership agreement), pledge, disposition, a transaction to reduce
  the risk of loss (by short sale or otherwise) or any other transaction
  which would result in a direct or indirect disposition (a "Sale") of, or an
  interest in, Parent Shares which would have an aggregate fair market value,
  as of the Effective Time of the Merger, in excess of fifty percent (50%) of
  the aggregate fair market value, immediately prior to the Merger, of all
  outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock held by the Holder
  immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes of this representation,
  shares of Company Common Stock (or the portion thereof) with respect to
  which a Sale occurs prior to the Merger shall be considered shares of
  outstanding Company Common Stock exchanged for Parent Shares in the Merger
  and then disposed of pursuant to a Plan. The Holder acknowledges that this
  representation is being given to enable counsel to opine that the Merger
  constitutes a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
  Internal Revenue Code and further recognizes that significant adverse tax
  consequences may result if such representation is not true. The Holder
  understands and agrees that, in connection with the Merger, such Holder
  will be required to restate the foregoing representation on or about the
  Effective Time of the Merger.
 
  2. Agreement to Vote Shares. At every meeting of the stockholders of the
Company called with respect to any of the following, and at every adjournment
thereof, and on every action or approval by written consent of the
stockholders of the Company with respect to any of the following, the Holder
shall vote all or cause to be voted the Subject Securities that it
beneficially owns on the record date of any such vote: (i) in favor of the
Merger, the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms
thereof and (ii) until such time as the Company's Board of Directors has
terminated the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e)(i) or (ii) thereto,
against the following actions (other than the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement): (1) any merger, consolidation or other
business combination involving the Company or its subsidiaries; (2) a sale,
lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or its
subsidiaries or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution or liquidation
of the Company or its subsidiaries that under applicable law requires the
approval of the Company's stockholders; (3) any change in a majority of the
board of directors
 
                                     A-40
<PAGE>
 
of the Company; or (4) any other action that under applicable law requires the
approval of the Company's stockholders which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or materially
adversely affect the consummation of the Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement or this Agreement. This Agreement is
intended to bind the Holder only with respect to the specific matters set
forth herein, and shall not prohibit the Holder from acting in accordance with
his fiduciary duties as an officer or director of the Company. The Holder will
retain at all times the right to vote the Holder's Subject Securities, in
Holder's sole discretion, on all matters other than those in this Section 2
which are at any time or from time to time presented to the Company's
stockholders.
 
  3. PROXY. THE STOCKHOLDER HEREBY GRANTS TO, AND APPOINTS MERGER SUB AND THE
PRESIDENT OF MERGER SUB AND THE TREASURER OF MERGER SUB, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE
CAPACITIES AS OFFICERS OF MERGER SUB, AND ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO SHALL HEREAFTER
SUCCEED TO ANY SUCH OFFICE OF MERGER SUB, AND ANY OTHER DESIGNEE OF MERGER
SUB, EACH OF THEM INDIVIDUALLY, THE STOCKHOLDER'S PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
(WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION) TO VOTE OR ACT BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITH
RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT SECURITIES SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS IN
CLAUSES (i) and (ii) OF, AND SOLELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2 HEREOF. THIS
PROXY IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE, AND THE HOLDER
WILL TAKE SUCH FURTHER ACTION OR EXECUTE SUCH OTHER INSTRUMENTS AS MAY BE
NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE INTENT OF THIS PROXY AND HEREBY REVOKES ANY PROXY
PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY HIM WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT SECURITIES.
 
  4. Covenants of the Holder. The Holder hereby agrees and covenants that:
 
    (a) No Solicitation. The Holder, solely in its capacity as a stockholder
  of the Company, shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit (including by
  way of furnishing information) or respond to any inquiries or the making of
  any proposal by any person or entity (other than Parent or any affiliate of
  Parent) with respect to the Company that constitutes or could reasonably be
  expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal. If the Holder receives any
  such inquiry or proposal, then it shall promptly inform Parent of the terms
  and conditions, if any, of such inquiry or proposal and the identity of the
  person making it. The Holder will immediately cease and cause to be
  terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any
  parties conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing. The
  restrictions and covenants contained in this Section 4(a) shall apply to
  the Holder only in its capacity as a stockholder, and not to the Holder, or
  any of its officers or partners, in its or his capacity as a director or
  officer of the Company.
 
    (b) Distributions to Partner Transferees and Transfers to Other
  Transferees
 
      (i) From and after the date of this Agreement, the Holder may
    distribute Subject Securities or Parent Shares to any partner of the
    Holder (a "Partner Transferee") only (x) in compliance with the
    provisions of Sections 4(b)(ii) and (iii), and (y) with the written
    consent of Parent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
      (ii) The Holder may only distribute Subject Securities and Parent
    Shares to its Partner Transferees in accordance with the Holder's
    partnership agreement as in effect on the date hereof or as from time
    to time in effect; provided, however, that such Partner Transferees
    shall not engage in any Sale of Subject Securities or Parent Shares,
    prior to the Termination Date.
 
      (iii) It shall be a condition of any distribution to a Partner
    Transferee that, prior to or concurrently with such distribution, such
    Partner Transferee shall agree in a writing, for the benefit of and
    delivered to Parent, to be bound by all terms and provisions of this
    Agreement, including that it will be subject to the stop transfer
    instructions and legend requirements referred to in the following
    sentence. Prior to any distribution of Subject Securities to any
    Partner Transferee, the Holder shall request in writing to the Company
    to place such Subject Securities distributed to such Partner
    Transferee, on the "stop transfer list" maintained by the Company's
    transfer agent, to maintain such listing until the earlier to occur of
    the Effective Time or the Termination Date, and to place on the
    certificate(s) representing
 
                                     A-41
<PAGE>
 
    such Subject Securities, or any certificate(s) delivered in
    substitution therefor, a legend (which may be removed at the request of
    the Holder if the Termination Date shall occur) stating in substance:
 
    "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE
    TRANSFERRED ONLY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN
    THE AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF MAY
    21, 1996, RELATING THERETO, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
    SECRETARY OF FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC."
 
      (iv) The Holder may transfer the Holder's Subject Securities to any
    other person who is on the date hereof, or to any family member of a
    person or charitable institution which prior to such transfer becomes,
    a party to this Agreement bound by all the obligations of the Holder
    hereunder.
 
    (c) Restriction on Transfer, Proxies and Noninterference. The Holder
  shall not, directly or indirectly: (i) except pursuant to the terms of the
  Merger Agreement or distributions to Partner Transferees or other
  transferees in compliance with this Section 4, offer for sale, sell,
  transfer, tender, pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or
  enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with
  respect to or consent to the offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender,
  pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of, any or all of the
  Holder's Subject Securities; (ii) except as contemplated hereby, grant any
  proxies or powers of attorney, deposit any Subject Shares into a voting
  trust or enter into a voting agreement with respect to any Subject Shares;
  or (iii) take any action that would make any representation or warranty
  contained herein untrue or incorrect or have the effect of preventing or
  disabling the Holder from performing its obligations under this Agreement.
  Holder agrees within three (3) business days of the date of this Agreement
  to cause to be affixed a legend on each certificate representing Subject
  Securities the following legend:
 
      "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE
    TRANSFERRED ONLY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN
    THE AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF MAY
    21, 1996, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF
    FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC."
 
    (d) Additional Transfer Restriction. Notwithstanding and without limiting
  any of the other provisions of this Agreement, the Holder shall not sell,
  transfer, pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of more than
  500,000 shares of Subject Securities during any six-month period following
  the date of this Agreement.
 
  5. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]
 
  6. Covenants under Rule 145.
 
    (a) Applicability of Rule 145. The Holder has been advised that the
  issuance of the Parent Shares to the undersigned pursuant to the Merger
  will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
  "Securities Act"), pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4. The
  undersigned has also been advised that, if the undersigned is in fact an
  "affiliate" of the Company at the time the merger is submitted to a vote of
  the stockholders of the Company, Rule 145 under the Securities Act will
  restrict the Holder's sales of Parent Shares received in the Merger. The
  Holder has also been advised that if it is so subject to Rule 145, the
  Holder may not sell or otherwise dispose of any Parent Shares except in
  accordance with Rule 145(d) or pursuant to an effective registration
  statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration
  requirements of the Securities Act.
 
    (b) Stop Transfer; Legends. The Holder understands and agrees that Parent
  is under no obligation to register the sale, transfer or other disposition
  by Holder of the Parent Shares to be received by the Holder in
 
                                     A-42
<PAGE>
 
  the Merger except as set forth in written agreements with the undersigned
  that have been entered into by Parent or that have been specifically
  assumed by Parent, as provided herein. Stop transfer instructions will be
  given to Parent's transfer agent with respect to the Parent Shares to be
  received by the Holder in the Merger, and there will be placed on the
  certificate(s) representing the Parent Shares, or any certificate(s)
  delivered in substitution therefor, a legend stating in substance:
 
    "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A
    TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    (THE "ACT") APPLIES. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS
    CERTIFICATE MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 145
    (D) OR PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR
    EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT."
 
    Unless the transfer by the Holder of the Parent Shares is a sale made in
  conformity with the provisions of Rule 145(d), or is made pursuant to a
  registration statement under the Securities Act, Parent reserves the right
  to put an appropriate Securities Act legend on the certificate issued to a
  transferee.
 
    (c) Availability of Rule 144 and Rule 145. Parent agrees that for so long
  as and to the extent necessary to permit the Holder to sell the Parent
  Shares pursuant to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144 under
  the Securities Act, Parent shall use its best efforts to file, on a timely
  basis, all reports required to be filed with the SEC by it pursuant to
  Section 13 of the Exchange Act, so long as it is subject to such
  requirement, and shall furnish to the Holder upon request a written
  statement as to whether Parent has complied with such reporting
  requirements during the 12 months preceding any proposed sale under Rule
  145 and shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to permit such
  sales pursuant to Rule 145 and Rule 144. Parent has filed, on a timely
  basis, all reports required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13
  of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months.
 
    (d) Legend Removal. Parent agrees that the stop transfer instructions and
  legends referred to in paragraph (b) above shall be promptly terminated and
  removed if the Holder shall have delivered to Parent a copy of a letter
  from the staff of the SEC or an opinion of counsel with recognized
  expertise in securities law matters, in form and substance reasonably
  satisfactory to Parent, to the effect that such instructions and legends
  are not required for the purposes of the Securities Act.
 
  7. Agreement as Stockholder. Parent and the Holder acknowledge and agree
that none of the provisions set forth herein shall be deemed to restrict or
limit any fiduciary duty that the Holder may have as a director or an officer
of the Company provided that no such duty shall excuse the Holder from its
obligation to vote the Subject Securities, to the extent that they may be so
voted as provided herein, and to otherwise comply with each of the terms and
conditions of the Agreement.
 
  8. Hart-Scott-Rodino, etc. The Holder and Parent shall use all reasonable
efforts promptly to make all filings and applications with any governmental or
regulatory agencies required to be made in connection with the acquisition by
the Holder of Parent Shares in the Merger, including, without limitation,
under the HSR Act, and to furnish all information required to be furnished in
or in connection with any such filing or application.
 
  9. Assignment; Benefits.  The rights (but not the obligations) of Parent
hereunder may be assigned, in whole or in part, to Merger Sub or any other
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, to the extent and for so
long as it remains a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.
Other than as permitted in the preceding sentence, this Agreement may not be
assigned by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other
party.
 
  This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the
Holder, Parent and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
 
 
                                     A-43
<PAGE>
 
  10. Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant
hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made
if and when delivered personally or by overnight courier or sent by electronic
transmission, with confirmation received, to the telecopy numbers specified
below:
 
  If to the Holder, to the Holder at the address appearing on the signature
page beneath the Holder's name, with a copy to:
 
  Gray Cary War & Friedenrich
  A Professional Corporation
  400 Hamilton Avenue
  Palo Alto, CA 94301
  Telecopier No.: 415-327-3699
  Telephone No.: 415-328-6561
  Attention: Timothy J. Moore
 
  If to Parent or Merger Sub:
 
  FTP Software, Inc.
  100 Brickstone Square
  Fifth Floor
  Andover, MA 01810
  Telecopier No.: 508-794-4488
  Telephone No.: 508-685-4000
  Attention: Chairman
 
  With a copy to:
 
  Ropes & Gray
  One International Place
 
  Boston, MA 02110
  Telecopier No.: 617-951-7050
  Telephone No.: 617-951-7000
  Attention: David B. Walek, Esq.
           Gregory E. Moore, Esq.
 
or to such other address or telecopy number as any party may have furnished to
the other parties in writing in accordance herewith.
 
  11. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable harm
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached. It
is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state
thereof having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at law or in equity.
 
  12. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended or modified, except by an
instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
This Agreement may not be waived by either party hereto, except by an
instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of the party granting such
waiver.
 
  13. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. Each
party hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Delaware
State or Federal court sitting in the City of Wilmington in any action or
proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement, and hereby irrevocably
agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard
and determined in such State or Federal court. Each party hereto hereby
irrevocably
 
                                     A-44
<PAGE>
 
consents to the service of process, which may be served in any such action or
proceeding by certified mail, return receipt requested, by delivering a copy
of such process to such party at its address specified in Section 10 or by any
other method permitted by law.
 
  14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same agreement.
 
  15. Termination. Unless the Merger shall have been consummated, this
Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) the termination of
the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1 thereof (other than a termination
by the Company pursuant to Section 7.1(d) as a result of the failure to
receive the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Company by August 15,
1996), or (ii) August 15, 1996. The date and time at which this Agreement is
terminated in accordance with this Section 15 is referred to herein as the
"Termination Date." Upon any termination of this Agreement, this Agreement
shall thereupon become void and of no further force and effect, and there
shall be no liability in respect of this Agreement or of any transactions
contemplated hereby or by the Merger Agreement on the part of any party hereto
or any of its directors, officers, partners, stockholders, employees, agents,
advisors, representatives or affiliates; provided, however, that nothing
herein shall relieve any party from any liability for such party's wilful
breach of this Agreement; and provided further that nothing herein shall
limit, restrict, impair, amend or otherwise modify the rights, remedies,
obligations or liabilities of any person under any other contract or
agreement, including, without limitation, the Merger Agreement. This Agreement
shall survive the consummation of the Merger.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by or on behalf of each
of the parties hereto, all as of the date first above written.
 
                                          FTP Software, Inc.
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
 
                                          The Holder:
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
 
Shares of Common Stock:
 
                                     A-45
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
<TABLE>
 <C>          <S>                                                          <C>
 Section 1.1  The Merger.................................................   A-1
 Section 1.2  Effective Time.............................................   A-2
 Section 1.3  Effect of the Merger.......................................   A-2
 Section 1.4  Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws......................   A-2
 Section 1.5  Directors and Officers.....................................   A-2
 Section 1.6  Effect on Capital Stock....................................   A-2
 Section 1.7  Delivery of Cash and Exchange of Certificates..............   A-5
 Section 1.8  Stock Transfer Books.......................................   A-6
 Section 1.9  No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock........   A-6
 Section 1.10 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.....................   A-6
 Section 1.11 Tax Consequences...........................................   A-6
 Section 1.12 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action.................   A-6
 Section 1.13 Material Adverse Effect....................................   A-7
 
                                   ARTICLE II
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
 
 Section 2.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries...............   A-7
 Section 2.2  Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws...................   A-7
 Section 2.3  Capitalization.............................................   A-7
 Section 2.4  Authority Relative to this Agreement.......................   A-8
 Section 2.5  No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.................   A-8
 Section 2.6  Compliance; Permits........................................   A-9
 Section 2.7  SEC Filings; Financial Statements..........................  A-10
 Section 2.8  Absence of Certain Changes or Events.......................  A-10
 Section 2.9  No Undisclosed Liabilities.................................  A-10
 Section 2.10 Absence of Litigation......................................  A-10
 Section 2.11 Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Agreements..............  A-11
 Section 2.12 Labor Matters..............................................  A-12
 Section 2.13 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus...  A-12
 Section 2.14 [Intentionally Omitted]....................................  A-13
 Section 2.15 Title to Property..........................................  A-13
 Section 2.16 Taxes......................................................  A-13
 Section 2.17 Environmental Matters......................................  A-14
 Section 2.18 Intellectual Property......................................  A-14
 Section 2.19 Interested Party Transactions..............................  A-15
 Section 2.20 Insurance..................................................  A-15
 Section 2.21 Accounts Receivable........................................  A-15
 Section 2.22 [Intentionally Omitted]....................................  A-16
 Section 2.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor...............................  A-16
 Section 2.24 Brokers....................................................  A-16
 Section 2.25 Section 203 of the DGCL Not Applicable.....................  A-16
 Section 2.26 Change in Control Payments.................................  A-16
 Section 2.27 Expenses...................................................  A-16
</TABLE>
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
 
<TABLE>
 <C>          <S>                                                          <C>
 Section 3.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries...............  A-16
 Section 3.2  Charter and By-Laws........................................  A-17
 Section 3.3  Capitalization.............................................  A-17
 Section 3.4  Authority Relative to this Agreement.......................  A-17
 Section 3.5  No Conflict, Required Filings and Consents.................  A-18
 Section 3.6  Compliance; Permits........................................  A-18
 Section 3.7  SEC Filings; Financial Statements..........................  A-19
 Section 3.8  Absence of Certain Changes or Event........................  A-19
 Section 3.9  No Undisclosed Liabilities.................................  A-19
 Section 3.10 Absence of Litigation......................................  A-20
 Section 3.11 Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Agreements..............  A-20
 Section 3.12 Labor Matters..............................................  A-21
 Section 3.13 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus...  A-21
 Section 3.14 [Intentionally Omitted]....................................  A-22
 Section 3.15 Title to Property..........................................  A-22
 Section 3.16 Taxes......................................................  A-22
 Section 3.17 Environmental Matters......................................  A-22
 Section 3.18 Intellectual Property......................................  A-22
 Section 3.19 Interested Party Transactions..............................  A-23
 Section 3.20 Insurance..................................................  A-23
 Section 3.21 Accounts Receivable........................................  A-23
 Section 3.22 [Intentionally Omitted]....................................  A-24
 Section 3.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor...............................  A-24
 Section 3.24 Brokers....................................................  A-24
 Section 3.25 [Intentionally Omitted]....................................  A-24
 Section 3.26 Ownership of Merger Sub; No Prior Activities...............  A-24
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
 
                     CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
 
 Section 4.1  Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger......  A-24
 Section 4.2  No Solicitation............................................  A-26
 Section 4.3  Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the Merger...........  A-26
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
 Section 5.1  HSR Act....................................................  A-27
 Section 5.2  Joint Proxy Statement Prospectus; Registration Statement...  A-27
 Section 5.3  Stockholders Meetings......................................  A-27
 Section 5.4  Access to Information; Confidentiality.....................  A-27
 Section 5.5  Consents; Approvals........................................  A-28
 Section 5.6  Agreements with Respect to Affiliates......................  A-28
 Section 5.7  Indemnification and Insurance..............................  A-28
 Section 5.8  Notification of Certain Matters............................  A-29
 Section 5.9  Further Action/Tax Treatment...............................  A-29
 Section 5.10 Public Announcements.......................................  A-29
 Section 5.11 Conveyance Taxes...........................................  A-30
 Section 5.12 Accountants' Letters.......................................  A-30
</TABLE>
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX B
 
                            [MONTGOMERY LETTERHEAD]
 
                                 May 20, 1996
 
Board of Directors
FTP Software, Inc.
100 Brickstone Square
Andover, Massachusetts 01810
 
Gentlemen:
 
  We understand that FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the
"Company"), Firefox Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub"), and Firefox Communications Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Target"), propose to enter into an Amended and Restated
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 17, 1996 and amended and
restated as of May 21, 1996 (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Merger
Sub will be merged with and into Target, which will be the surviving entity
(the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, as more fully described in the Merger
Agreement, we understand that each outstanding share of the common stock of
Target, par value $.001 per share ("Target Common Stock"), not owned directly
or indirectly by the Company or Target, will be converted into (a) a number of
shares (the "Stock Consideration") of the common stock of the Company, par
value $.01 per share ("Company Common Stock"), equal to the quotient obtained
by dividing (i) $50,000,000 divided by the number of outstanding shares of
Target Common Stock immediately prior to consummation of the Merger that are
not owned directly or indirectly by the Company or Target (the "Outstanding
Target Shares") by (ii) the Closing Market Price (as defined below), plus (b)
cash (the "Cash Consideration," and collectively with the Stock Consideration,
the "Consideration") equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i)
$10,000,000 by (ii) the Outstanding Target Shares. The "Closing Market Price"
is equal to the average of the per share closing prices on the Nasdaq National
Market of the Company Common Stock during the ten consecutive trading days
ending on the trading day prior to the meeting of the Company's shareholders
to vote on the Merger; provided, however, that if the Closing Market Price is
greater than $12.00 or less than $8.00, it shall be deemed to be $12.00 or
$8.00, respectively, for purposes of calculating the Stock Consideration.
 
  In addition, if the per share closing price on the Nasdaq National Market of
the Company Common Stock on the trading day immediately prior to the effective
date of the Merger is less than $7.00, the Merger Agreement provides that the
Stock Consideration will be increased and the Cash Consideration will be
decreased by equal amounts, which adjustment the Company has advised us is
designed to preserve the treatment of the Merger as a reorganization for
federal income tax purposed.
 
  We also understand that a legal proceeding captioned Richard Zeid and Siom
Misrahi et al. v. John A. Kimberley, Frank M. Richardson, Mark A. Rowlinson
and Firefox Communications Inc., Case No. C96 20136 (Northern District of
California) has been commenced against Target and certain of its directors and
officers (the "Litigation"). We have been advised by Target, and with your
consent have assumed without obligation independently to verify such advice,
that the first $10 million of any actual losses, liabilities, claims, damages,
expenses and defense and attorneys' fees that are incurred in connection with
the Litigation (collectively, "Losses") is covered in full by insurance,
subject to retention and any agreement on allocation.
 
  You have asked for our opinion as investment bankers as to whether the
Consideration to be paid by the Company pursuant to the Merger is fair to the
Company from a financial point of view, as of the date hereof.
 
  In connection with our opinion, we have, among other things: (i) reviewed
certain publicly available financial and other data with respect to the
Company and Target, including the consolidated financial statements for recent
years and interim periods to March 31, 1996 and publicly disclosed financial
information for the year
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
ended December 31, 1995, and certain other relevant financial and operating
data relating to the Company and Target made available to us from published
sources and from the internal records of the Company and Target; (ii) reviewed
the Merger Agreement; (iii) reviewed certain historical market prices and
trading volumes of the Company Common Stock and the Target Common Stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market; (iv) compared the Company and Target
from a financial point of view with certain other companies in the software
industry that we deemed to be relevant; (v) considered the financial terms, to
the extent publicly available, of selected recent business combinations of
companies in the software industry that we deemed to be comparable, in whole
or in part, to the Merger; (vi) reviewed and discussed with representatives of
the management of the Company and Target certain information of a business and
financial nature regarding the Company and Target, furnished to us by them;
(vii) reviewed and discussed with representatives of the management of the
Company and Target financial forecasts and related assumptions of the Company
and Target, provided to us by them; (viii) discussed the Litigation with the
respective managements and legal counsels of the Company and Target; (ix) made
inquiries regarding and discussed the Merger and the Merger Agreement and
other matters related thereto with the Company's counsel; and (x) performed
such other analyses and examinations as we have deemed appropriate.
 
  In connection with our review, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy
and completeness of the foregoing information and we have not assumed any
responsibility for independent verification of such information. With respect
to the financial forecasts provided to us as described above, we have assumed
for purposes of our opinion that such forecasts have been reasonably prepared
on bases reflecting the best available estimates and judgments of the
respective managements of the Company and Target at the time of preparation as
to the future financial performance of the Company and Target, and that they
provide a reasonable basis upon which we can form our opinion. We have also
assumed that there have been no material changes in the Company's or Target's
assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects
since the respective dates of their last financial statements made available
to us, other than two acquisitions consummated by the Company, the terms of
which have been described to us by the Company's management. We have relied on
advice of counsel and independent accountants to the Company as to all legal
and financial reporting matters with respect to the Company, the Merger and
the Merger Agreement. In addition, we have not assumed responsibility for
making an independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of the
assets or individual properties of the Company or Target, nor have we been
furnished with any such appraisals. Finally, our opinion is based on economic,
monetary and market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information
made available to us as of, the date hereof.
 
  We have further assumed, with your consent, that the Merger will be
consummated in accordance with the terms described in the Merger Agreement
without any amendments thereto, and without waiver by the Company or Target of
any of the conditions to their respective obligations thereunder.
 
  Finally, we have been advised by Target that, based on the limited
information currently available to it at this early stage of the Litigation,
it believes that the amount of Losses, if any, to be incurred in connection
with the Litigation should not exceed the amount of available insurance
coverage of Target, as described above, subject to retention and any agreement
on allocation, and we have assumed, with your consent and without assuming
responsibility for independent verification of such estimate, that such Losses
will not exceed that amount.
 
  In the ordinary course of our business, we actively trade the equity
securities of the Company and Target for our own account and for the accounts
of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position
in such securities. We have also acted as an underwriter in connection with
offerings of securities of the Company and Target and have performed various
investment banking services for the Company.
 
  Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, it is our opinion as
investment bankers that the Consideration to be paid by the Company pursuant
to the Merger is fair to the Company from a financial point of view, as of the
date hereof.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
  This opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of the Company and is not
a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote
with respect to the Merger. This opinion may not be used or referred to by the
Company, or quoted or disclosed to any person in any manner, without our prior
written consent, which consent is hereby given to its inclusion in any proxy
statement or prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with the Merger. In furnishing this opinion, we do not admit that
we are experts within the meaning of the term "experts" as used in the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Securities Act"), nor do we admit that this opinion
constitutes a report or valuation within the meaning of Section 11 of the
Securities Act.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ MONTGOMERY SECURITIES
                                            MONTGOMERY SECURITIES
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX C
 
                              [COWEN LETTERHEAD]
 
May 21, 1996
 
Board of Directors
Firefox Communications Inc.
2099 Gateway Place
San Jose, CA 95110
 
Gentlemen:
 
  You have requested our opinion as investment bankers as to the fairness,
from a financial point of view, to the holders of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share ("Company Common Stock"), of Firefox
Communications Inc. (the "Company"), of the consideration to be received by
the holders of Company Common Stock pursuant to the Transaction (as
hereinafter defined). For the purposes of this opinion, the "Transaction"
means the transaction described below pursuant to that certain Agreement and
Plan of Merger by and among FTP Software, Inc. ("FTP"), Firefox Acquisition
Corp. and the Company dated as of January 17, 1996, as amended by the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 (as so
amended, the "Agreement").
 
  As more specifically set forth in the Agreement, and subject to certain
terms and conditions thereof, the Company has agreed to a merger with FTP,
pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of FTP will merge with and into
the Company. As more specifically set forth in the Agreement, int he
Transaction all of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock will be
exchanged for $10 million in cash (subject to adjustment as described in
clause (i) below) and a number of newly issued shares of common stock, par
value $.01 per share, of FTP ("FTP Common Stock") based on the average closing
price of such shares for the 10 trading days preceding the Company's
shareholders meeting to approve the Transaction (the "Calculation Price") as
follows:
 
    (i) if the Calculation Price is less than $7.00, the number of newly
  issued shares of FTP Common Stock will equal 6,250,000 subject to
  adjustment such that the cash portion shall not exceed 20% of the total
  consideration paid;
 
    (ii) if the Calculation Price is greater than or equal to $7.00 or less
  than $8.00, the number of newly issued shares of FTP Common Stock will
  equal 6,250,000;
 
    (iii) if the Calculation Price is greater than or equal to $8.00 or less
  than or equal to $12.00, the number of newly issued shares of FTP Common
  Stock will equal the quotient obtained by dividing (x) $50,000,000 by (y)
  the Calculation Price; and
 
    (iv) if the Calculation Price is greater than $12.00, the number of newly
     issued shares of FTP Common Stock will equal 4,166,667.
 
  The Transaction is subject to the approval of the holders of shares of each
of FTP Common Stock and Company Common Stock.
 
  In the ordinary course of its services, Cowen & Company ("Cowen") is
regularly engaged in the valuation and pricing of businesses and their
securities and in advising corporate securities issuers on related matters.
 
  In arriving at our opinion, Cowen has, among other things:
 
    (1) reviewed the Agreement and discussed with the Company's management
  the terms of the Agreement;
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
    (2) reviewed certain financial and other data with respect to the Company
  provided by management, including the Company's consolidated financial
  statements for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
  1995 and for the three months ended March 31, 1996; certain publicly
  available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and certain
  other relevant financial and projected operating data of the Company;
 
    (3) reviewed certain financial and other data with respect to FTP
  provided by management, including consolidated financial statements for
  each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the
  three months ended March 31, 1996; certain publicly available filings with
  the Securities and Exchange Commission and certain other relevant financial
  and projected operating data of FTP;
 
    (4) held meetings and discussions with management and senior personnel of
  FTP and the Company to discuss the business, operations, historical
  financial results and future prospects of the Company, FTP and the combined
  company;
 
    (5) reviewed financial projections furnished to us by the managements of
  the Company and FTP, including, among other things, the capital structure,
  sales, net income, cash flow, capital requirements, potential synergies and
  other data of the Company, FTP and the combined company we deemed relevant;
 
    (6) reviewed the valuation of the Company and FTP in comparison to other
  similar publicly traded companies;
 
    (7) compared the financial terms of the Transaction contemplated by the
  Agreement with the financial terms, to the extent available, of other
  similar transactions;
 
    (8) conducted a discounted cash flow analysis of the Company's
  projections, provided to us by the Company;
 
    (9) analyzed the potential pro forma financial effects of the transaction
  contemplated by the Agreement;
 
    (10) reviewed the historical market prices, trading volumes and exchange
  ratios of Company Common Stock and FTP Common Stock;
 
    (11) reviewed the Company's contribution to revenues and net income
  relative to its pro forma ownership in FTP;
 
    (12) discussed with the Company's management potential market reaction to
  the Transaction, considering strategic, financial and structural
  perspectives; and
 
    (13) conducted such other studies, analysis, inquiries and investigations
  and considered such other financial, economic and market data as we deemed
  appropriate.
 
  In addition, Cowen solicited selected third party indications of interest in
acquiring the Company in the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
  In rendering our opinion, we relied upon the Company's and FTP's management
with respect to the accuracy and completeness of the financial and other
information furnished to us as described above. We have not assumed any
responsibility for independent verification of such information, including
financial information, nor have we made an independent evaluation or appraisal
of any of the properties or assets of the Company or FTP.
 
  On March 18, 1996, a class action lawsuit (the "FTP Litigation") was
commenced by a shareholder of FTP against FTP and certain of its officers and
directors alleging violations of the federal securities laws in that the
defendants publicly disseminated false and misleading statements regarding
FTP. Among the material which the complaint filed in the FTP Litigation
alleges contained such false and misleading statements and omissions was the
information made available to Cowen in connection with rendering this opinion.
FTP's chairman and chief executive officer David H. Zirkle has stated with
respect to the FTP Litigation that "Since going public in
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
November 1993, FTP has presented a forthright description of our company, our
potential, our markets and our competitors that has been supported by solid
financial performance. We have always been open and factual with our
investors. Our investor presentations and conference calls are a matter of
public record and we stand behind these disclosures." Cowen has relied upon
FTP's management with respect to the accurace and completeness of the
information regarding FTP provided to Cowen and with respect to FTP's
statements with respect to the FTP Litigation. In rendering this opinion,
Cowen has not considered any possible adverse effects of the FTP Litigation or
its outcome on FTP or its business, financial condition, results of operations
or the price of FTP Common Stock. In addition, we express no opinion, nor have
we considered in arriving at this opinion, the merits or consequences of the
class action lawsuit filed against the Company in the Northern District of
California on February 23, 1996 and certain related litigation.
 
  We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company
in connection with the transaction contemplated by the Agreement and will
receive a fee for our services, a significant portion of which is contingent
upon the consummation of the Transaction. In the past, Cowen and its
affiliates have provided financial advisory and financing services to the
Company, including acting as a co-manager of the Company's initial public
offering in May 1995. Additionally, Cowen has acted as underwriter for FTP and
acted as FTP's financial advisor for the adoption of its stockholders' rights
plan on December 1, 1995. Cowen has received fees from each of the Company and
FTP for the rendering of these services.
 
  In the ordinary course of its business, Cowen trades the equity securities
of the Company and FTP and, accordingly, it may at any time hold a long or
short position in such securities.
 
  On the basis of our review and analysis, as described above, it is our
opinion as investment bankers that, as of the date hereof, the consideration
to be received by the holders of Company Common Stock is fair, from a
financial point of view, to such holders.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ Cowen & Company
                                            Cowen & Company
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     APPENDIX D
 
                          TEXT OF SECTION 262 OF THE
                       DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
(S) 262. APPRAISAL RIGHTS.
 
  (a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares of stock
on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds such shares
through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise
complied with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither voted in
favor of the merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing pursuant
to (S) 228 of this Chapter shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of
Chancery of the fair value of his shares of stock under the circumstances
described in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section. As used in this Section,
the word "stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a stock
corporation and also a member of record of a non-stock corporation; the words
"stock" and "share" mean and include what is ordinarily meant by those words
and also membership or membership interest of a member of a non-stock
corporation; and the words "depository receipt" mean a receipt or other
instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in one or more
shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a corporation, which stock is
deposited with the depository.
 
  (b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation to
be effected pursuant to Sections 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 or 264 of this
Chapter:
 
    (1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this Section shall
  be available for the shares of any class or series of stock, which stock,
  or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed to
  determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the
  meeting of stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or
  consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or
  designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
  system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held
  of record by more than 2,000 holders; and further provided that no
  appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of the
  constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require
  for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation
  as provided in subsections (f) or (g) of Section 251 of this Chapter.
 
    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this Section,
  appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of
  any class or series of stock of a constituent corporation if the holders
  thereof are required by the terms of an agreement of merger or
  consolidation pursuant to Sections 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 and 264 of
  this Chapter to accept for such stock anything except (i) shares of stock
  of the corporation surviving or resulting from such merger or
  consolidation, or depository receipts in respect thereof; (ii) shares of
  stock of any other corporation, or depository receipts in respect thereof,
  which shares of stock or depository receipts at the effective date of the
  merger or consolidation will be either listed on a national securities
  exchange or designated as a market system security on an interdealer
  quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
  held of record by more than 2,000 holders; (iii) cash in lieu of fractional
  shares or fractional depository receipts described in the foregoing clauses
  (i) and (ii); or (iv) any combination of the shares of stock, depository
  receipts and cash in lieu of fractional shares, or fractional depository
  receipts described in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this
  subsection.
 
    (3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
  party to a merger effected under Section 253 of this Chapter is not owned
  by the parent corporation immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights
  shall be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.
 
  (c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this Section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a
provision,
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
the procedures of this Section, including those set forth in subsections (d)
and (e) shall apply as nearly as is practicable.
 
  (d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
 
    (1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal rights are
  provided under this Section is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of
  stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting,
  shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the record date for
  such meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal rights are
  available pursuant to subsections (b) or (c) hereof that appraisal rights
  are available for any or all of the shares of the constituent corporations,
  and shall include in such notice a copy of this Section. Each stockholder
  electing to demand the appraisal of his shares shall deliver to the
  corporation, before the taking of the vote on the merger or consolidation,
  a written demand for appraisal of his shares. Such demand will be
  sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the
  stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the
  appraisal of his shares. A proxy or vote against the merger or
  consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A stockholder electing to
  take such action must do so by a separate written demand as herein
  provided. Within 10 days after the effective date of such merger or
  consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation shall notify each
  stockholder of each constituent corporation who has complied with this
  subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the merger or
  consolidation of the date that the merger or consolidation has become
  effective; or
 
    (2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to Section 228
  or Section 253 of this Chapter, the surviving or resulting corporation,
  either before the effective date of the merger or consolidation or within
  10 days thereafter, shall notify each of the stockholders entitled to
  appraisal rights of the effective date of the merger or consolidation and
  that appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the
  constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice a copy of this
  Section. The notice shall be sent by certified or registered mail, return
  receipt requested, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it
  appears on the records of the corporation. Any stockholder entitled to
  appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing of the
  notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting corporation the
  appraisal of his shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably
  informs the corporation of the identity of the stockholder and that the
  stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of his shares.
 
  (e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation,
the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has complied
with subsections (a) and (d) hereof and who is otherwise entitled to appraisal
rights, may file a petition in the Court of Chancery demanding a determination
of the value of the stock of all such stockholders. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective date of the merger
or consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to withdraw his demand
for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the merger or
consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of
subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written request, shall be entitled to
receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not
voted in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which
demands for appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders
of such shares. Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder
within 10 days after his written request for such a statement is received by
the surviving or resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of
the period for delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) hereof,
whichever is later.
 
  (f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a copy
thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation, which shall
within 20 days after such service file in the office of the Register in
Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment for their
shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been
reached by the surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be
filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition shall be
accompanied by such a duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so
ordered by the Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the
hearing of such petition
 
                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
by registered or certified mail to the surviving or resulting corporation and
to the stockholders shown on the list at the addresses therein stated. Such
notice shall so be given by one or more publications at least one week before
the day of the hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the
City of Wilmington, Delaware or such publication as the Court deems advisable.
The forms of the notices by mail and by publication shall be approved by the
Court, and the costs thereof shall be borne by the surviving or resulting
corporation.
 
  (g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this Section and who have become entitled
to appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders who have demanded
an appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates
to submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation
thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder
fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as
to such stockholder.
 
  (h) After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger
or consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid
upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such fair
value, the Court shall take into account all relevant factors, including the
rate of interest which the surviving or resulting corporation would have had
to pay to borrow money during the pendency of the proceeding. Upon application
by the surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to
participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its discretion,
permit discovery or other pretrial proceedings and may proceed to trial upon
the appraisal prior to the final determination of the stockholder entitled to
an appraisal. Any stockholder whose name appears on the list filed by the
surviving or resulting corporation pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section
and who has submitted his certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery,
if such is required, may participate fully in all proceedings until it is
finally determined that he is not entitled to appraisal rights under this
Section.
 
  (i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to
the stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as the
Court may direct. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in the
case of holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders of
shares represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of
the certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced
as other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such
surviving or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any
state.
 
  (j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed
upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon
application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the
expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal
proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and the
fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all
the shares entitled to an appraisal.
 
  (k) From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded his appraisal rights as provided in subsection
(d) of this Section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to
receive payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except
dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date
which is prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation);
provided, however, that if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within
the time provided in subsection (e) of this Section, or if such stockholder
shall deliver to the surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal
of his demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or
consolidation, either within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation as provided in subsection (e) of this Section or thereafter with
the written approval of the corporation, then the right of such stockholder to
an appraisal shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal
proceeding in the Court of Chancery shall be dismissed as to any stockholder
without the approval of the Court, and such approval may be conditioned upon
such terms as the Court deems just.
 
  (l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the shares
of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they assented to
the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized and unissued
shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.
 
                                      D-3
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  Section 67 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws authorizes a
corporation to indemnify any director, officer, employee or other agent of the
corporation, and a person who serves at the corporation's request as a
director, officer, employee or other agent of the corporation, or who serves
at its request in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, to
whatever extent specified in or authorized by (a) the articles of
organization, (b) a by-law adopted by the stockholders or (c) a vote adopted
by the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote on the
election of directors.
 
  The Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") provide
indemnity to each of its directors and officers (including persons who serve
at its request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization, or
in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan) against all
liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments,
in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees, reasonably incurred
by him or her in connection with the defense or disposition of any action,
suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which he or she may be
involved or with which he or she may be threatened, while in office or
thereafter, by reason of his or her being or having been such a director or
officer. Under Massachusetts law and the Bylaws, no indemnification may be
provided for any person with respect to any matter as to which he or she shall
have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the
Registrant (any person serving another organization in one or more of the
indicated capacities at the request of the Registrant who shall have acted in
good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best
interest of such other organization to be deemed as having acted in such
manner with respect to the Registrant) or, to the extent that such matter
relates to service with respect to any employee benefit plan, in the best
interest of the participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan.
The Bylaws also provide that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise
payment by such director or officer, pursuant to a consent decree or
otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other
expenses shall be provided unless such compromise shall be approved as in the
best interest of the Registrant, after notice that it involves such
indemnification: (a) by a disinterested majority of the directors then in
office; (b) by a majority of the disinterested directors then in office,
provided that there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent
legal counsel to the effect that such director or officer appears to have
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the
best interest of the Registrant; or (c) by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock at the time entitled to vote for directors, voting as a
single class, exclusive of any stock owned by any interested director or
officer. The Bylaws allow expenses, including counsel fees, reasonably
incurred by any director or officer in connection with the defense or
disposition of any such action, suit or other proceeding to be paid from time
to time by the Registrant in advance of the final disposition thereof upon
receipt of an undertaking by such director or officer to repay the amounts so
paid to the Registrant if it is ultimately determined that indemnification for
such expenses is not authorized by the Bylaws. The right of indemnification
provided in the Bylaws is not exclusive of and does not affect any other
rights to which any director or officer may be entitled. As used in the
Bylaws, the terms "director" and "officer" include the relevant individual's
heirs, executors and administrators, and an "interested" director or officer
is one against whom in such capacity the proceedings in question or another
proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then pending.
 
  Section 67 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws further
authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of the
corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or other agent of another organization with
respect to any employee benefit plan, against any liability incurred by him or
her in such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or
not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such
liability.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
  The Registrant has purchased directors' and officers' liability insurance.
Such insurance covers its directors and officers with respect to liability
that they may incur in connection with their serving as such.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  (a) The following exhibits are filed with this Registration Statement:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBITS
   --------                                                                 ---
   <C>      <S>                                                             <C>
     2.1    Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and
             among the Registrant, Firefox Acquisition Corp. and Firefox
             Communications Inc. ("Firefox"), dated as of May 21, 1996
             (as amended, the "Merger Agreement") (attached as Appendix A
             to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in this
             Registration Statement, and including as attachments the
             forms of Stockholder Agreement and Escrow Agreement) and in-
             corporated herein by reference. Pursuant to Item 601(b) of
             Regulation S-K, the Disclosure Schedules of the Registrant
             and of Firefox are not included with the Merger Agreement. A
             list of the Disclosure Schedules is filed herewith as part
             of Exhibit 2.1. The Registrant agrees to furnish
             supplementally to the Commission, upon request, a copy of
             the Disclosure Schedules.
     3.1    Restated Articles of Organization of the Registrant.
     3.2    Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Junior
             Preferred Stock of the Registrant.
     3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.
     4.1    Specimen stock certificate representing FTP Common Stock.
     4.2    Rights Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank
             and Trust Company, as Rights Agent, dated as of December 1,
             1995 (including form of Rights Certificate).
     5.1    Opinion of Ropes & Gray as to the legality of the securities
             being issued.
     8.1    Opinion of Ropes & Gray as to certain federal income tax con-
             sequences of the Merger.
     8.2    Opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich as to certain federal
             income tax consequences of the Merger.
    10.1    Indenture of Lease between the Registrant and North Andover
             Mills Realty dated as of November 19, 1991.
    10.2    Amendment No. 1 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of September 1,
             1992.
    10.3    Amendment No. 2 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of January 6, 1993.
    10.4    Amendment No. 3 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of June 18, 1993.
    10.5    Amendment No. 4 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of September 30,
             1993.
    10.6    Amendment No. 5 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and North Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated Au-
             gust 12, 1995.
    10.7    Employment Agreement between the Registrant and David H.
             Zirkle dated as of March 1, 1993.
    10.8    Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the Regis-
             trant and David H. Zirkle dated as of June 14, 1993.
    10.9    Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between the Regis-
             trant and David H. Zirkle dated as of August 15, 1994.
    10.10   Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement between the Regis-
             trant and David H. Zirkle dated as of February 28, 1995.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBITS
   --------                                                                 ---
   <C>      <S>                                                             <C>
    10.11   FTP Software, Inc. Stock Option Plan.
    10.12   FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
             Plan.
    10.13   Amendment No. 1 to FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Di-
             rectors' Stock Option Plan effective as of June 2, 1995.
    10.14   FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Executive Bonus Plan.
    10.15   FTP Software, Inc. 1994 Executive Compensation Plan.
    10.16   FTP Software, Inc. 1995 Executive Compensation Plan.
    10.17   Indenture of Lease between the Registrant and Andover Mills
             Realty Limited Partnership dated as of October 1, 1993.
    10.18   Amendment No. 1 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated as of
             February 10, 1994.
    10.19   Amendment to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant and
             Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated as of May 19,
             1995.
    10.20   Amendment No. 2 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
             and Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated as of
             June 7, 1995.
    10.21   FTP Software, Inc. 1995 V-P Sales Plan.
    10.22   Form of Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant
             and Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead.
    10.23   Form of Affiliates Agreement.
    11.1    Weighted Shares Used in Computation of Earnings Per Share--
             Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
    11.2    Weighted Shares Used in Computation of Earnings Per Share--
             Three Months Ended March 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996.
    21      List of subsidiaries.
    23.1    Consent of Ropes & Gray (included in its opinions filed as
             Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1 herewith).
    23.2    Consent of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich (included in its
             opinion filed as Exhibit 8.2 herewith).
    23.3    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. with respect to the Reg-
             istrant's financial statements.
    23.4    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP with respect to Firefox's
             financial statements.
    23.5    Consent of Deloitte & Touche with respect to Firefox's finan-
             cial statements.
    23.6    Consent of Montgomery Securities (included in its opinion
             filed as Appendix B to the Merger Agreement herewith).
    23.7    Consent of Cowen & Company.
    24.1    Power of Attorney (included on the signature page).
    99.1    Form of proxy card to be used in soliciting the Registrant's
             stockholders for its special meeting.
    99.2    Form of proxy card to be used in soliciting Firefox's stock-
             holders for its special meeting.
    99.3    Consent of John A. Kimberley.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  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:
 
      (a) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act");
 
      (b) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or 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; and
 
      (c) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
    any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
 
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
  to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
  to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
  any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
  termination of the offering.
 
    (4) 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (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.
 
    (5) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
  hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration
  Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within
  the meaning of Rule 145(c), the Registrant undertakes that such reoffering
  prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
  registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed
  underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other Items
  of the applicable form.
 
    (6) That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to the immediately
  preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of
  Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an
  offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
  amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until such
  amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
  under the Securities Act, 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.
 
    (7) That 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 foregoing provisions, or
  otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
  Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
  policy as expressed in the 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, 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
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
  the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
  expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
  issue.
    (8) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
  reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this
  Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
  incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.
  This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the
  effective date of the Registration Statement through the date of responding
  to the request.
 
    (9) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
  concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein,
  that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when
  it became effective.
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1993, THE REGISTRANT,
FTP SOFTWARE, INC., A MASSACHUSETTS CORPORATION, HAS DULY CAUSED THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO
DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE TOWN OF ANDOVER, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS ON THE
26TH DAY OF JUNE, 1996.
 
                                          FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                                                    /s/ David H. Zirkle
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            David H. Zirkle
                                            Chief Executive Officer and
                                            Chairman of the Board (Principal
                                            Executive Officer)
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS BELOW HEREBY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS
DAVID H. ZIRKLE AND JOHN J. WARNOCK, JR., AND EACH OF THEM, HIS OR HER TRUE
AND LAWFUL ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION, TO
SIGN ON HIS OR HER BEHALF, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN EACH CAPACITY STATED BELOW, ALL
AMENDMENTS AND POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENTS TO THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-4 AND TO FILE THE SAME, WITH ALL EXHIBITS THERETO AND ANY OTHER
DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, 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 AND TO
ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES AS EACH MIGHT OR COULD DO IN PERSON, HEREBY RATIFYING
AND CONFIRMING EACH ACT THAT SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS MAY LAWFULLY DO
OR CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
              ---------                        -----                 ----
 
         /s/ David H. Zirkle           Chief Executive          June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------   Officer and
           DAVID H. ZIRKLE              Chairman of the
                                        Board (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)
                                        and a Director
 
      /s/ John J. Warnock, Jr.         Senior Vice              June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------   President, Chief
        JOHN J. WARNOCK, JR.            Financial Officer
                                        and Treasurer
                                        (Principal
                                        Financial and
                                        Accounting Officer)
 
         /s/ John H. Keller            Senior Vice              June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------   President of
           JOHN H. KELLER               Business Operations
                                        and a Director
 
         /s/ Vinton G. Cerf            Director                 June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------
           VINTON G. CERF
 
         /s/ David D. Clark            Director                 June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------
           DAVID D. CLARK
 
 

                                     II-7
<PAGE>
 
              SIGNATURE                         TITLE                DATE
              ---------                         -----                ----
 
         /s/ F. David Fowler            Director                June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------
           F. DAVID FOWLER
 
        /s/ Louise A. Mathews           Director                June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------
          LOUISE A. MATHEWS
 
         /s/ Glenn C. Hazard            President and Chief     June 26, 1996
- -------------------------------------    Operating Officer
           GLENN C. HAZARD               and Director
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                                                                  PAGE
 --------                                                                  ----
 <C>      <S>                                                              <C>
   2.1    Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among
           the Registrant, Firefox Acquisition Corp. and Firefox Commu-
           nications Inc. ("Firefox"), dated as of May 21, 1996 (as
           amended, the "Merger Agreement") (attached as Appendix A to
           the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in this Regis-
           tration Statement and incorporated herein by reference, and
           including as attachments the forms of Stockholder Agreement
           and Escrow Agreement). Pursuant to Item 601(b) of Regulation
           S-K, the Disclosure Schedules of the Registrant and of
           Firefox are not included with the Merger Agreement. A list of
           the Disclosure Schedules is filed herewith as part of Exhibit
           2.1. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the
           Commission, upon request, a copy of the Disclosure Schedules.
   3.1    Restated Articles of Organization of the Registrant.
   3.2    Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Junior
           Preferred Stock of the Registrant.
   3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.
   4.1    Specimen stock certificate representing FTP Common Stock.
   4.2    Rights Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank
           and Trust Company, as Rights Agent, dated as of December 1,
           1995 (including form of Rights Certificate).
   5.1    Opinion of Ropes & Gray as to the legality of the securities
           being issued.
   8.1    Opinion of Ropes & Gray as to certain federal income tax con-
           sequences of the Merger.
   8.2    Opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich as to certain federal
           income tax consequences of the Merger.
  10.1    Indenture of Lease between the Registrant and North Andover
           Mills Realty dated as of November 19, 1991.
  10.2    Amendment No. 1 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of September 1, 1992.
  10.3    Amendment No. 2 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of January 6, 1993.
  10.4    Amendment No. 3 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of June 18, 1993.
  10.5    Amendment No. 4 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and North Andover Mills Realty dated as of September 30,
           1993.
  10.6    Amendment No. 5 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and North Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated Au-
           gust 12, 1995.
  10.7    Employment Agreement between the Registrant and David H.
           Zirkle dated as of March 1, 1993.
  10.8    Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant
           and David H. Zirkle dated as of June 14, 1993.
  10.9    Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant
           and David H. Zirkle dated as of August 15, 1994.
  10.10   Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant
           and David H. Zirkle dated as of February 28, 1995.
  10.11   FTP Software, Inc. Stock Option Plan.
  10.12   FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
           Plan.
  10.13   Amendment No. 1 to FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Direc-
           tors' Stock Option Plan effective as of June 2, 1995.
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                                                                  PAGE
 --------                                                                  ----
 <C>      <S>                                                              <C>
  10.14   FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Executive Bonus Plan.
  10.15   FTP Software, Inc. 1994 Executive Compensation Plan.
  10.16   FTP Software, Inc. 1995 Executive Compensation Plan.
  10.17   Indenture of Lease between the Registrant and Andover Mills
           Realty Limited Partnership dated as of October 1, 1993.
  10.18   Amendment No. 1 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated as of Feb-
           ruary 10, 1994.
  10.19   Amendment to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant and An-
           dover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated as of May 19,
           1995.
  10.20   Amendment No. 2 to Indenture of Lease between the Registrant
           and Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership dated as of June
           7, 1995.
  10.21   FTP Software, Inc. 1995 V-P Sales Plan.
  10.22   Form of Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant
           and Messrs. Kimberley, Simkin and Whitehead.
  10.23   Form of Affiliates Agreement.
  11.1    Weighted Shares Used in Computation of Earnings Per Share--
           Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
  11.2    Weighted Shares Used in Computation of Earnings Per Share--
           Three Months Ended March 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996.
  21      List of subsidiaries.
  23.1    Consent of Ropes & Gray (included in its opinions filed as Ex-
           hibits 5.1 and 8.1 herewith).
  23.2    Consent of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich (included in its opin-
           ion filed as Exhibit 8.2 herewith).
  23.3    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. with respect to the Regis-
           trant's financial statements.
  23.4    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP with respect to Firefox's fi-
           nancial statements.
  23.5    Consent of Deloitte & Touche with respect to Firefox's finan-
           cial statements.
  23.6    Consent of Montgomery Securities (included in its opinion
           filed as Appendix B to the Merger Agreement herewith).
  23.7    Consent of Cowen & Company.
  24.1    Power of Attorney (included on the signature page).
  99.1    Form of proxy card to be used in soliciting the Registrant's
           stockholders for its special meeting.
  99.2    Form of proxy card to be used in soliciting Firefox's stock-
           holders for its special meeting.
  99.3    Consent of John A. Kimberley.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
               AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                           DATED AS OF MAY 21, 1996

                         LIST OF DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES


FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.

SECTION 2.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries

SECTION 2.3 Capitalization

SECTION 2.5 Non Conflict; Required Filings and Consents

SECTION 2.8 Changes or Events

SECTION 2.10 Litigation

SECTION 2.11 Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Agreements

SECTION 2.12 Labor Matters

SECTION 2.13 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus

SECTION 2.18 Intellectual Property

SECTION 2.20 Insurance

SECTION 2.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor


FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

SECTION 3.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries

SECTION 3.3 Capitalization

SECTION 3.5 No Conflict, Required Filings and Consents

SECTION 3.8 Certain Changes and Events

SECTION 3.9 Liabilities
<PAGE>
 

SECTION 3.10 Litigation

SECTION 3.11 Employee Benefit Plans; Employment Agreements

SECTION 3.12 Labor Matters

SECTION 3.16 Taxes

SECTION 3.18 Intellectual Property

SECTION 3.19 Interested Party Transactions

SECTION 3.20 Insurance

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1

                                                          Federal Identification
                                                                  No. 04-2906463
                                                                      ----------
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                            MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                               SECRETARY OF STATE
                              ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
                               BOSTON, MA  02108

                       RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

                     General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 74

          This certificate must be submitted to the Secretary of the
Commonwealth within sixty days after the date of the vote of stockholders
adopting the restated articles of organization. The fee for filing this
certificate is prescribed by General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 114. Make check
payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We,  David Zirkle                               , President and
     Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.                             , Clerk of

                               FTP Software, Inc.
                               ------------------
located at 2 High Street, North Andover, MA  01845
           --------------------------------------------------------------------
do hereby certify that the following restatement of the articles of organization
of the corporation was duly adopted at a meeting held on September 17, 1993, by
                                                         ------------------    
vote of 1,987,330 shares of Common out of 2,146,730 shares outstanding, being at
        ---------           ------        ---------                             
least two-thirds of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote and of
each class or series of stock adversely affected thereby:

          1.  The name by which the corporation shall be known is: FTP Software,
              Inc.

          2.  The purposes for which the corporation is formed are as follows:

          1.  To carry on a general research, development, consulting and
              marketing business and any business incidental thereto or in any
              way connected therewith, including, but not limiting the
              generality of the foregoing purpose, any business engaged in
              writing, analyzing and improving computer software and marketing
<PAGE>
 
              same; producing and marketing computer software on any medium;
              producing, improving and marketing documentation for any products
              developed, improved or acquired; and conducting research on or
              with any forms of calculating or computing devices.

          2.  To carry on any manufacturing, mercantile, selling, management
              service or other business, operation or activity which may be
              lawfully carried on by a corporation organized under the Business
              Law of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, whether or not related
              to those referred to in the foregoing paragraph.

          3.  The total number of shares and the par value, if any, of each
              class of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue is as
              follows:

                WITHOUT PAR VALUE           WITH PAR VALUE
                -----------------           --------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
CLASS OF STOCK  NUMBER OF SHARES  NUMBER OF SHARES  PAR VALUE
- --------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------
<S>               <C>               <C>               <C>
 
Preferred              --0--         5,000,000       $.01
 
Common                 --0--        50,000,000       $.01
</TABLE>
See attached Exhibit 3
             ---------

   /*/4.    If more than one class is authorized, a description of each of the
            different classes of stock with, if any, the preferences, voting
            powers, qualifications, special or relative rights or privileges as
            to each class thereof and any series now established:

               See attached Exhibit 4
                            ---------

   /*/5.    The restrictions, if any, imposed by the articles of organization
            upon the transfer of shares of stock of any class are as follows:

               See attached Exhibit 5
               ----------------------

   /*/6.    Other lawful provisions, if any, for the conduct and regulation of
            the business and affairs of the corporation, for its voluntary
            dissolution, or for limiting, defining, or regulating the powers of
            the corporation, or of its directors or stockholders, or of any
            class of stockholders:

- ----------------------------------
   *  If there are no such provisions, state "None".

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
               See attached Exhibit 6
               ----------------------

     /*/We further certify that the foregoing restated articles of
organization effect no amendments to the articles of organization of the
corporation as heretofore amended, except amendments to the following articles

               2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
               ----------------

     (/*/If there are no such amendments, state "None".)

                  Briefly describe amendments in space below:

               See attached Exhibit 7
               ----------------------









IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto signed our
names this 21st day of September in the year 1993

                                         /s/ David H. Zirkle       President
                                         --------------------------         
                                         /s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr. Clerk
                                         --------------------------      

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS


                       RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 74)

               I hereby approve the within restated articles of organization
          and, the filing fee in the amount of $    having been paid, said
          articles are deemed to have been filed with me this    day of     ,
          19____.


                                                         MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                                                           Secretary of State


                         TO BE FILLED IN BY CORPORATION
          PHOTO COPY OF RESTATED ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION TO BE SENT

               TO:  Joel F. Freedman, Esq.

                    c/o Ropes & Gray

                    One International Place

                    Boston, MA  02110-2624

               Telephone:  (617) 951-7440
                                                        Copy Mailed

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 3

          Upon the filing of these Restated Articles of Organization, each share
of the Corporation's Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, shall, without
other action, become eight shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, $0.01 par
value per share (the "Stock Split"), and each stock certificate issued prior to
such effectiveness and which immediately prior thereto represented shares of the
Corporation's Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, shall thereafter, without
other action represent eight times the number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01
par value per share, stated on the face thereof.  The increase in the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, shown in Article 3
includes an increase to reflect the Stock Split and an additional increase in
the authorized number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 4


Article 4
- ---------

Description

     The Board of Directors is authorized to issue the Preferred Stock from time
to time in one or more classes or series thereof, each such class or series to
have such voting powers (if any), designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and such qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be determined by the Board of
Directors and stated and expressed in a resolution or resolutions thereof
providing for the issue of such Preferred Stock.  Subject to the powers,
preferences and rights of any Preferred Stock, including any class or series
thereof, having any preference or priority over, or rights superior to, the
Common Stock and except as otherwise provided by law, the holders of the Common
Stock shall have and possess all powers and voting and other rights pertaining
to the stock of this corporation and each share of Common Stock shall be
entitled to one vote.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 5


     Until the consummation of an initial public offering of the corporation's
common stock registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Public
Offering Time"), any stockholder, including the heirs, assigns, executors or
administrators of a deceased stockholder, desiring to sell or transfer such
stock owned by him or them, shall first offer it to the corporation through the
Board of Directors in the manner following:

     He shall notify the directors of his desire to sell or transfer by notice
in writing, which notice shall contain the price at which he is willing to sell
or transfer and the name of one arbitrator.  The directors shall within thirty
days thereafter, either accept the offer, or by notice to him in writing name a
second arbitrator, and these two shall name a third.  It shall then be the duty
of the arbitrators to ascertain the value of the stock, and if any arbitrator
shall neglect or refuse to appear at any meeting appointed by the arbitrators, a
majority may act in the absence of such arbitrator.

     After the acceptance of the offer, or by report of the arbitrators as to
the value of the stock, the directors shall have thirty days within which to
purchase the same at such valuation, but if at the expiration of thirty days,
the corporation shall not have exercised the right so to purchase, the owner of
the stock shall be at liberty to dispose of the same in any manner he may see
fit.

     Prior to the Public Offering Time, no shares of stock shall be sold or
transferred on the books of the corporation until these provisions have been
complied with, but the Board of Directors may in any particular instance waive
the requirement.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     After the Public Offering Time, the provisions of this Article 5 shall
terminate and be of no further force or effect.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 6

Article 6

Other Lawful Provisions

     6.1  The corporation may carry on any business, operation or activity
referred to in Article 2 to the same extent as might an individual, whether as
principal, agent, contractor or otherwise, and either alone or in conjunction or
a joint venture or other arrangement with any corporation, association, trust,
firm or individual.

     6.2  The corporation may carry on any business, operation or activity
through a wholly or partly owned subsidiary.

     6.3  The corporation may be a partner in any business enterprise which it
would have power to conduct by itself.

     6.4  The directors may make, amend or repeal the by-laws in whole or in
part, except with respect to any provision thereof which by law or the by-laws
requires action by the stockholders.

     6.5  Meetings of the stockholders may be held anywhere in the United
States.

     6.6  Except as otherwise provided by law, no stockholder shall have any
right to examine any property or any books, accounts or other writings of the
corporation if there is reasonable ground for belief that such examination will
for any reason be adverse to the interests of the corporation, and a vote of the
directors refusing permission to make such examination and setting forth that in
the opinion of the directors such examination would be adverse to the interests
of the corporation shall be

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
prima facie evidence that such examination would be adverse to the interests of
the corporation.  Every such examination shall be subject to such reasonable
regulations as the directors may establish in regard thereto.

     6.7  The directors may specify the manner in which the accounts of the
corporation shall be kept and may determine what constitutes net earnings,
profits and surplus, what amounts, if any, shall be reserved for any corporate
purpose, and what amounts, if any, shall be declared as dividends.   Unless the
board of directors otherwise specifies, the excess of the consideration for any
share of its capital stock with par value issued by it over such par value shall
be surplus.  The board of directors may allocate to capital stock less than all
of the consideration for any share of its capital stock without par value issued
by it, in which case the balance of such consideration shall be surplus.  All
surplus shall be available for any corporate purpose, including the payment of
dividends.

     6.8  The purchase or other acquisition or retention by the corporation of
shares of its own capital stock shall not be deemed a reduction of its capital
stock.  Upon any reduction of capital or capital stock, no stockholder shall
have any right to demand any distribution from the corporation, except as and to
the extent that the stockholders shall have provided at the time of authorizing
such reduction.

     6.9  The directors shall have the power to fix from time to time their
compensation.  No person shall be disqualified from holding any office by reason
of any interest.  In the absence of fraud, any director, officer or stockholder
of this corporation individually, or any individual having any interest in any
concern which is a stockholder of this corporation, or any concern in which any
of such directors, officers, stockholders or individuals has any interest, may
be a party to, or may be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in, any contract,
transaction or other act of the corporation, and

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
      (1)  such contract, transaction or act shall not be in any way invalidated
           or otherwise affected by that fact;
   
      (2)  no such director, officer, stockholder or individual shall be liable
           to account to the corporation for any profit or benefit realized
           through any such contract, transaction or act; and
   
      (3)  any such director of the corporation may be counted in determining
           the existence of a quorum at any meeting of the directors or of any
           committee thereof which shall authorize any such contract,
           transaction or act, and may vote to authorize the same;

provided, however, that any contract, transaction or act in which any director
or officer of the corporation is so interested individually or as a director,
officer, trustee or member of any concern which is not a subsidiary or affiliate
of the corporation, or in which any directors or officers are so interested as
holders, collectively, of a majority of shares of capital stock or other
beneficial interest at the time outstanding in any concern which is not a
subsidiary or affiliate of the corporation, shall be duly authorized or ratified
by a majority of the directors who are not so interested, to whom the nature of
such interest has been disclosed and who have made any findings required by law;

  
      the term "interest" including personal interest and interest as a
      director, officer, stockholder, shareholder, trustee, member or
      beneficiary of any concern;

      the term "concern" meaning any corporation, association, trust,
      partnership, firm, person or other entity other than the corporation; and

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
      the phrase "subsidiary or affiliate" meaning a concern in which a majority
      of the directors, trustees, partners or controlling persons is elected or
      appointed by the directors of the corporation, or is constituted of the
      directors or officers of the corporation.

To the extent permitted by law, the authorizing or ratifying vote of the holders
of shares representing a majority of the votes of the capital stock of the
corporation outstanding and entitled to vote for the election of directors at
any annual meeting or a special meeting duly called for the purpose (whether
such vote is passed before or after judgment rendered in a suit with respect to
such contract, transaction or act) shall validate any contract, transaction or
act of the corporation, or of the board of directors or any committee thereof,
with regard to all stockholders of the corporation, whether or not of record at
the time of such vote, and with regard to all creditors and other claimants
under the corporation; provided, however, that

      A.   with respect to the authorization or ratification of contracts,
           transactions or acts in which any of the directors, officers or
           stockholders of the corporation have an interest, the nature of such
           contracts, transactions or acts and the interest of any director,
           officer or stockholder therein shall be summarized in the notice of
           any such annual or special meeting, or in a statement or letter
           accompanying such notice, and shall be fully disclosed at any such
           meeting;

      B.   the stockholders so voting shall have made any findings required by
           law;

      C.   the stockholders so interested may vote at any such meeting except to
           the extent otherwise provided by law; and

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
      D.   any failure of the stockholders to authorize or ratify such contract,
           transaction or act shall not be deemed in any way to invalidate the
           same or to deprive the corporation, its directors, officers or
           employees of its or their right to proceed with or enforce such
           contract, transaction or act.

If the corporation has more than one class or series of capital stock
outstanding, the vote required by this paragraph shall be governed by the
provisions of the Articles of Organization applicable to such classes or series.

No contract, transaction or act shall be avoided by reason of any provision of
this paragraph 6.9 which would be valid but for such provision or provisions.

     6.10  A director of the corporation shall not be liable to the corporation
or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, except to the extent that exculpation from liability is not permitted
under the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law as in effect at the time such
liability is determined.  No amendment or repeal of this paragraph 6.10 shall
apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any
director of the corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such
director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

     6.11  The corporation shall have all powers granted to corporations by the
laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provided that no such power shall
include any activity inconsistent with the Business Corporation Law or the
general laws of said Commonwealth.

     6.12  In determining what he reasonably believes to be in the best
interests of the Corporation in the performance of his duties as a director, a
director may consider, both in the consideration of tender and exchange offers,
mergers, consolidations and
                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
sales of all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets and otherwise,
such factors as the Board of Directors determines to be relevant, including
without limitation:

           (i) the long-term and short-term interests of the Corporation and its
      stockholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best
      served by the continued independence of the Corporation;

          (ii) whether the proposed transaction might violate federal or state
      laws;

         (iii) if applicable, not only the consideration being offered in a
      proposed transaction, in relation to the then current market price for the
      outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, but also to the market price
      for the capital stock of the Corporation over a period of years, the
      estimated price that might be achieved in a negotiated sale of the
      Corporation as a whole or in part or through orderly liquidation, the
      premiums over market price for the securities or other corporations in
      similar transactions, current political, economic and other factors
      bearing on securities prices and the Corporation's financial condition and
      future prospects; and

          (iv) the interests of the Corporation's employees, suppliers,
      creditors and customers, the economy of the state, region and nation, and
      community and societal considerations.

In connection with any such evaluation, the Board of Directors is authorized to
conduct such investigations and to engage in such legal proceedings as the Board
of Directors may determine.

     6.13  The Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized from time to
time to enact by resolution, without additional authorization by the
stockholders of the
                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
Corporation, By-laws of the Corporation, in such form and with such additional
terms as the Board of Directors may determine, with respect to the matters or
corporate proceedings set forth below:

           (a) Regulation of the procedure for submitting nominations of persons
      to be elected directors, which shall be made only at a meeting of
      stockholders, including requirements that nominations of persons to be
      elected directors, other than nominations submitted on behalf of the
      incumbent Board of Directors, be (i) accompanied by a petition in support
      of such nominations signed by at least that number of holders of record of
      that percentage of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to
      vote in the election of directors as are specified in such By-law (but a
      number of record holders not greater than 100 and a percentage of such
      shares not greater than 1%) and (ii) submitted to the clerk or other
      designated officer or agent of the Corporation at least that number of
      days before the meeting of the stockholders at which such election is to
      be held as is specified in such By-law. The presiding officer of the
      meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting
      that a nomination was not made in accordance with the provisions
      prescribed by this paragraph 6.13 or any By-law adopted pursuant hereto,
      and if he so determines, he shall so declare to the meeting, and the
      defective nomination shall be disregarded .

           (b) Regulation of business to be conducted at meetings of
      stockholders, including requirements that only such business shall be
      conducted and only such proposals shall be acted upon as are directed by
      the Board of Directors or as are made by a stockholder who has submitted
      notice thereof to the clerk or other designated officer or agent of the
      Corporation at least that number of days before the meeting of
      stockholders at which such proposal is to be made as is specified in such
      By-law (but not more than sixty days before such meeting) setting forth
      such proposal, the reasons therefor, the identity of the stockholder

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
      or stockholders making such proposal, the number of shares of capital
      stock which are beneficially owned by them and any financial interest of
      such stockholders in such proposal as specified in such By-law. The
      presiding officer of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine
      and declare to the meeting that proposed business or a proposal was not
      made in accordance with the provisions prescribed by the paragraph 6.13 or
      any By-law adopted pursuant hereto, and if he so determines, he shall so
      declare to the meeting, and any such business shall not be transacted or
      any such proposal shall be disregarded.

           (c) Regulation of the order of business and conduct of stockholder
      meetings and the authority of the presiding officer and of the attendance
      at annual or special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation,
      including the limitation of attendance through a ticket procedure pursuant
      to which persons who wish to attend such meetings would be required to
      provide written notice to the clerk or other designated officer or agent
      of the Corporation at least that number of days prior to the date of such
      meeting specified in such By-law (but not more than thirty days before
      such meeting) of their intent to attend in person, and the clerk or other
      designated officer or agent of the Corporation would issue a single
      admission ticket to each holder of shares of the stock of the Corporation
      entitled to vote at such meeting and to such other persons as the Board of
      Directors may direct, and admission to such meeting would be limited to
      holders of such tickets and officers and directors of, counsel to, and the
      auditors of, the Corporation and, to the extent authorized by the Board of
      Directors, the presiding officer at such meeting, employees or other
      agents of the Corporation. Application of any such By-law, if adopted, in
      any particular case would be permitted to be waived by the presiding
      officer at such meeting.

     In the event that any such By-law is adopted pursuant to this paragraph
6.13, such By-law may only be amended or repealed upon the affirmative vote of
two thirds
                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
of the total number of votes then outstanding represented by shares of capital
stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, voting together as a single class, at any regular or special meeting
of the stockholders, but only if notice of the proposed amendment or repeal was
contained in the notice of such meeting.

     6.14(A)  The directors of the Corporation, subject to the rights of the
holders of shares of any class or series of Preferred Stock, shall be
classified, with respect to the time for which they severally hold office, into
three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, as shall be provided in
the By-laws of the Corporation, one class ("Class I") whose term expires at the
1994 annual meeting of stockholders, another class ("Class II") whose term
expires at the 1995 annual meeting of stockholders, and another class ("Class
III") whose term expires at the 1996 annual meeting of stockholders, with each
class to hold office until its successors are elected and qualified.  At each
annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the date of which shall
be fixed by or pursuant to the By-laws of the Corporation, and subject to the
rights of the holders of shares of any class or series of Preferred Stock, the
successors of the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting shall be
elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders
held in the third year following the year of their election.  Any director
elected to fill a newly created directorship or any vacancy on the Board of
Directors resulting from any death, resignation, removal or other cause shall
hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in
which the new directorship was created or the vacancy occurred and until such
director's successor shall have been elected and qualified.

     (B)  Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any class or series
of Preferred Stock, any director or directors may be removed from office at any
time, but only for cause and only by either the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the total number of votes of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting
together as a single class, but only if
                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
notice of such proposal was contained in the notice of such meeting, or the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office.  Any vacancy in
the Board of Directors resulting from any such removal may be filled by vote of
a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a
sole remaining director, and any director so chosen shall hold office until the
next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and
until such director's successor shall be elected and qualified or until such
director's earlier death, resignation or removal.  For purposes of this
subparagraph (B), "cause" shall mean the (1) conviction of a felony, (2)
declaration of unsound mind by order of court, (3) gross dereliction of duty,
(4) commission of an action involving moral turpitude, or (5) commission of an
action which constitutes intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law if
such action in either event results both in an improper substantial personal
benefit and a material injury to the Corporation.

     (C)  In the event of any increase or decrease in the authorized number of
directors, the newly created or eliminated directorships resulting from such
increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board of Directors among the
three classes of directors so as to maintain such classes as nearly equal as
possible.  No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of
Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

     6.15  Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Restated Articles of
Organization or the By-laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the fact
that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, these Restated Articles of
Organization or the By-laws of the Corporation), the affirmative vote of 80% of
the total number of votes of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting
together as a single class shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any
provision inconsistent with the purpose or intent of

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
paragraphs 6.4, 6.9, 6.10 and 6.12 through 6.15 of Article 6 of these Restated
Articles of Organization.

     6.16  A vote of a majority of the shares of capital stock of the
corporation outstanding and entitled to vote shall be sufficient to authorize
any merger or consolidation or the sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of its property and assets if stockholder approval of such
merger or consolidation or sale, lease or exchange is otherwise required by the
provisions of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws.  In addition,
except as otherwise expressly provided herein,  a vote of a majority of the
shares of capital stock of the corporation outstanding and entitled to vote
shall be sufficient to approve or authorize any amendment to these Articles of
Organization or any other action in the event that any provision of Chapter 156B
requires a vote of more than a majority of the shares to authorize or approve
such matter but allows the Articles of Organization to provide that only a
majority is required.

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 7

Article 2
- ---------

     The language describing the purposes of the corporation, except for the
first paragraph, has been deleted and replaced with paragraph 2.2 which
describes the purpose of the Corporation to be to carry on any business
operations or activity which may be lawfully carried on by a corporation
organized under the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law.

Article 3
- ---------

     Each outstanding share of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, has been
split (the "Stock Split") to be [eight] shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value
per share.  The capitalization of the corporation has been amended so that (i)
the number of authorized shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, has
been increased to 50,000,000 shares (to reflect the Stock Split and also to
increase the authorized shares) and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
$0.01 par value per share, have been authorized.

Article 4
- ---------

     The Board of Directors have been authorized to issue the Preferred Stock
from time to time in one or more classes or series with such voting powers (if
any), designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions as the Board
of Directors may determine.

Article 5
- ---------

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
     The provisions regarding restrictions upon the transfer of shares will not
be effective after the closing of the corporation's original public offering of
its common stock.

Article 6
- ---------

     Certain provisions of Article 2 have been revised and now appear in Article
6. New provisions have been added to Article 6, including but not limited to,
provisions relating to (i) amendment of the By-laws, (ii) interested
transactions, (iii) liability of directors to stockholders, (iv) conduct of
director and stockholder meetings, (v) a staggered board of directors, (vi)
supermajority voting requirements to amend certain provisions of these Restated
Articles of Organization and (vii) the ability of the corporation's directors to
consider special factors when evaluating corporate action.

                                     -13-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 3.2
Form CD-26-5m-8-83

                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
                 OFFICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY OF STATE
                       MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY, Secretary
                   ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS.  02108

                                             FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
                                             NO.   04-2906463
                                                  -----------------

                 CERTIFICATE OF VOTE OF DIRECTORS ESTABLISHING
                          A SERIES OF A CLASS OF STOCK

                     General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 26


                                   ---------

We,             John F. Geraghty              , Vice President, and
                Douglas F. Flood               , Clerk of
 
                FTP Software, Inc.
located at      100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA  01810

do hereby certify that at a meeting of the directors of the corporation held on
December 1, 1995, the following vote establishing and designating a series of a
class of stock and determining the relative rights and preferences thereof was
duly adopted:

       See Continuation Sheets numbered 2A-2G


NOTE:  Votes for which the space provided above is not sufficient should be set
       out on continuation sheets to be numbered 2A, 2B, etc. Continuation
       sheets must have a left-hand margin 1 inch wide for binding and shall be
       8 1/2" x 11". Only one side should be used.
       ============
<PAGE>
 
                  CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION, PREFERENCES AND
                                RIGHTS OF JUNIOR
                                PREFERRED STOCK

                                       of

                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                   Pursuant to Chapter 156B Section 26 of the
                     Massachusetts Business Corporation Law

     We, John F. Geraghty, Vice President, and Douglas F. Flood, Clerk, of FTP
Software, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the Massachusetts
Business Corporation Law, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 156B
Section 26 thereof (the "Corporation"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

     That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors (the
"Board of Directors") by the Restated Articles of Organization of the
Corporation, the Board of Directors on December 1, 1995 adopted a vote providing
for the authorization of a series of Preferred Stock, as follows:

     RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors
     of this Corporation in accordance with the provisions of its Restated
     Articles of Organization, a series of preferred stock of the Corporation be
     and it hereby is created, and that the designation and amount thereof and
     the voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
     other special rights of the shares of such series, and the qualifications,
     limitations or restrictions thereof are as follows:

      Section 1.  Designation and Amount.  The shares of such series shall be
                  ----------------------                                     
                  designated as "Junior Preferred Stock" (the "Junior Stock")
                  and the number of shares constituting such series shall be
                  500,000. The number of shares of Junior Stock may be increased
                  or decreased by a vote duly adopted by the Board of Directors,
                  but may not be decreased below the number of shares of Junior
                  Stock then outstanding plus the number of shares reserved for
                  issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options, rights or
                  warrants or upon conversion of any outstanding securities
                  convertible into Junior Stock.

      Section 2.  Dividends and Distributions.

      a.          Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any
                  shares of any series of preferred stock ranking prior and
                  superior to the shares of Junior Stock with respect to
                  dividends, the holders of shares of Junior

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                  Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared
                  by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for
                  the purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the last
                  day of March, June, September and December in each year (each
                  such date being referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend
                  Payment Date"), commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend
                  Payment Date after the first issuance of a share or fraction
                  of a share of Junior Stock, in an amount per share (rounded to
                  the nearest cent) equal to the greater of (a) $1.00 or (b)
                  subject to the provision for adjustment set forth in Section 8
                  hereof, 100 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash
                  dividends, and 100 times the aggregate per share amount
                  (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other
                  distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of
                  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Corporation
                  (the "Common Stock") or a subdivision of the outstanding
                  shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise),
                  declared on the Common Stock since the immediately preceding
                  Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect to the first
                  Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of
                  any share or fraction of a share of Junior Stock.

      b.          The Corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution on
                  the Junior Stock as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section
                  2 immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on
                  the Common Stock (other than a dividend payable in shares of
                  or a subdivision with respect to Common Stock); provided,
                                                                  --------
                  however, that, in the event no dividend or distribution shall
                  -------
                  have been declared on the Common Stock during the period
                  between any Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of
                  $1.00 per share on the Junior Stock shall nevertheless be
                  payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.

      c.          Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
                  outstanding shares of Junior Stock from the Quarterly Dividend
                  Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares
                  of Junior Stock, unless the date of issue of such shares is
                  prior to the record date for the first Quarterly Dividend
                  Payment Date, in which case dividends on such shares shall
                  begin to accrue from the date of issue of such shares, or
                  unless the date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date
                  on is a date after the record date for the determination of
                  holders of shares of Junior Stock entitled to receive a
                  quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment
                  Date, in either of which events such dividends shall be in to
                  accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment
                  Date. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest.
                  Dividends paid on the shares of Junior Stock in an amount less
                  than the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued
                  and payable

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
             on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share
             basis among all such shares at the time outstanding. The Board
             of Directors may fix a record date for the determination of
             holders of shares of Junior Stock entitled to receive payment
             of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record
             date shall be no more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for
             the payment thereof.

      Section 3.  Voting Rights.  The holders of shares of Junior Stock shall
                  -------------                                              
                  have the following voting rights:

      a.     Subject to the provision for adjustment set forth in Section 8
             hereof, each share of Junior Stock shall entitle the holder thereof
             to one hundred votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the
             stockholders of the Corporation.

      b.     Except as otherwise provided herein or required by applicable law,
             the holders of shares of Junior Stock and the holders of shares of
             Common Stock shall vote together as one class on all matters
             submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

      c.     Except as set forth herein or required by applicable law, holders
             of Junior Stock shall have no special voting rights and their
             consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are
             entitled to vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein)
             for taking any corporate action.

      Section 4.  Certain Restrictions
                  --------------------

      a.     Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions
             payable on the Junior Stock as provided in Section 2 are in
             arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and
             distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Junior Stock
             outstanding shall have been paid in full, the Corporation shall
             not:

                        i.  declare or pay dividends on, make any other
                            distributions on, or redeem or purchase or otherwise
                            acquire for consideration any shares of stock
                            ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
                            liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the
                            Junior Stock;

                       ii.  declare or pay dividends on or make any other
                            distributions on any shares of stock ranking on a 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                            parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
                            dissolution or winding up) with the Junior Stock,
                            except dividends paid ratably on the Junior Stock
                            and all such parity stock on which dividends are
                            payable or in arrears in proportion to the total
                            amounts to which the holders of all such shares are
                            then entitled;

                      iii.  redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
                            consideration shares of any stock ranking on a
                            parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
                            dissolution or winding up) with the Junior Stock,
                            provided that the Corporation may at any time
                            redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of any
                            such parity stock (A) in exchange for shares of any
                            stock of the Corporation ranking junior (either as
                            to dividends or upon dissolution, liquidation or
                            winding up) to the Junior Stock, or (B) in
                            accordance with subparagraph (iv) of this Section
                            4(a); or

                       iv.  redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
                            consideration any shares of Junior Stock, or any
                            shares of stock ranking on a parity with the Junior
                            Stock, except in accordance with a purchase offer
                            made in writing or by publication (as determined by
                            the Board of Directors) to all holders of the
                            outstanding shares of such stock upon such terms as
                            the Board of Directors, after consideration of the
                            respective annual dividend rates and other relative
                            rights and preferences of the respective series and
                            classes, shall determine in good faith will result
                            in fair and equitable treatment among the respective
                            series or classes.

            b.      The Corporation shall not permit any subsidiary of the
                    Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire for
                    consideration any shares of stock of the Corporation unless
                    the Corporation could, under paragraph (a) of this Section
                    4, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time
                    and in such manner.

Section 5.  Reacquired Shares.  Any shares of Junior Stock redeemed, purchased
            -----------------                                                 
            or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner whatsoever
            shall be

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
            retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All
            such shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but
            unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of a
            new series of preferred stock to be created by vote or votes of the
            Board of Directors, subject to the conditions and restrictions on
            issuance set forth herein.

Section 6.  Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
            -------------------------------------- 

        a.  Upon any liquidation (voluntary or otherwise), dissolution or
            winding up of the Corporation, no distribution shall be made to the
            holders of shares of Common Stock or any other stock of the
            Corporation ranking junior (upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
            up) to the Junior Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares
            of Junior Stock shall have received $100.00 per share plus an amount
            equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon,
            whether or not declared, to the date of such distribution (the
            "Junior Liquidation Preference"). Following the payment of the full
            amount of the Junior Liquidation Preference, no additional
            distributions shall be made to the holders of shares of Junior Stock
            unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Common Stock (which
            term shall include, for the purposes only of this Section 6, any
            series of the Corporation's Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with
            the Common Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall
            have received an amount per share (the "Common Adjustment") equal to
            the quotient obtained by dividing the Junior Liquidation Preference
            by 100 (as appropriately adjusted as set forth in Section 8 hereof
            to reflect such events as stock splits, stock dividends and
            recapitalizations with respect to the Common Stock; such number in
            this clause (ii), as the same may be adjusted from time to time, is
            hereinafter referred to as the "Adjustment Number"). In the event,
            however, that there are not sufficient assets available to permit
            payment in full of the Common Adjustment, then any remaining assets
            shall be distributed ratably to the holders of Common Stock.
            Following the payment of the full amount of the Junior Liquidation
            Preference and the Common Adjustment in respect of all outstanding
            shares of Junior Stock and Common Stock, respectively, holders of
            shares of Junior Stock and holders of shares of Common Stock shall
            receive their ratable and proportionate share of any remaining
            assets to be distributed in the ratio of the Adjustment Number to
            one (1) with respect to such Junior Stock and Common Stock, on a per
            share basis, respectively.

        b.  In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets
            available to permit payment in full of the Junior Liquidation
            Preference and the liquidation preferences of all other series of
            Preferred Stock, if any, which rank on a parity with the Junior
            Stock, then any remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the
            holders of the Junior Stock and the holders of such parity stock in
            proportion to their respective liquidation preferences.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
        c.  None of the merger or consolidation of the Corporation into or with
            any other entity, the sale of all or substantially all of the
            property and assets of the Corporation or the distribution to the
            stockholders of the Corporation of all or substantially all of the
            consideration for such sale, unless such consideration (apart from
            the assumption of liabilities) or the net proceeds thereof consists
            substantially entirely of cash, shall be deemed to be a liquidation,
            dissolution or winding up within the meaning of this Section 6.

        d.  Each share of Junior Stock shall stand on a parity with each other
            share of Junior Stock or any other series of the same class of
            preferred stock upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
            dissolution or distribution of assets or winding up of the
            Corporation.

Section 7.  Consolidation, Merger, etc.  In the case the Corporation shall enter
            ---------------------------                                         
            into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in
            which the outstanding shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or
            changed into other stock or securities, cash and/or any other
            property, then in any such case the outstanding shares of Junior
            Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed in an
            amount per share (subject to the provision for adjustment set forth
            in Section 8 hereof) equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of
            stock, securities, cash and/or any other property (payable in kind),
            as the case may be, into which or for which each share of Common
            Stock is changed or exchanged.

Section 8.  Certain Adjustments.  In the event the Corporation shall at any time
            -------------------                                                 
            declare or pay any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of
            Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or
            consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
            reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in
            shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of
            Common Stock, then, in each such case, the amounts set forth in
            Sections 2(a) and (b), 3(a), 6(a) and 7 hereof with respect to the
            multiple of cash and non-cash dividends, votes, the Junior
            Liquidation Preference and an aggregate amount of stock, securities,
            cash and/or other property referred to in Section 7 hereof, shall be
            adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction the numerator of
            which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
            immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the
            number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately
            prior to such event.

Section 9.  Ranking.  The Junior Stock shall rank pari passu with (or if
            -------                               ---- -----            
            determined by the Board of Directors in any vote establishing any
            other series of preferred stock, either senior and prior in
            preference to, or junior and subordinate to, as the case may be)
            each other series of preferred stock with respect to dividends
            and/or preference upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
Section 10.  Redemption.  The shares of Junior Stock may be purchased by the
             ----------                                                     
             Corporation at such times and on such terms as may be agreed to
             between the Corporation and the redeeming stockholder, subject to
             any limitations which may be imposed by law or the Restated
             Articles of Organization of the Corporation.

Section 11.  Amendment.  The Restated Articles of Organization of the
             ---------                                               
             Corporation, shall not be amended in any manner which would
             materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special
             rights of the Junior Stock so as to affect them adversely without
             the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the
             outstanding shares of Junior Stock, voting together as a single
             class.

Section 12.  Fractional Shares.  Junior Stock may be issued in fractions of a
             -----------------                                               
             share which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such
             holder's fractional shares, to exercise voting rights, receive
             dividends, participate in distributions and to have the benefit of
             all other rights of holders of Junior Stock.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Designation was executed on behalf
of the Corporation by its Vice President and attested by its Clerk on December
11, 1995.


                                   By:  /s/ John F. Geraghty
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                        Vice President

Attest:


By:  /s/ Douglas F. Flood
   ---------------------------------
     Clerk

[SEAL]

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF AND UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, we have hereto
signed our names this 11th day of December in the year 1995.



                         /s/ John F. Geraghty
                        ----------------------------------------------
                         Vice President



                        /s/ Douglas F. Flood
                        ----------------------------------------------
                         Clerk


                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS


                 Certificate of Vote of Directors Establishing

                          A Series of a Class of Stock

                    (General Laws, Chapter 156B, Section 26)

          I hereby approve the within certificate and, the filing fee
         in the amount of $100.00 having been paid, said certificate is
                  hereby filed this ___ day of December 1995.


                                      MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
                                      Secretary of State


                         TO BE FILED IN BY CORPORATION

                      Photo Copy of Certificate to be Sent

TO:
                                David C. Chapin
                                  Ropes & Gray
                            One International Place
                                Boston, MA 02110
Telephone:                        617-951-7000


                                     -10-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.3

 
                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                    BY-LAWS
                                    -------


                                       of


                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                      Section 1.  ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

     The name and purposes of the corporation shall be as set forth in the
Articles of Organization. These By-laws, the powers of the corporation and of
its directors and stockholders, or of any class of stockholders if there shall
be more than one class of stock, and all matters concerning the conduct and
regulation of the business and affairs of the corporation shall be subject to
such provisions in regard thereto, if any, as are set forth in the Articles of
Organization as from time to time in effect.

                            Section 2.  STOCKHOLDERS

     2.1.  Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held at
           --------------                                                      
10:00 a.m. on the second Wednesday in June in each year (unless that day be a
legal holiday at the place where the meeting is to be held in which case the
meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding day not a legal
holiday) or at such other date and time as shall be determined from time to time
by the board of directors.  Purposes for which an annual meeting is to be held,
additional to those prescribed by law, by the Articles of Organization or by
these By-laws, may be specified by the president or by the directors.

     2.2.  Special Meetings.  A special meeting of the stockholders may be
           ----------------                                               
called at any time by the president or by the directors and shall be called by
the clerk, or in the case of the death, absence, incapacity, or refusal of the
clerk, by any other officer, upon written application of one or more
stockholders who hold at least 40% in interest of the capital stock entitled to
vote thereat.  Application to a court pursuant to Section 34(b) of the Business
Corporation Law of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requesting the call of a
special meeting of stockholders because none of the officers is able and willing
to call such a meeting may be made only by stockholders who hold at least 40% in
interest of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat.  Each call of a meeting
shall state the place, date, hour and purposes of the meeting.

     2.3.  Place of Meetings.  All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at
           -----------------                                                    
the principal office of the corporation in Massachusetts or, to the extent
permitted by the Articles of Organization, at such other place within the United
States as shall be fixed by the president or the directors.  Any adjourned
session of any meeting of the stockholders shall be held at the
<PAGE>
 
same city or town as the initial session, or within Massachusetts, in either
case at the place designated in the vote of adjournment.

     2.4.  Notice of Meetings.  A written notice of each meeting of
           ------------------                                      
stockholders, stating the place, date and hour and the purposes of the meeting,
shall be given at least seven days before the meeting to each stockholder
entitled to vote thereat and to each stockholder who, by law, by the Articles of
Organization or by these By-laws, is entitled to notice, by leaving such notice
with him or at his residence or usual place of business, or by mailing it,
postage prepaid, addressed to such stockholder at his address as it appears in
the records of the corporation.  Such notice shall be given by the clerk or an
assistant clerk or by an officer designated by the directors.  Whenever notice
of a meeting is required to be given to a stockholder under any provision of the
Business Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or of the Articles
of Organization or these By-laws, a written waiver thereof, executed before or
after the meeting by such stockholder or his attorney thereunto authorized and
filed with the records of the meeting, shall be deemed equivalent to such
notice.

     2.5.  Quorum of Stockholders.  At  any meeting of the stockholders, a
           ----------------------                                         
quorum as to any matter shall consist of a majority of the votes entitled to be
cast on the matter, except when a larger quorum is required by law, by the
Articles of Organization or by these By-laws. Stock owned directly or indirectly
by the corporation, if any, shall not be deemed outstanding for this purpose.
Any meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a majority of the votes
properly cast upon the question, whether or not a quorum is present, and the
meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.

     2.6.  Action by Vote.  When a quorum is present at any meeting, a plurality
           --------------                                                       
of the votes properly cast for election to any office shall elect to such
office, and a majority of the votes properly cast upon any question other than
an election to an office shall decide the question, except when a larger vote is
required by law, by the Articles of Organization or by these By-laws.  No ballot
shall be required for any election unless requested by a stockholder present or
represented at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election.

     2.7.  Voting.  Stockholders entitled to vote shall have one vote for each
           ------                                                             
share of stock entitled to vote held by them of record according to the records
of the corporation, unless otherwise provided by the Articles of Organization.
The corporation shall not, directly or indirectly, vote any share of its own
stock.

     2.8.  No Action by Writing.  Action required or permitted to be taken at
           --------------------                                              
any meeting of the stockholders may not be taken without a meeting by written
consent.

     2.9.  Proxies.  To the extent permitted by law, stockholders entitled to
           -------                                                           
vote may vote either in person or by proxy.  Except to the extent permitted by
law, no proxy dated more than

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
six months before the meeting named therein shall be valid.  Unless otherwise
specifically limited by their terms, such proxies shall entitle the holders
thereof to vote at any adjournment of such meeting but shall not be valid after
the final adjournment of such meeting.

                         Section 3.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     3.1.  Number.  The Board of Directors shall fix the number of directors at
           ------                                                              
not less than three nor more than fifteen directors; provided, however, that the
number of directors shall be fixed at not less than two whenever there shall be
only two stockholders and not less than one whenever there shall be only one
stockholder.  The number of directors may be increased at any time or from time
to time either by the stockholders or by the directors by vote of a majority of
the directors then in office.  The number of directors may be decreased to any
number permitted by law at any time or from time to time either by the
stockholders or by the directors by a vote of a majority of the directors then
in office, but only to eliminate vacancies existing by reason of the death,
resignation, removal or disqualification of one or more directors.  No director
need be a stockholder.

     3.2.  Classification, Election and Tenure.  The directors, other than those
           -----------------------------------                                  
who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock
voting separately by class or series, shall be classified, with respect to the
duration of the term for which they severally hold office, into three classes,
designated Class I, Class II, and Class III, which shall be as nearly equal in
number as possible and as provided by resolution of the Board of Directors in
connection with such election.

     Each initial director in Class I shall hold office for a term expiring at
the 1993 annual meeting of stockholders; each initial director of Class II shall
hold office for a term expiring at the 1995 annual meeting of stockholders; and
each initial director of Class III shall hold office for a term expiring at the
1996 annual meeting of stockholders.  Each director shall serve until his
successor is duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation,
removal or disqualification.  At each annual meeting of stockholders following
the 1994 annual meeting, the stockholders shall elect the successors of the
class of directors whose term expires at that meeting to hold office for a term
expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following
the year of their election and until their successors have been duly elected and
qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, removal or
disqualification.

     The Board of Directors shall increase or decrease the number of directors
in one or more classes as may be appropriate whenever it increases or decreases
the number of directors pursuant to Section 3.1, in order to ensure that the
three classes shall be as nearly equal in number as possible.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     3.3.  Notification of Nominations.  Subject to the rights of the holders of
           ---------------------------                                          
shares of any class or series of Preferred Stock, nominations for the election
of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder
entitled to vote for the election of directors. After the consummation of the
Corporation's initial public offering of its Common Stock registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, any stockholder entitled to vote for the
election of directors at a meeting may nominate persons for election as
directors by giving timely notice thereof in proper written form to the clerk
accompanied by a petition signed by at least 100 record holders of capital stock
of the corporation which shows the class, series (if any) and number of shares
held by each person and which holders represent in the aggregate at least 1% of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of directors.  To be
timely, notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal
executive offices of the corporation not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days
prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than 70
days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or
made to the stockholders, to be timely, notice by the stockholder must be
received at the principal executive offices not later than the close of business
on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the
meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made.  To be in proper written
form, a stockholder's notice shall be set forth in writing (i) as to each person
whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a
director, all information relating to such person that is required to be
disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise
required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, such person's written
consent to being named in the applicable proxy statement as a nominee and to
serving as a director if elected and (ii) to the stockholder giving the notice
(x) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation's books, of such
stockholder and (y) the class, series (if any) and number of shares of the
corporation which are beneficially owned by such stockholder.  At the request of
the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for
election as a director shall furnish to the clerk the information required to be
set forth in a stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee.
In the event that a stockholder seeks to nominate one or more directors, the
clerk shall appoint one or more inspectors to determine whether a stockholder
has complied with this Section 3.3.  If the inspectors shall determine that a
stockholder has not complied with this Section 3.3, the inspectors shall direct
the chairman of the meeting to declare to the meeting that a nomination was not
made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these By-laws, and the
chairman shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be
disregarded.

     3.4.  Vacancies.  Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any
           ---------                                                        
class or series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors
resulting from death, resignation or removal shall only be filled by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even
though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining
director, and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
number

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
of directors shall be filled by the Board of Directors, or if not so filled, by
the stockholders at the next annual meeting thereof or at a special meeting
called for that purpose in accordance with these By-laws.  Any director elected
in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of
the full term of the class of directors in which the new directorship was
created or the vacancy occurred and until such director's successor shall have
been elected and qualified.  The directors shall have and may exercise all their
powers notwithstanding the existence of one or more vacancies in their number,
subject to any requirement of law or of the number of directors as required for
a quorum or for any vote or other actions.

     3.5.  Powers.  Except as reserved to the stockholders by law, by the
           ------                                                        
Articles of Organization or by these By-laws, the business of the corporation
shall be managed by the directors who shall have and may exercise all the powers
of the corporation.  In particular, and without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the directors may at any time issue all or from time to time any part
of the unissued capital stock of the corporation from time to time authorized
under the Articles of Organization and may determine, subject to any
requirements of law, the consideration for which stock is to be issued and the
manner of allocating such consideration between capital and surplus.

     3.6.  Committees.  The directors may, by vote of a majority of the
           ----------                                                  
directors then in office, elect from their number an executive committee and
other committees and delegate to any such committee or committees some or all of
the powers of the directors except those which by law, by the Articles of
Organization or by these By-laws they are prohibited from delegating.  Except as
the directors may otherwise determine, any such committee may make rules for the
conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the directors or such
rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as may be in the same manner as
is provided by these By-laws for the conduct of business by the directors.

     3.7.  Regular Meetings.  Regular meetings of the directors may be held
           ----------------                                                
without call or notice at such places and at such times as the directors may
from time to time determine, provided that reasonable notice of the first
regular meeting following any such determination shall be given to absent
directors.  A regular meeting of the directors may be held without call or
notice immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of the
stockholders.

     3.8.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the directors may be held at
           ----------------                                                   
any time and at any place designated in the call of the meeting, when called by
the chairman of the board, if any, the president or the treasurer or by two or
more directors, reasonable notice thereof being given to each director by the
secretary or an assistant secretary, or, if there be none, by the clerk or an
assistant clerk, or by the officer or one of the directors calling the meeting.

     3.9.  Notice.  It shall be sufficient notice to a director to send notice
           ------                                                             
by mail at least forty-eight hours or by telegram at least twenty-four hours
before the meeting addressed to

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
him at his usual or last known business or residence address or to give notice
to him in person or by telephone, telegram, facsimile, electronic mail, radio or
cable at least twenty-four hours before the meeting.  Notice of a meeting need
not be given to any director if a written waiver of notice, executed by him
before or after the meeting, is filed with the records of the meeting, or to any
director who attends the meeting without protesting prior thereto or at its
commencement the lack of notice to him.  Neither notice of a meeting nor a
waiver of a notice need specify the purposes of the meeting.

     3.10.  Quorum.  At any meeting of the directors a majority of the directors
            ------                                                              
then in office shall constitute a quorum.  Any meeting may be adjourned from
time to time by a majority of the votes cast upon the question, whether or not a
quorum is present, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further
notice.

     3.11.  Action by Vote.  When a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority
            --------------                                                      
of the directors present may take any action, except when a larger vote is
required by law, by the Articles of Organization or by these By-laws.

     3.12.  Action by Writing.  Unless the Articles of Organization otherwise
            -----------------                                                
provide, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the
directors may be taken without a meeting if all the directors consent to the
action in writing and the written consents are filed with the records of the
meetings of the directors.  Such consents shall be treated for all purposes as a
vote taken at a meeting.

     3.13.  Presence Through Communications Equipment.  Unless otherwise
            -----------------------------------------                   
provided by law or the Articles of Organization, members of the board of
directors may participate in a meeting of such board by means of a conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time and
participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

                        Section 4.  OFFICERS AND AGENTS

     4.1.  Enumeration; Qualification.  The officers of the corporation shall be
           --------------------------                                           
a president, a treasurer, a clerk, and such other officers, if any, as the
directors from time to time may in their discretion elect or appoint. The
corporation may also have such agents, if any, as the directors from time to
time may in their discretion appoint.  Any officer may be but none need be a
director or stockholder.  The clerk shall be a resident of Massachusetts unless
the corporation has a resident agent appointed for the purpose of service of
process.  Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. Any officer
may be required by the directors to give bond for the faithful performance of
his duties to the corporation in such amount and with such sureties as the
directors may determine.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
     4.2.  Powers.  Subject to law, to the Articles of Organization and to the
           ------                                                             
other provisions of these By-laws, each officer shall have, in addition to the
duties and powers herein set forth, such duties and powers as are commonly
incident to his office and such duties and powers as the directors may from time
to time designate.

     4.3.  Election.  The president, the treasurer and the clerk shall be
           --------                                                      
elected annually by the directors at their first meeting following the annual
meeting of the stockholders.  Other officers, if any, may be elected or
appointed by the board of directors at said meeting or at any other time.

     4.4.  Tenure.  Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Articles of
           ------                                                            
Organization or by these By-laws, the president, the treasurer and the clerk
shall hold office until the first meeting of the directors following the next
annual meeting of the stockholders and until their respective successors are
chosen and qualified, and each other officer shall hold office until the first
meeting of the directors following the next annual meeting of the stockholders
unless a shorter period shall have been specified by the terms of his election
or appointment, or in each case until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or
becomes disqualified.  Each agent shall retain his authority at the pleasure of
the directors.

     4.5.  Chief Executive Officer.  The chief executive officer of the
           -----------------------                                     
corporation shall be the chairman of the board, if any, the president or such
other officer as is designated by the directors and shall, subject to the
control of the directors, have general charge and supervision of the business of
the corporation.  If no such designation is made, the president shall be the
chief executive officer.  Unless the board of directors otherwise specifies, if
there is no chairman of the board, the chief executive officer shall preside, or
designate the person who shall preside, at all meetings of the stockholders and
of the board of directors.

     4.6.  Chairman of the Board.  If a chairman of the board of directors is
           ---------------------                                             
elected, he shall have the duties and powers specified in these By-laws and
shall have such other duties and powers as may be determined by the directors.
Unless the board of directors otherwise specifies, the chairman of the board
shall preside, or designate the person who shall preside, at all meetings of the
stockholders and of the board of directors.

     4.7.  President and Vice Presidents.  The president shall have the duties
           -----------------------------                                      
and powers specified in these By-laws and shall have such other duties and
powers as may be determined by the directors.  Any vice presidents shall have
such duties and powers as shall be designated from time to time by the
directors.

     4.8.  Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers.  Except as the directors shall
           ----------------------------------                                
otherwise determine, the treasurer shall be the chief financial and accounting
officer of the corporation and shall be in charge of its funds and valuable
papers, books of account and accounting

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
records, and shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated from
time to time by the directors.

     Any assistant treasurers shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the directors.

     4.9.  Clerk and Assistant Clerks.  The clerk shall record all proceedings
           --------------------------                                         
of the stockholders in a book or series of books to be kept therefor, which book
or books shall be kept at the principal office of the corporation or at the
office of its transfer agent or of its clerk and shall be open at all reasonable
times to the inspection of any stockholder.  In the absence of the clerk from
any meeting of stockholders, an assistant clerk, or if there be none or he is
absent, a temporary clerk chosen at the meeting, shall record the proceedings
thereof in the aforesaid book.   Unless a transfer agent has been appointed the
clerk shall keep or cause to be kept the stock and transfer records of the
corporation, which shall contain the names and record addresses of all
stockholders and the amount of stock held by each.  If no secretary is elected,
the clerk shall keep a true record of the proceedings of all meetings of the
directors and in his absence from any such meeting an assistant clerk, or if
there be none or he is absent, a temporary clerk chosen at the meeting, shall
record the proceedings thereof.

     Any assistant clerks shall have such other duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the directors.

     4.10.  Secretary and Assistant Secretaries.  If a secretary is elected, he
            -----------------------------------                                
shall keep a true record of the proceedings of all meetings of the directors and
in his absence from any such meeting an assistant secretary, or if there be none
or he is absent, a temporary secretary chosen at the meeting, shall record the
proceedings thereof.

     Any assistant secretaries shall have such other duties and powers as shall
be designated from time to time by the directors.

                     Section 5.  RESIGNATIONS AND REMOVALS

     Any director or officer may resign at any time by delivering his
resignation in writing to the chairman of the board, if any, the president, the
treasurer or the clerk or to a meeting of the directors.  Such resignation shall
be effective upon receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time.
Any officer may be removed from office with or without cause by vote of a
majority of the directors then in office.  Any officer other than the President,
Treasurer or Clerk also may be removed from office with or without cause by
action of the Chief Executive Officer.  Except as otherwise provided in the
Articles of Organization or these By-laws relating to the rights of the holders
of any class or series of Preferred Stock, voting separately by class or series,
to elect directors under specified circumstances, any director or directors

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by either
the affirmative vote, at any regular meeting or special meeting of the
stockholders, of not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes of the
then outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, but
only if notice of such proposal was contained in the notice of such meeting, or
by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office.  Any
vacancy in the Board of Directors resulting from any such removal may be filled
by vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a
quorum, and any director or directors so chosen, shall hold office until the
next election of the class for which such directors shall have been chosen and
until their successors shall be elected and qualified or until their earlier
death, resignation or removal.

                             Section 6.  VACANCIES

     Any vacancy in the board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from
the enlargement of the board, may be filled by the stockholders or, in the
absence of stockholder action, by the directors by vote of a majority of the
directors then in office.  The directors shall elect a successor if the office
of the president, treasurer or clerk becomes vacant and may elect a successor if
any other office becomes vacant.  Each such successor shall hold office for the
unexpired term and in the case of the president, treasurer and clerk until his
successor is chosen and qualified, or in each case until he sooner dies,
resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.  The directors shall have and may
exercise all their powers notwithstanding the existence of one or more vacancies
in their number.

                           Section 7.  CAPITAL STOCK

     7.1.  Number and Par Value.  The total number of shares and the par value,
           --------------------                                                
if any, of each class of stock which the corporation is authorized to issue
shall be as stated in the Articles of Organization.

     7.2.  Shares Represented by Certificates and Uncertificated Shares.  The
           ------------------------------------------------------------      
board of directors may provide by resolution that some or all of any or all
classes and series of shares shall be uncertificated shares.  Unless such a
resolution has been adopted, a stockholder shall be entitled to a certificate
stating the number and the class and the designation of the series, if any, of
the shares held by him, in such form as shall, in conformity to law, be
prescribed from time to time by the directors.  Such certificate shall be signed
by the chairman of the board, if any, the president or a vice president and by
the treasurer or an assistant treasurer.  Such signatures may be facsimiles if
the certificate is signed by a transfer agent, or by a registrar, other than a
director, officer or employee of the corporation.  In case any officer who has
signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed on such certificate shall
have ceased to be

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
such officer before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the
corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer at the time of its
issue.

     7.3.  Loss of Certificates.  In the case of the alleged loss or destruction
           --------------------                                                 
or the mutilation of a certificate of stock, a duplicate certificate may be
issued in place thereof, upon such conditions as the directors may prescribe.

                    Section 8.  TRANSFER OF SHARES OF STOCK

     8.1.  Transfer on Books.  Subject to the restrictions, if any, stated or
           -----------------                                                 
noted on the stock certificates, shares of stock may be transferred on the books
of the corporation by the surrender to the corporation or its transfer agent of
the certificate therefor properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
assignment and power of attorney properly executed, with necessary transfer
stamps affixed, and with such proof of the authenticity of signature as the
directors or the transfer agent of the corporation may reasonably require.
Except as may be otherwise required by law, by the Articles of Organization or
by these By-laws, the corporation shall be entitled to treat the record holder
of stock as shown on its books as the owner of such stock for all purposes,
including the payment of dividends and the right to receive notice and to vote
with respect thereto, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other disposition of
such stock until the shares have been transferred on the books of the
corporation in accordance with the requirements of these By-laws.

     It shall be the duty of each stockholder to notify the corporation of his
post office address.

     8.2.  Record Date and Closing Transfer Books.  The directors may fix in
           --------------------------------------                           
advance a time, which shall not be more than sixty days before the date of any
meeting of stockholders or the date for the payment of any dividend or making of
any distribution to stockholders or the last day on which the consent or dissent
of stockholders may be effectively expressed for any purpose, as the record date
for determining the stockholders having the right to notice of and to vote at
such meeting and any adjournment thereof or the right to receive such dividend
or distribution or the right to give such consent or dissent, and in such case
only stockholders of record on such record date shall have such right,
notwithstanding any transfer of stock on the books of the corporation after the
record date; or without fixing such record date the directors may for any of
such purposes close the transfer books for all or any part of such period.  If
no record date is fixed and the transfer books are not closed:

     (1)  The record date for determining stockholders having the right to
notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of
business on the date next preceding the day on which notice is given.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
     (2)  The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose
shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors
acts with respect thereto.

             Section 9.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     The corporation shall, to the extent legally permissible, indemnify each of
its directors and officers (including persons who serve at its request as
directors, officers or trustees of another organization, or in any capacity with
respect to any employee benefit plan) against all liabilities and expenses,
including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines
and penalties, and counsel fees, reasonably incurred by him in connection with
the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether
civil or criminal, in which he may be involved or with which he may be
threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of his being or having been
such a director or officer, except with respect to any matter as to which he
shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in
the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the
corporation (any person serving another organization in one or more of the
indicated capacities at the request of the corporation who shall have acted in
good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of
such other organization to be deemed as having acted in such manner with respect
to the corporation) or, to the extent that such matter relates to service with
respect to any employee benefit plan, in the best interest of the participants
or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan; provided, however, that as to
any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such director or officer,
pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said
payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless such compromise shall
be approved as in the best interest of the corporation, after notice that it
involves such indemnification:  (a) by a disinterested majority of the directors
then in office; or (b) by a majority of the disinterested directors then in
office, provided that there has been obtained an opinion in writing of
independent legal counsel to the effect that such director or officer appears to
have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the
best interest of the corporation; or (c) by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock at the time entitled to vote for directors, voting as a single
class, exclusive of any stock owned by any interested director or officer.
Expenses, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred by any director or officer
in connection with the defense or disposition of any such action, suit or other
proceeding may be paid from time to time by the corporation in advance of the
final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by such director or
officer to repay the amounts so paid to the corporation if it is ultimately
determined that indemnification for such expenses is not authorized under this
section. The right of indemnification hereby provided shall not be exclusive
of or affect any other rights to which any director or officer may be entitled.
As used in this section, the terms "director" and "officer" include the relevant
individual's heirs, executors and administrators, and an "interested" director
or officer is one against whom in such capacity the proceedings in question or
another proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then pending.  Nothing
contained in this section shall affect any rights to

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
indemnification to which corporate personnel other than directors and officers
may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

                          Section 10.  CORPORATE SEAL

     The seal of the corporation shall, subject to alteration by the directors,
consist of a flat-faced circular die with the word "Massachusetts", together
with the name of the corporation and the year of its organization, cut or
engraved thereon.

                        Section 11.  EXECUTION OF PAPERS

     Except as the directors may generally or in particular cases authorize the
execution thereof in some other manner, all deeds, leases, transfers, contracts,
bonds, notes, checks, drafts and other obligations made, accepted or endorsed by
the corporation shall be signed by the chairman of the board, if any, the
president, a vice president or the treasurer.

                       Section 12.  CONTROL SHARE STATUTE

     The provisions of Chapter 110D of the Massachusetts General Laws shall not
apply to control share acquisitions (as defined in said Chapter 110D) of the
Corporation.

                            Section 13.  FISCAL YEAR

     The fiscal year of the corporation shall end on December 31.

                            Section 14.  AMENDMENTS

     Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Organization, these By-laws
may be altered, amended or repealed at any annual or special meeting of the
stockholders called for the purpose, of which the notice shall specify the
subject matter of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal or the sections
to be affected thereby, by vote of the stockholders.  These By-laws may also be
altered, amended or repealed by vote of a majority of the directors then in
office, except that the directors shall not take any action which provides for
indemnification of directors nor any action to amend this Section 14, and except
that the directors shall not take any action unless permitted by law.

     Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Organization, any By-law so
altered, amended or repealed by the directors may be further altered or amended
or reinstated by the stockholders in the above manner.

                                      -12-


<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                                                                          ------
                                                                          SHARES
                                                                          ------

                             ---------------------
                             ftp Software, Inc.(R)
                             ---------------------


THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE                                 SEE REVERSE FOR
IN BOSTON, MA OR NEW YORK, NY                                CERTAIN DEFINITIONS



        INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT                 CUSIP 302660 10 5



IS THE OWNER OF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  FULLY-PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK OF THE PAR VALUE OF
                                  $.01 EACH OF

                               FTP Software, Inc.

(hereinafter called the "Company") transferable upon the books of the Company in
person or by attorney upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed or
assigned.  This certificate and the shares presented hereby are subject to the
laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the Articles of Organization
and By-laws of the Company and all amendments thereto, copies of which are on
file at the office of the Transfer Agent, and the holder hereof, by acceptance
of this certificate, consents to be bound by all of said provisions.  This
certificate is not valid until countersigned and registered by the Transfer
Agent and Registrar.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, FTP Software, Inc. has caused its facsimile corporate
seal and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers to be hereunto
affixed.
   Dated:

                                     [SEAL]
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                                  INCORPORATED
                                      1986
                                 MASSACHUSETTS
                                                             /s/ David H. Zirkle
                                                                       President

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
   The Company is authorized to issue more than one class or series of stock.
The Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests in
writing a statement of the preferences, voting powers, qualifications and
special and relative rights of the shares of each such class and series.

   The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written but in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

   TEN COM - as tenants in common   UNIF GIFT MIN ACT ______ Custodian ______
                                                      (Cust)           (Minor)
   TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties          under Uniform Gifts to Minors
                                                   Act______________________
   JT TEN - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and
            not as tenants in common

    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For value received, ____________________________ hereby sell, assign and
transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
  IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- --------------------------------------

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


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

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

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

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

shares of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint

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

Attorney to transfer such shares on the books of the Company with full power of
substitution in the premises.

Dated:_________________________

                                      _________________________________________

                                      NOTICE:  The Signature to this Assignment
                                               must correspond with the name as
                                               written upon the face of the
                                               Certificate in every particular,
                                               without alteration or enlargement
                                               or any change whatever.

Signature(s) Guaranteed.


________________________________________
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by
an eligible guarantor institution (banks,
stockbrokers, savings and loan 
associations and credit unions with 
membership in an approved signature
guarantee medallion program), pursuant 
to S.E.C. Rule 17Ad-15.


   This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder to certain Rights as
set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and State Street Bank and
Trust Company, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"), dated as of December 1,
1995 (the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are incorporated herein by
reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal offices of both the
Company and the Rights Agent. The Rights Agent will mail to the registered
holder of this certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement, as in affect on the
date of mailing, without charge upon written request.  Under certain
circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement, such Rights will be evidenced
by separate certificates and will no longer be evidenced by this certificate.
Under certain circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement, Rights issued to,
or held by any Person who is, was or becomes, or acquires shares from, an
Acquiring Person or any Affiliate of an Acquiring Person (as each such term is
defined in the Rights Agreement and generally relating to the ownership or
purchase of large shareholdings), whether currently held by or on behalf of such
Person or Affiliate or by certain subsequent holders, may become null and void.

                                      -2-


<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                                      and

                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                                as Rights Agent


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



                                Rights Agreement

                          Dated as of December 1, 1995




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               Table of Contents
                               -----------------
 
 
Section                                                                     Page
- -------                                                                     ----
 
Section 1.   Certain Definitions...............................................1

Section 2.   Appointment of Rights Agent......................................13
                                                                               
Section 3.   Issue of Rights Certificates.....................................13
                                                                               
Section 4.   Form of Rights Certificates......................................15
                                                                               
Section 5.   Countersignature and Registration................................16

Section 6.   Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Rights
             Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Rights
             Certificates.....................................................16

Section 7.   Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights....17

Section 8.   Cancellation and Destruction of Rights Certificates..............19

Section 9.   Reservation and Availability of Shares of Preferred Stock;
             Other Covenants..................................................19

Section 10.  Preferred Stock Record Date; Etc.................................21

Section 11.  Antidilution Adjustments.........................................22

Section 12.  Certificate of Adjustments.......................................31

Section 13.  Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or
             Earning Power....................................................31

Section 14.  Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares..........................33

Section 15.  Rights of Action.................................................34

Section 16.  Agreement of Rights Holders......................................34

Section 17.  Rights Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder...............35

Section 18.  Concerning the Rights Agent......................................35
<PAGE>
 
Section 19.  Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent........36

Section 20.  Duties of Rights Agent...........................................36

Section 21.  Change of Rights Agent...........................................39

Section 22.  Issuance of New Rights Certificates..............................40

Section 23.  Redemption and Termination.......................................40

Section 24.  Exchange.........................................................41

Section 25.  Notice of Proposed Actions.......................................42

Section 26.  Notices..........................................................43

Section 27.  Supplements and Amendments.......................................44

Section 28.  Successors.......................................................44

Section 29.  Determinations and Actions by the Board; etc.....................44

Section 30.  Benefits of this Agreement.......................................45

Section 31.  Severability.....................................................45

Section 32.  Governing Law....................................................45

Section 33.  Counterparts.....................................................46

Section 34.  Descriptive Headings.............................................46
<PAGE>
 
                                RIGHTS AGREEMENT
                                ----------------


     This Agreement dated as of December 1, 1995 is between FTP Software, Inc.,
a Massachusetts corporation (the "Company"), and State Street Bank and Trust
Company, a national banking association (the "Rights Agent").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              ------------------- 

     WHEREAS, on December 1, 1995 the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board") authorized the issuance of rights (collectively, the "Rights," and
individually, a "Right"), each Right being a right to purchase, on the terms and
subject to the provisions of this Agreement, one one-hundredth of a share of the
Company's Junior Preferred Stock; and

     WHEREAS, on December 1, 1995 (the "Declaration Date") the Board (a)
authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one Right for every share of
Common Stock of the Company outstanding at the Close of Business on December 8,
1995 (the "Dividend Record Date"), and (b) authorized the issuance of, and
agreed to issue, one Right (as such number may be adjusted in accordance with
Section 11(i) or 11(p) hereof) for every share of Common Stock of the Company
issued between the Dividend Record Date and the Distribution Date (as
hereinafter defined).

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
herein set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

Section 1.  Certain Definitions.
            ------------------- 

     For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings
indicated:

     (a) "Acquiring Person" shall mean any Person who or which, together with
all Affiliates of such Person, shall be the Beneficial Owner of 15% or more of
the shares of Common Stock then outstanding, but shall not include (i) the
Company, (ii) any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) any employee benefit plan of
the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company, (iv) any Person organized,
appointed, or established by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant
to the terms of any plan described in clause (iii) above or (v) any such Person
who has reported or is required to report such ownership (but less than 20%) on
Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor report) or
on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor report)
which Schedule 13D does not state any intention to or reserve the right to
control or influence the management or policies of the Company or engage in any
of the actions specified in Item 4 of such Schedule (other than the disposition
of the Common Stock) and, within 10 Business Days of being requested by the
Company to advise it regarding the same, certifies to the Company that such
Person acquired shares of Common Stock in excess of 14.9% inadvertently or

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
without knowledge of the terms of the Rights and who, together with all of such
Person's Affiliates, thereafter does not acquire additional shares of Common
Stock while the Beneficial Owner of 15% or more of the shares of Common Stock
then outstanding, provided, however, that if the Person requested to so certify
                  --------  -------                                            
fails to do so within 10 Business Days, then such Person shall become an
Acquiring Person on the day immediately following the last day of such 10
Business Day Period.

     (b) "Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933 (or any successor act), as
amended and as may from time to time be in effect.

     (c) "Affiliate," with respect to any Person, shall mean any other Person
who is, or who would be deemed to be, an "affiliate" or an "associate" of such
Person within the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of
the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as such Rule is in
effect on the Declaration Date.

     (d) A Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of, and shall be deemed
to "beneficially own" or have "Beneficial Ownership" of, any securities:

         (i)   which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates has
     "beneficial ownership" of within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the General
     Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as such Rule is in effect on
     the Declaration Date ;

         (ii)  which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates has,
     directly or indirectly, the right to acquire (whether such right is
     exercisable immediately or after the passage of time) pursuant to any
     agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) or upon
     the exercise of conversion, exchange or other rights, warrants or options,
     or otherwise;

         (iii) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates has,
     directly or indirectly, the right to vote or dispose of, including pursuant
     to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing);
     provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the "Beneficial Owner"
     --------  -------
     of, or to "beneficially own," or to have "Beneficial Ownership" of any
     security for purposes of this Section 1(d)(iii) as a result of an
     agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such security if such
     agreement, arrangement or understanding: (A) arises solely from a revocable
     proxy given in response to a public proxy or consent solicitation made
     pursuant to, and in accordance with, the applicable proxy solicitation
     rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act; or (B) is made in
     connection with, or is to otherwise participate in, a proxy or consent
     solicitation made, or to be made, pursuant to, and in accordance with, the
     applicable proxy solicitation rules and regulations promulgated under the
     Exchange Act, in either case described in clause (A) or (B) above, whether
     or not such agreement, arrangement or understanding is also then reportable
     by such

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     Person on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or
     successor report); or

         (iv) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other
     Person or any Affiliate thereof with which such Person or any of such
     Person's Affiliates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding
     (whether or not in writing), for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting
     (except pursuant to a revocable proxy or in connection with a proxy or
     consent solicitation described in clause (A) or (B) of the proviso to
     Section 1(d)(iii) hereof) or disposing of any securities of the Company;

provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1(d) a Person shall not be
- --------  -------                                                              
deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of, or to "beneficially own," or to have
"Beneficial Ownership" of (A) securities tendered pursuant to a tender or
exchange offer made by such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates until such
tendered securities are accepted for purchase or exchange, (B) securities
issuable upon exercise of Rights at any time prior to the occurrence of a Common
Stock Event, or (C) securities issuable upon exercise of Rights which were held
by a Person or its Affiliates prior to the Distribution Date as long as such
Person is not responsible for the occurrence of the Common Stock Event giving
rise to the Distribution Date; and provided, further, however, that nothing in
                                   --------  -------  -------                 
this Section 1(d) shall cause a Person engaged in business as an underwriter of
securities to be the "Beneficial Owner" of, or to "beneficially own," or to have
"Beneficial Ownership" of  any securities acquired through such Person's
participation in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting until the
expiration of 40 days after the date of such acquisition.

     (e) "Board" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
Agreement.

     (f) "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a
day on which banking institutions in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the
city in which the principal office of the Rights Agent is located are authorized
or obligated by law or executive order to close.

     (g) "Close of Business" on any given date shall mean 5:00 p.m., Boston,
Massachusetts time, on such date; provided, however, that if such date is not a
                                  --------  -------                            
Business Day it shall mean 5:00 P.M., Boston, Massachusetts time, on the next
succeeding Business Day.

     (h) "Closing Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(d)
hereof.

     (i) "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock, with a par value of $.01
per share, of the Company, except that "Common Stock" when used with respect to
any Person other than the Company shall mean either (i) the common stock (or
other capital stock or shares of beneficial interest) of such Person with the
greatest voting power, or (ii) the equity securities or other equity interests
having power to control or direct the management and affairs of such Person, or
(iii) if such Person is a Subsidiary of another Person, the Person (A)

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
who ultimately controls such Person that is the Subsidiary and (B) which has
outstanding such common stock (or such other capital stock, equity securities or
interests).

     (j) "Common Stock Equivalents" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
11(a)(iii) hereof.

     (k) "Common Stock Event" shall mean the occurrence of any event described
in (i) Section 11(a)(ii) hereof or (ii) clause (a), (b) or (c) of the first
sentence of Section 13 hereof.

     (l) "Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
Agreement.

     (m) "Current Market Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
11(d) hereof.

     (n) "Current Value" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(a)(iii)
hereof.

     (o) "Declaration Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to
this Agreement.

     (p) "Directors" shall mean the members of the Board.

     (q) "Disqualified Transferee" shall mean any Person who is a direct or
indirect transferee of any Right from an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate of an
Acquiring Person and became such a transferee (x) after the occurrence of a
Common Stock Event or (y) prior to or concurrently with the Acquiring Person
becoming such and received such Right pursuant to a transfer (whether or not for
value) (A) from the Acquiring Person to holders of its Common Stock or other
equity securities or to any Person with whom the Acquiring Person has any
continuing agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing)
regarding the transferred Right, or (B) which a majority of the Board reasonably
determines is part of a plan, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in
writing) which has as a primary purpose or effect the avoidance of Section 7(e)
hereof.

     (r) "Distribution Date" shall mean the date which is the later of (A) the
earlier of (x) the 10th Business Day following the Stock Acquisition Date or (y)
the 10th Business Day following the Offer Commencement Date or (B) such
specified or unspecified date thereafter which is on or after the Dividend
Record Date, as may be determined by a majority of the Board.

     (s) "Dividend Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
to this Agreement.

     (t) "Equivalent Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 11(b) hereof.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     (u) "Excess Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(a)(iii)
hereof.

     (v) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or any
successor act), as in effect on the Declaration Date.

     (w) "Exchange Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 24(a)
hereof.

     (x) "Expiration Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a)
hereof.

     (y) "Offer Commencement Date" shall mean the date of the commencement by
any Person, other than (i) the Company, (ii) a Subsidiary of the Company, (iii)
any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company or
(iv) any Person organized, appointed or established by the Company or such
Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of any such plan, of a tender or exchange offer
(including when such offer is first published or sent or given within the
meaning of Rule 14d-2(a) of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange
Act) if upon consummation thereof the Person and Affiliates thereof would be the
Beneficial Owner of 15% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
of the Company (including any such date which is after the date of this
Agreement and prior to the issuance of the Rights on the Dividend Record Date or
thereafter).

     (z) "Officers' Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section 20(b)
hereof.

     (aa) "Other Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)
hereof.

     (bb) "Person" shall mean a company, corporation, association, partnership,
joint venture, trust, estate, organization, business, entity or individual.

     (cc) "Preferred Stock" shall mean the Junior Preferred Stock, $.01 par
value, of the Company, having the rights and preferences set forth in the form
of Certificate of Designation attached hereto as Exhibit A.

     (dd) "Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(b)
hereof.

     (ee) "Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 23
hereof.

     (ff) "Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
Agreement.

     (gg) "Rights Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of
this Agreement subject to the appointment of a successor Rights Agent pursuant
to Section 21 hereof.

     (hh) "Rights Certificates" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)
hereof.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     (ii) "Stock Acquisition Date" shall mean the later of (i) the date of the
first public announcement by an Acquiring Person or the Company that an
Acquiring Person has become such (including the first date on which any filing
with any governmental authority disclosing that an Acquiring Person has become
such becomes available to the public), or (ii) the date on which an executive
officer of the Company has actual knowledge that an Acquiring Person has become
such.

     (jj) "Subsidiary" shall mean, as of any date, any Person of which the
Company (or other specified Person) owns directly, or indirectly through a
Subsidiary or Subsidiaries, at least a majority of the outstanding capital stock
(or other shares of beneficial interest) entitled to vote generally, or holds
directly, or indirectly through a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries, at least a
majority of partnership or similar interests, or is a general partner, or of
which the Company (or other specified Person) owns voting securities sufficient
to elect at least a majority of the directors of such Person.

     (kk) "Substitution Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
11(a)(iii) hereof.

     (ll) "Summary of Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(b)
hereof.

     (mm) "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which the principal national
securities exchange on which such security is listed or admitted to trading is
open for the transaction of business or, if such security is not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, a day which is a
Business Day.

Section 2.  Appointment of Rights Agent.
            --------------------------- 

     The Company hereby appoints the Rights Agent to act as agent for the
Company and the holders of the Rights (who, in accordance with Section 3 hereof,
shall prior to the Distribution Date also be the holders of the Common Stock) in
accordance with the terms and conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby
accepts such appointment.  The Company may from time to time, upon prior written
notice to the Rights Agent, appoint such Co-Rights Agents as it may deem
necessary or desirable.

Section 3.  Issue of Rights Certificates.
            ---------------------------- 

     (a) Until the Distribution Date, (i) the Rights will be evidenced (subject
to the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof) by the certificates representing
shares of Common Stock registered in the names of the holders of the Common
Stock (which certificates shall be deemed also to be certificates for the
associated Rights) and not by separate rights certificates, and (ii) the Rights
will be transferable only in connection with the transfer of the associated
shares of Common Stock.  As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, the
Rights Agent will send by first-class, insured, postage prepaid mail, to each
record holder of the Common

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
Stock as of the Close of Business on the Distribution Date, at the address of
such holder shown on the stock transfer records of the Company, one or more
rights certificates, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto (the "Rights
Certificates"), evidencing in the aggregate that number of Rights to which such
holder is entitled in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.  As of
and after the Distribution Date, the Rights will be evidenced solely by such
Rights Certificates.  The Rights are exercisable only in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 hereof and are redeemable only in accordance with
Section 23 hereof.

     (b) As soon as practicable after the Dividend Record Date, the Company will
cause a copy of a Summary of Rights, in substantially the form attached hereto
as Exhibit C (the "Summary of Rights"), to be sent by first-class, postage
prepaid mail, to each record holder of the Common Stock as of the Close of
Business on the Dividend Record Date, at the address of such holder shown on the
stock transfer records of the Company.  With respect to certificates for the
Common Stock outstanding as of the Dividend Record Date, until the Distribution
Date, the Rights associated with the shares of Common Stock represented by such
certificates will be evidenced by such certificates for the Common Stock and the
registered holders of the Common Stock shall also be the registered holders of
the associated Rights.  Until the Distribution Date (or the earlier redemption
or expiration of the Rights), the surrender for transfer of any of the
certificates representing shares of the Common Stock outstanding on the Dividend
Record Date, with or without a copy of the Summary of Rights, shall also
constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock
represented by such certificate.

     (c) Rights shall be issued in respect of all shares of Common Stock issued
(whether originally issued or delivered from the Company's treasury) after the
Dividend Record Date but prior to the earliest of (i) the Distribution Date,
(ii) the Expiration Date, or (iii) the redemption of the Rights.  Certificates
representing such shares of Common Stock and certificates issued on transfer of
such shares of Common Stock, with or without a copy of the Summary of Rights,
prior to the Distribution Date (or earlier expiration or redemption of the
Rights) shall be deemed also to be certificates for the associated Rights, and
commencing as soon as reasonably practicable following the Dividend Record Date
shall bear the following legend (or a legend substantially in the form thereof):

     This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder to Rights as
     provided in a Rights Agreement between the Company and State Street Bank
     and Trust Company, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"), dated as of
     December 1, 1995 (the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are
     incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at the
     principal offices of both the Company and the Rights Agent. The Rights
     Agent will mail to the registered holder of this certificate a copy of the
     Rights Agreement, as in effect on the date of mailing, without charge upon
     written request. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Rights
     Agreement, such Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and will
     no longer be evidenced by this certificate. Under certain circumstances set
     forth in the Rights Agreement, Rights issued to, or held by any

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     Person who is, was or becomes, or acquires shares from, an Acquiring Person
     or any Affiliate of an Acquiring Person (as each such term is defined in
     the Rights Agreement and generally relating to the ownership or purchase of
     large shareholdings), whether currently held by or on behalf of such Person
     or Affiliate or by certain subsequent holders, may become null and void.

Until the Distribution Date or the earlier redemption or expiration of the
Rights, the Rights associated with the Common Stock shall be evidenced by the
Common Stock certificates alone and the registered holders of Common Stock shall
also be the registered holders of the associated Rights, and the surrender for
transfer of any of such certificates shall also constitute the transfer of the
Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate.

 Section 4.  Form of Rights Certificates.
             --------------------------- 

     (a) The Rights Certificates (and the form of assignment and the form of
exercise notice and certificate to be printed on the reverse thereof) shall each
be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto and may have such
marks of identification or designation and such legends, summaries or
endorsements printed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, or as may be required to
comply with any applicable law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant
thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Rights
may from time to time be listed or traded, or to conform to usage.  Subject to
the provisions of Sections 11 and 22 hereof, the Rights Certificates, whenever
distributed, shall be dated as of the Dividend Record Date (or, if the shares
pursuant to which the Rights are attached are issued thereafter, such date of
issuance), shall include the date of countersignature and on their face shall
entitle the holders thereof to purchase such number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Preferred Stock as shall be set forth therein at the Purchase Price (as
hereinafter defined), but the amount and type of securities issuable upon the
exercise of each Right and the Purchase Price shall be subject to adjustment as
provided herein.

     (b) Any Rights Certificate issued pursuant to Section 3(a) or 22 hereof
that represents Rights beneficially owned by (i) any Acquiring Person or any
Affiliate of an Acquiring Person, or (ii) any Disqualified Transferee, and any
other Rights Certificate issued pursuant to Section 6 or 11 hereof upon the
transfer, exchange, replacement or adjustment of any such Rights Certificate,
shall contain (to the extent feasible) the following legend:

     The Rights represented by this Rights Certificate are or were beneficially
     owned by a Person who was or became an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate
     (which includes both affiliates and associates) of an Acquiring Person (as
     each such term is defined in the Rights Agreement between the Company and
     State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Rights Agent, dated as of December
     1, 1995 (the "Rights Agreement")). Accordingly, this Rights Certificate and
     the Rights represented hereby may become null and void in the circumstances
     specified in Section 7(e) of the Rights Agreement. The Rights Agent

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     will mail to the registered holder of this certificate a copy of the Rights
     Agreement, as in effect on the date of such mailing, without charge upon
     written request.

Section 5.  Countersignature and Registration.
            --------------------------------- 

     The Rights Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its
Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President, either manually or by
facsimile signature, and shall have affixed thereto the Company's seal or
facsimile thereof which shall be attested by the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer of the Company, either manually or by facsimile signature.  The Rights
Certificates shall be countersigned, either manually or by facsimile signature,
by the Rights Agent and shall not be valid for any purpose unless so
countersigned. In case any officer of the Company who shall have signed any of
the Rights Certificates shall cease to be such officer of the Company before
countersignature by the Rights Agent and issuance and delivery by the Company,
such Rights Certificates, nevertheless, may be countersigned by the Rights
Agent, issued and delivered with the same force and effect as though the person
who signed such Rights Certificates had not ceased to be such officer of the
Company.  Any Rights Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by any
person who, at the actual date of the execution of such Rights Certificate,
shall be a proper officer of the Company to sign such Rights Certificate,
although at the date of the execution of this Agreement any such person was not
such an officer.

     Following the Distribution Date, the Rights Agent shall keep or cause to be
kept, at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, books for
registration and transfer of the Rights Certificates issued hereunder.  Such
books shall show the names and addresses of the respective holders of the Rights
Certificates, the number of Rights evidenced on its face by each of the Rights
Certificates, and the date of countersignature thereof by the Rights Agent.

Section 6.  Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Rights
             ------------------------------------------------------
Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Rights Certificates.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

     (a) Subject to the provisions of Sections 4(b), 7(e) and 14 hereof, at any
time after the Close of Business on the Distribution Date, and at or prior to
the earlier of the Close of Business on the Expiration Date or the redemption of
the Rights, any Rights Certificate may be transferred, split up, combined or
exchanged for another Rights Certificate or Rights Certificates, entitling the
registered holder to purchase a like number of one one-hundredths of a share of
Preferred Stock (or, following a Common Stock Event, Common Stock and/or such
other securities, cash or other assets as shall be issuable in respect of the
Rights in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (such other securities,
cash or other assets being referred to herein as "Other Consideration")) as the
Rights Certificate surrendered then entitled such holder (or former holder in
the case of a transfer) to purchase.  Any registered holder desiring to
transfer, split up, combine or exchange any Rights Certificate shall make such
request in writing delivered to the Rights Agent, and shall surrender the Rights
Certificate to be transferred, split up, combined or exchanged at the office of
the Rights Agent designated for

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
such purpose, accompanied by a signature guarantee and such other documentation
as the Rights Agent may reasonably request.  Neither the Rights Agent nor the
Company shall be obligated to take any action whatsoever with respect to the
transfer of any such surrendered Rights Certificate until the registered holder
shall have completed and signed the certificate contained in the form of
assignment on the reverse side of such Rights Certificate and shall have
provided such additional evidence of the identity of the Beneficial Owner from
whom the Rights evidenced by such Rights Certificate are to be transferred (or
the Beneficial Owner to whom such Rights are to be transferred) or Affiliates
thereof as the Company shall reasonably request.  Thereupon, subject to Sections
4(b), 7(e) and 14 hereof, the Company shall execute and the Rights Agent shall
countersign and deliver to the Person entitled thereto a Rights Certificate or
Rights Certificates, as the case may be, as so requested.  The Company may
require payment by the holders of Rights of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer, split
up, combination or exchange of Rights Certificates which the Company is not
required to pay in accordance with Section 9(d) hereof.

     (b) Upon receipt by the Company and the Rights Agent of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to them of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Rights
Certificate, and, in case of loss, theft or destruction, the receipt of
indemnity or security satisfactory to them, and upon reimbursement to the
Company and the Rights Agent of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and
upon surrender to the Rights Agent and cancellation of the Rights Certificate,
if mutilated, accompanied by a signature guarantee and such other documentation
as the Rights Agent may reasonably request, the Company will execute and deliver
a new Rights Certificate of like tenor to the Rights Agent for countersignature
and delivery to the registered owner in lieu of the Rights Certificate so lost,
stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.

Section 7.  Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights.
            ------------------------------------------------------------- 

     (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the registered holder of any
Rights Certificate may exercise the Rights evidenced thereby in whole or in part
at any time from and after the Distribution Date and at or prior to the Close of
Business on December 1, 2005 (the "Expiration Date") or the earlier redemption
of the Rights.  Immediately after the Close of Business on the Expiration Date
(or the earlier redemption of the Rights), all Rights shall be extinguished and
all Rights Certificates shall become null and void.  To exercise Rights, the
registered holder of the Rights Certificate evidencing such Rights shall
surrender such Rights Certificate, with the form of election to purchase on the
reverse side thereof and the certificate contained therein duly executed, to the
Rights Agent at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose,
accompanied by a signature guarantee and such other documentation as the Rights
Agent may reasonably request, together with payment in cash, only if by
electronic or wire transfer, or by certified check or bank cashier's check, of
the Purchase Price with respect to the total number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Preferred Stock (or, after a Common Stock Event, shares and/or similar
units of Common Stock or Other Consideration) as to which the Rights are
exercised (which payment shall include any

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
additional amount payable by such Person in accordance with Section 9(d)
hereof).  The Rights Agent shall promptly deliver to the Company all payments of
the Purchase Price received in respect of Rights Certificates accepted for
exercise.

     (b) The purchase price for each one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred
Stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of a Right (the "Purchase Price") shall
initially be $150, shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11
hereof, and shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America.

     (c) Upon receipt of a Rights Certificate representing the Rights, with the
form of election to purchase set forth on the reverse side thereof and the
certificate contained therein duly executed, accompanied by payment of the
Purchase Price, with respect to each Right so exercised, the Rights Agent,
subject to Sections 7(e), 11(a)(iii) and 20(k) hereof, shall thereupon promptly
(i) requisition from any transfer agent of the Preferred Stock (or Common Stock,
as the case may be) (or from the Company if there shall be no such transfer
agent), or make available if the Rights Agent is such transfer agent,
certificates for the total number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred
Stock (or Common Stock, as the case may be) to be purchased and the Company
hereby irrevocably authorizes such transfer agent to comply with any such
request, (ii) after receipt of such certificates, cause the same to be delivered
to or upon the order of the registered holder of such Rights Certificate,
registered in such name or names as may be designated in writing by such holder,
and (iii) when appropriate, requisition from the Company the amount of cash to
be paid in lieu of issuance of a fractional share in accordance with Section 14
hereof and after receipt promptly deliver such cash to or upon the order of the
registered holder of such Rights Certificate.  After the occurrence of a Common
Stock Event, the Company shall make all necessary arrangements so that any Other
Consideration then deliverable in respect of the Rights is available for
distribution by the Rights Agent.  For purposes of this Section 7, the Rights
Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be protected in relying, on an
Officers' Certificate from the Company to the effect that the Distribution Date
has occurred.

     (d) Subject to Sections 4(b), 7(e) and 14 hereof, in case the registered
holder of any Rights Certificate shall exercise less than all the Rights
evidenced thereby, a new Rights Certificate evidencing Rights equivalent to the
Rights remaining unexercised shall be executed and delivered by the Company to
the Rights Agent and countersigned and delivered by the Rights Agent to the
registered holder of such Rights Certificate or to such holder's duly authorized
assigns.

     (e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, from and
after the first occurrence of a Common Stock Event, any Rights beneficially
owned by (i) an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate of an Acquiring Person or (ii)
a Disqualified Transferee shall become null and void without any further action,
and no holder of such Rights shall have any rights whatsoever with respect to
such Rights, whether under any provision of this Agreement or otherwise.  The
Company shall use all reasonable efforts to ensure that the provisions of this

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
Section 7(e) and Section 4(b) hereof are complied with, but the Company shall
have no liability to any holder of Rights Certificates or other Person, and none
of the terms of this Agreement or the Rights shall be deemed to be waived with
respect to such holder or other Person, as a result of any failure by the
Company to make any determinations with respect to an Acquiring Person or any
Affiliate of an Acquiring Person or Disqualified Transferees hereunder or any
failure to have a legend placed on any Rights Certificate in accordance with
Section 4(b) hereof or on any Common Stock certificate in accordance with
Section 3(c) hereof.

     (f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the
Rights Agent nor the Company shall be obligated to undertake any action with
respect to a holder of any Rights Certificate upon the occurrence of any
purported exercise thereof unless such holder shall have (i) completed and
signed the certificate contained in the form of election to purchase set forth
on the reverse side of the Rights Certificate surrendered for such exercise, and
(ii) provided such additional evidence of the identity of the Beneficial Owner
from whom the Rights evidenced by such Rights Certificate are to be transferred
(or the Beneficial Owner to whom such Rights are to be transferred) or
Affiliates thereof as the Company shall reasonably request.

Section 8.  Cancellation and Destruction of Rights Certificates.
            --------------------------------------------------- 

     All Rights Certificates surrendered for the purpose of and accepted for
exercise, or surrendered for the purpose of redemption, transfer, split up,
combination or exchange, shall, if surrendered to the Company or to any of its
agents (other than the Rights Agent), be delivered to the Rights Agent for
cancellation or in canceled form, or, if surrendered to the Rights Agent, shall
be canceled by it, and no Rights Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof
except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Agreement.  The
Company shall deliver to the Rights Agent for cancellation and retirement, and
the Rights Agent shall so cancel and retire, any other Rights Certificates
purchased or retired by the Company otherwise than upon the exercise thereof.
The Rights Agent shall deliver all canceled Rights Certificates to the Company,
or may, at the written request of the Company, but shall not be required to,
destroy such canceled Rights Certificates, and in such case shall deliver a
certificate of destruction thereof to the Company.

Section 9.  Reservation and Availability of Shares of Preferred Stock; Other
            ----------------------------------------------------------------
Covenants.
- --------- 

     (a) The Company covenants and agrees that on and after the Distribution
Date, it shall use reasonable efforts to cause to be reserved and kept available
out of its authorized and unissued shares of Preferred Stock (or, following the
occurrence of a Common Stock Event, out of its authorized and unissued shares of
Common Stock and/or Other Consideration, or out of its authorized and issued
shares held in its treasury), the number of shares of Preferred Stock (or,
following a Common Stock Event, shares of Common Stock and/or Other
Consideration) that, except as provided in Section 11(a)(iii) hereof, would then
be sufficient to

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Rights; provided, however, that
                                                       --------  -------      
the reservation of such shares shall be subject and subordinate to any other
reservation of such shares made by the Company at any time for any lawful
purpose; provided, further, however, that in no event shall such failure to so
         --------  -------  -------                                           
reserve shares affect the rights of any holder of Rights hereunder.

     (b) The Company covenants and agrees that on and after the Distribution
Date, so long as the Preferred Stock (or, following a Common Stock Event, shares
and/or similar units of Common Stock and/or Other Consideration) issuable upon
the exercise of Rights may be listed on any national securities exchange, the
Company shall use its best efforts to cause all shares (or similar units)
reserved for such issuance to be listed on such exchange upon official notice of
issuance upon such exercise.

     (c) The Company covenants and agrees that it shall take all such action as
may be necessary to ensure that each one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred
Stock (or, following a Common Stock Event, each share and/or similar unit of
Common Stock or Other Consideration) delivered upon exercise of Rights shall, at
the time of delivery of the certificates for such shares (or units), subject to
payment in full of the Purchase Price, be duly and validly authorized and issued
and fully paid and nonassessable.

     (d) The Company covenants and agrees that it shall pay when due and payable
any and all federal and state transfer taxes and similar charges which may be
payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of the Rights Certificates or of
any shares of Preferred Stock (or, following the occurrence of a Common Stock
Event, each share and/or similar unit of Common Stock or Other Consideration)
upon the exercise of Rights; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
                             --------  -------                               
required to pay any transfer tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer
involved in the transfer or delivery of Rights Certificates or in the issuance
or delivery of certificates for any shares of Preferred Stock (or, following the
occurrence of a Common Stock Event, each share and/or similar unit of Common
Stock or Other Consideration) in a name other than that of the registered holder
of the Rights Certificate evidencing Rights surrendered for exercise or to issue
or deliver any certificates for any shares of Preferred Stock (and, following
the occurrence of a Common Stock Event, any shares and/or similar units of
Common Stock or Other Consideration) upon the exercise of any Rights until any
such tax shall have been paid (any such tax being payable by the holder of such
Rights Certificate at the time of surrender thereof) or until it has been
established to the Company's satisfaction that no such tax is due.

     (e) The Company shall use its best efforts (i) to file, as soon as
practicable following the earliest date after the first occurrence of a Common
Stock Event on which the consideration to be delivered by the Company upon
exercise of the Rights has been determined in accordance with this Agreement, or
as soon as is required by law following the Distribution Date, as the case may
be, a registration statement under the Act, with respect to the securities
issuable upon exercise of the Rights on an appropriate form, (ii) to cause such
registration statement to become effective as soon as practicable after such
filing, and (iii) to cause such

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
registration statement to remain effective (with a prospectus at all times
meeting the requirements of the Act) until the earlier of (A) the date as of
which the Rights are no longer exercisable for such securities, or (B) the
Expiration Date or earlier redemption of the Rights. The Company will also take
such action as may be appropriate under, or to ensure compliance with, the
securities or "blue sky" laws of the various states of the United States in
connection with the exercisability of the Rights.  The Company may temporarily
suspend, for a period of time not to exceed ninety (90) days after the date set
forth in clause (i) of the first sentence of this Section 9(e), the
exercisability of the Rights in order to prepare and file such registration
statement or to permit it to become effective.  Upon any such suspension, the
Company shall issue a public announcement stating that the exercisability of the
Rights has been temporarily suspended.  The Company shall thereafter issue a
public announcement at such time as the suspension is no longer in effect.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Rights
shall not be exercisable in any jurisdiction unless the requisite qualification
in such jurisdiction shall have been obtained.

Section 10.  Preferred Stock Record Date; Etc.
             -------------------------------- 

     Each Person in whose name any certificate for any shares of Preferred Stock
(or, following the occurrence of a Common Stock Event, shares and/or similar
units of Common Stock or Other Consideration) is issued upon the exercise of
Rights shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of
such shares of Preferred Stock (or such shares and similar units of Common Stock
and/or Other Consideration, as the case may be) represented thereby on, and such
certificate shall be dated the date which is the later of, (i) the date upon
which the Rights Certificate evidencing such Rights was duly surrendered, or
(ii) the date upon which payment of the Purchase Price (and any applicable
transfer taxes) in respect thereof was made; provided, however, that if such
                                             --------  -------              
date is a date upon which the relevant transfer books of the Company are closed,
such Person shall be deemed to have become the record holder of such shares (or
similar units) on, and such certificate shall be dated, the next succeeding
Business Day on which such transfer books of the Company are open; provided,
                                                                   -------- 
further, that the Company covenants and agrees that it shall not close such
- -------                                                                    
transfer books for a period exceeding ten consecutive days.  Prior to the
exercise of the Rights evidenced thereby (which shall be deemed to have occurred
on the date such certificate for shares and/or similar units of Preferred Stock,
Common Stock or Other Consideration shall be dated in accordance with this
Section 10), the holder of a Rights Certificate, as such, shall not be entitled
to any rights of a security holder of the Company with respect to the shares of
Preferred Stock (and/or shares or similar units of Common Stock or Other
Consideration) for which the Rights shall be exercisable, including, without
limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends or other distributions, or
to exercise any preemptive rights, and shall not be entitled to receive any
notice of any proceedings of the Company, except as expressly provided herein.

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
Section 11.  Antidilution Adjustments.
             ------------------------ 

     The Purchase Price and the number and kind of securities covered by each
Right and the number of Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time
to time as provided in this Section 11.

     (a)(i) In the event that the Company shall at any time after the
     Declaration Date (A) declare and pay a dividend on the Preferred Stock
     payable in shares of Preferred Stock, (B) subdivide the outstanding
     Preferred Stock, (C) combine the outstanding Preferred Stock into a smaller
     number of shares, or (D) issue, change or alter any of its shares of
     capital stock in a reclassification or recapitalization (including any such
     reclassification in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the
     Company is the continuing or surviving Person), except as otherwise
     provided in this Section 11(a) and Section 7(e) hereof, then, and in each
     such case, the Purchase Price in effect at the time of the record date for
     such dividend or the effective time of such subdivision, combination,
     reclassification or recapitalization, and the number and kind of shares of
     capital stock issuable upon exercise of the Rights at such time, shall be
     proportionately adjusted so that the holder of any Right exercised after
     such time shall be entitled to receive the aggregate number and kind of
     shares of Preferred Stock or other capital stock which, if such Right had
     been exercised immediately prior to such time at the Purchase Price then in
     effect and at a time when the transfer books for the Preferred Stock (or
     other capital stock) of the Company were open, such holder would have owned
     upon such exercise and been entitled to receive by virtue of such dividend,
     subdivision, combination, reclassification or recapitalization. If an event
     occurs which would require an adjustment under both this Section 11(a)(i)
     and Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, the adjustment provided in this Section
     11(a)(i) shall be in addition to, and shall be made prior to, any
     adjustment required pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) hereof.

     (ii)  In the event

               (A) any Person shall at any time after the Declaration Date
          become an Acquiring Person; or

               (B) any Acquiring Person or any Affiliate of any Acquiring
          Person, at any time after the Declaration Date, directly or
          indirectly, shall (1) merge into the Company or otherwise combine with
          the Company, and the Company shall be the continuing or surviving
          corporation of such merger or combination and the Common Stock of the
          Company shall remain outstanding and no shares thereof shall be
          changed or otherwise transformed into stock or other securities of any
          other Person or the Company or cash or any other property, (2) in one
          or more transactions, transfer any assets to the Company in exchange
          (in whole or in part) for shares of any class of its equity securities
          or for securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of any
          such class or otherwise obtain 

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
          from the Company, with or without consideration, any additional shares
          of any such class or securities exercisable for or convertible into
          shares of any such class (other than as part of a pro rata
          distribution to all holders of such class), (3) sell, purchase, lease,
          exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose (in one
          transaction or a series of transactions) to, from or with the Company
          or any of the Company's Subsidiaries, assets with an aggregate fair
          market value in excess of 25% of the assets of the Company and its
          Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis on terms and
          conditions less favorable to the Company than the Company would be
          able to obtain through arm's-length negotiation with an unaffiliated
          third party, (4) receive any compensation from the Company or any of
          the Company's Subsidiaries other than compensation as a director of
          the Company or for full-time employment as a regular employee at rates
          in accordance with the Company's (or such Subsidiary's) past
          practices, (5) receive the benefit (except proportionately as a
          stockholder) of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other
          financial assistance provided by the Company or any of its
          Subsidiaries on terms and conditions less favorable to the Company (or
          such Subsidiary) than the Company would be able to obtain through
          arm's-length negotiation with an unaffiliated third party or (6)
          commence a tender or exchange offer for securities of the Company; or
 
               (C) during such time as there is an Acquiring Person at any time
          after the Declaration Date, there shall be any reclassification of
          securities (including any combination thereof) or recapitalization of
          the Company, or any merger or consolidation of the Company with any of
          its Subsidiaries (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving
          an Acquiring Person or any Affiliate of an Acquiring Person), or any
          repurchase by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of shares of the
          Common Stock of the Company or any other class or series of securities
          issued by the Company, which reclassification, recapitalization,
          merger, consolidation or repurchase is effected at a time when a
          majority of the Board consists of persons who are the Acquiring Person
          or its Affiliates, or nominees or designees of any thereof, which has
          the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing by more than 1% the
          proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity
          securities or securities exercisable for or convertible into any class
          of equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which
          is directly or indirectly owned by an Acquiring Person or any
          Affiliate of an Acquiring Person;

     then, in each such case, effective upon the Close of Business on the 10th
     Business Day immediately following the date of the occurrence of such
     event, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right,
     except as provided in Section 7(e) hereof, shall thereafter have the right
     to receive, upon exercise thereof at the Purchase Price in effect at the
     time of exercise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, in lieu of
     a number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock, such number
     of shares

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
     of Common Stock of the Company as shall equal the result obtained by (x)
     multiplying an amount equal to the then current Purchase Price by an amount
     equal to the number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock for
     which a Right was or would have been exercisable immediately prior to the
     first occurrence of any such event whether or not such Right was then
     exercisable, and (y) dividing that product by 50% of the Current Market
     Price per share of the Common Stock of the Company determined as of the
     date of such first occurrence.

          (iii)  In lieu of issuing whole or fractional shares of Common Stock
     in accordance with Section 7(c) hereof, the Company shall (i) in the event
     that the number of shares of Common Stock which are authorized by the
     Company's charter but not outstanding or reserved for issuance for purposes
     other than upon exercise of the Rights are not sufficient to permit the
     exercise in full of the Rights in accordance with Section 7(c) hereof, or
     (ii) if a majority of the Board determines that it would be appropriate and
     not contrary to the interests of the holders of Rights (other than any
     Acquiring Person or Disqualified Transferee or any Affiliate of the
     Acquiring Person or Disqualified Transferee), (A) determine an amount (the
     "Excess Amount"), if any, equal to the excess of (1) the value (the
     "Current Value") of the whole or fractional shares of Preferred Stock (or
     Common Stock) issuable upon the exercise of a Right in accordance with
     Section 7(c) hereof, over (2) the Purchase Price, and (B) with respect to
     each Right (subject to Section 7(e) hereof), make adequate provision to
     substitute for such whole or fractional shares of Preferred Stock (or
     Common Stock), upon payment of the applicable Purchase Price, (1) cash, (2)
     a reduction in the Purchase Price, (3) Common Stock or other equity
     securities of the Company (including, without limitation, shares or units
     of Preferred Stock or preferred stock which the Board has deemed in good
     faith to have the same value as a share of Common Stock (such shares of
     preferred stock being referred to herein as "Common Stock Equivalents")),
     (4) debt securities of the Company, (5) other property, or (6) any
     combination of the foregoing (which would include the additional
     consideration provided to any holder by reducing the Purchase Price) having
     an aggregate value equal to the Current Value (as determined by the Board);
     provided, however, subject to the provisions of Section 9(e) hereof,
     --------  -------
     that if the Company shall not have made adequate provision to deliver value
     pursuant to clause (B) above within 30 days following the Close of Business
     on the 10th Business Day immediately following the date of the first
     occurrence of a Common Stock Event described in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof,
     then the Company shall be obligated to deliver, upon the surrender for
     exercise of a Right and without requiring payment of the Purchase Price,
     whole or fractional shares of Preferred Stock (or Common Stock) (to the
     extent available) and then, if necessary, cash, securities, and/or other
     property which in the aggregate are equal to the Excess Amount. If the
     Board shall determine in good faith that it is likely that sufficient
     additional shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents could be
     authorized for issuance upon exercise in full of the Rights, the 30-day
     period set forth above may be extended to the extent necessary, but not
     more than 90 days following the Close of Business on the 10th Business Day

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
     immediately following the first occurrence of such a Common Stock Event
     (such 30 day period, as it may be so extended, is referred to herein as the
     "Substitution Period"). To the extent that the Company determines that some
     action is to be taken pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section
     11(a)(iii), the Company (x) shall provide, subject to Section 7(e) hereof,
     that (except as to the form of consideration, which shall be determined as
     appropriate by a majority of the Board) such action shall apply uniformly
     to all outstanding Rights which shall not have become null and void, and
     (y) may suspend the exercisability of the Rights until the expiration of
     the Substitution Period in order to seek any authorization of additional
     shares and/or to decide the appropriate form of distribution to be made
     pursuant to such provisions and to determine the value thereof. In the
     event of any such suspension, the Company shall issue a public announcement
     stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been temporarily
     suspended. The Company shall thereafter issue a public announcement at such
     time as the suspension is no longer in effect. For purposes of this Section
     11(a)(iii), the value of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of a Right
     in accordance with Section 7(c) hereof shall be the Current Market Price
     per share of the Common Stock (as determined pursuant to Section 11(d)
     hereof) on the Close of Business on the 10th Business Day immediately
     following the date of the first occurrence of such a Common Stock Event and
     the value of any Common Stock Equivalent shall be deemed to be equal to the
     Current Market Price per share of the Common Stock on such date.

     (b) In the event the Company shall, after the Dividend Record Date, fix a
record date for the issuance of any options, warrants or other rights to all
holders of Preferred Stock entitling them (for a period expiring within 45
calendar days after such record date) to subscribe for or purchase (i) Preferred
Stock or (ii) shares having the same rights, privileges and preferences as the
shares of any number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock
("Equivalent Preferred Stock") or (iii) securities convertible into Preferred
Stock or Equivalent Preferred Stock at a price per share of Preferred Stock or
Equivalent Preferred Stock (or having a conversion price per share of Common
Stock, in the case of a security convertible into Preferred Stock or Equivalent
Preferred Stock) less than the Current Market Price per share of Preferred Stock
(determined in accordance with Section 11(d) hereof) determined as of such
record date, the Purchase Price to be in effect after such record date shall be
determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
record date by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares
of Preferred Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of shares of
Preferred Stock and/or Equivalent Preferred Stock which the aggregate minimum
offering price of the total number of shares of one one-hundredths of a share of
Preferred Stock and/or Equivalent Preferred Stock so to be offered (and/or the
aggregate minimum conversion price of such convertible securities so to be
offered) would purchase at such Current Market Price, and the denominator of
which shall be the number of shares of Preferred Stock outstanding on such
record date plus the maximum number of additional shares of Preferred Stock
and/or Equivalent Preferred Stock to be offered for subscription or purchase (or
the maximum number of shares into which such

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
convertible securities so to be offered are convertible).  In case such
subscription price may be paid by delivery of consideration part or all of which
shall be in a form other than cash, for purposes of this Section 11(b) the value
of such consideration shall be the fair market value thereof as determined in
good faith by the Board (which determination shall be described in an Officers'
Certificate filed with the Rights Agent).  Shares of Preferred Stock owned by or
held for the account of the Company shall not be deemed outstanding for the
purpose of any such computation.  Such adjustment shall be made successively
whenever such a record date is fixed; and in the event that such options,
warrants or other rights are not so issued, the Purchase Price shall be adjusted
to be the Purchase Price which would then be in effect if such record date had
not been fixed (subject, however, to such other adjustments as are provided
herein).

     (c) In the event that the Company shall, after the Dividend Record Date,
fix a record date for the making of a distribution to all holders of Preferred
Stock (including any such distribution made in connection with a consolidation
or merger in which the Company is the surviving or continuing Person) of
evidences of indebtedness, cash (other than cash dividends paid out of the
earnings or retained earnings of the Company and its Subsidiaries determined on
a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied), other property (other than a dividend payable in a number
of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock, but including any dividend
payable in capital stock other than Preferred Stock), or subscription rights or
warrants (excluding those referred to in Section 11(b) hereof), the Purchase
Price to be in effect after such record date shall be determined by multiplying
the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such record date by a
fraction, of which the numerator shall be (i) the Current Market Price per share
of Preferred Stock (as defined in Section 11(d) hereof) determined as of such
record date, less (ii) the sum of (A) that portion of cash plus (B) the fair
             ----                                                           
market value, as determined in good faith by the Board (which determination
shall be described in an Officers' Certificate filed with the Rights Agent) of
that portion of such evidences of indebtedness, such other property, and/or such
subscription rights or warrants applicable to one share of Common Stock, and of
which the denominator shall be such Current Market Price per share of the
Preferred Stock.  Such adjustments shall be made successively whenever such a
record date is fixed; and in the event such distribution is not so made, the
Purchase Price shall again be adjusted to be the Purchase Price which would then
be in effect if such record date had not been fixed (subject, however, to such
other adjustments as are provided herein).

     (d) For purposes of any computation pursuant to Section 11(a)(iii) hereof,
the "Current Market Price" per share (or unit) of any security on any date shall
be deemed to be the average of the daily Closing Price of such security for the
10 consecutive Trading Days immediately after such date, and for the purpose of
any other computation hereunder, the "Current Market Price" per share (or unit)
of any security on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily
Closing Price of such security for the 20 consecutive Trading Days immediately
prior to such date; provided, however, that in the event that the Current Market
                    --------  -------                                           
Price per share of such security is determined during a period following the
announcement by

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
the issuer of such security of (i) a dividend or distribution on such security
payable in shares (or units) of such security or securities convertible into
shares (or units) of such security, or (ii) any subdivision, combination or
reclassification of such security, and prior to the expiration of such 10
Trading Days or 20 Trading Days after (A) the ex-dividend date for such dividend
or distribution, or (B) the record date for such subdivision, combination or
reclassification, as the case may be, then, and in each such case, the "Current
Market Price" shall be the Closing Price of such security on the last day of
such respective 10 Trading Day or 20 Trading Day period.  For purposes of this
Agreement, the "Closing Price" of any security on any day shall be the last sale
price, regular way, with respect to shares (or units) of such security, or, in
case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices, regular way, with respect to such security, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which such
security is listed or admitted to trading; or, if such security is not so listed
or admitted to trading, the last quoted sale price with respect to shares (or
units) of such security, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and
low asked prices in the over-the-counter market with respect to shares (or
units) of such security, as reported by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or such other similar system then in
use; or, if on any such date such security is not quoted by any such
organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices with respect to
shares (or units) of such security, as furnished by a professional market maker
making a market in such security selected by the Board; or, if no such market
maker is available, the fair market value of shares (or units) of such security
as of such day as determined in good faith by the Board (which determination
shall be described in an Officers' Certificate filed with the Rights Agent);
provided, however, that the "Closing Price" of one one-hundredth of a share of
- --------  -------                                                             
Preferred Stock as of any Trading Day shall be equal to the Closing Price of a
whole share of Preferred Stock on such Trading Day divided by 100; provided,
                                                                   -------- 
further, that if the Closing Price of such a share of Preferred Stock as of any
- -------                                                                        
Trading Day cannot be reasonably determined by the foregoing provisions, the
"Closing Price" of one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Stock on such
Trading Date shall be the Closing Price of a share of Common Stock on such
Trading Day.

     (e) No adjustment in the Purchase Price shall be required unless adjustment
would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price; provided,
                                                                    -------- 
however, that any adjustments which by reason of this Section 11(e) are not
- -------                                                                    
required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any
subsequent adjustment.  All calculations under this Section 11 shall be made to
the nearest cent or to the nearest (x) ten-thousandth of a share (or similar
unit) of Common Stock or securities other than Preferred Stock or Equivalent
Preferred Stock or (y) one-millionth of a share of Preferred Stock or Equivalent
Preferred Stock.  Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 11(e), any
adjustment required by this Section 11 shall be made no later than the earlier
of (i) three years from the date of the transaction which mandates the
adjustment or (ii) the Expiration Date.  Anything in this Section 11 to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall be entitled to make such reductions
in the Purchase Price, in addition to those required by this Section 11, as it
in its

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
discretion shall determine to be advisable in order that any dividends,
subdivision of shares, distribution of rights to purchase shares or other stock
or securities, or distribution of securities convertible into or exchangeable
for stock hereafter made by the Company to its stockholders shall not be
taxable.

     (f) In the event that at any time, as a result of an adjustment made in
respect of a Common Stock Event, the holder of any Right thereafter exercised
shall become entitled to receive any shares of capital stock of the Company
other than shares of Preferred Stock, thereafter the number of such other shares
so receivable upon exercise of any Right and the Purchase Price thereof shall be
subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly
equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to such other shares
contained in Sections 11(a), (b), (c), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (m) and (p)
hereof, and the provisions of Sections 7, 9, 10, 11(d), 13 and 14 hereof with
respect to the shares of Preferred Stock shall apply on like terms to any such
other shares.

     (g) All Rights originally issued by the Company subsequent to any
adjustment made to the Purchase Price hereunder shall evidence the right to
purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, the number of one one-hundredths of a
share of Preferred Stock purchasable from time to time hereunder upon exercise
of the Rights represented thereby, all subject to further adjustment as provided
herein.

     (h) Unless the Company shall have exercised its election as provided in
Section 11(i) hereof, upon each adjustment of the Purchase Price as a result of
the calculations made pursuant to Sections 11(b) and 11(c) hereof, each Right
outstanding immediately prior to the making of such adjustment shall thereafter
evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, that number of
one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock (calculated to the nearest one-
millionth of a share) obtained by (i) multiplying (x) the number of one one-
hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock covered by a Right immediately prior to
this adjustment, by (y) the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
adjustment of the Purchase Price, and (ii) dividing the product so obtained by
the Purchase Price in effect immediately after such adjustment of the Purchase
Price.

     (i) Assuming that no other adjustment pursuant to this Section 11 has been
made, the Company may elect on or after the date of any adjustment of the
Purchase Price to adjust the number of Rights in substitution for any adjustment
in the number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock purchasable
upon the exercise of a Right.  Each of the Rights outstanding after such
adjustment of the number of Rights shall be exercisable for the number of one
one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock for which a Right was exercisable
immediately prior to such adjustment.  Each Right held of record prior to such
adjustment of the number of Rights shall become that number of Rights
(calculated to the nearest ten-thousandth) obtained by dividing the Purchase
Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment of the Purchase Price by
the Purchase Price in effect immediately after such adjustment of the Purchase
Price.  The Company shall make a public announcement of its

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
election to adjust the number of Rights, indicating the record date for the
adjustment, and, if known at the time, the amount of the adjustment to be made.
This record date may be the date on which the Purchase Price is adjusted or any
day thereafter, but, if the Rights Certificates have been issued, shall be at
least 10 days later than the date of the public announcement.  If Rights
Certificates have been issued, upon each adjustment of the number of Rights
pursuant to this Section 11(i) the Company shall, as promptly as practicable,
cause to be distributed to holders of record of Rights Certificates on such
record date Rights Certificates evidencing, subject to Section 14 hereof, the
additional Rights to which such holders shall be entitled as a result of such
adjustment, or, at the option of the Company, shall cause to be distributed to
such holders of record in substitution and replacement for the Rights
Certificates held by such holders prior to the date of adjustment, and upon
surrender thereof, if required by the Company, new Rights Certificates
evidencing all the Rights to which such holders shall be entitled after such
adjustment.  Rights Certificates so to be distributed shall be issued, executed
and countersigned in the manner provided for herein (and may bear, at the option
of the Company, the adjusted Purchase Price) and shall be registered in the
names of the holders of record of Rights Certificates on the record date
specified in the public announcement.

     (j) Irrespective of any adjustment or change in the Purchase Price or the
number of whole or fractional shares of Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise
of such Rights, the Rights Certificates theretofore and thereafter issued may
continue to express the Purchase Price per share and the number of one one-
hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock which were expressed in the initial
Rights Certificates issued hereunder.

     (k) Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment reducing the
Purchase Price below the then par value, if any, of the number of one one-
hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of the Rights,
the Company shall take any corporate action which may, in the opinion of its
counsel, be necessary in order that the Company may validly and legally issue
such number of fully paid and nonassessable one one-hundredths of a share of
Preferred Stock at such adjusted Purchase Price.

     (l) In any case in which this Section 11 shall require that an adjustment
in the Purchase Price be made effective as of a record date for a specified
event, the Company may elect to defer until the occurrence of such event the
issuing to the holder of any Right exercised after such record date of the
number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock or other capital
stock or securities of the Company, if any, issuable upon such exercise over and
above the number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock or other
capital stock or securities of the Company, if any, issuable upon such exercise
on the basis of the Purchase Price in effect prior to such adjustment; provided,
                                                                       -------- 
however, that the Company shall deliver to such holder a due bill or other
- -------                                                                   
appropriate instrument evidencing such holder's right to receive such additional
securities upon the occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
     (m) Anything in this Section 11 to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Company shall be entitled to make such reductions in the Purchase Price, in
addition to those adjustments expressly required by this Section 11, as and to
the extent that it, by means of a vote of the Board acting in good faith, shall
determine to be advisable in order that any consolidation or subdivision of the
Common Stock, issuance wholly for cash of any Common Stock at less than the
Current Market Price thereof, issuance wholly for cash of Common Stock (or other
securities which by their terms are convertible into or exchangeable for Common
Stock), dividends payable in shares of Common Stock or other capital stock or
shares of beneficial interest, or issuance of rights, options or warrants
referred to hereinabove in this Section 11, hereafter made or declared by the
Company to the holders of its Common Stock, shall not be taxable to such
holders.

     (n)  The Company covenants and agrees that it shall not, at any time after
the Distribution Date, (i) consolidate with any other Person (other than a
Subsidiary of the Company in a transaction that complies with Section 11(o)
hereof), (ii) merge with or into any other Person (other than a Subsidiary of
the Company in a transaction which complies with Section 11(o) hereof), or (iii)
sell or transfer (or permit any Subsidiary to sell or transfer), in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, more than 25% of (A) the assets
(taken at net asset value as stated on the books of the Company and determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied) or (B) the earning power of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied) to any other Person or
Persons (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in one or more
transactions each of which complies with Section 11(o) hereof), if (x) at the
time of or immediately after such consolidation, merger or sale, there are any
rights, warrants or other instruments or securities outstanding or agreements
(whether or not in writing) in effect that would substantially diminish or
otherwise eliminate the benefits intended to be afforded by the Rights or (y)
prior to, simultaneously with or immediately after such consolidation, merger or
sale, the stockholders of such other Person shall have received a distribution
of Rights previously owned by such Person or any of its Affiliates.

     (o)  The Company covenants and agrees that, after the Distribution Date, it
will not, except as permitted by Section 23 or 27 hereof, take (or permit any
Subsidiary to take) any action if at the time such action is taken it is
reasonably foreseeable that such action will diminish substantially or otherwise
eliminate the benefits intended to be afforded by the Rights.

     (p)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the
event that the Company shall at any time after the Dividend Declaration Date and
prior to the Distribution Date (i) declare or pay a dividend on the outstanding
shares of Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or (ii) effect a
subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of dividends in shares of Common
Stock) into a greater or smaller number of shares, then in any such case: (i)

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
the number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock purchasable after
such event upon exercise of each Right shall be determined by multiplying the
number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock so purchasable
immediately prior to such event by a fraction the numerator of which shall be
the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
occurrence of such event and the denominator of which shall be the total number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the occurrence of
such event; and (ii) each share of Common Stock outstanding immediately after
such event shall have issued with respect to it that number of Rights which each
share of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such event had issued
with respect to it.  The adjustments provided for in this Section 11(p) shall be
made successively whenever such a dividend is declared or paid or such a
subdivision, combination or consolidation is effected.
 
Section 12.  Certificate of Adjustments.
             -------------------------- 

     Whenever an adjustment is made as provided in Section 11 or 13 hereof, the
Company shall (a) promptly prepare an Officers' Certificate setting forth such
adjustment, including any adjustment in Purchase Price, the number of shares or
Other Consideration payable, and a brief statement of the facts accounting for
such adjustment, (b) promptly file with the Rights Agent and with each transfer
agent for the Preferred Stock and Common Stock a copy of such Officers'
Certificate, and (c) mail a brief summary thereof to each registered holder of a
Rights Certificate in accordance with Section 26 hereof.  The Rights Agent shall
be fully protected in relying on any such Officers' Certificate and on any
adjustment therein contained, and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any
such adjustment unless and until it shall have received such an Officers'
Certificate.

Section 13.  Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or Earning
             --------------------------------------------------------------
Power.
- ----- 

     In the event that, following the Stock Acquisition Date, directly or
indirectly, (a) the Company shall consolidate with, or merge with and into, any
other Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company in a transaction that
complies with Section 11(o) hereof) and the Company shall not be the continuing
or surviving Person of such consolidation or merger, (b) any Person (other than
a Subsidiary of the Company in a transaction that complies with Section 11(o)
hereof) shall consolidate with, or merge with and into, the Company, the Company
shall be the continuing or surviving Person of such consolidation or merger and,
in connection with such consolidation or merger, all or part of the Common Stock
of the Company shall be changed or otherwise transformed into other stock or
other securities of any other Person or the Company or cash or any other
property, or (c) the Company shall sell or otherwise transfer (or one or more of
its Subsidiaries shall sell or otherwise transfer), in one transaction or a
series of related transactions, more than 25% of (A) the assets (taken at net
asset value as stated on the books of the Company and determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied) or (B) the earning power of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied) to any Person

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
(other than the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or more
transactions each of which complies with Section 11(o) hereof) then, from and
after such event, proper provision shall be made so that: (i) each holder of a
Right, except as provided in Section 7(e) hereof, shall thereafter have the
right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the Purchase Price in effect at
the time of such exercise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such
number of whole or fractional shares of validly authorized and issued, fully
paid, non-assessable, and freely tradeable Common Stock of such other Person (or
                                                                              --
in the case of a transaction or series of transactions described in clause (c)
above, the Person receiving the greatest amount of the assets or earning power
of the Company, or if the Common Stock of such other Person is not and has not
                --                                                            
been continuously registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act for the
preceding 12-month period and such Person is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of
another Person, that other Person, or if such other Person is a direct or
                                   --                                    
indirect Subsidiary of more than one other Person, the Common Stock of two or
more of which are and have been so registered, such other Person whose
outstanding Common Stock has the greatest aggregate value), free and clear of
any liens, encumbrances, rights of first refusal, or other adverse claims, as
shall be equal to the result obtained by (x) multiplying the Purchase Price in
effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of any Common Stock Event
described in this Section 13 by the number of one one-hundredths of a share of
Preferred Stock for which a Right is exercisable immediately prior to such first
occurrence (and without taking into account any prior adjustment made pursuant
to 11(a)(ii)) and (y) dividing that product by 50% of the Current Market Price
per share of the Common Stock of such other Person determined as of the date of
consummation of such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer; (ii) the issuer of
such Common Stock shall thereafter be liable for, and shall assume, by virtue of
such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, all the obligations and duties of
the Company pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) the term "Company" shall
thereafter be deemed, for all purposes of this Agreement, to refer to such
issuer, it being specifically intended that the provisions of Section 11 hereof
(other than Section 11(a)(ii) hereof) shall apply only to such issuer following
the first occurrence of a Common Stock Event described in this Section 13; (iv)
such issuer shall take such steps (including, but not limited to, the
reservation of a sufficient number of shares of its Common Stock) in connection
with such consummation as may be necessary to assure that the provisions hereof
shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to
the whole or fractional shares of its Common Stock thereafter deliverable upon
the exercise of the Rights; and (v) the provisions of Section 11(a)(ii) hereof
shall be of no effect following the first occurrence of any Common Stock Event
described in this Section 13.  The Company shall not consummate any such
consolidation, merger, sale or transfer unless (i) such issuer shall have a
sufficient number of authorized shares of its Common Stock which have not been
issued or reserved for issuance as will permit the exercise in full of the
Rights in accordance with this Section 13, and (ii) prior thereto the Company
and such issuer shall have executed and delivered to the Rights Agent a
supplemental agreement so providing and further providing that as soon as
practicable after the date of any Common Stock Event described above in this
Section 13 such issuer shall (A) prepare and file a registration statement under
the Act with respect to the Rights and the securities purchasable upon exercise
of the Rights, on an appropriate form, and will use its

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
best efforts to cause such registration statement to (I) become effective as
soon as practicable after such filing and (II) remain effective (with a
prospectus at all times meeting the requirements of the Act) until the
Expiration Date, and (B) will deliver to holders of the Rights historical
financial statements of such issuer and each of its Affiliates which comply in
all respects with the requirements for registration on Form 10 under the
Exchange Act. Furthermore, in case the Person which is to be party to a
transaction referred to in this Section 13 has any provision in any of its
authorized securities or in its charter or by-laws or other agreement or
instrument governing its affairs, which provision would have the effect of
causing such Person to issue, in connection with, or as a consequence of, the
consummation of a Common Stock Event described in this Section 13, whole or
fractional shares of Common Stock of such Person at less than the then Current
Market Price per share thereof, or to issue securities exercisable for, or
convertible into, Common Stock of such Person at less than such then Current
Market Price, then, in such event, the Company hereby agrees with each holder of
the Rights that it shall not consummate any such transaction unless prior
thereto the Company and such Person shall have executed and delivered to the
Rights Agent a supplemental agreement providing that such provision in question
shall have been canceled, waived or amended so that it will have no effect in
connection with, or as a consequence of, the consummation of the proposed
transaction.  The provisions of this Section 13 shall similarly apply to
successive mergers or consolidations or sales or other transfers.  In the event
that a Common Stock Event described in this Section 13 shall occur at any time
after the occurrence of a Common Stock Event described in Section 11(a)(ii)
hereof, the Rights which have not theretofore been exercised shall thereafter
become exercisable, except as provided in Section 7(e) hereof, in the manner
described in this Section 13.

 Section 14.  Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares.
              --------------------------------------- 

     (a) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of Rights or to
distribute fractions of Rights, except prior to the Distribution Date as
provided in Section 11(i) hereof, or to distribute Rights Certificates which
evidence fractional Rights.  In lieu of issuing such fractional Rights, at the
election of the Company, there shall be paid to the registered holders of the
Rights with regard to which such fractional Rights would otherwise be issuable,
an amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a
whole Right.  For the purposes of this Section 14(a), the current market value
of a whole Right shall be the Closing Price of the Rights for the Trading Day
immediately prior to the date on which such fractional Rights would have been
otherwise issuable.

     (b) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of shares of its
capital stock upon exercise of the Rights or to distribute certificates which
evidence fractional shares (other than, in each case with respect to Preferred
Stock or Equivalent Preferred Stock, fractions of one one-hundredth of a share
of Preferred Stock or Equivalent Preferred Stock, as the case may be, or any
integral multiple thereof).  Fractions of shares of Preferred Stock or
Equivalent Preferred Stock, as the case may be, in one one-hundredth of a share
of Preferred Stock or Equivalent Preferred Stock, or any integral multiple
thereof, may, at the election of

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
the Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts, pursuant to an appropriate
agreement between the Company and a depository selected by it, provided that
such agreement shall provide that the holders of such depositary receipts shall
have all the rights, privileges and preferences to which they are entitled as
beneficial owners of the Preferred Stock or the Equivalent Preferred Stock
represented by such depositary receipts.  In lieu of fractional shares, at the
election of the Company, there shall be paid to the registered holders of Rights
at the time such Rights are exercised as herein provided an amount in cash equal
to the same fraction of the current market value of a share of such capital
stock.  For purposes of this Section 14(b), the current market value of a share
of such capital stock shall be the Closing Price of such capital stock for the
Trading Day immediately prior to the date of such exercise.

     (c) The holder of a Right, by the acceptance of the Right, expressly waives
such holder's right to receive any fractional Rights or (except as provided in
Section 14(b) hereof) any fractional share upon exercise of a Right.

Section 15.  Rights of Action.
             ---------------- 

     Excepting the rights of action given the Rights Agent under Section 18
hereof and except as set forth in Section 20(1) hereof, all rights of action in
respect of this Agreement are vested in the registered holder of each Right; and
any registered holder of any Right, without the consent of the Rights Agent or
of the holder of any other Right, may, in its own behalf and for its own
benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action, or proceeding
against the Company to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, such registered
holder's right to exercise the rights evidenced by such Right in the manner
provided in such Rights Certificate and in this Agreement, and the Company
hereby agrees to reimburse such registered holder for all expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by such registered holder in connection
therewith.  Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available to the
holders of Rights, it is specifically acknowledged that the holders of Rights
would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of the obligations
hereunder, and shall be entitled to injunctive relief against actual or
threatened violations of the obligations hereunder of any Person subject to this
Agreement.

Section 16.  Agreement of Rights Holders.
             --------------------------- 

     Every holder of a Right by accepting the same consents and agrees with the
Company and the Rights Agent and with every other holder of a Right that:

     (a) prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights will be transferable only in
connection with the transfer of Common Stock;

     (b) from and after the Distribution Date, the Rights Certificates are
transferable only on the registry books of the Rights Agent if surrendered at
the principal office of the Rights Agent, duly endorsed or accompanied by a
proper instrument of transfer with a form of

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
assignment and certificate set forth on the reverse side thereof duly executed,
accompanied by a signature guarantee and such other documentation as the Rights
Agent may reasonably request;

     (c) subject to Sections 6(a) and 7(f) hereof, the Company and the Rights
Agent may deem and treat the person in whose name a Rights Certificate (or,
prior to the Distribution Date, the associated Common Stock certificate) is
registered as the absolute owner thereof and of the Rights evidenced thereby
(notwithstanding any notations of ownership or writing on the Rights Certificate
or, prior to the Distribution Date, the associated Common Stock certificate made
by anyone other than the Company or the Rights Agent) for all purposes
whatsoever, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall be affected by
any notice to the contrary; and

     (d) notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the
Company nor the Rights Agent shall have any liability to any holder of a Right
or other Person as a result of its inability to perform any of its obligations
under this Agreement by reason of any preliminary or permanent injunction or
other order, decree or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or by
a governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission, or any
statute, rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any
governmental authority prohibiting or otherwise restraining performance of such
obligation; provided, however, the Company agrees to use its best efforts to
            --------  -------                                               
have any such order, decree or ruling lifted or otherwise overturned as soon as
possible.

Section 17.  Rights Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder.
             -------------------------------------------------- 

     No holder, as such, of any Rights Certificate shall be entitled to vote,
receive dividends, or otherwise be deemed for any purpose the holder of any
securities of the Company which may be issuable on the exercise of the Rights
represented thereby, nor shall anything contained herein or in any Rights
Certificate be construed to confer upon the holder of any Rights Certificate, as
such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote in
the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any
meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any action by the Company, or
to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as
provided in Section 25 hereof), or to receive dividends or preemptive rights, or
otherwise, until the time specified in Section 10 hereof.

Section 18.  Concerning the Rights Agent.
             --------------------------- 

     The Company agrees to pay to the Rights Agent such reasonable compensation
as shall be agreed to in writing between the Company and the Rights Agent for
all services rendered by it hereunder and, from time to time, on demand of the
Rights Agent, its reasonable expenses and counsel fees and disbursements and
other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of this
Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties

                                     -28-
<PAGE>
 
hereunder.  The Company also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to
hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damages, claims or
expense, incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on
the part of the Rights Agent, for anything done or omitted by the Rights Agent
in connection with the acceptance and administration of this Agreement,
including the costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses) of defending against any claim of liability for any of the foregoing.

     The Rights Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection with its
administration of this Agreement in reliance upon any Rights Certificate or
certificate for any number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock,
or for shares of Common Stock or for other securities of the Company, instrument
of assignment or transfer, power of attorney, endorsement, affidavit, letter,
notice, instruction, direction, consent, certificate, statement or other paper
or document believed by it to be genuine and to be signed and executed by the
proper Person or Persons, and verified or acknowledged as required by this
Agreement.

Section 19.  Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent.
             --------------------------------------------------------- 

     Any corporation into which the Rights Agent may be merged or with which it
may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which the Rights Agent shall be a party, or any corporation
succeeding to the shareholder services business of the Rights Agent, shall be
the successor to the Rights Agent under this Agreement without the execution or
filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto;
provided, however, that such corporation would be eligible for appointment as a
- --------  -------                                                              
successor Rights Agent under the provisions of Section 21 hereof.  In case at
the time such successor Rights Agent shall succeed to the agency created by this
Agreement and any of the Rights Certificates shall have been countersigned but
not delivered, any such successor Rights Agent may adopt the countersignature of
the predecessor Rights Agent and deliver such Rights Certificates so
countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Rights Certificates shall not
have been countersigned, any successor Rights Agent may countersign such Rights
Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Rights Agent or in the name
of the successor Rights Agent; and in all such cases such Rights Certificates
shall have the full force provided in the Rights Certificates and in this
Agreement.

     In case at any time the name of the Rights Agent shall be changed and at
such time any of the Rights Certificates shall have been countersigned but not
delivered, the Rights Agent may adopt the countersignature under its prior name
and deliver such Rights Certificates so countersigned; and in case at that time
any of the Rights Certificates shall not have been countersigned, the Rights
Agent may countersign such Rights Certificates either in its prior name or in
its changed name; and in all such cases such Rights Certificates shall have the
full force provided in the Rights Certificates and in this Agreement.

Section 20.  Duties of Rights Agent.
             ---------------------- 

                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
     The Rights Agent undertakes only the duties and obligations expressly
imposed upon it by this Agreement and no implied duties or obligations shall be
read into this Agreement against the Rights Agent.  The Rights Agent shall
perform its duties and obligations hereunder upon the following terms and
conditions:

     (a) The Rights Agent may consult with legal counsel of its selection (who
may be legal counsel to the Company), and the opinion of such counsel shall be
full and complete authorization and protection to the Rights Agent as to any
action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

     (b) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement the
Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter
(including, without limitation, the identity of any Acquiring Person) be proved
or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder,
such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein
specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established
by a certificate (an "Officers' Certificate") signed by a person believed by the
Rights Agent to be the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice
President and by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or
Clerk or any Assistant Secretary or Clerk of the Company and delivered to the
Rights Agent; and such Officers' Certificate shall be full authorization to the
Rights Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under the
provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon such Officers' Certificate.

     (c) The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

     (d) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the
statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement or in the Rights
Certificates (except its countersignature on such Rights Certificate) or be
required to verify the same, but all such statements and recitals are and shall
be deemed to have been made by the Company only.

     (e) The Rights Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of
the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the
due execution hereof by the Rights Agent) or in respect of the validity or
execution of any Rights Certificate (except its countersignature thereof); nor
shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or
condition contained in this Agreement or in any Rights Certificate; nor shall it
be responsible for any adjustment required under the provisions of Sections 11
or 13 hereof or be responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such
adjustment or procedures or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that
would require any such adjustment or procedure (except with respect to the
exercise of Rights evidenced by Rights Certificates after receipt of a
certificate delivered pursuant to Section 12 hereof, describing any such
adjustment or procedures); nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make
any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any
Preferred Stock, Common Stock or other securities to be issued pursuant to this
Agreement or any Rights Certificate or as to whether

                                     -30-
<PAGE>
 
any shares of Common Stock, or any shares or similar units of other securities,
will, when issued, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     (f) The Company agrees that it will perform, execute, acknowledge and
deliver, or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered, all
such further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be
required by the Rights Agent for the carrying out or performing by the Rights
Agent of the provisions of this Agreement.

     (g) The Rights Agent is hereby authorized and directed to accept
instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from any
person believed by the Rights Agent to be the Chairman of the Board, the
President or any Vice President or the Secretary or Clerk or any Assistant
Secretary or Clerk or the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the Company,
and to apply to such officers for advice or instructions in connection with its
duties, and it shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken
by it in good faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer.  Any
application by the Rights Agent for written instructions from the Company may,
at the option of the Rights Agent, set forth in writing any action proposed to
be taken or omitted by the Rights Agent with respect to its duties or
obligations under this Agreement and the date on and/or after which such action
shall be taken or omitted and the Rights Agent shall not be liable for any
action taken or omitted in accordance with a proposal included in any such
application on or after the date specified therein (which date shall not be less
than three Business Days after the date any such officer actually receives such
application, unless any such officer shall have consented in writing to an
earlier date) unless, prior to taking or omitting any such action, the Rights
Agent has received written instructions from the Company in response to such
application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.

     (h) The Rights Agent and any stockholder, director, officer or employee of
the Rights Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Rights or other securities
of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the
Company may be interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or
otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not Rights Agent under this
Agreement.  Nothing herein shall preclude the Rights Agent from acting in any
other capacity for the Company or for any other entity.

     (i) The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers
hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through
its attorneys or agents, and the Rights Agent shall not be answerable or
accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys or
agents or for any loss to the Company resulting from any such act, default,
neglect or misconduct; provided, however, that reasonable care was exercised in
                       --------  -------                                       
the selection and continued employment thereof.

     (j) No provision of this Agreement shall require the Rights Agent to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the
performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of its rights if
there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that

                                     -31-
<PAGE>
 
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or
liability is not reasonably assured to it.

     (k) If, with respect to any Rights Certificate surrendered to the Rights
Agent for exercise or transfer, the certification appearing on the reverse side
thereof following the form of election to purchase has either not been completed
or indicates an affirmative response to clause 1 and/or 2 thereof, the Rights
Agent shall not take any further action with respect to such requested exercise
of transfer without first consulting with the Company.

     (l)  The provisions of this Section 20 are solely for the benefit of the
Rights Agent or the Company and any failure or omission under this Section 20
shall not affect the rights of the Company under this Agreement and neither the
Rights Agent nor the Company shall have any liability to any holder of Rights or
other Person on account of such failure or omission.

Section 21.  Change of Rights Agent.
             ---------------------- 

     The Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may resign and be discharged
from its duties under this Agreement upon 30 days' notice in writing mailed to
the Company and to each transfer agent of the Common Stock by registered or
certified mail, and, subsequent to the Distribution Date, to the holders of the
Rights Certificates by first-class mail.  The Company may remove the Rights
Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon 30 days' notice in writing, mailed to
the Rights Agent and  to each transfer agent of the Common Stock by registered
or certified mail, and, subsequent to the Distribution Date, to the holders of
the Rights Certificates by first-class mail.  If the Rights Agent shall resign
or be removed or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall
appoint a successor to the Rights Agent.  If the Company shall fail to make such
appointment within a period of 30 days after giving notice of such removal or
after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the
resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent or by the holder of a Rights Certificate
(who shall, with such notice, submit such holder's Rights Certificate for
inspection by the Company), then the registered holder of any Rights Certificate
may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new
Rights Agent.  Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by the Company or
by such a court, shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the
laws of the United States, the State of New York or The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (or of any other State of the United States so long as such
corporation is authorized to do business as a banking institution in the State
of New York or The Commonwealth of Massachusetts), in good standing, having an
office designated for such purpose in the State of New York or The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state
authority and which has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a
combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.  After appointment, the
successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and
responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without
further act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer
to the successor Rights Agent any

                                     -32-
<PAGE>
 
property at the time held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any further
assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose; and, except as the
context herein otherwise requires, such successor Rights Agent shall be deemed
to be the "Rights Agent" for all purposes of this Agreement.  Not later than the
effective date of any such appointment the Company shall file notice thereof in
writing with the predecessor Rights Agent and each transfer agent of the Common
Stock, and, subsequent to the Distribution Date, mail a notice thereof in
writing to the registered holders of the Rights Certificates.  Failure to give
any notice provided for in this Section 21, however, or any defect therein,
shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of the
Rights Agent or the appointment of the successor Rights Agent, as the case may
be.

Section 22.  Issuance of New Rights Certificates.
             ----------------------------------- 

     Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement or of the Rights to
the contrary, the Company may, at its option, issue new Rights Certificates
evidencing Rights in such form as may be approved by the Board to reflect any
adjustment or change in the Purchase Price per share and the number or kind or
class of shares of stock or other securities or property purchasable under the
Rights Certificates made in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
In addition, in connection with the issuance or sale by the Company of shares of
Common Stock following the Distribution Date and prior to the redemption or
expiration of the Rights, the Company (a) shall, with respect to shares of
Common Stock so issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of stock options or
under any employee plan or arrangement, or upon the exercise, conversion or
exchange of securities hereinafter issued by the Company, and (b) may, in any
other case, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board, issue Rights
Certificates representing the appropriate number of Rights in connection with
such issuance or sale; provided, however, that (i) no such Rights evidenced by a
                       --------  -------                                        
Rights Certificate shall be issued if, and to the extent that, the Company shall
be advised by counsel that such issuance would create a significant risk of
material adverse tax consequences to the Company or the Person to whom such
Rights would be issued, and (ii) no such Rights Certificate shall be issued if,
and to the extent that, appropriate adjustment shall otherwise have been made in
lieu of the issuance thereof.

Section 23.  Redemption and Termination.
             -------------------------- 

     The Board, by majority vote, may, at its option, at any time prior to the
Expiration Date, redeem all (but not less than all) of the then outstanding
Rights at a redemption price of $.01 per Right, appropriately adjusted to
reflect any stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares or similar
transaction occurring after the date hereof (such redemption price being
hereinafter referred to as the "Redemption Price").  Immediately upon the taking
of such action ordering the redemption of all of the Rights, evidence of which
shall have been filed with the Rights Agent, and without any further action and
without any notice, the right to exercise the Rights so redeemed will terminate
and the only right thereafter of the holders of such Rights so redeemed shall be
to receive the Redemption Price (without the payment of any

                                     -33-
<PAGE>
 
interest thereon).  Within 10 days after such action ordering the redemption of
all of the Rights, the Company shall give notice of such redemption to the
holders of the then outstanding Rights by mailing such notice to all such
holders at their last addresses as they appear upon the registry books of the
Rights Agent or, prior to the Distribution Date, on the registry books of the
transfer agent for the Common Stock.  Any notice which is mailed in the manner
herein provided shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the
notice. Each such notice of redemption shall state the method by which the
payment of the Redemption Price shall be made.

Section 24.  Exchange.
             -------- 

     (a)  The Board, by majority vote, may, at its option, at any time after any
Person becomes an Acquiring Person, exchange all or part of the then outstanding
and exercisable Rights for shares of Common Stock at an exchange ratio of one
share of Common Stock per Right, appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock
split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurring after the date hereof
(such exchange ratio, as the same may be so adjusted from time to time, being
hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Ratio").  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Board shall not be empowered to effect such exchange at any time
after any Person (other than (i) the Company, (ii) any Subsidiary of the
Company, (iii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any such
Subsidiary, or (iv) any entity holding Common Stock for or pursuant to the terms
of any such plan), together with all Affiliates of such Person, becomes the
Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of the Common Stock then outstanding.

     (b) Immediately upon the action of the Board ordering the exchange of any
Rights pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 24 and without any further
action and without any notice, the right to exercise such Rights shall terminate
and the only right thereafter of a holder of such Rights shall be to receive
that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of such Rights held by
such holder multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.  The Company shall promptly give
public notice of any such exchange; provided, however, that the failure to give,
                                    --------  -------                           
or any defect in, such notice shall not affect the validity of such exchange.
The Company promptly shall mail a notice of any such exchange to all of the
holders of such Rights at their last addresses as they appear upon the registry
books of the Rights Agent.  Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein
provided shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the notice.
Each such notice of exchange shall state the method by which the exchange of the
Common Stock for Rights shall be effected and, in the event of any partial
exchange, the number of Rights which will be exchanged.  Any partial exchange
shall be effected pro rata based on the number of Rights (other than Rights
which have become void pursuant to the provisions of Section 7(e) hereof) held
by each holder of Rights.

     (c)  In any exchange pursuant to this Section 24, the Company, at its
option, may substitute shares of Preferred Stock (or shares of Equivalent
Preferred Stock) for shares of Common Stock exchangeable for Rights, at the
initial rate of one one-hundredth of a share of

                                     -34-
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Stock (or share of Equivalent Preferred Stock) for each share of
Common Stock, as appropriately adjusted to reflect adjustments in the voting
rights of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms thereof, so that the
fraction of a share of Preferred Stock delivered in lieu of each share of Common
Stock shall have the same voting rights as one share of Common Stock.

     (d) In the event that there shall not be sufficient shares of Common Stock
or Preferred Stock issued but not outstanding or authorized but unissued to
permit any exchange of Rights as contemplated in accordance with this Section
24, the Company shall take all such action as may be necessary to authorize
additional Common Stock or Preferred Stock for issuance upon exchange of the
Rights.

     (e)  The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of shares of
Common Stock or to distribute certificates which evidence fractional shares of
Common Stock.  In lieu of such fractional shares of Common Stock, the Company
shall pay to each registered holder of a Right Certificate with regard to which
a fractional share of Common Stock would otherwise be issuable an amount in cash
equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a whole share of
Common Stock.  For the purposes of this paragraph (e), the current market value
of a whole share of Common Stock shall be the Closing Price of a share of Common
Stock (as determined pursuant to Section 11(d) hereof) for the Trading Day
immediately prior to the date of exchange pursuant to this Section 24.

Section 25.  Notice of Proposed Actions.
             -------------------------- 

     In case the Company shall after the Distribution Date propose (a) to pay
any dividend payable in stock of any class to the holders of the Preferred Stock
or to make any other distribution to the holders of the Preferred Stock (other
than a cash dividend out of earnings or the retained earnings of the Company),
or (b) to offer to the holders of the Preferred Stock rights or warrants to
subscribe for or to purchase any additional shares of Preferred Stock, Common
Stock or shares of stock of any other class or any other securities, rights or
options, or (c) to effect any reclassification of the Preferred Stock (other
than a reclassification involving only the subdivision of outstanding shares of
Preferred Stock), or (d) to effect any consolidation or merger into or with, or
to effect any sale or other transfer (or to permit one or more of its
Subsidiaries to effect any sale or other transfer), in one transaction or a
series of related transactions, of more than 25% of (i) the assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries (taken at net asset value as stated on the books of
the Company and determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied) or (ii) the earning power
of the Company and its Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied)
to any other Person or Persons, or (e) to effect the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, then, in each such case, the Company shall give to
the Rights Agent and each holder of a Right, in accordance with Section 26
hereof, a notice of such proposed action, which shall specify the record date
for the purposes of such stock dividend, distribution of

                                     -35-
<PAGE>
 
rights or warrants, or the date on which such reclassification, consolidation,
merger, sale, transfer, liquidation, dissolution or winding up is to take place
and the date of participation therein by the holders of Preferred Stock, if any
such date is to be fixed, and such notice shall be so given in the case of any
action covered by clause (a) or (b) above at least 20 days prior to the record
date for determining holders of the Preferred Stock for purposes of such action,
and in the case of any such other action, at least 20 days prior to the date of
the taking of such proposed action or the date of participation therein by the
holders of Common Stock, whichever shall be the earlier.  The failure to give
notice required by this Section 25 or any defect therein shall not affect the
legality or validity of the action taken by the Company or the vote upon any
such action.

     In case any Common Stock Event described in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof shall
occur, then, in any such case, the Company shall as soon as practicable
thereafter give to the Rights Agent and each holder of a Rights Certificate, in
accordance with Section 26 hereof, a notice of the occurrence of such Common
Stock Event, which shall specify such event and the consequences of the event to
holders of Rights under Section 11(a)(ii) hereof.

     Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, prior to the
Distribution Date a filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall constitute sufficient notice to the holders of securities of
the Company, including the Rights, for purposes of this Agreement and no other
notice need be given.

Section 26.  Notices.
             ------- 

     Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the
Rights Agent or by the holder of any Rights Certificate to the Company shall be
sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed (until another address is filed in writing with the Rights Agent) as
follows:

          FTP Software, Inc.
          100 Brickstone
          Square, Fifth Floor
          Andover, MA 01810

          Attention:   General Counsel

          Copy to:     David C. Chapin
                       Ropes & Gray
                       One International Place
                       Boston, MA  02110-2624

     Subject to the provisions of Sections 19 and 21 hereof, any notice or
demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the
holder of any Rights Certificate to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently
given or made if sent by

                                     -36-
<PAGE>
 
first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in
writing with the Company) as follows:

          Boston EquiServe
          Corporate Stock Division
          2 Heritage Drive
          North Quincy, MA 02171

          (FTP Software, Inc. Rights Agreement)

     Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the
Company or the Rights Agent to the holder of any Rights Certificate shall be
sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry
books of the Company.

Section 27.  Supplements and Amendments.
             -------------------------- 

     Prior to the Distribution Date, the Board, upon the vote of a majority of
the Board, may from time to time supplement or amend this Agreement without the
approval of any holders of the Rights.  From and after the Distribution Date,
the Board may, upon the vote of a majority of the Board, from time to time amend
this Agreement without the approval of any holders of the Rights in order (i) to
cure any ambiguity, (ii) to correct or supplement any provision contained herein
which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, (iii)
to change any time period governing redemption of the Rights or any other time
period or (iv) to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions
arising hereunder which the Board, upon the vote of a majority of the Board, may
deem necessary or desirable and which shall not adversely affect the interests
of the holders of the Rights (other than any Acquiring Person or Disqualified
Transferee or any Affiliate of an Acquiring Person or Disqualified Transferee).
Any amendment made to this Section 27 after a Stock Acquisition Date shall
require the approval of a majority of the Board.  The Rights Agent shall join
with the Company in the execution and delivery of any such supplement or
amendment, unless such supplement or amendment affects any of the rights, duties
or obligations of the Rights Agent hereunder, in which case the Rights Agent
may, but shall not be required to, join in such execution and delivery.

Section 28.  Successors.
             ---------- 

     All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of
the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their
respective successors and assigns hereunder.

Section 29.  Determinations and Actions by the Board; etc.
             -------------------------------------------- 

                                     -37-
<PAGE>
 
     The Board shall have the exclusive power and authority to administer this
Agreement and to exercise all rights and powers specifically granted to the
Board, or to the Company, or as may be necessary or advisable in the
administration of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the right and
power to (i) interpret the provisions of this Agreement and (ii) make all
determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of this
Agreement. All such actions, calculations, interpretations and determinations
(including, for purposes of clause (y) below all omissions with respect to the
foregoing) which are done or made by the Board in good faith and with the
concurrence of a majority of the Board then in office shall (x) be final,
conclusive and binding on the Company, the Rights Agent, the holders of the
Rights and all other parties and (y) not subject any Director to any liability
to the holders of the Rights.

Section 30.  Benefits of this Agreement.
             -------------------------- 

     Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other
than the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Rights
(and, prior to the Distribution Date, the associated shares of Common Stock) any
legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement or the Rights;
but this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company,
the Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Rights (and, prior to the
Distribution Date, the associated shares of Common Stock).

Section 31.  Severability.
             ------------ 

     The invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall
not affect the validity or enforceability of any other term or provision hereof.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a
court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated; provided, however, that
                                                --------  -------      
notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any such term,
provision, covenant or restriction is held by such court or authority to be
invalid, void or unenforceable and the Board determines in its good faith
judgment that severing the invalid language from this Agreement would adversely
affect the purpose or effect of this Agreement, the right of redemption set
forth in Section 23 hereof shall be reinstated and shall not expire until the
Close of Business on the 10th day following the date of such determination by
the Board.

Section 32.  Governing Law.
             ------------- 

     This Agreement and each Rights Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed
to be a contract made under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of said State applicable to contracts to be made and performed entirely within
said State.

                                     -38-
<PAGE>
 
Section 33.  Counterparts.
             ------------ 

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of
such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 34.  Descriptive Headings.
             -------------------- 

     Descriptive headings of the several Sections of this Agreement are inserted
for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction
of any of the provisions hereof.

                                     -39-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and set their respective hands and seals, all as of the day and
year first above written.

                                       FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 

                                       By: _________________________________
                                       Title:
Attest:



By: _______________________
    Title:

 
                                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
                                       COMPANY, AS RIGHTS AGENT


Attest:                                By: _________________________________
                                          Title:



By: _______________________
    Title:

                                     -40-
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                                                                       ---------

              FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION, PREFERENCES AND
                                RIGHTS OF JUNIOR
                                PREFERRED STOCK

                                       of

                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                   Pursuant to Chapter 156B Section 26 of the
                     Massachusetts Business Corporation Law

     We, David H. Zirkle, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Douglas F.
Flood, Clerk, of FTP Software, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under
the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 156B Section 26 thereof (the "Corporation"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

     That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors (the
"Board of Directors") by the Restated Articles of Organization of the
Corporation, the Board of Directors on December 1, 1995 adopted a vote providing
for the authorization of a series of Preferred Stock, as follows:

     RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors
     of this Corporation in accordance with the provisions of its Restated
     Articles of Organization, a series of preferred stock of the Corporation be
     and it hereby is created, and that the designation and amount thereof and
     the voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
     other special rights of the shares of such series, and the qualifications,
     limitations or restrictions thereof are as follows:

     Section 1. Designation and Amount.  The shares of such series shall be
                ----------------------                                     
designated as "Junior Preferred Stock" (the "Junior Stock") and the number of
shares constituting such 1series shall be 500,000.  The number of shares of
Junior Stock may be increased or decreased by a vote duly adopted by the Board
of Directors, but may not be decreased below the number of shares of Junior
Stock then outstanding plus the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the
exercise of outstanding options, rights or warrants or upon conversion of any
outstanding securities convertible into Junior Stock.

     Section 2. Dividends and Distributions.
                --------------------------- 

             (a) Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any
     shares of any series of preferred stock ranking prior and superior to the
     shares of Junior Stock with respect to dividends, the holders of shares of
     Junior Stock shall be entitled to receive,

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available for the purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the last day
of March, June, September and December in each year (each such date being
referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"), commencing on the
first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a share or
fraction of a share of Junior Stock, in an amount per share (rounded to the
nearest cent) equal to the greater of (a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision
for adjustment set forth in Section 8 hereof, 100 times the aggregate per share
amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate per share amount
(payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other distributions, other than a
dividend payable in shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Corporation (the "Common Stock") or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on the Common Stock
since the immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect
to the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any
share or fraction of a share of Junior Stock.

     (b)  The Corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution on the Junior
Stock as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 2 immediately after it
declares a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock (other than a dividend
payable in shares of or a subdivision with respect to Common Stock); provided,
                                                                     -------- 
however, that, in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared
- -------                                                                         
on the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the Junior Stock shall nevertheless be
payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.

     (c)  Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on outstanding
shares of Junior Stock from the Quarterly Dividend Payment Date next preceding
the date of issue of such shares of Junior Stock, unless the date of issue of
such shares is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date, in which case dividends on such shares shall begin to accrue from the date
of issue of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date or is a date after the record date for the determination of holders
of shares of Junior Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before
such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such dividends
shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date.  Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest.  Dividends paid on
the shares of Junior Stock in an amount less than the total amount of such
dividends at the time accrued and payable on such shares shall be allocated pro
rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding.
The Board of Directors may fix a record date for the determination of holders of
shares of Junior Stock entitled to receive payment of a dividend or distribution
declared thereon, which record date shall be no more than 60 days prior to the
date fixed for the payment thereof.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
     Section 3. Voting Rights.  The holders of shares of Junior Stock shall have
                -------------                                                   
the following voting rights:

             (a) Subject to the provision for adjustment set forth in Section 8
     hereof, each share of Junior Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one
     hundred votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the
     Corporation.

             (b) Except as otherwise provided herein or required by applicable
     law, the holders of shares of Junior Stock and the holders of shares of
     Common Stock shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a
     vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
 
             (c) Except as set forth herein or required by applicable law,
     holders of Junior Stock shall have no special voting rights and their
     consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled to
     vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein) for taking any
     corporate action.

     Section 4.  Certain Restrictions
                 --------------------

             (a) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or
     distributions payable on the Junior Stock as provided in Section 2 are in
     arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and
     distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Junior Stock
     outstanding shall have been paid in full, the Corporation shall not:

                    (i) declare or pay dividends on, make any other
             distributions on, or redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
             consideration any shares of stock ranking junior (either as to
             dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the
             Junior Stock;

                   (ii) declare or pay dividends on or make any other
             distributions on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as
             to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with
             the Junior Stock, except dividends paid ratably on the Junior Stock
             and all such parity stock on which dividends are payable or in
             arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of
             all such shares are then entitled;

                  (iii) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
             consideration shares of any stock ranking on a parity (either as to
             dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the
             Junior Stock, provided that the Corporation may at any time redeem,
             purchase or otherwise acquire shares of any such parity stock 
             (A) in exchange for shares of any stock of the Corporation ranking
             junior (either as to dividends or upon dissolution, liquidation or
             winding up) to

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
             the Junior Stock or (B) in accordance with subparagraph (iv) of
             this Section 4(a); or

                   (iv) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
             consideration any shares of Junior Stock, or any shares of stock
             ranking on a parity with the Junior Stock, except in accordance
             with a purchase offer made in writing or by publication (as
             determined by the Board of Directors) to all holders of the
             outstanding shares of such stock upon such terms as the Board of
             Directors, after consideration of the respective annual dividend
             rates and other relative rights and preferences of the respective
             series and classes, shall determine in good faith will result in
             fair and equitable treatment among the respective series or
             classes.

             (b) The Corporation shall not permit any subsidiary of the
     Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares
     of stock of the Corporation unless the Corporation could, under paragraph
     (a) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such
     time and in such manner.

     Section 5.  Reacquired Shares.  Any shares of Junior Stock redeemed,
                 -----------------                                       
purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner whatsoever
shall be retired and canceled promptly after the acquisition thereof.  All such
shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued shares of
Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of preferred stock
to be created by vote or votes of the Board of Directors, subject to the
conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein.

     Section 6.  Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
                 -------------------------------------- 

             (a) Upon any liquidation (voluntary or otherwise), dissolution or
     winding up of the Corporation, no distribution shall be made to the holders
     of shares of Common Stock or any other stock of the Corporation ranking
     junior (upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior Stock
     unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Junior Stock shall have
     received $100.00 per share plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid
     dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date
     of such distribution (the "Junior Liquidation Preference"). Following the
     payment of the full amount of the Junior Liquidation Preference, no
     additional distributions shall be made to the holders of shares of Junior
     Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Common Stock (which
     term shall include, for the purposes only of this Section 6, any series of
     the Corporation's Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Common Stock
     upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall have received an amount
     per share (the "Common Adjustment") equal to the quotient obtained by
     dividing (i) the Junior Liquidation Preference by (ii) 100 (as
     appropriately adjusted as set forth in Section 8 hereof to reflect such
     events as stock splits, stock dividends and recapitalizations with respect
     to the Common Stock; such number in this

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
     clause (ii), as the same may be adjusted from time to time, is hereinafter
     referred to as the "Adjustment Number"). In the event, however, that there
     are not sufficient assets available to permit payment in full of the Common
     Adjustment, then any remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the
     holders of Common Stock. Following the payment of the full amount of the
     Junior Liquidation Preference and the Common Adjustment in respect of all
     outstanding shares of Junior Stock and Common Stock, respectively, holders
     of shares of Junior Stock and holders of shares of Common Stock shall
     receive their ratable and proportionate share of any remaining assets to be
     distributed in the ratio of the Adjustment Number to one (1) with respect
     to such Junior Stock and Common Stock, on a per share basis, respectively.

             (b) In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets
     available to permit payment in full of the Junior Liquidation Preference
     and the liquidation preferences of all other series of Preferred Stock, if
     any, which rank on a parity with the Junior Stock, then any remaining
     assets shall be distributed ratably to the holders of the Junior Stock and
     the holders of such parity stock in proportion to their respective
     liquidation preferences.

             (c) None of the merger or consolidation of the Corporation into or
     with any other entity, the sale of all or substantially all of the property
     and assets of the Corporation or the distribution to the stockholders of
     the Corporation of all or substantially all of the consideration for such
     sale, unless such consideration (apart from the assumption of liabilities)
     or the net proceeds thereof consists substantially entirely of cash, shall
     be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up within the meaning
     of this Section 6.

             (d) Each share of Junior Stock shall stand on a parity with each
     other share of Junior Stock or any other series of the same class of
     preferred stock upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
     distribution of assets or winding up of the Corporation.

     Section 7.  Consolidation, Merger, etc.  In case the Corporation shall
                 --------------------------                                
enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which
the outstanding shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other
stock or securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case the
outstanding shares of Junior Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged
or changed in an amount per share (subject to the provision for adjustment set
forth in Section 8 hereof) equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of stock,
securities, cash and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may
be, into which or for which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged.

     Section 8.  Certain Adjustments.  In the event the Corporation shall at any
                 -------------------                                            
time declare or pay any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common
Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or consolidation of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock (by

                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common
Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then, in each
such case, the amounts set forth in Sections 2(a) and (b), 3(a), 6(a) and 7
hereof with respect to the multiple of (i) cash and non-cash dividends, 
(ii) votes, (iii) the Junior Liquidation Preference and (iv) an aggregate 
amount of stock, securities, cash and/or other property referred to in 
Section 7 hereof, shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction 
the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding 
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of 
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

     Section 9.  Ranking.  The Junior Stock shall rank pari passu with (or if
                 -------                               ---- -----            
determined by the Board of Directors in any vote establishing any other series
of preferred stock, either senior and prior in preference to, or junior and
subordinate to, as the case may be) each other series of preferred stock with
respect to dividends and/or preference upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up.

     Section 10.  Redemption.  The shares of Junior Stock may be purchased by
                  ----------                                                 
the Corporation at such times and on such terms as may be agreed to between the
Corporation and the redeeming stockholder, subject to any limitations which may
be imposed by law or the Restated Articles of Organization of the Corporation.

     Section 11.  Amendment.  The Restated Articles of Organization of the
                  ---------                                               
Corporation, shall not be amended in any manner which would materially alter or
change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Junior Stock so as to
affect them adversely without the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds
or more of the outstanding shares of Junior Stock, voting together as a single
class.

     Section 12.  Fractional Shares.  Junior Stock may be issued in fractions of
                  -----------------                                             
a share which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such holder's
fractional shares, to exercise voting rights, receive dividends, participate in
distributions and to have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Junior
Stock.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Designation was executed on behalf
of the Corporation by its President and attested by its Clerk on December __,
1995.

                                         By_____________________________
 
                                           President

Attest:


By___________________

  Clerk

[SEAL]

                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
                                                            EXHIBIT B
                                                            ---------


                           FORM OF RIGHTS CERTIFICATE

Certificate No. R-                                                _______ Rights

     NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER DECEMBER 1, 2005 OR EARLIER IF ORDER OF REDEMPTION IS
     GIVEN. THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY,
     AT $.01 PER RIGHT ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT. UNDER
     CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, RIGHTS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY AN ACQUIRING PERSON OR
     AN AFFILIATE (WHICH INCLUDES AFFILIATES AND ASSOCIATES) OF AN ACQUIRING
     PERSON (AS EACH SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT) AND ANY
     SUBSEQUENT HOLDER OF SUCH RIGHTS MAY BECOME NULL AND VOID. THE RIGHTS SHALL
     NOT BE EXERCISABLE, AND SHALL BE VOID SO LONG AS HELD, BY A HOLDER IN ANY
     JURISDICTION WHERE THE REQUISITE QUALIFICATION TO THE ISSUANCE TO SUCH
     HOLDER, OR THE EXERCISE BY SUCH HOLDER, OF THE RIGHTS IN SUCH JURISDICTION
     SHALL NOT HAVE BEEN OBTAINED OR BE OBTAINABLE. [THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED BY
     THIS CERTIFICATE ARE OR WERE BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY A PERSON WHO WAS OR
     BECAME AN ACQUIRING PERSON OR AN AFFILIATE (WHICH INCLUDES AFFILIATES AND
     ASSOCIATES) OF AN ACQUIRING PERSON (AS EACH SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE
     RIGHTS AGREEMENT). ACCORDINGLY, THIS RIGHTS CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS
     REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BECOME NULL AND VOID IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES SPECIFIED
     IN SECTION 7(e) OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]/*/


                               Rights Certificate

                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

     This certifies that                         , or registered assigns, is the
     registered owner of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which
     entitles the owner thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions
     of the Rights Agreement dated as of December 1, 1995 (the "Rights
     Agreement") between FTP Software, Inc. (the "Company") and State Street
     Bank and Trust Company (the "Rights Agent"), to purchase from the Company
     at any time after the Distribution Date (as such term is defined in the
     Rights

- --------------------
/*/  The portion of the legend in brackets shall be inserted only if applicable.

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
     Agreement) and prior to 5:00 p.m. (Boston, Massachusetts time) on December
     1, 2005 (the "Expiration Date") at the office of the Rights Agent
     designated for such purpose, or its successors as Rights Agent, one one-
     hundredth of a share of the Junior Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
     share ("Junior Preferred Stock"), of the Company per each Right represented
     hereby, at a purchase price of $150 per share (the "Purchase Price"), upon
     presentation and surrender of this Rights Certificate with the Form of
     Election to Purchase set forth on the reverse side hereof and the
     certificate contained therein duly completed and executed, accompanied by a
     signature guarantee and such other documentation as the Rights Agent may
     reasonably request. The number of Rights evidenced by this Rights
     Certificate (and the number of shares which may be purchased upon exercise
     thereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price per share set forth above,
     are the number and Purchase Price as of December __, 1995.

     As more fully set forth in the Rights Agreement, upon the occurrence of a
Common Stock Event (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement), if the
Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate are beneficially owned by (i) an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate of an Acquiring Person (as each such term is
defined in the Rights Agreement) or (ii) a Disqualified Transferee (as such term
is defined in the Rights Agreement), such Rights shall automatically become null
and void and no holder hereof shall have any right with respect to such Rights
from and after the occurrence of such Common Stock Event.

     The Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate shall not be exercisable,
and shall be void so long as held, by a holder in any jurisdiction where the
requisite qualification to the issuance to such holder, or the exercise by such
holder, of the Rights in such jurisdiction shall not have been obtained or be
obtainable.

     As provided in the Rights Agreement, the Purchase Price and the number of
whole or fractional shares of Junior Preferred Stock which may be purchased upon
the exercise of the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate are subject to
modification and adjustment upon the happening of certain events.

     In the circumstances described in Section 13 of the Rights Agreement, the
securities issuable upon the exercise of the Rights evidenced hereby shall be
the common stock or similar equity securities or equity interests of an entity
other than the Company.

     This Rights Certificate is subject to all of the terms, provisions and
conditions of the Rights Agreement, which terms, provisions and conditions are
hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof and to which
Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full description of the rights,
limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities hereunder of the
Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of the Rights Certificates, which
limitations of rights include the temporary suspension of the exercisability of
the Rights under the specific circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement.
Copies of the Rights Agreement

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
are on file at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose and
may be obtained by the holder of any Rights upon written request to the Rights
Agent.

     This Rights Certificate, with or without other Rights Certificates, upon
surrender at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose,
accompanied by a signature guarantee and such other documentation as the Rights
Agent may reasonably request, may be exchanged for another Rights Certificate or
Rights Certificates of like tenor and date evidencing Rights entitling the
holder to purchase a like aggregate number of whole or fractional shares of
Junior Preferred Stock as the Rights evidenced by the Rights Certificate or
Rights Certificates surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase.  If
this Rights Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall be entitled
to receive, upon surrender hereof, another Rights Certificate or Rights
Certificates for the number of whole Rights not exercised.

     Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Rights evidenced by
this Rights Certificate may be redeemed by the Company by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors of the Company at any time prior to the Expiration Date, at a
redemption price of $.01 per Right (which amount is subject to adjustment as
provided in the Rights Agreement).

     The Company is not obligated to issue whole or fractional shares of Junior
Preferred Stock (or other securities) upon the exercise of any Right or Rights
evidenced hereby, but in lieu thereof a cash payment may be made at the election
of the Company, as provided in the Rights Agreement.

     No holder of this Rights Certificate, as such, shall be entitled to vote or
receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of Junior Preferred
Stock or of any other securities of the Company which may at any time be
issuable on the exercise hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights
Agreement or herein be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such, any
of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the
election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any
meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any action by the Company, or
to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as
provided in the Rights Agreement), or to receive dividends or subscription
rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights evidenced by this Rights
Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.

     This Rights Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose
until it has been countersigned by the Rights Agent.

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
     WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of and the seal of
the Company.  Dated as of _____ __, 1995.

                                         FTP SOFTWARE, INC.


                                         By______________________________
                                           Title:

ATTEST:


____________________
Title:



Countersigned:

____________________



By____________________
  Authorized Signatory

  Date of Countersignature:

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
                  [Form of Reverse Side of Rights Certificate]

                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
                               ------------------

                (To be executed by the registered holder if such
               holder desires to transfer the Rights Certificate)

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED ________________________ hereby sells, assigns and 
     transfers unto ______________________

_________________________________________________________________
                 (Please print name  and address of transferee)

______________________________________________________________________, whose
social security or tax identification number is ______________, the Rights
evidenced by this Rights Certificate, together with all right, title and
interest herein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
____________________ Attorney, to transfer the within Rights Certificate on the
books of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution.


Dated: _________________________, ____.


                                                       _________________________
                                                       Signature



Signature Guaranteed:/*/



- -------------------------------
/*/  Signature must be guaranteed be a member firm of The New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or
correspondent in New York City.

                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  Certificate
                                  -----------
     The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

     (1) The Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate [ ] are [ ] are not
being sold, assigned and transferred by or on behalf of a Person who is or was
an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate of any such Person (as each such term is
defined in the Rights Agreement); and

     (2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the undersigned, it [ ]
did [ ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate after
the occurrence of a Common Stock Event from any Person who is, was or
subsequently became an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate of any such Person.

Dated:____________________           ______________________________
                                           Signature

Signature Guaranteed:*


____________________________


                                     NOTICE
                                     ------

     The signature to the foregoing Assignment and Certificate must
correspond to the name as written upon the face of this Rights Certificate in
every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
                          FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
                          ----------------------------

     (To be executed if holder desires to exercise the Rights Certificate)

To FTP Software, Inc.

     The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise
_________________ of the Rights represented by this Rights Certificate to
purchase the number of one one-hundredths of a share of Preferred Stock (or
other securities) issuable upon the exercise of each such Right and requests
that certificates for such shares be issued in the name of:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number ________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________
            (Please print name and address)

____________________________________________________________________


If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights evidenced by this Rights
Certificate, a new Rights Certificate for the balance remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number ________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________
             (Please print name and address)

____________________________________________________________________

Dated: _______________________, ____

                                           ______________________________
                                           Signature
                                           (Signature must conform in all 
                                           respects to name of holder as 
                                           specified on the face of this 
                                           Rights Certificate)

                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
Signature Guaranteed:/**/

                                  Certificate
                                  -----------

The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

          (1) the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate [ ] are [ ] are
not being exercised by or on behalf of a Person who is or was an Acquiring
Person or an Affiliate of any such Person (as each such term is defined in the
Rights Agreement); and

          (2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the undersigned, it
[ ] did [ ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate
after the occurrence of a Common Stock Event (as such term is defined in the
Rights Agreement) from any Person who is, was or subsequently became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate of any such Person.


Dated: _________________, ____         _________________________
                                                  Signature



Signature Guaranteed:/***/



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




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

/**/  Signature must be guaranteed by a member firm of The New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or
correspondent in New York City.

/***/  Signature must be guaranteed by a member firm of The New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having an office of
correspondent in New York City.
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT C
                                                                       ---------


                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                               SUMMARY OF RIGHTS


          On December 1, 1995, the Board of Directors (the "Board") of FTP
Software, Inc. (the "Company") declared a dividend of one purchase right (a
"Right") for every outstanding share of the Company's common stock, $.01 par
value (the "Common Stock").  The Rights will be distributed to holders of record
of the Common Stock as of the close of business on December 8, 1995 (the
"Dividend Record Date").  The terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights
Agreement dated as of December 1, 1995 (the "Rights Agreement") between the
Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Rights Agent").  The
Rights Agreement provides for the issuance of one Right for every share of
Common Stock issued and outstanding on the Dividend Record Date and for each
share of Common Stock which is issued or sold after that date and prior to the
"Distribution Date" (as defined below).

          Each Right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one one-
hundredth of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company
("Junior Preferred Stock") at a price of $150 per one one-hundredth of a share,
subject to adjustment in certain events.  The Rights will expire on December 1,
2005 (the "Expiration Date"), or upon the earlier redemption of the Rights, and
are not exercisable until the Distribution Date.

          No separate Rights certificates will be issued at the present time.
Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights),
(i) the Rights will be evidenced by the Common Stock certificates and will be
transferred with and only with the Common Stock certificates, (ii) new Common
Stock certificates issued after the Dividend Record Date upon transfer or new
issuance of the Common Stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights
Agreement by reference and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any Common Stock
certificate will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the
Common Stock represented by such certificate.

          The Rights will separate from the Common Stock on the Distribution
Date.  Unless otherwise determined by a majority of the Board (the "Board") then
in office, the Distribution Date (the "Distribution Date") will occur on the
earlier of (i) the 10th business day following the later of (A) the date of a
public announcement that a person, together with its affiliates and associates,
except as described below, has acquired or obtained the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
(collectively, an "Acquiring Person") or (B) the date on which an executive
officer of the Company has actual knowledge that an Acquiring Person has become
such (the "Stock Acquisition Date"), or (ii) the 10th business day following
commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would

                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
result in any person, together with its affiliates and associates, owning 15% or
more of the outstanding Common Stock. After the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights ("Rights Certificates") will be mailed to
holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date and thereafter such separate Rights Certificates alone will
evidence the Rights. The Board may delay the distribution of the Rights
Certificates.

          If, at any time after December 1, 1995, any person or group of
affiliated or associated persons (other than the Company and its affiliates)
shall become an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right will have the right to
receive shares of Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or
other securities of the Company) having a market value of two times the exercise
price of the Right.  For example, if the exercise price at that time were $150,
the holder of each Right would be entitled to receive $300 in market value of
the Common Stock for $150.  Also, if the Company were acquired in a merger or
other business combination, or if more than 25% of its assets or earning power
were sold, each holder of a Right would have the right to exercise such Right
and thereby receive common stock of the acquiring company with a market value of
two times the exercise price of the Right. Thus, if the exercise price at that
time were $150, the holder of each Right would be entitled to receive $300 in
market value of the acquiring company's common stock (e.g., two shares if the
per share market value were $150, for $150).  Following the occurrence of any of
the events described in this paragraph, any Rights that are, or (under certain
circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by any
Acquiring Person shall immediately become null and void.

          The Board may, at its option, at any time after any person becomes an
Acquiring Person, exchange all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable
Rights for shares of Common Stock at an exchange ratio of one share of Common
Stock per Right, appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock
dividend or similar transaction occurring after December 1, 1995 (as the same
may be adjusted, the "Exchange Ratio").  The Board, however, may not effect an
exchange at any time after any person (other than (i) the Company, (ii) any
subsidiary of the Company, (iii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or of
any subsidiary of the Company or (iv) any entity holding Common Stock for or
pursuant to the terms of any such plan), together with all affiliates of such
person, becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the Common Stock then
outstanding.  Immediately upon the action of the Board ordering the exchange of
any Rights and without any further action and without any notice, the right to
exercise such Rights will terminate and the only right thereafter of a holder of
such Rights will be to receive that number of shares of Common Stock equal to
the number of such Rights held by the holder multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.

          The exercise price of the Rights, and the number of one one-hundredths
of a share of Junior Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable
upon exercise of the Rights, are subject to adjustment from time to time to
prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision,
combination or reclassification of, the Junior Preferred Stock, (ii) upon

                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
the grant to holders of the Junior Preferred Stock of certain rights or warrants
to subscribe for shares of the Junior Preferred Stock or certain convertible
securities at less than the current market price of the Junior Preferred Stock,
or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Junior Preferred Stock of
evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding cash dividends paid out of the
earnings or retained earnings of the Company and certain other distributions) or
of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

          At any time prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date, the
Company, by a majority vote of the Board, may redeem the Rights at a redemption
price of $.01 per Right, subject to adjustment in certain events (as the same
may be adjusted, the "Redemption Price"). Immediately upon the action of the
Board electing to redeem the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will
terminate, and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the
Redemption Price.

          Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right
to vote or to receive dividends.

          Neither the Rights dividend nor the subsequent separation of the
Rights on the Distribution Date will be a taxable event for the Company or its
stockholders.  Holders of Rights may, depending upon the circumstances,
recognize taxable income upon the occurrence of certain Rights triggering events
including a tender offer for 15% or more of the Common Stock or a person or
group attaining beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Common Stock
(collectively, "Common Stock Events"). In addition, holders of Rights may have
taxable income as a result of (i) an exchange by the Company of shares of Common
Stock for Rights as described above or (ii) certain anti-dilution adjustments
made to the terms of the Rights after the Distribution Date.  A redemption of
the Rights would be a taxable event to holders.
 
          The Rights Agreement may be amended by the Board at any time prior to
the Distribution Date without the approval of the holders of the Rights.  From
and after the Distribution Date, the Rights Agreement may be amended by the
Board without the approval of the holders of the Rights in order to cure any
ambiguity, to correct any defective or inconsistent provisions, to change any
time period for redemption or any other time period under the Rights Agreement
or to make any other changes that do not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the Rights (other than any Acquiring Person or its affiliates and
associates or their transferees).

                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
          A copy of the Rights Agreement will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to the Company's Form 8-A registration
statement with respect to the Rights.  A copy of the Rights Agreement is
available free of charge from the Rights Agent, at the following address:


                   State Street Bank and Trust Company
                   Boston EquiServe
                   Corporate Stock Division
                   2 Heritage Drive
                   North Quincy, MA 02171

                   (FTP Software, Inc. Rights Agreement)


This summary description of the Rights does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement, which is
incorporated herein by reference.

                                      C-4

<PAGE>
 
                                  ROPES & GRAY
                            One International Place
                          Boston, Massachusetts 02110

                                                                   Exhibit 5.1

                                 June 24, 1996


FTP Software, Inc.
100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor
Andover, Massachusetts 01810

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is furnished to you in connection with a registration
statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, for the registration of 7,650,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par
value per share (the "Shares"), of FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation (the "Company").  The Shares are to be issued in exchange for shares
of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Firefox Communications Inc.
("Firefox") pursuant to an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of May 21, 1996 (the "Merger Agreement") among the Company, Firefox and
Firefox Acquisition Corp., as wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and a
Delaware corporation ("Sub").  The Merger Agreement provides for Sub to merge
with and into Firefox (the "Merger") and for Firefox to survive the Merger as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

     We have acted as counsel for the Company in connection with the issuance of
the Shares pursuant to the Merger.  For purposes of our opinion, we have
examined and relied upon such documents, records, certificates and other
instruments as we have deemed necessary.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares being
issued by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued in accordance
with the Merger Agreement, will be fully paid and nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as part of the Registration
Statement and to the use of our name therein and in the related joint proxy
statement/prospectus under the caption "Legal Matters."
<PAGE>
 
     This opinion is to be used only in connection with the issuance of the
Shares while the Registration Statement is in effect.

                                             Very truly yours,
                                    
                                    
                                             Ropes & Gray

<PAGE>
 
                                                              Exhibit 8.1

                                 Ropes & Gray
                            One International Plaza
                         Boston, Massachusetts   02110


                                                  June 24, 1996

FTP Software, Inc.
100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor
Andover, Massachusetts 01810

Firefox Acquisition Corp.
100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor
Andover, Massachusetts 01810

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is being delivered to you in connection with the filing of a
registration statement on Form S-4 of a joint proxy statement/prospectus, and
pursuant to Section 6.3(d) of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated May 21, 1996 (the "Merger Agreement") among FTP Software, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("FTP Software"), Firefox Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP Software ("Sub"), and
Firefox Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Firefox"). Pursuant to
the Merger Agreement, Sub will merge with and into Firefox (the "Merger"), and
Firefox will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP Software.

     Except as otherwise provided, capitalized terms referred to herein have the
meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.  All section references, unless
otherwise indicated, are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code").

     We have acted as legal counsel to Firefox in connection with the Merger.
As such, and for the purpose of rendering this opinion, we have examined and are
relying upon (without any independent investigation or review thereof) the truth
and accuracy, at all relevant times, of the statements, covenants,
representations and warranties contained in the following documents (including
all schedules and exhibits thereto):

     1.   The Merger Agreement;

     2.   Representations made to us by Firefox;
<PAGE>
 
FTP Software, Inc.                    2                               

     3.   Representations made to us by FTP Software and Sub;

     4.   The registration statement on Form S-4 of a Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of Firefox, FTP Software, and Sub (the "Registration
Statement");

     5.   Representations and covenants of certain shareholders of Firefox in
"Stockholder Agreements"; and

     6.   Such other instruments and documents related to the formation,
organization and operation of Firefox, FTP Software and Sub or to the
consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby as we have
deemed necessary or appropriate.

     In connection with rendering this opinion, we have assumed or obtained
representations (and are relying thereon, without any independent investigation
or review thereof) that:

     1.  Original documents (including signatures) are authentic, documents
submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, and there has been
(or will be by the Effective Time of the Merger) due execution and delivery of
all documents where due execution and delivery are prerequisites to
effectiveness thereof.

     2.  The Merger will be consummated pursuant to applicable state law.

     3.  Any representation or statement made "to the best of knowledge" or
similarly qualified is correct without such qualification.  As to all matters in
which a person or entity making a representation referred to above has
represented that such person or entity either is not a party to, does not have,
or is not aware of, any plan or intention, understanding or agreement, there is
in fact no such plan, intention, understanding or agreement.

     Based on our examination of the foregoing items and subject to the
assumptions, exceptions, limitations and qualifications set forth herein, we are
of the opinion that for federal income tax purposes, the Merger will constitute
a "reorganization" as defined in Section 368(a) of the Code.

     In addition to the assumptions set forth above, this opinion is subject to
the exceptions, limitations and qualifications set forth below.

     1.  This opinion represents and is based upon our best judgment regarding
the application of federal income tax laws arising under the Code, existing
judicial decisions, administrative regulations and published rulings and
procedures.  Our opinion is not binding upon the Internal Revenue Service or the
courts, and the Internal Revenue Service is not
<PAGE>
 
FTP Software, Inc.                     3                               

precluded from successfully asserting a contrary position.  Furthermore, no
assurance can be given that future legislative, judicial or administrative
changes, on either a prospective or retroactive basis, would not adversely
affect the accuracy of the conclusions stated herein. Nevertheless, we undertake
no responsibility to advise you of any new developments in the application or
interpretation of the federal income tax laws.

     2.  No opinion is expressed as to any matter not specifically addressed
above.  Also, no opinion is expressed as to the tax consequences of the
transaction under any foreign, state, or local tax law.

     3.  No opinion is expressed as to any transaction other than the Merger as
described in the Merger Agreement or to any transaction whatsoever, including
the Merger, if all the transactions described in the Merger Agreement are not
consummated in accordance with the terms of such Merger Agreement and without
waiver or breach of any material provision thereof or if all of the
representations, warranties, statements and assumptions upon which we relied are
not true and accurate at all relevant times.  In the event any one of the
statements, representations, warranties or assumptions upon which we have relied
to issue this opinion is incorrect, our opinion might be adversely affected and
may not be relied upon.

     4.  This opinion is intended solely for the benefit of you and your
stockholders; it may not be relied upon by any other person or entity, and may
not be made available to any other person or entity without our prior written
consent.  We hereby consent, however, to the use of this opinion as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement and further consent to the use of our name
whenever appearing in the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement constituting a part thereof, and any amendments thereto.



                                 Very truly yours,



                                 ROPES & GRAY
 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 8.2

                          GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH
                           A Professional Corporation
                              400 Hamilton Avenue
                        Palo Alto, California 94301-1825



                                 June 24, 1996



Firefox Communications, Inc.
2099 Gateway Place, 7th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110-1017

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is being delivered to you in connection with the filing of a
registration statement on Form S-4 of a joint proxy statement/prospectus, and
pursuant to Section 6.3(d) of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated March 25, 1996 (the "Merger Agreement") among FTP Software, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("FTP Software"), Firefox Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP Software ("Sub"), and
Firefox Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Firefox"). Pursuant to
the Merger Agreement, Sub will merge with and into Firefox (the "Merger"), and
Firefox will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FTP Software.

     Except as otherwise provided, capitalized terms referred to herein have the
meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.  All section references, unless
otherwise indicated, are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code").

     We have acted as legal counsel to Firefox in connection with the Merger.
As such, and for the purpose of rendering this opinion, we have examined and are
relying upon (without any independent investigation or review thereof) the truth
and accuracy, at all relevant times, of the statements, covenants,
representations and warranties contained in the following documents (including
all schedules and exhibits thereto):

     1.  The Merger Agreement;

     2.  Representations made to us by Firefox;
<PAGE>
 
     3.  Representations made to us by FTP Software and Sub;

     4.  The registration statement on Form S-4 of a Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of Firefox, FTP Software, and Sub (the "Registration
Statement");

     5.  Representations and covenants of certain shareholders of Firefox in
"Stockholder Agreements"; and

     6.  Such other instruments and documents related to the formation,
organization and operation of Firefox, FTP Software and Sub or to the
consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby as we have
deemed necessary or appropriate.

     In connection with rendering this opinion, we have assumed or obtained
representations (and are relying thereon, without any independent investigation
or review thereof) that:

     1.  Original documents (including signatures) are authentic, documents
submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, and there has been
(or will be by the Effective Time of the Merger) due execution and delivery of
all documents where due execution and delivery are prerequisites to
effectiveness thereof.

     2.  The Merger will be consummated pursuant to applicable state law.

     3.  Any representation or statement made "to the best of knowledge" or
similarly qualified is correct without such qualification.  As to all matters in
which a person or entity making a representation referred to above has
represented that such person or entity either is not a party to, does not have,
or is not aware of, any plan or intention, understanding or agreement, there is
in fact no such plan, intention, understanding or agreement, there is in fact no
such plan, intention, understanding or agreement.

     Based on our examination of the foregoing items and subject to the
assumptions, exceptions, limitations and qualifications set forth herein, we are
of the opinion that for federal income tax purposes, the Merger will constitute
a "reorganization" as defined in Section 368(a) of the Code.

     In addition to the assumptions set forth above, this opinion is subject to
the exceptions, limitations and qualifications set forth below.

     1.  This opinion represents and is based upon our best judgment regarding
the application of federal income tax laws arising under the Code, existing
judicial decisions, administrative regulations and published rulings and
procedures.  Our opinion is not binding upon the Internal Revenue Service or the
courts, and the Internal Revenue Service is not precluded from successfully
asserting a contrary position.  Furthermore, no assurance can be given that
future legislative, judicial or administrative changes, on either a prospective
or

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
retroactive basis, would not adversely affect the accuracy of the conclusions
stated herein. Nevertheless, we undertake no responsibility to advise you of any
new developments in the application or interpretation of the federal income tax
laws.

     2.  No opinion is expressed as to any matter not specifically addressed
above. Also, no opinion is expressed as to the tax consequences of the
transaction under any foreign, state, or local tax law.

     3.  No opinion is expressed as to any transaction other than the Merger as
described in the Merger Agreement or to any transaction whatsoever, including
the Merger, if all the transactions described in the Merger Agreement are not
consummated in accordance with the terms of such Merger Agreement and without
waiver or breach of any material provision thereof or if all of the
representations, warranties, statements and assumptions upon which we relied are
not true and accurate at all relevant times.  In the event any one of the
statements, representations, warranties or assumptions upon which we have relied
to issue this opinion is incorrect, our opinion might be adversely affected and
may not be relied upon.

     4.  This opinion is intended solely for the benefit of you and your
shareholders; it may not be relied upon by any other person or entity, and may
not be made available to any other person or entity without our prior written
consent.  We hereby consent, however, to the use of this opinion as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement and further consent to the use of our name
whenever appearing in the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement constituting a part thereof, and any amendments thereto.

                                        Very truly yours,
                                
                                
                                
                                        GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH
                                        A Professional Corporation

                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1
                              NORTH ANDOVER MILLS
                          NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS



                                     LEASE



LANDLORD:       NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY,
                a Massachusetts Limited Partnership


TENANT:         FTP SOFTWARE, INC., a Massachusetts Corporation


DATE:           November 19, 1991


BUILDING NOS.:  1A (top Three Floors), 3, 3A (Top Floor), 11 (Top Floor), and
                32 (portions of Top Three Floors)


LEASE NO.:      33A
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------
 
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
 
1.   BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS..................................................  1
     ----------------------                                                   
                                                                              
2.   CONSTRUCTION OF PREMISES................................................  3
     ------------------------                                                 
                                                                              
3.   POSSESSION AND SURRENDER OF PREMISES....................................  4
     ------------------------------------                                     
                                                                              
4.   TERM....................................................................  4
     ----                                                                     
                                                                              
5.   RENT....................................................................  4
     ----                                                                     
                                                                              
6.   TAXES...................................................................  4
     -----                                                                    
                                                                              
7.   OPERATING COSTS.........................................................  5
     ---------------                                                          
                                                                              
8.   INSURANCE...............................................................  6
     ---------                                                                
                                                                              
9.   MONTHLY PAYMENT OF TAXES, OPERATING COSTS AND INSURANCE                  
     -------------------------------------------------------                  
     PREMIUMS................................................................  7
     --------                                                                 
                                                                              
10.  UTILITIES...............................................................  8
     ---------                                                                
                                                                              
11.  USE OF PREMISES.........................................................  8
     ---------------                                                          
                                                                              
12.  MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.................................................  9
     -----------------------                                                  
                                                                              
13.  ALTERATIONS............................................................. 10
     -----------                                                              
                                                                              
14.  INDEMNITY; SATISFACTION OF REMEDIES..................................... 12
     -----------------------------------                                      
                                                                              
15.  COMMON AREA AND PARKING................................................. 13
     -----------------------                                                  
                                                                              
16.  DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION................................................... 13
     ---------------------                                                    
                                                                              
17.  CONDEMNATION............................................................ 14
     ------------                                                             
                                                                              
18.  ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING............................................... 15
     -------------------------                                                
                                                                              
19.  MORTGAGEE PROTECTION.................................................... 17
     --------------------
 
                                     -ii-
<PAGE>
 
20.  ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES................................................... 18
     ---------------------

21.  DEFAULT................................................................. 18
     -------

22.  REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.................................................... 19
     --------------------

23.  (SEE EXHIBIT "F" -  BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY).......................... 21


24.  GENERAL PROVISIONS...................................................... 21
     ------------------

25.  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES.................................................... 26
     --------------------

                                     -iii-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT LIST
                                  ------------

"A"  Project Site Plan
"B"  Premises
"C"  Workletter (including Attachment "CC")
"D"  Base Rent
"E"  Current Rules and Regulations
"F"  Bankruptcy Provisions
Rider #1 Storage Space/Right of First Offer/Expansion Options
Rider #2 Extension Option
Rider #3 Right to Change Project


                                     -iv-
<PAGE>
 
                             INDEX TO DEFINED TERMS
                             ----------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Term                                   Section              Page
- ----                                   -------              ----
<S>                                    <C>                  <C>
                                                     
Affiliates                             24.18(a)      
Alterations                            13            
Bankruptcy Code                        Exhibit "F"   
Base Rent                              1.1(e)        
Building                               1.1(d)        
Common Area                            15            
Condemnation                           17            
Expansion Options                      28                   Rider #1
Expansion Space                        28                   Rider #1
Guarantor                              1.1(k)        
Hazardous Substances                   25            
Landlord's Mortgagee                   19.1          
Landlord's Work                        2             
Laws                                   24.18(b)      
Lease Year                             4             
Liabilities                            24.18(c)      
Liens                                  13.4          
Maximum Amount                         1.2                  Exhibit "C"
Offer Space                            27                   Rider #1
Operating Costs                        7.1           
Option                                                      Rider #2
Premises                               1.3
Project                                1.2
Rent                                   5
Rent Commencement Date                 1.1(a)
Security Deposit                       1.1(g)
Storage Space                          26
Systems and Equipment                  24.18(d)
Superior Leases and Mortgages          24.4
Taxes                                  6.2
Tenant's Broker                        1.1(1)
Tenant's Percentage                    1.1(f)
Tenant's Property                      3
Transfer                               18.1
</TABLE>

                                      -v-
<PAGE>
 
                                     LEASE
                                     -----


          THIS INDENTURE OF LEASE, dated as of November 19, 1991, is between
NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership ("Landlord"),
and FTP SOFTWARE, INC., a Massachusetts corporation ("Tenant").

          Landlord leases the Premises to Tenant and Tenant leases the Premises
from Landlord on the following terms and conditions:


 1.  BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS.
     ---------------------- 

     1.1  Summary.
          ------- 

          (a) Rent Commencement Date:  Ten (10) days after Landlord's Work is
     substantially completed or June 1, 1992, whichever is later, but if Tenant
     occupies the Premises for the conduct of its business earlier, then the
     Rent Commencement Date will be the date that Tenant so occupies.

          (b) Term:  Ten (10) Lease Years after the Rent Commencement Date,
     subject to extension as provided in Rider #2 or earlier termination in
     accordance with this lease.

          (c) Premises:  Buildings 1A (top three floors), 3, 3A (top floor), 11
     (top floor), and 32 (portions of top three floors), all as shown in Exhibit
     "B". The Premises have an initial agreed rentable area of seventy-three
     thousand four hundred ninety-one (73,491) square feet, which will be
     increased if more space is leased as described in Rider #1.

          (d) Buildings:  The complexes of buildings that are contiguous or
     immediately adjacent to the Premises as the Premises are constituted from
     time to time.

          (e)  Base Rent:  (see Exhibit "D").

          (f) Tenant's Percentage:  13.43%, subject to proportional increase if
     the size of the Premises increases pursuant to this Lease.

          (g) Security Deposit:  $120,000.00.

          (h) Use of Premises:  As offices and for the packaging, creation and
     duplication of computer software, light assembly, testing, configuring
     computer hardware, and training (but no manufacturing).
<PAGE>
 
          (i) Notice to Tenant Before Possession of Premises:

              27 Water Street 
              Wakefield, Massachusetts  01880-3004
              Attn:  Nancy L. Connor, President

              With a copy to:
              -------------- 

              Edward Rosner, Esq.
              Flott & Romero
              919 18th Street, N.W.
              Washington, D.C.  20006

          (j) Notice to Landlord:

              c/o Brickstone Properties, Inc.
              300 Brickstone Square
              Andover, Massachusetts  01810
              Attn:  Martin Spagat

              With a copy to:
              -------------- 

              c/o U.S. Managers Realty, Inc.
              433 North Camden Drive
              Suite 960
              Beverly Hills, CA  90210
              Attn:  John G. Baker, Esq.

          (k) Guarantor:  N/A.

          (l) Tenant's Broker:  Combined Properties, Inc..

          (m) Certain Other Defined Terms:  [See Section 24.18].

If there is a conflict between this summary and the rest of this Lease, the rest
of this Lease will control.

     1.2  Project.  Exhibit "A" is the general site plan of the principal
          -------                                                        
buildings, improvements and areas that are now part of the project commonly
known as North Andover Hills, North Andover, Massachusetts (the "Project").
Landlord reserves the right to change the Project from time to time.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     1.3  Description of Premises.  Landlord reserves the space above hung
          -----------------------                                         
ceilings, below the floor and within the walls of the Premises, and the right to
install, relocate, remove, use, maintain, repair and replace Systems and
Equipment within or serving the Premises or other parts of the Building or the
Project.  To the extent that it does not interfere with or damage Landlord's
Work and/or existing Systems and Equipment or the rest of the Building or the
use and occupancy of any other tenant, Tenant, at its cost, may install wiring
for its computers and equipment above hung ceilings and within the interior
walls of the Premises, provided that Tenant otherwise complies with the rest of
this Lease and that Landlord will have no obligations or Liabilities in
connection therewith.  Tenant will indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from
Liabilities in connection with this wiring and installation, maintenance and
removal.  Tenant will maintain the wiring and, at Landlord's request, will
remove the wiring and repair any damage on the expiration or earlier termination
of this Lease.

 2.  CONSTRUCTION OF PREMISES.
     ------------------------ 

          (a) Landlord will perform "Landlord's Work" and Tenant will perform
     "Tenant's Work" (if any) as described in the Workletter attached as Exhibit
     "C" to prepare the Premises for Tenant's initial occupancy. Landlord's Work
     will be deemed substantially completed even if Landlord has not completed
     "punch list" or other minor items, as long as Landlord agrees to complete
     these items. Tenant's final punch list will be submitted to Landlord within
     thirty (30) days after Landlord notifies Tenant that Landlord's Work is
     substantially completed. At Landlord's option, certification by Landlord's
     architect of the substantial completion of Landlord's Work or the issuance
     of a temporary or final certificate of occupancy will be binding on the
     parties as to the date of substantial completion. Notwithstanding the
     foregoing, Landlord's Work will not be deemed substantially complete if any
     uncompleted item of Landlord's Work renders the Premises untenantable.

          (b) Provided that Tenant does not default, within thirty (30) days
     after Tenant occupies the Premises for the conduct of its business,
     unconditionally accepts the Premises by written notice to Landlord (except
     only for uncompleted items of Landlord's Work which Tenant must specify and
     acknowledge in its notice as being, in the aggregate, minor punch list
     items which do not affect the tenant ability or Tenant's occupancy of the
     Premises) and pays its first month's rent, Landlord will pay to Tenant (or
     credit against amounts owed by Tenant): (i) up to One and No/100 Dollar
     ($1.00) per square foot of usable area in the Premises to reimburse Tenant
     for its moving expenses; (ii) up to One and 25/100 Dollar ($1.25) per
     square foot of rentable area in the Premises for Tenant's costs for space
     planning and layout for the Premises; and (iii) Twenty Thousand and No/100
     Dollars ($20,000.00) for Tenant's initial site selection and space
     requirement analysis at the Project. To the extent that Tenant's actual
     costs in any of the above categories exceed the limits above, Tenant may
     reallocate unused amounts from any other category. These costs must be
     incurred by Tenant in good faith and at arms length to unaffiliated third
     parties. Prior to reimbursement or

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     payment, Tenant will provide Landlord with paid invoices and other
     reasonable backup information to evidence the reimbursements or payments
     claimed.

 3.  POSSESSION AND SURRENDER OF PREMISES.
     ------------------------------------ 

     When this Lease terminates, Tenant will remove all of its signs,
movable trade fixtures and equipment, inventory and other personal property
("Tenant's Property").  Tenant's Property remaining after termination will be
deemed abandoned and Landlord may keep, sell, destroy or dispose of its without
any Liabilities to Tenant.  Tenant will repair all damage and surrender the
Premises broom clean and in good order, condition and repair, and otherwise in
the same condition as on the Rent Commencement Date, normal wear and tear
excepted.

 4.  TERM.
     ---- 

     The Lease term begins on the date of this Lease and ends ten (10)
Lease Years after the Rent Commencement Date, unless terminated earlier in
accordance with this Lease or extended per Rider #2.  A "Lease Year" is a period
of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months during the Lease term, starting with
the Rent Commencement Date.  However, the first Lease Year is the first twelve
(12) full calendar months plus the partial month (if any) after the Rent
Commencement Date if the Rent Commencement Date is not the first day of the
month, and the last Lease Year may be less than twelve (12) months if the Lease
is terminated early.

 5.  RENT.
     ---- 

     Tenant will pay the annual base rent as shown in Exhibit "D" in equal
monthly installments in advance beginning on the Rent Commencement Date and
thereafter on the first day of each month during the term, prorated for any
portion of a month.  The term "rent" includes base rent, additional rent and all
other amounts to be paid by Tenant under this Lease, whether or not specifically
described as rent.  All rent due under this Lease will be paid without demand,
deduction, counterclaim or offset of any type in lawful U.S. legal tender at 433
North Camden Drive, Suite 960, Beverly Hills, California 90210, Attn:
Accounting Dept., or to such other person or place as Landlord may from time to
time designate by written notice pursuant to this Lease.  Tenant will pay the
first month's base rent when it executes this Lease.

 6.  TAXES.
     ----- 

     6.1  Definition of Taxes.  "Taxes" means all taxes, assessments, and
          -------------------                                            
other governmental or quasi-governmental levies, charges and fees imposed
against, for or in connection with all or any portion of:  the Project; the use,
ownership, leasing, occupancy, operating, management, repair, maintenance,
demolition or improvement of the Project; Landlord's right to receive, or the
receipt of, rent, profit or income from the Project; improvements, utilities and
services, whether because of special assessment districts or

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
otherwise; the value of Landlord's interest in the Project; a reassessment due
to any change in ownership or other transfer of all or any portion of the
Project; and fixtures, equipment and other real or personal property used by
Landlord in connection with the Project.  Taxes also include, without
limitation, license fees, sales, use, capital and value-added taxes, penalties,
interest and costs incurred in contesting taxes, and any governmental or quasi-
governmental charges or taxes in addition to, in substitution or in lieu of,
partially or totally, any taxes or charges previously included within this
definition, including taxes or governmental or quasi-governmental charges
completely unforeseen by the parties and collected from whatever source.  Taxes
                                                                          -----
do not include:  Landlord's federal, state or municipal net income, franchise,
- --------------                                                                
excise, inheritance, gift or estate taxes.

     6.2  Payment of Taxes.  Subject to Article 9, as of the Rent
          ----------------                                       
Commencement Date Tenant will pay its Tenant's Percentage of all Taxes directly
to Landlord as additional rent within ten (10) days after receipt of Landlord's
bill.

     6.3  Tenant's Taxes.  Tenant will pay before delinquency all taxes
          --------------                                               
assessments, license fees and charges levied, assessed or imposed on Tenant,
Tenant's business operations and Tenant's Property.

 7.  OPERATING COSTS.
     --------------- 

     7.1  Definition of Operating Costs.  "Operating Costs" are all costs
          -----------------------------                                  
and expenses incurred in connection with the Project and its ownership,
operation, management, maintenance, repair, replacement and improvement,
including, without limitation, costs for: services, costs and utilities not
otherwise directly paid or reimbursed by tenants; materials, supplies and
equipment; deductibles under Landlord's insurance policies; wages and payroll,
including bonuses, (all of which, for existing employees, will not increase by
more than ten percent (10%) per annum, cumulative, and, for employees
subsequently hired, will not increase by more than ten percent (10%) per annum,
cumulative, over their initial wages and payroll, including bonuses); fringe
benefits, workers compensation and payroll taxes; professional and consulting
fees; management fees at prevailing rates or, if no managing agent is retained,
an amount in lieu thereof not in excess of prevailing rates; complying with any
Laws and insurance requirements; "environmental audits" deemed necessary by
Landlord (but no more than once per year); and the Common Area (including the
parking area),  Operating Costs do not include:  Taxes; depreciation of the
                ------------------------------                             
Project structures and improvements; Landlord's loan or ground lease payments;
brokerage commissions; marketing costs; legal fees and costs to enforce any
leases; and costs to construct new leasable area in the Project.  If Landlord in
the future leases space to other tenants on a gross rather than net basis,
Operating Costs will not thereby be increased over what they would have been if
Landlord had leased on a net basis.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     7.2  Payment of Operating Costs.  Subject to Article 9, as of the Rent
          --------------------------                                       
Commencement Date Tenant will pay its Tenant's Percentage of Operating Costs as
additional rent within fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's bill.

     7.3  Building Operating Costs.  From time to time, Landlord may
          ------------------------                                  
determine that certain costs otherwise included within the definition of
Operating Costs more properly relate only or primarily to the Building (as a
hypothetical example, elevator maintenance).  If Landlord so elects, these costs
will be deducted from Operating Costs and allocated only to tenants of the
Building, Tenant's share of these costs will be calculated by dividing Tenant's
rentable square footage by the rentable square footage leased to all tenants in
the Building, and Tenant will pay its share of these costs in the manner
described in Section 7.2.

 8.  INSURANCE.
     --------- 

     8.1  Tenant's Insurance.
          ------------------ 

          (a)  Tenant will maintain during the term:

               (i) Comprehensive general public liability insurance (Broad Form
          C.G.L.), with contractual liability, cross-liability and fire legal
          liability endorsements, protecting against all claims and liabilities
          for personal, bodily and other injuries, death and property damage
          including, without limitation, broad form property damage insurance,
          automobile and personal injury coverage. This insurance also will
          insure Tenant's indemnities pursuant to this Lease. The amount of this
          insurance will not be less than $5,000,000.00 combined single limit
          for each occurrence.

               (ii) "All risk" casualty insurance, covering all of Tenant's
          Work, Tenant's Property and all Alterations made by or for the benefit
          of Tenant. This insurance will be for full replacement value.

               (iii)  [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

               (iv) Worker's compensation insurance in statutory limits, and
          employer's liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000.00.

               (v) Builder's risk insurance (completed value form) for work
          required of or permitted to be made by Tenant. The amount of this
          insurance will be reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and must be
          obtained before any work is begun.

          (b)  All policies of insurance carried by Tenant must:  name Landlord
and its designees as additional insureds; contain a waiver by the insurer of any
right to

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
     subrogation against Landlord and its Affiliates; be from insurers
     acceptable to Landlord; and state that the insurers will not cancel, fail
     to renew or modify the coverage without first giving Landlord and any other
     additional insureds at least thirty (30) days prior written notice.

          (c) Tenant will supply copies of each paid-up policy or a certificate
     from the insurer certifying that the policy has been issued and complies
     with all of the terms of this Article. The policies or certificates will be
     delivered to Landlord within thirty (30) days after this Lease is signed
     and renewals provided not less than thirty (30) days before the expiration
     of the coverage. Landlord always may inspect and copy any of the policies.
     Tenant waives any right to recover against Landlord for Liabilities in
     connection with any type of cause or peril which is supposed to be insured
     against under the insurance policies required to be maintained by Tenant.

      8.2  Landlord's Insurance; Payment; and Waiver of Subrogation.
           -------------------------------------------------------- 

           (a) Landlord will maintain casualty, liability and other insurance
     policies in such amounts, with such deductibles and providing protection
     against such perils as Landlord determines to be necessary in its sole
     discretion (which may include, without limitation, rental loss insurance
     policies). All losses on all policies maintained pursuant to this Article
     will be settled in Landlord's name (or as otherwise designated by Landlord)
     and proceeds will belong and be paid to Landlord. Landlord makes no
     representations or warranties as to the adequacy of any insurance to
     protect Landlord's or Tenant's interests. Landlord's insurance policies
     will contain waivers of subrogation.

           (b) Subject to Article 9, Tenant will pay directly to Landlord as
     additional rent Tenant's Percentage of the cost of all premiums for
     Landlord's insurance within fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's
     bill.

           (c) Tenant and its Affiliates will not undertake, fail to undertake
     or permit any acts or omissions which will in any way increase the cost of,
     violate, void or make voidable all or any portion of any insurance policies
     maintained by Landlord, unless Landlord gives its specific written consent
     and Tenant pays all increased costs directly to Landlord on demand.

 9.  MONTHLY PAYMENT OF TAXES, OPERATING COSTS AND INSURANCE PREMIUMS.
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

     At any time and from time to time, and subject to later change,
Landlord may elect to have Tenant pay Tenant's share of Taxes, Operating Costs
and Landlord's insurance premiums (or any of them) in monthly installments, in
advance on the first of each month, based on amounts estimated by Landlord (as
revised from time to time).  If these estimated monthly

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
payments are required, after the end of each tax fiscal year, Lease Year or
other relevant periods selected by Landlord, Landlord will deliver to Tenant a
statement of the actual amounts due for the period.  Any additional amounts due
from Tenant will be payable as additional rent within fifteen (15) days after
receipt of Landlord's statement, and any overpayment by Tenant will be refunded
by Landlord or deducted from the next monthly installments due for that
particular payment category.  Quarterly, or less frequently, Landlord may
deliver a bill to Tenant for Tenant's share of Taxes, Operating Costs or
insurance premiums, and Tenant will pay the amount due to Landlord as additional
rent within fifteen (15) days (ten (10) days for Taxes) after receipt of
Landlord's bill.  Tenant will receive a credit for any estimated monthly
payments already paid by Tenant for the period covered by that bill.

 10. UTILITIES.
     --------- 

     Landlord will be solely responsible for bringing utility services to
the Premises to the extent now existing and/or as provided as part of Landlord's
Work in Exhibit "C".  Tenant will pay when due to the furnishing parties all
fees and costs for utility services, and meters and equipment (to the extent not
supplied as part of Landlord's Work), furnished to the Premises, including,
without limitation, telephone, electricity, sewer, water and gas (if furnished).
If utilities and services for the Premises are not separately metered or
charged, Tenant will pay its share (as reasonably determined by Landlord) of
such costs directly to Landlord as additional rent, either monthly when base
rent is due, or within fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's bill, at
Landlord's option.  Landlord is not responsible for any Liabilities incurred by
Tenant or Tenant's Affiliates nor may Tenant abate rent, terminate this Lease or
pursue any other right or remedy against Landlord or Landlord's Affiliates, as a
result of any termination or malfunction of any utilities or utility systems.

 11. USE OF PREMISES.
     --------------- 

     Tenant will use the Premises for the purposes described in Section 1.1(h),
but for no other purpose. Tenant will:

          (a) Operate its business in an attractive and first class manner.
     Tenant will not permit any objectionable or unreasonable noises,
     vibrations, odors or fumes in or to emanate from the Premises, nor commit
     or permit any waste, improper, immoral or offensive use of the Premises,
     any public or private nuisance or anything that disturbs the quiet
     enjoyment of the other tenants, licensees, occupants or customers of the
     Project. All deliveries and pickups must be conducted at times and in the
     manner reasonably prescribed by Landlord. All trash and waste products must
     be stored, discharged, processed and removed in the manner prescribed by
     Landlord, and so as not to be visible to be other tenants or create any
     health or fire hazard.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) Install only window coverings and treatments approved by Landlord
     and, once installed, keep them sufficiently closed to be shield from
     outside view and machinery or other equipment that Landlord determines is
     unsightly or inconsistent with that portion of the Project. Tenant will
     vent only through louvres in the windows of the Premises, but Tenant may
     not detach those louvres.

          (c) Not permit any coin or token operated vending, video, pinball,
     gaming or other mechanical devices on the Premises, except solely for use
     by Tenant's employees; conduct retail sales to be walk-in customers (other
     than occasional sales); permit governmental or quasi-governmental agencies
     to occupy the Premises; use the Premises as doctors' offices, a school or
     educational institution (but training for customers and/or Tenant's
     personnel in the sue of Tenant's software will to be permitted), living or
     sleeping quarters; store, sell or distribute obscene, lewd or pornographic
     materials or engage in related businesses in or from the Premises; or
     conduct any auction, distress, fire, bankruptcy or going-out-of-business
     sale.

          (d) Comply with:  Laws and insurance requirements affecting the
     Premises, the Project or any use and occupancy thereof by Tenant or its
     Affiliates (including, without limitation, making required improvements to
     the Premises); and Landlord's rules and regulations from time to time.
     Tenant will, at its expense, obtain and maintain all licenses, approvals
     and variances necessary to conduct its business and occupy the Premises,
     but none of those licenses, permits or variances will be binding on or in
     any way affect or restrict Landlord, any other tenants in the Project or
     the Project itself.

          (e) If its wishes, install signs or lettering on the entry doors to
     the Premises and on a monument sign to be specified by Landlord identifying
     its tenancy in the manner customary to be first-class office buildings.
     Tenant will conform to be standards established by Landlord from time to
     time for the above signs and lettering and submit for Landlord's prior
     approval a plan or sketch of the Tenant's proposed signs or lettering, and
     provided that Tenant's signs and lettering so conform, Landlord's consent
     will not be unreasonably withheld. All other sings, lettering, awnings,
     canopies or other decorations require Landlord's prior approval.

          (f) Not use any advertising or other media or other device which can
     be heard or experienced outside the Premises (except as permitted in
     subparagraph (e) above), including without limitation, lights or audio or
     visual devices. Tenant will not distribute handbills or advertising,
     promotional or other materials anywhere in the Project or solicit business
     in the Project other than within its own Premises.

 12. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.
     ----------------------- 

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
     12.1  Landlord's Obligations.  Landlord will repair and maintain the
           ----------------------                                        
roof and the structural portions of the floor and load-bearing walls of the
Premises (but not the interior surfaces), the plumbing Systems and Equipment up
to and including the main vertical risers, the sanitary sewer and chilled water
lines outside of the footprint of the Premises, and the electrical Systems and
Equipment up to the buss duct tap.  Landlord also will manage the cleaning,
landscaping and snowplowing of the Common Areas.  However, Tenant will be
responsible for all repairs and maintenance resulting from Tenant's Alterations
or the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of Tenant or its Affiliates.
Landlord will make its repairs within a reasonable time following Tenant's
notification that the repairs are required. Landlord's obligations are subject
to the provisions of Articles 16 and 17 and the rest of this Lease.

     12.2  Tenant's Obligations.  Except for Landlord's obligations in
           --------------------                                       
Section 12.1 and as set forth immediately below, Tenant will maintain and repair
the Premises and the Systems and Equipment serving the Premises in a first-class
manner (including replacement thereof if an when necessary), and keep the
Premises in good order and condition, including, without limitation, Tenant's
Property, all doors, windows, window treatments, wall coverings, floor
coverings, non-structural portions of the ceiling, floor and walls, and Tenant's
Alternations (unless otherwise required by Landlord).  If Tenant claims that any
Systems and Equipment that it is obligated to be maintain, repair or replace as
described above are not in good working order and condition consistent with
their age, it must notify Landlord in writing within two (2) months after the
date of this Lease specifically describing the items and the reasons for its
claim.  If in fact those Systems and Equipment specified in Tenants notice are
not in good working order and condition consistent with their age, Landlord will
make such repairs as are necessary to put them in such condition, and only
thereafter will Tenant be obligated to maintain, repair or replace those Systems
and Equipment as set forth above. However, if Tenant fails to so notify Landlord
or if Tenant occupies or accepts the Premises, all Systems and Equipment
irrevocably will be deemed to be in good working order and condition consistent
with their age.  Subject to Landlord's prior consent, which will not be
unreasonably withheld, Tenant may select a cleaning company of its choice to
clean the Premises at Tenant's sole cost.

 13. ALTERATIONS.
     ----------- 

     13.1  Landlord's Consent.  "Alterations" means Tenant's alterations,
           ------------------                                            
additions, improvements, remodeling, repainting, or other changes.  Tenant may
make nonstructural Alterations to the interior of the Premises without
                                                               -------
Landlord's consent as long as the Alterations do not:  affect the windows, the
exterior of the Building, or any portion of the Building or the rest of the
Project outside of the Premises; affect the strength, structural integrity or
load-bearing capacity of any portion of the Building; affect the Systems and
Equipment in the Premises or the rest of the Building or increase Tenant's
usage; or, in Landlord's reasonable judgment, cost more than a total of Sixty
Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($60,000.00) in any Lease Year when combined with
the cost of other Alterations made in that

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
Lease Year.  All other Alterations require Landlord's prior written consent.
Whether or not Landlord's consent is required, Alterations are subject to be the
rest of this Article.

     13.2  Notice.  Tenant will notify Landlord not less than fifteen (15)
           ------                                                         
days before beginning any Alterations (but no notice will be required for
moveable, unattached partitions and work stations).  Together with Tenant's
notice, Tenant will give Landlord copies of the necessary permits and approvals
and, if Landlord deems it necessary, plans and specifications for the
Alterations (but not for minor, non-structural Alterations such as wall
coverings, built-in cabinetry, and painting).  Landlord's review or approval of
Tenant's plans and specifications is solely for Landlord's benefit and will not
be considered a representation or warranty to Tenant as to safety, adequacy,
efficiency, compliance with Laws or any other matter, or a waiver of any of
Tenant's obligations.  Except for items of Tenant's Property, all Alterations
will be deemed Landlord's property and part of the realty, and will be
surrendered with the Premises at the end of this Lease, unless otherwise
requested by Landlord.

     13.3  Compliance with Laws.  Alterations will comply in all respects
           --------------------                                          
with this Lease and applicable Laws and insurance requirements.  Alterations
will be done in a first-class manner, using first quality materials, and so as
not to interfere in any way with Landlord or any other tenant in the Project,
cause labor disputes, disharmony or delay, or impose any Liabilities on
Landlord.  Alterations will be performed only by experienced, licensed and
bonded contractors and subcontractors approved in writing by Landlord, which
approval will not be unreasonably withheld.  At Landlord's request, Tenant will
cause its contractors and subcontractors to carry workmen's compensation
insurance.

     13.4  Liens.  Tenant will pay when due all claims for labor, materials
           -----                                                           
and services claimed to be furnished for Tenant or Tenant's Affiliates or for
their benefit and keep the Premises and the Project free from all liens,
security interests and encumbrances ("Liens"). Tenant will indemnify Landlord
for, and hold Landlord harmless from, all Liens, the removal of all Liens and
any related actions or proceedings, and all Liabilities incurred by Landlord in
connection therewith.  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL PERSONS FURNISHING LABOR OR
MATERIALS TO TENANT THAT NO MECHANICS', MATERIALMEN' OR OTHER LIENS SOUGHT ON
THE PREMISES WILL IN ANY MANNER AFFECT LANDLORD'S RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST.

     13.5  Satellite Dish.  Subject to the following and the rest of this
           --------------                                                
Article and this Lease, Tenant may install a satellite dish no larger than three
feet (3') in diameter in a location specified by Landlord.  Tenant will be
responsible for all Liabilities in connection with this satellite dish and
associated equipment, including, without limitation, installation, removal,
operating, maintenance, insurance, taxes and other costs and fees.  Tenant also
will be solely responsible for securing all federal, state and local permits in
connection with the installation and operating of this satellite dish prior to
its installation.  If this satellite dish is on a roof, Tenant will secure from
the membrane roofing manufacturer certification that the installation of this
satellite dish is compatible with all design requirements and that this
installation will

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
not void the existing roof warranty.  This certification must be delivered to
Landlord before installation begins.  Tenant also will use only a manufacturer-
authorized roofing contractor for any work that requires the penetration of the
existing membrane roofing system.  Upon the expiration or earlier termination of
this Lease, Tenant, at its expense, will remove the satellite dish and all
associated equipment and repair all damage.  Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, Landlord will have no Liabilities in connection with this satellite
dish and associated equipment, and Tenant will indemnify Landlord for and hold
it free and harmless from all Liabilities arising out of or in connection with
this satellite dish.

 14. INDEMNITY; SATISFACTION OF REMEDIES.
     ------------------------------------

     14.1  Indemnification.  In addition to any other indemnities in this
           ---------------                                               
Lease, Tenant will indemnify Landlord for and hold Landlord harmless from
Liabilities arising from or in connection with:  acts or omissions of Tenant or
its Affiliates or the conduct of Tenant's business; Tenant's breach of or
default under this Lease; and claims by Tenant's Affiliates or other persons if
Landlord declines to consent to any act, event or document requiring Landlord's
consent under this Lease.

     14.2  Damage to Persons or Property.  Subject to the rest of this Section 
           -----------------------------
and the rest of this Lease, Landlord will be liable for damages solely
to the extent caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct in breach of
this Lease, but Landlord will not be liable for any special, indirect,
consequential, punitive or similar damages (including, without limitation, any
loss of use or revenue by Tenant or any other person) under any circumstances,
or for any Liabilities arising from or in connection with:  acts or omissions of
Tenant, any other tenants of the Project, any third parties, or their
Affiliates, including, without limitation, burglary, vandalism, theft, or
criminal or illegal activity; explosion, fire, steam, electricity, water, gas,
rain, pollution, contamination, hazardous substances, motor vehicles or any
casualties; breakage, leakage, malfunction, obstruction or other defects in
Systems and Equipment, or of any services or utilities; any work, demolition,
maintenance or repairs permitted under this Lease; and exercise of Landlord's
rights under any Laws or under this Lease, including any entry by Landlord or
its Affiliates on the Premises in accordance with this Lease; or any of the
matters described in Section 24.5.  Tenant and Tenant's Affiliates assume the
risk of all of these Liabilities and waive all claims against Landlord in
connection therewith.  Tenant also waives any Laws or rights that would permit
Tenant to terminate this Lease, perform repairs or maintenance in lieu of
Landlord (or on Landlord's behalf), or offset or withhold any amounts due
because of damage to or destruction of the Premises, any repairs or maintenance,
or for any other reason.  Tenant immediately will notify Landlord of any damage
or injury to persons or property and any event which could be anticipated to
give rise to any of the foregoing Liabilities.  This exculpation of Landlord and
all of Tenant's waivers in this Lease will apply to all of Tenant's Affiliates
to the greatest extent possible.  This Section 14.2 is not meant to reduce the
extent of Landlord's obligations to repair or rebuild in any particular
circumstances as may be required in Section 12.1 and Articles 16 and 17.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
     14.3  Satisfaction of Remedies.  Notwithstanding anything in this
           ------------------------                                   
Lease or elsewhere to he contrary:  Tenant and its Affiliates will look solely
to Landlord's interest in the Project to satisfy any claims, rights or remedies,
and Landlord and its Affiliates, at every level of ownership and interest, have
no personal or individual liability of any type, whether for breach of this
Lease or otherwise, their assets will not be subject to lien or levy of any
type, nor will they be named individually in any suits, actions or proceedings
of any type.

 15. COMMON AREA AND PARKING.
     ----------------------- 

     15.1  Common Area.  "Common Area" means all areas and improvements
           -----------                                                 
within the Project, as it now exists or as it exists in the future, not held or
designated for the exclusive use or occupancy of Landlord, Tenant, or other
tenants or prospective tenants.  Tenant may use the Common Area on a
nonexclusive basis during this Lease.  Landlord reserves all rights in
connection with the Common Area, including, without limitation, the right to
change, relocate, improve or demolish portions, promulgate rules and regulations
for its use, limit the use of any portion of the Common Area by Tenant or its
Affiliates, and place certain portions of the Common Area off limits to Tenant
and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, janitorial, maintenance,
equipment and storage areas, and entrances, loading docks, corridors, elevators
and parking areas.  Except during emergencies or necessary maintenance, repair
or construction, Landlord's exercise of these rights will not ever prevent
Tenant from  having access to the Premises and a loading dock or from having at
least one (1) main entrance to the Premises on High Street, but will not require
Landlord to compensate Tenant in any way, result in any Liabilities to Landlord,
entitle Tenant to abate rent, or reduce Tenant's Lease obligations.

     15.2  Parking.  Tenant may park two hundred five (205) passenger cars
           -------                                                        
in the areas designated by Landlord from time to time for Tenant's parking
(Tenant's current areas are shown in Exhibit "A").  If Tenant does not use all
of its parking spaces, Landlord may allow others to use those spaces at no
charge, subject to Tenant's right to reclaim those spaces when needed.  As
permitted by Section 15.1, Landlord may:  limit access to portions of the
parking areas; change signs, lanes and the direction of traffic within the
parking areas; change, eliminate or add parking spaces or areas devoted to
parking; allow free parking or parking with a validation, valet, sticker or
other system; promulgate rules and regulations; and take any other actions
deemed necessary by Landlord.

 16. DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION.
     --------------------- 

     16.1  Repairs.  Subject to the rest of this Article and the rest of
           -------                                                      
this Lease, Landlord will repair damage to the Premises caused by casualties
insured against under standard "all risk" casualty policies.  However, Landlord
is not obligated to repair damage for which Tenant or its Affiliates are
responsible or for which Landlord has no liability under other provisions of
this Lease.  Except as may otherwise be required by then applicable Laws,
Landlord will attempt to restore the damaged portions to their prior condition,
but Landlord is

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
not required to undertake repairs unless insurance proceeds are available, spend
more than the net insurance proceeds it actually receives and is permitted to
retain for any repair or replacement, or repair or replace any damage to
Tenant's Work, Tenant's Property or any Alterations.  Landlord will begin
repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the damage, required
building permits or licenses and the insurance proceeds payable on account of
the damage.

      16.2  Election to Terminate.  Landlord has the option either to repair
            ---------------------                                           
the casualty damage, or terminate this Lease by delivering written notice within
sixty (60) days after the damage occurs, if:  the damage occurs during the last
year of the term; or Tenant is in default; or the repairs would take more than
one hundred twenty (120) days to complete or cost more than thirty-five percent
(35%) of the cost of Landlord's Work; or the damage was caused primarily by the
intentional act or omission of Tenant or its Affiliates; or more than twenty-
five percent (25%) of the leasable space in the rest of the Building is damaged.

      16.3  Abatement of Rent. If the Premises are damages so as to be
            -----------------                                         
untenantable for more than five (5) consecutive business days and Landlord is
required or elects to repair the damage, base rent and Tenant's share of Taxes
and Landlord's insurance premiums will abate until Landlord has substantially
completed the repairs and given Tenant access to the Premises, or Tenant
reoccupies part of the Premises, whichever is earlier.  If Tenant continues to
occupy or reoccupies the Premises before substantial completion of these repairs
but cannot occupy substantially all of the Premises became of these ongoing
repairs, base rent and Tenant's share of Taxes and Landlord's insurance premiums
will abate in proportion to the degree to which Tenant's use of the Premises is
impaired, as reasonably determined by Landlord.  Base rent and Tenant's share of
Taxes and Landlord's insurance premiums will not be abated if the acts or
omissions of Tenant or its Affiliates render Landlord unable to collect the
rental loss insurance proceeds that otherwise would have been payable to
Landlord.  The abatement of base rent and Tenant's share of Taxes and Landlord's
insurance premiums described above is Tenant's sole remedy against and
compensation from Landlord in connection with any damage, destruction or
repairs.

 17.  CONDEMNATION.
      ------------ 

      If all or substantially all of the Premises are condemned, taken or
appropriated by any public or quasi-public authority under the power of eminent
domain, police power of otherwise, or if there is a sale in lieu thereof
("Condemned"), this Lease will terminate when title or possession is taken by
the condemning authority or its designee.  If:

          (a) More than twenty-five percent (25%) of the usable areas of the
      Premises is Condemned, either Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease
      by delivering written notice to the other within fifteen (15) days
      thereafter. Landlord also may terminate this Lease as provided above if
      more than twenty-five percent (25%) of any of the leasable area of the
      rest of the Building is condemned.

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) Part of the Premises is Condemned and this Lease is not
     terminated, Landlord will make the necessary repairs so that, to the extent
     reasonably possible, the remaining part of the Premises will be a complete
     architectural unit. Otherwise, Landlord's restoration will be conducted as
     described in Section 16.1, except that Landlord will not be required to
     begin repairs until a reasonable time after it receives any necessary
     building permits and substantially all of the proceeds of any awards
     granted for the Condemnation. After the date title or possession is taken
     by the condemning authority or its designees, base rent and Tenant's share
     of Taxes and Landlord's insurance premiums will abate in proportion to the
     area of the Premises Condemned.

All proceeds, income, rent, awards and interest in connection with any
Condemnation will belong to Landlord, whether awarded as compensation for
diminution of value to the leasehold improvements, or the unexpired portion of
this Lease, or otherwise.  Tenant waives all claims against Landlord and the
condemning authority with respect thereto, but nothing in this Section prevents
tenant from bringing a separate action against the condemning authority for
moving costs or for lost goodwill (as long as this separate action does not
diminish Landlord's recovery).

 18. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING.
     ------------------------- 

     18.1  Landlord's Consent Required.  Tenant will not voluntarily,
           ---------------------------                               
involuntarily or by operation of any laws sell, convey, mortgage, subject to a
security interest, license, assign, sublet or otherwise transfer or encumber all
or any part of Tenant's interest in this Lease or the Premises, or allow anyone
other than Tenant's employees to occupy the Premises (singularly or
collectively, "Transfer"), without Landlord's prior written consent in each
instance.  Any attempt to do so without this consent will be null and void and a
default.

     18.2  Notice.  Tenant will notify Landlord in writing at least forty-
           ------                                                        
five (45) days before any proposed or pending Transfer and will deliver to
Landlord such information as Landlord may reasonably request in connection with
the proposed or pending Transfer and the proposed Transferee, including, without
limitation, a copy of the proposed Transfer documents, financial statements and
other financial information about and banking references for the proposed
Transferee, and information as to the type of business and business experience
of the proposed Transferee.  All of this information must be suitably
authenticated.

     18.3  Landlord's Right to Terminate.  If Tenant notifies Landlord of a
           -----------------------------                                   
Transfer, or if Landlord becomes aware of a Transfer, Landlord may: consent;
withhold consent (subject to 18.4 below); or terminate this Lease on written
notice to Tenant if the Transfer is an assignment of the Lease or a sublease of
all or substantially all of the Premises.  If Tenant proposes a sublease for a
term longer than one year that, together with any other subleases, totals more
than 16,000 square feet of rentable area, Landlord may terminate the Lease as to

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
the portion of the Premises proposed to be sublet.  If Landlord elects to
terminate, this Lease (or this Lease as applicable to the portion to be sublet
as described above) will terminate on the date set forth in Landlord's
termination notice.  Nothing in this Section limits Landlord's rights or
remedies if Tenant is in default or if the Transfer does not comply with this
Article.

      18.4  Reasonable Consent.  If Landlord does not elect (assuming it is
            ------------------                                             
permitted) to terminate this Lease, and if the request for Transfer is given
after the end of the first (1st) Lease Year, Landlord will not unreasonably
withhold its consent to an assignment or subletting.  (For purposes of this
Section, an assignment for security purposes and other Transfers will continue
to be governed by Section 18.1).  Tenant agrees that the withholding of
Landlord's consent will be deemed reasonable if Tenant has breached this Lease
or failed to comply with the rest of this Article, or if any of the following
conditions are not satisfied:

          (a) The proposed assignee or subtenant will use the Premises strictly
     in accordance with the terms of this Lease and the business of the proposed
     assignee or subtenant is consistent with the other uses and the standards
     of the Project, in Landlord's reasonable judgment.

          (b) The proposes assignee or subtenant is reputable, has a credit
     rating reasonably acceptable to Landlord, and otherwise has sufficient
     independent financial capabilities to perform all of its obligations under
     this Lease or the proposed sublease, in Landlord's reasonable judgment.

          (c) Neither the proposed assignee or subtenant nor its Affiliates is
     or has been a tenant or occupant or has negotiated for space in the Project
     or in other projects in Massachusetts owned by Landlord or a partnership or
     corporation affiliated with Landlord or Niuna-North Andover, Inc. (current
     projects are located in Cambridge, Andover, Wakefield and West Newton)
     within the six (6) month period before the delivery of Tenant's written
     notice. This Subsection (c) will apply while North Andover Mills Realty or
     an affiliated entity owns the Premises.

          (d) Landlord's Mortgagees consent to the assignment or subletting, and
    a proposed sublease will not result in more than three entities or
    businesses occupying the Premises.

These conditions are not exclusive and Landlord may consider other factors in
determining if it should grant or reasonably withhold its consent.

     18.5  (INTENTIONALLY OMITTED)

     18.6  No Release of Tenant.  Whether or not Landlord consents, no
           --------------------                                       
Transfer will release or alter the primary liability of Tenant to pay rent and
perform all of Tenant's other obligations under this Lease.  The acceptance of
rent by Landlord from any person other than

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
Tenant is not a waiver by Landlord.  Consent to one Transfer will not be deemed
to be consent to any subsequent Transfer.  If any Transferee defaults under this
Lease, Landlord may proceed directly against the Transferee and/or against
Tenant without proceeding or exhausting its remedies against the other.  After
any Transfer, Landlord may consent to subsequent Transfers of or amendments to
this Lease without notifying Tenant or any other person, without obtaining
consent thereto, and without relieving Tenant of liability under this Lease (as
it may be modified), except that Tenant's aggregate monetary liability under
this Lease, as it may be modified, will not be greater than it would have been
under this Lease without the modification.

     18.7  Additional Terms.  Tenant will pay Landlord's attorneys' fees
           ----------------                                             
and other costs in connection with any request for Landlord's consent to a
Transfer.  To be effective all assignments and subleases must always prohibit
any further assignment, subleasing or other Transfer and state that they area
subject and subordinate to the terms of this Lease.  While North Andover Mills
Realty or an affiliated entity owns the Project, Tenant and its Affiliates will
not, directly or indirectly, take an assignment or sublease from, or otherwise
occupy premises leased to, any existing or future tenants (or their assignees,
sublessee or successors) of space in the Project or in other projects in
Massachusetts owned by Landlord or a partnership or corporation affiliated with
Landlord or with Niuna-North Andover, Inc. (current projects are located in
Cambridge, Wakefield, Andover, and West Newton).  The surrender of this Lease or
its termination will not be a merger, but Landlord will have the right to
terminate all subleases and the occupancy rights of all Transferees.  Tenant
will pay to Landlord as additional rent:  fifty percent (50%) of all
consideration paid or payable for or by reason of any assignment of this Lease;
and, in the case of a sublease, fifty percent (50%) of the amount by which the
sublease rent and other consideration paid or payable (less the sublessee's pro
rata payment of real estate taxes and insurance, to the extent paid or payable)
exceeds the base rent for the sublease term (pro rated for the square footage
subleased).  At Landlord's option, Landlord may collect all or any part of this
additional rent directly from the payor, and consideration paid or payable will
be defined in its broadest sense.

 19. MORTGAGEE PROTECTION.
     -------------------- 

     19.1  Subordination and Attornment.  This lease is subordinate to all
           ----------------------------                                   
Superior Leases and Mortgages (defined in Section 24.4), and Tenant will attorn
to each person or entity that succeeds to Landlord's interest under this Lease.
This Section is self-operative, but if requests to confirm a subordination
and/or attornment, Tenant will execute subordination and attornment agreements
furnished by Landlord or Landlord's lessor or mortgagee under any of the
Superior Leases and Mortgages (a "Landlord's Mortgagee") within ten (10) days
after request.  However, if Landlord or Landlord's Mortgagee elects in writing,
this Lease will be superior to the Superior Leases and Mortgages specified,
regardless of the date of recording, and Tenant will execute an agreement
confirming this election on request.

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
     19.2  Mortgagee's Liability.  The obligations and Liabilities of
           ---------------------                                     
Landlord, Landlord's Mortgagees or their successors under this Lease will exist
only if and for so long as each of these respective parties owns fee title to
the Project or is the Lessee under a ground lease of the Project.  Tenant will
be liable to Landlord's Mortgagees or their successors if any of those parties
become the owner of the Project for any base rent paid more than thirty (30)
days in advance.  Landlord's Mortgagees and their successors will not be liable
for:  (a) acts or omissions or prior owners; (b) the return of any security
deposit not delivered or credited to them (and Landlord agrees to deliver or
credit Tenant's unapplied security deposit to Landlord's Mortgagees if they
succeed to Landlord's interest under this Lease); or (c) amendments to this
Lease made without their consent (if their consent is requested under Superior
Lease or Mortgage).

     19.3  Mortgagee's Right to Cure.  No act or omission (if any) which
           -------------------------                                    
otherwise entitles Tenant under the terms of this Lease to be released from any
Lease obligations or to terminate this Lease will result in such a release or
termination unless Tenant first gives written notice of the act or omission to
Landlord and Landlord's Mortgagees and those parties then fail to correct or
cure the act or omission within ninety (90) days thereafter.  Nothing in this
Section or the rest of this Lease obligates Landlord's Mortgagees to correct or
cure any act or omission or is meant to imply that Tenant has the right to
terminate this Lease or be released from its obligations unless that right is
explicitly granted elsewhere in this Lease.

 20. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES.
     --------------------- 

     Tenant will from time to time, within fifteen (15) days after request
by Landlord, execute and deliver an estoppel certificate in form satisfactory to
Landlord or its designees which will certify (except as may be noted) such
information concerning this Lease or Tenant or It's Affiliates as Landlord or
its designees may request.  If Tenant fails to execute and deliver estoppel
certificates as required, Landlord's representations concerning the matters
covered by the estoppel certificate will conclusively be presumed to be correct
and binding on Tenant and its Affiliates.

 21. DEFAULT.
     ------- 

     The occurrence of one or more of the following events will be a
default by Tenant under this Lease:  (a) the vacating or abandoning of the
Premises; (b) the failure to pay rent or any other required amount within seven
(7) days after the payment is due: (c) as provided in Articles 2w3 and 25; (d) a
Transfer or attempted Transfer in violation of Article 18; (e) the failure to
maintain its required insurance policies; or (f) the failure to observe or
perform any other obligation, term or condition within the time period specified
in this Lease; if no time period is specified, it will be default if this
failure continues for fifteen (15) days after written notice from Landlord to
Tenant, but if more than fifteen (15) days are reasonably required to cure,
Tenant will not be in default if Tenant begins to cure within the fifteen (15)-
day period

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
and then diligently completes the cure as soon as possible but within sixty (60)
days after the notice of default is given.

 22. REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.
     -------------------- 

     22.1  General.  If Tenant defaults, Landlord may at any time
           -------                                               
thereafter, with or without notice or demand, do any or all of the following:
(a) give Tenant written notice stating that the Lease is terminated, effective
on the giving of notice or on a date stated in the notice, as Landlord may
elect, in which event this Lease will terminate without further action; (b) with
or without process of law or notice, and with or without terminating this Lease,
terminate Tenant's right of possession and enter and repossess the Premises
either by force or otherwise, and expel Tenant and Tenant's Affiliates, and
remove their property and effects, without being guilty of trespass; and 
(c) pursue any other right or remedy now or hereafter available to Landlord 
under this Lease or at law or in equity.

     22.2  Tenant's Obligations.  If any default, termination, reentry or
           --------------------                  
dispossess occurs:

          (a) All rent provided for in this Lease will become due and will be
     paid to the time of the default, termination, reentry or dispossess,
     together with such costs as Landlord may incur for attorneys' fees and
     costs, inspection, brokerage fees, putting the Premises in good order,
     condition and repair and/or for preparing and improving the Premises for 
     re-letting.

          (b) Landlord may, at its sole option, re-let all or any portion of the
     Premises on terms satisfactory to Landlord in its sole discretion, either
     in its own name or otherwise, for a term or terms which may, at Landlord's
     option, be more or less than the balance of the term of this Lease and
     pursuant to one or more Leases, and Landlord may grant concessions, tenant
     allowances and/or free rent, among other things.

          (c) Subject to Section 22.2(e), whether or not the Premises are re-
     let, Tenant will pay punctually to Landlord all of the rent and other sums
     and perform all of Tenant's obligations for the entire Lease term (assuming
     the original expiration date and any exercised options) in the same manner
     and at the time as if this Lease had not been terminated.

          (d) If Landlord re-lets the Premises, Tenant will be entitled to a
     credit in the net amount of the rent actually received by Landlord from the
     re-letting, after deducting all expenses described in Section 22.2(a) and
     22.2(f) and the costs of collecting the rent. Rent received by Landlord
     after re-letting first will be applied against Landlord's expenses as
     described above until those expenses are recovered. Until recovery of those
     expenses, Tenant will pay as and when due all amounts it is required to pay
     under this Lease. Tenant's obligations prior to any re-letting and recovery
     of expenses will not be diminished even if the re-letting is for a rent
     higher

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
     than the rent hereunder. When and if these expenses have been completely
     recovered, amounts collected by Landlord from the re-letting that have not
     previously been applied will be credited against Tenant's obligations when
     each payment would fall due under this Lease, and only the net amount
     thereof will be payable by Tenant. Amounts received by Landlord from re-
     letting for any period will be credited only against obligations of Tenant
     allocable to that period, and not against Tenant's obligations accruing
     before or after that period, nor will any credit be given to Tenant for any
     period after the original expiration date of this Lease.

          (e) At Landlord' option, in lieu of other damages, Landlord may, by
     written notice to Tenant at any time after Tenant's default, elect to
     recover, and Tenant will thereupon pay, as liquidated damages, an amount
     equal to the excess, if any, of: (i) the total rent and other benefits
     which would have accrued to Landlord under this Lease for the remainder of
     the Lease term (assuming the original expiration date and any exercised
     options) if the default had not occurred plus all of the expenses described
     in Sections 22.2(a) and 22.2(f); less (ii) the value of the cash rental to
     be paid to Landlord for any Lease or Leases of the Premises actually
     executed by Landlord at the time Landlord exercises its option, subject to
     Subsection (d) above.

          (f) No action of Landlord in connection with any re-letting, or
     failure to re-let or collect rent under such re-letting, will operate or be
     construed to release or reduce Tenant's Liabilities hereunder. Without
     limiting any of the foregoing provisions, and in addition to any other
     amounts that Tenant is otherwise obligated to pay, Tenant agrees that
     Landlord may recover from Tenant all costs and expenses, including
     attorneys' fees and costs, incurred by Landlord in enforcing this Lease
     from and after Tenant's default.

     22.3  Redemption.  Tenant waives any and all rights of redemption
           ----------                                                 
granted by or under any laws if Tenant is evicted or dispossessed for any cause,
or if Landlord obtains possession of the Premises by reason of the violation by
Tenant of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Lease, or otherwise.

     22.4  Performance by Landlord. If Tenant defaults or fails to perform
           -----------------------                                        
any of its obligations under this Lease, Landlord, without waiving or curing the
default or failure, may, but will not be obligated to, perform Tenant's
obligations for the account and at the expense of Tenant.  Notwithstanding
Section 21(i), in the case of an emergency or to prevent damage or injury or
protect health, safety or property, Landlord need not give any notice before
performing Tenant's obligations.  Tenant will pay on demand all costs and
expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with Landlord's performance of
Tenant's obligations, and Tenant will indemnify Landlord for and hold Landlord
harmless from all Liabilities incurred by Landlord in connection therewith.

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
     22.5  Post-Judgment Interest.  The amount of any judgment obtained by
           ----------------------                                         
Landlord against Tenant in any legal proceeding arising out of Tenant's default
under this Lease will bear interest until paid at the Wells Fargo Bank prime
rate plus two percent (2%), or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is
less.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any laws, with
respect to any damages that are certain or ascertainable by calculation,
interest will accrue from the day that the right to the damages vests in
Landlord, and in the case of any unliquidated claim, interest will accrue from
the day the claim arose.

 23.  (SEE EXHIBIT "F" - BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY)

 24.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.
      ------------------ 

      24.1  Holding Over.  Tenant will not hold over in the Premises after
            ------------                                                  
the end of the Lease term without the express prior written consent of Landlord.
Tenant will indemnify Landlord for, and hold Landlord harmless from, any and all
Liabilities arising out of or in connection with any holding over, including,
without limitation, any claims made by any succeeding tenant and any loss of
rent suffered by Landlord.  If, despite this express agreement, any tenancy is
created by Tenant's holding over, except as specifically set forth in the next
sentence the tenancy will be a tenancy at will terminable immediately at
Landlord's sole option on written notice to Tenant, but otherwise subject to the
terms of this Lease, except that the most recent annual base rent will be
doubled.  Nothing in this Article or elsewhere in this Lease permits Tenant to
hold over or in any way limits Landlord's other rights and remedies if Tenant
holds over.

     24.2  Entry By Landlord.  Landlord and its Affiliates at all times
           -----------------                                           
have the right to enter the Premises, and Landlord will retain (or be given by
Tenant) keys to unlock all the doors to or within the Premises, excluding doors
to Tenant's vaults and files.  Landlord and its Affiliates will have the right
to use any means necessary to enter he Premises if Landlord believes there is an
emergency or that entry is necessary to prevent damage or injury or protect
health, safety or property.  Such entry to the Premises and the exercise of
Landlord's rights will not, under any circumstances, be deemed to be a default,
a forcible or unlawful entry into or a detainer of the premises or any eviction
of Tenant from the Premises or any portion thereof, not will it subject Landlord
to any Liabilities or entitle Tenant to any compensation, abatement of rent or
other rights and remedies.

     24.3  Brokers.  Tenant represents and warrants that it has had no
           -------                                                    
dealings with any agent, broker, finder or other person who is or might be
entitled to a commission or other fee from Landlord in connection with this or
any related transaction, except for Tenant's Broker.

     24.4  Quiet Enjoyment.  So long as Tenant pays all rent and performs
           ---------------                                               
its other obligations as required, Tenant may quietly enjoy the Premises without
hindrance or molestation by Landlord or any person lawfully claiming through or
under Landlord, subject to the terms of this Lease and the terms of any Superior
Leases and Mortgages, and all other

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
agreements or matters of record or to which this Lease is subordinate.  As used
in this Lease, the term "Superior Leases and Mortgages" means all present and
future ground leases, underlying leases, mortgages, deeds of trust or other
encumbrances, and all renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements or
extensions thereof and advances made thereunder, affecting all or any portion of
the Premises or the Project.

     24.5  Security.  Tenant is solely responsible for providing security
           --------                                                      
for the Premises and Tenant's personnel.  Without limiting the generality of
this Article, Tenant agrees that: (a) Landlord may, but will not be required to,
supply security personnel and systems for the Premises, the Common Area or the
rest of the Project and remove or restrain unauthorized persons and prevent
unauthorized acts; (b) Landlord will incur no Liabilities for failing to provide
security personnel or systems or, if provided, for acts, omissions or
malfunctions of the security personnel or systems; and (c) Landlord and its
Affiliates make no representations or warranties of any kind in connection with
the security or safety of the Premises, the Common Area or the rest of the
Project.

     24.6  Obligations; Successors; Recordation.  If tenant consists of
           ------------------------------------                        
more than one person or entity, the obligations and liabilities or those persons
or entities are joint and several.  Time is of the essence of this Lease.
Subject to the restrictions in Article 18, this Lease inures to the benefit of
and binds Landlord, Tenant and their respective Affiliates. Tenant will not
record this Lease but Tenant may record a memorandum of this Lease, in form
satisfactory to Landlord, to comply with the Massachusetts statutory notice
provisions.  If this Lease expires or is terminated, this memorandum will be
deemed null and void and removed from title, and Tenant will execute and record
such documents as may be necessary to accomplish this at Landlord's request, and
if Tenant refuses to do so, Landlord may execute and record such documents in
Tenant's name or in its own name.

     24.7  Late Charges.  If any rent or other amounts payable by Tenant
           ------------                                                 
are not received within five (5) days after the due date, Tenant will pay to
Landlord on demand a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of the overdue
amount, and if not received within ten (10) days after the due date, the amounts
also will bear interest from the due date until paid at the interest rate in
Section 22.5.  Collection of these late charges and interest will not: be a
waiver or cure of Tenant's default or failure to perform; be deemed to be
liquidated damages, an invalid penalty or an election of remedies; or prevent
Landlord from exercising any other rights and remedies.

     24.8  Accord and Satisfaction.  Payment by Tenant or acceptance by
           -----------------------                                     
Landlord of less than the full amount of rent due is not a waiver, but will be
deemed to be on account of amounts next due, and no endorsements or statements
on any check or any letter accompanying any check or payment will be deemed an
accord and satisfaction or binding on Landlord.  Landlord may accept the check
or payment without prejudice to any of Landlord's rights and remedies,
including, without limitation, the right to recover the full amount due.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
          24.9  Prior Agreements; Amendments; Waiver.  This Lease is an
                ------------------------------------                   
integrated document and contains all of the agreements of the parties with
respect to any matter covered or mentioned in this Lease, and supersedes all
prior agreements or understandings (including, without limitation, the Letter of
Intent between Landlord and Tenant, dated October 3, 1991, as extended, but
excluding Agency Agreements that have been or may be entered into between Tenant
and Landlord for other space leased by Tenant outside the Project).  This Lease
may not be amended except by an agreement in writing signed by the parties.  All
waivers must be in writing, specify the act or omission waived and be signed by
Landlord.  No other alleged waivers will be effective, including, without
limitation, Landlord's acceptance of rent, collection of a late charge or
application of a security deposit.  Landlord's waiver of any specific act,
omission, term or condition will not be a waiver of any other or subsequent act,
omission, term or condition.

          24.10  Representations; Inability to Perform.  Landlord and its
                 -------------------------------------                   
Affiliates have not made, and Tenant is not relying on, any representations or
warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the Premises, the
Project or this transaction.  Landlord will not be in default nor incur any
Liabilities if it cannot fulfill any of its obligations, or is delayed in doing
so, because of accidents, breakage, strike, labor troubles, war, sabotage,
governmental regulations or controls, inability to obtain materials or services,
acts of God, or any other cause, whether similar or dissimilar, beyond
Landlord's reasonable control.

          24.11  Legal Proceedings.  In any action or proceeding involving or
                 -----------------                                           
relating in any way to this Lease, the court or other person or entity having
jurisdiction in such action or proceeding will award to the party in whose favor
judgement is entered the actual attorneys' fees and costs incurred.  Tenant also
will indemnify Landlord for, and hold Landlord harmless from and against, all
Liabilities incurred by Landlord if Landlord becomes or is made a party to any
proceeding or action: (a) involving Tenant and any third party, or by or against
any person holding any interest under or using the Premises by License of or
agreement with Tenant (except and strictly to the extent that Landlord is
finally determined to be a joint tortfeasor with Tenant against such third
party); or (b) necessary to protect Landlord's interest under this Lease in a
proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code.  Unless prohibited by law, Tenant waives
the right to trial by jury in all actions involving or related to this Lease,
the Project or any collateral or subsequent agreements between the parties, and
any right to impose a counterclaim in any proceeding brought for possession of
the Premises as a result of Tenant's default.  Tenant also submits to and agrees
not to contest the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal
courts located in Massachusetts to adjudicate all matters in connection with
this Lease or involving Landlord or Landlord's Affiliates in any way, and Tenant
agrees that it will bring all suits and actions only in such Massachusetts
courts and not to seek a change of venue.  Service on any one or more of the
individuals comprising Tenant will conclusively be deemed service on all of
those individuals.  In any circumstances where Tenant is obligated to indemnify
or hold harmless Landlord under this Lease, that obligation also will run in
favor of Landlord's Affiliates, and will include the obligation to protect
Landlord and its Affiliates, and defend them with counsel acceptable to
Landlord, and Tenant

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
will pay when due all attorneys' fees and costs.  These obligations to
indemnify, hold harmless, protect and defend will survive the expiration or
termination of this Lease.

          24.12  Ownership; Invalidity; Remedies; Choice of Law.  As used in
                 ----------------------------------------------             
this Lease, the term "Landlord" means only the current owner or owners of the
fee title to the Premises. Upon each conveyance (whether voluntary or
involuntary) of fee title, the conveying party will be relieved of all
Liabilities and obligations contained in or derived from this Lease or arising
out of any act, occurrence or omission occurring after the date of such
conveyance.  Landlord may Transfer all or any portion of its interests in this
Lease, the Premises, or the Project without affecting Tenant's obligations and
Liabilities under this Lease.  Tenant has no right, title or interest in the
name of the Building or the Project, and may use these names only to identify
its location.  Any provision of this Lease which is invalid, void or illegal
will not affect, impair or invalidate any of the other provisions and the other
provisions will remain in full force and effect.  Landlord's rights and remedies
are cumulative and not exclusive.  This Lease is governed by the laws of
Massachusetts applicable to transactions to be performed wholly therein.

          24.13  Expense; Consent.  Unless otherwise provided in this Lease, a
                 ----------------                                             
party's obligation will be performed at that party's sole cost and expense,
except when Landlord is performing Tenant's obligations because of Tenant's
default or failure to perform or as otherwise permitted in this Lease.  Except
where it is expressly provided that Landlord will not unreasonably withhold its
consent or approval or exercise its judgment reasonably, Landlord may grant or
withhold its consent or approval and exercise its judgment arbitrarily and in
its sole and absolute discretion and without dispute by Tenant.  In any dispute
involving Landlord's withholding of consent or exercise of judgment, the sole
right and remedy of Tenant and its Affiliates is declaratory relief (i.e., that
such consent should be granted where Landlord has agreed not to unreasonably
withhold its consent) pursuant to arbitration in Massachusetts conducted by the
American Arbitration Association utilizing its expedited arbitration procedures,
and Tenant and its Affiliates waive all other rights and remedies, including,
without limitation, claims for damages.

          24.14  Presumptions; Exhibits; Submission; Net Lease.  This Lease will
                 ---------------------------------------------                  
be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring
construction or interpretation against the party drafting the document.  The
titles to the Articles and Sections of this Lease are not a part of this Lease
and will have no effect on its construction or interpretation.  Whenever
required by the context of this Lease, the singular includes the plural and the
plural includes the singular, and the masculine, feminine and neuter genders of
each include the others, and the word "person" includes individuals,
corporations, partnerships or other entities.  All exhibits and riders attached
to this Lease are incorporated in this Lease by this reference, and if there is
any conflict with the rest of this Lease, the riders will control.  The
submission of this Lease to Tenant or its broker, agent or attorney for review
or signature is not an offer to Tenant to lease the Premises or the grant of an
option to lease to Premises.  This Lease will not be binding unless and until it
is executed and delivered by both Landlord and Tenant.  This

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
Lease is intended to be a completely "triple net" lease, unless specifically
otherwise provided in this Lease.

     24.15  Cooperation.  Tenant will, at its expense, cooperate with
            -----------                                              
Landlord in all respects in connection with this Lease, Landlord's ownership,
operation, management, improvement, maintenance and repair of the Premises and
the rest of the Project, and Landlord's exercise of its rights and obligations
under this Lease.  If necessary, this cooperation will include, without
limitation, moving machinery and equipment within the Premises and allowing
Landlord sufficient space within the Premises to enable Landlord to perform any
work that Landlord has the right or is required to perform under this Lease.

     24.16  Notices.  All notices, demands or communications required or
            -------                                                     
permitted under this Lease (the "Notices") will be in writing and personally or
electronically delivered, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid.  Notices to Tenant will be delivered to the address for Tenant
in Section 1.1, except that when Tenant takes possession of the Premises, the
address of the Premises always may be used for the purpose of delivering notices
to Tenant.  Notices to any one or more of the individuals comprising Tenant will
be deemed Notices to all of those individuals.  Notices to Landlord will be
delivered to the addresses for Landlord in Section 1.1.  Notices will be
effective on the earlier of: delivery; or, if mailed, three (3) days after they
are mailed in accordance with this Section.

     24.17  Security Deposit.  On the execution of this Lease, Tenant will
            ----------------                                              
deposit the Security Deposit with Landlord as security for the performance of
Tenant's obligations.  If Tenant fails to perform its Lease obligations as
required, Landlord may, but will not be obligated to, apply all or any part of
the Security Deposit for the payment of any amounts due or any other Liabilities
which Landlord may incur.  If any part of the Security Deposit is so applied,
Tenant will, within five (5) days after written demand, deposit cash with
Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the Security Deposit to its previous
amount.  Landlord need not keep the Security Deposit separate from its general
funds, and Tenant will receive interest on the unapplied Security Deposit at the
rate of five percent (5%) per annum, payable at the end of each Lease Year.  If
Tenant complies with all of the provisions of this Lease, the unused portion of
the Security Deposit will be returned to Tenant after the end of this Lease and
the surrender of possession of the Premises to Landlord in the condition
required.

     24.18  Other Defined Terms.
            ------------------- 

            (a) "Affiliates" means: partners, directors, officers, shareholders,
     agents, employees, parents, subsidiaries, affiliated parties, invitees,
     customers, licensees, concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors,
     successors, assigns, subtenants, and representatives. However, where Tenant
     under this Lease releases Landlord's Affiliates from Liabilities, Tenant
     will not be deemed to have released Landlord's contractors and
     subcontractors if such parties are completely independent from Landlord and
     otherwise are not Affiliates of Landlord.

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
            (b) "Laws" means: laws, codes, decisions, ordinances, rules,
     regulations, licenses, permits, and directives of governmental and quasi-
     governmental officers, including, without limitation, those relating to
     building and safety, fire prevention, health, energy conservation,
     Hazardous Substances and environmental protection.

            (c) "Liabilities" means: all costs, damages, claims, injuries,
     liabilities and judgements, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees
     and costs (whether or not suit is commenced or judgment entered).

            (d) "Systems and Equipment" means: all HVAC, plumbing, mechanical,
     electrical, lighting, water, gas, sewer, safety, sanitary and any other
     utility or service facilities, systems and equipment, and all pipes, ducts,
     poles, stacks, chases, conduits and wires.

 25. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES.
     -------------------- 

     Without limiting the generality of any portion of this Lease, Tenant and
its Affiliates will:

            (a) Not store, handle, transport, use, process, generate, discharge
     or dispose of any hazardous, toxic, corrosive, dangerous, explosive,
     flammable or noxious substances, gasses or waste, whether now or hereafter
     defined under any Laws or otherwise (collectively, "hazardous substances"),
     from, in or about the Premises or the rest of the Project, or create any
     release or threat of release of any hazardous substances, nor permit any of
     the foregoing to occur. If any of the foregoing occur, or if Landlord in
     good faith believes that any of the foregoing have occurred or are likely
     to occur or that Tenant and its Affiliates are not complying fully with the
     requirements of this Article, in addition to any other rights and remedies
     of Landlord, Tenant and its Affiliates immediately will cease the acts or
     omissions and in addition to any other rights and remedies (all of which
     are cumulative), at Landlord's request Tenant will take such actions as may
     be required by Laws and as Landlord may direct to cure or prevent the
     problem. Tenant and its Affiliates will comply fully with all Laws and
     insurance requirements in connection with or related to hazardous
     substances, whether now or hereafter existing, including, without
     limitation, CERCLA, SARA, RCRA, TSCA, CWA, Chapter 21E of Massachusetts
     General Laws and any other Laws promulgated by the EPA, OSHA or
     Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

            (b) Immediately pay, and indemnify Landlord for and hold Landlord
     harmless from, all Liabilities in connection with or arising directly or
     indirectly from hazardous substances or any breach by Tenant or its
     Affiliates of their obligations in this Article, including, without
     limitation, the costs of any of the following, whether required by
     Landlord, applicable Laws or insurance requirements or otherwise: any

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
     "response actions" or "responses"; any surveys, "audits", inspections,
     tests, reports or procedures deemed necessary or desirable by Landlord or
     governmental or quasi-governmental authorities to determine the existence
     or scope of any hazardous substances or Tenant's compliance with this
     Article, and any actions recommended to be taken in connection therewith;
     compliance with any applicable Laws and insurance requirements; any
     requirements, directives or plans for the prevention, containment,
     processing, storage, clean-up or disposal of hazardous substances; the
     release and discharge of any resulting liens; and any other injury or
     damage. On the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant will
     leave the Premises free of hazardous substances.

            (c) Immediately deliver to Landlord copies of any notices,
      information, reports and communications of any type received or given in
      connection with hazardous substances, including, without limitation,
      notices of violation and settlement actions from or with governmental or
      quasi-governmental authorities, reports from Tenant's engineers or
      consultants, and the results of any analyses conducted by or for Tenant.
      Tenant specifically grants Landlord the right to participate in all
      discussions and meetings regarding actual or potential violations,
      settlements or abatements.

Tenant's failure to comply with the requirements of this Article will be a
material default under this Lease.  All of Tenant's obligations under this
Article will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, each party has
executed this Lease as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above
on the date specified below next to its signature.

                                 "LANDLORD"
                                 NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY, a Massachusetts
                                 limited partnership


Executed: November 28, 1991      By:  Niuna-North Andover, Inc., a Massachusetts
                                      corporation, general partner
WITNESS:
 
 /s/ John C. Cissel              By:  /s/ Martin Spaggat
- ------------------------------       -------------------------------------------
Name Printed                          Name

John C. Cissel                        Its:    Vice President

                                 By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts
                                      partnership, general partner

                                      By: Copley Advisors, Inc., a Massachusetts
                                      corporation, managing general partner
WITNESS:

  /s/ Julie A. Curll                  By: /s/ Michael H. Harrity
 -----------------------------            --------------------------------------
Name Printed                              Name: Michael H. Harrity
                                          Its:  Vice President

                                 "TENANT"
Executed: November 20, 1991     FTP SOFTWARE, INC., a Massachusetts corporation

WITNESS:

 /s/ John C. Cissel             By:  /s/ Nancy L. Connor
- ------------------------------       -----------------------------------------
Name Printed                           Nancy L. Connor, President

WITNESS:

 /s/ John C. Cissel             By:  /s/ Nancy L. Connor
 -----------------------------       -----------------------------------------
Name Printed                                (Signature)

                                             Nancy L. Connor
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Name Printed, Secretary

                                     -28-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------

                                   SITE PLAN


                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "A" Continued
                             ---------------------

                                   SITE PLAN


                                     -30-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                                  SECOND FLOOR


                                     -31-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                                  THIRD FLOOR


                                     -32-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                                  FOURTH FLOOR


                                     -33-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                             DETAIL OF BUILDING #3

                          SECOND FLOOR COMMON CORRIDOR


                                     -34-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                             DETAIL OF BUILDING #3

                               THIRD FLOOR LOBBY


                                     -35-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                             DETAIL OF BUILDING #32

                            2nd, 3rd and 4th FLOORS


                                     -36-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" Continued
                             ---------------------

                                    PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                                  SECOND FLOOR


                                     -37-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" Continued
                             ---------------------

                                    PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                                  THIRD FLOOR


                                     -38-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" Continued
                             ---------------------

                                    PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                     DETAIL OF BUILDING #3A - SECOND FLOOR


                                     -39-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" Continued
                             ---------------------

                                    PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                      DETAIL OF BUILDING #3A - THIRD FLOOR


                                     -40-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "C"

                                   WORKLETTER


1.   General Conditions.
     ------------------ 

     1.1  Tenant and its contractors may have access to the Premises for the
purpose of preparing the Premises for Tenant's occupancy at least sixty (60)
days before Landlord's Work has been substantially completed, provided that such
access does not interfere with or delay Landlord's Work.  After any entry by
Tenant or its contractors, all of Tenant's Lease obligations will be immediately
effective except for the obligation to pay base rent, Taxes, Landlord's
insurance premiums and Operating Costs.  All construction, materials, services,
licenses, approvals, costs, installations and equipment to or for the Premises
other than Landlord's Work are called "Tenant's Work", and will be performed by
Tenant at Tenant's sole cost and in a good and workmanlike manner and subject to
the rest of the terms of this Lease.  Tenant will not interfere in any way with
Landlord's Work, whether in connection with Tenant's Work or otherwise.  If
Landlord's Work is delayed or made more expensive due to: any act or omission of
Tenant or its Affiliates (including, without limitation, any delay of or failure
to complete Tenant's Work, any requested or required changes to the Final Plans
agreed to by Landlord, or any failure or delay in submitting plans,
specifications, drawings, requirements, information or approvals or changes or
inaccuracies in any of the foregoing), then Tenant will be responsible for the
delays and additional cost, Landlord's Work will be deemed substantially
completed when it would have been completed but for the delays (and at minimum
any delays will be subtracted from the date of actual substantial completion in
determining when substantial completion will be deemed to have occurred), and
Tenant will pay any additional cost to Landlord as additional rent within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's bill.  Within ten (10) days after
Landlord's request, Tenant will execute and deliver to Landlord a certificate
confirming the date of substantial completion of Landlord's Work. Tenant's
certificate is for purposes of confirmation only and will not affect the actual
date of substantial completion.

     1.2  In addition, to the extent that all costs in connection with
Landlord's Work (other than the "Extra Costs" as defined in the rest of this
Workletter) exceed $15.75 multiplied by the initial rentable area of the
Premises excluding the bathroom areas in building 32 (the "Maximum Amount").
Tenant will pay those excess costs to Landlord as additional rent within fifteen
(15) days after receipt of Landlord's bills therefor from time to time, provided
that Landlord provides reasonable evidence for such costs.  Also, as more fully
described in the rest of this Workletter, provided that certain conditions are
satisfied Tenant will be entitled to any savings if all costs in connection with
Landlord's Work (other than the Extra Costs) are less than the Maximum Amount.

                                     -41-
<PAGE>
 
     1.3  The rest of this Workletter is attached and is incorporated herein by
this reference.


                                     -42-
<PAGE>
 
                              EXHIBIT "C" (Cont.)
                                   WORKLETTER

     This is a continuation of the Workletter attached to and incorporated in
Exhibit "C" to the Lease between FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant") and North Andover
Mills Realty ("Landlord").

A.   Landlord's Work; Tenant's Work.  "Landlord's Work" means all labor,
     ------------------------------                                     
services, materials, systems and equipment, installations and hookups, and all
necessary modifications thereto or occasioned thereby, and all required permits
and approvals, necessary to construct the improvements specified in or required
in connection with the Final Plans (defined below) and agreed-upon changes to
the Final Plans, in order to ready the Premises and the Building for occupancy
by Tenant.  Landlord will construct these improvements substantially in
accordance with the Final Plans and agreed-upon change orders, subject to
compliance with applicable Laws and inaccuracies in the Final Plans and agreed-
upon changes thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord's Work will not
include any computer, data or telephone wiring or hookups or installation and
hookup of Tenant's systems, equipment and powered, moveable partitions, which
will be performed by Tenant at its expense.  "Tenant's Work" means all labor,
services, materials, systems and equipment, installations and hookups to or for
the Premises (including, without limitation, the work described in the preceding
sentence) other than Landlord's Work.  Tenant will perform Tenant's Work at its
cost.


                                     -43-
<PAGE>
 
B.   Construction Representative.  When Tenant signs this Lease, it will, by
     ---------------------------                                            
written notice to Landlord, appoint a construction representative (who may be an
architect) who will be available to meet and consult with Landlord and its
representatives on a continuing basis at the Premises concerning Landlord's
Work, and who can and will render binding decisions on behalf of Tenant as
Tenant's agent promptly and in accordance with this Lease.  Tenant may change
its construction representative by written notice to Landlord.

C.   Final Plans.  Within six (6) weeks after December 10, 1991, Tenant will
     -----------                                                            
submit to Landlord and Landlord's architect two (2) sets of Tenant's proposed
final layouts, plans and specifications for all work that Tenant wishes Landlord
to perform (collectively, the "Plans"). The Plans submitted by Tenant shall be
biddable, permittable and constructable and contain final finish selections.
(Color selections will be made promptly by Tenant at Landlord's request in order
to avoid delays to the construction schedule.)  Landlord and/or Landlord's
architect and engineer will notify Tenant in writing of any required changes
within ten (10) days after each of them has received full sets of the Plans.
Tenant and its architect will make the required changes and resubmit the revised
Plans to Landlord and Landlord's architect and engineer within seven (7) days
thereafter, and when the Plans have been satisfactorily revised, Landlord and
Tenant (or their architects) each will initial or stamp a set of the final,
revised Plans (the "Final Plans").  Shop drawings and finish product samples
will be submitted to Tenant's construction representatives for the limited
purpose of checking for conformity and the information given and the design
concepts expressed in the Final Plans.  Shop Drawings

                                     -44-
<PAGE>
 
and samples will be stamped or initialed for approval by Tenant or its
construction representative, but whether or not stamped or initialed, they will
be deemed approved within five (5) days after they are submitted to Tenant's
construction representative unless written objections to the submissions are
received by Landlord's architect within that period.  Tenant's construction
representatives will be kept informed of both the progress and results of the
bidding and pricing phases of Landlord's Work, and, if it wishes, it may submit
written change orders to Landlord pursuant to Section D.  Below in an attempt to
reduce the cost of Landlord's Work.

D.   Change Orders.  During the course of construction, if Tenant wishes to
     -------------                                                         
change the Final Plans, its construction representative will submit written
change orders to Landlord detailing the proposed change.  If and to the extent
that Landlord or its architect wishes to clarify and/or change any aspect of the
proposed change order, it will contact and/or meet with Tenant and its
construction representative or, if Tenant wishes, Landlord will set forth its
clarifications or changes in writing.  Change orders will be binding only when
signed by Landlord, and by Tenant or Tenant's construction representative.

E.   Modifications to Loading Dock.  In addition to Landlord's Work, Landlord,
     -----------------------------                                            
at its cost, also will modify and design the existing leading dock for the
Premises substantially in accordance with the plan attached hereto as 
Exhibit "CC."

F.   Base Building; Extra Costs.  As part of the work for Tenant's initial move-
     --------------------------                                                
in, Landlord, at its cost, will: (a) provide the existing base building
conditions in the Premises

                                     -45-
<PAGE>
 
(subject to modifications and additions that are necessary in connection with,
required in order to perform, or result from Landlord's Work per the Final Plans
and agreed-upon changes thereto or Tenant's particular use of the Premises),
consisting of attached lighting fixtures, HVAC, electrical, subflooring (which
will be in a condition adequate to receive finish flooring or carpet), windows,
exterior walls, cable tray systems, wiring for the existing card access system,
a demising wall in buildings 1A and 3 (if necessary), and additional legal
egress from the Premises if required by code; (b) vacuum the joints between the
wooden ceiling deck or, if this is unsuccessful, apply a clear silicone sealer
to the joints of the wooden ceiling deck of Premises, all in an attempt to
prevent the falling of residual sand-blasting dust from between joints, and only
                                                                            ----
in those areas of the wooden ceiling deck directly beneath which polyethylene
sheeting is now suspended (and these steps are the limit of Landlord's
obligation in connection with this matter); and (c) wire back to the appropriate
fire alarm panels all sprinkler flow switches in the Premises which currently
are not so wired; and (d) provide bathrooms on each floor of the Premises in
building 32.  "Extra Costs" means the costs to provide the items described in
the previous sentence, the costs to provide the loading dock modifications
(subject to Attachment "CC") as described in Section E. above, and the costs
incurred to make changes to the existing base building conditions described in
Subsection (a) above required by applicable Laws (but not costs incurred to make
                                                      ---                       
changes that are necessary in connection with, required in order to perform, or
results from Landlord's Work per the Final Plans and agreed-upon changes thereto
or Tenant's particular use of the Premises).  Also, Extra Costs

                                     -46-
<PAGE>
 
specifically do not include modifications or additions to the base building
                ---                                                        
conditions that are necessary in connection with, required in order to perform,
or result from Landlord's Work or Tenant's particular use of the Premises.

G.   Savings.  Subject to the rest of this Workletter, if the total of all costs
     -------                                                                    
in connection with Landlord's Work (excluding the Extra Costs) are less than the
Maximum Amount, Landlord will pay the savings to Tenant or, at Landlord's
option, credit the savings against amounts otherwise owed by Tenant under this
Lease, subject to the satisfaction of the following terms and conditions:
     (a) For these purposes, the total of all costs of Landlord's Work will be
determined when all of Landlord's Work is completely finished, including punch
list items, and all costs (excluding the Extra Costs) have been billed and paid
for.
     (b) Tenant is not in default, has occupied the Premises for the conduct of
its business, accepted the Premises by written notice to Landlord (including
acceptance of all punch list items other than those that the parties agree in
writing will not be Landlord's costs), and paid its first month's rent.

Exhibit C. FT3

12/12/91

                                     -47-
<PAGE>
 
                                ATTACHMENT "CC"

Landlord's obligation to modify the existing loading dock area at the 2nd level
and to the rear of building #3 will be as set forth below:

        1.    Two (2) covered standard loading dock bays, each will include dock
              bumpers, with electrically operated doors (or doors operated with
              another system approved by Tenant) from the Building to the
              loading dock, and a "UPS" loading dock (space permitting).

        2.    Subject to providing the items above, the redesign of the loading
              dock as required by these modifications will be in Landlord's
              discretion, and if in Landlord's discretion the redesign requires
              additional asphalt paving, landscaping (i.e., grass replacement),
              storm drainage, retaining walls or design and construction
              documents, the cost for those additional items will be paid by
              Landlord. However, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein
              or elsewhere, Tenant will not be entitled to any savings in
              connection with this work.


                                     -48-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "D"

                                   BASE RENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                   ----------------------------------- 
                                    Annual Base Rent  
                                    ----------------
                                   Per Rentable Square
                                   -------------------
                   Lease Year       Foot in Premises  
                   ----------       ----------------
                   ----------------------------------- 
                   <S>             <C>                
                        1                 $10.55      
                   -----------------------------------
                        2                 $10.55      
                   -----------------------------------
                        3                 $10.55      
                   -----------------------------------
                        4                 $11.43      
                   -----------------------------------
                        5                 $11.43      
                   -----------------------------------
                        6                 $11.43      
                   -----------------------------------
                        7                 $12.39      
                   -----------------------------------
                        8                 $12.39      
                   -----------------------------------
                        9                 $12.39      
                   -----------------------------------
                        10                $12.39      
                   ----------------------------------- 
</TABLE>

NOTE:  THE BASE RENT RATES ABOVE DO NOT APPLY TO ANY STORAGE SPACE LEASED PER
ARTICLE 26, AND APPLY TO OFFER SPACE LEASED ONLY AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE 27.

                                     -49-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "E"
                             RULES AND REGULATIONS


     1.   Fire exits and stairways are for emergency use only, and they shall
not be used for any other purposes.  Tenant shall not encumber or obstruct, or
permit the encumbrance or obstruction of or store or place any materials on any
of the sidewalks, plazas, entrance, corridors, elevators, fire exits or
stairways of the Project.  The Landlord reserves the right to control and
operate the public portions of the Project and the public facilities, as well as
facilities furnished for the common use of the tenants, and access thereto, in
such manner as it deems best.

     2.   The cost of repairing any damage to the public portions of the Project
or the public facilities or to any facilities used in common with other tenants
caused by Tenant or its Affiliates shall be paid by Tenant.

     3.   Any person whose presence in the Project at any time shall, in the
judgment of the Landlord, be prejudicial to the safety, character, reputation
and interests of the Project or its tenants may be denied access to the Project
or may be ejected therefrom.  In case of invasion, riot, public excitement or
other commotion the Landlord may prevent all access to the Project or the
Building during the continuance of the same, by closing the doors or otherwise,
for the safety of the tenants and by protection of property.  The Landlord shall
in no way be liable to any tenant for damages or loss arising from the
admission, exclusion or ejection of any person to or from Tenant's premises or
the Project under the provisions of this rule.

     4.   No awnings or other projections over or around the windows shall be
installed by Tenant and only such window blinds as are permitted by the Landlord
shall be used in Tenants's premises.

     5.   Hand trucks shall not be used in any space, or in the public halls of
the Building in the delivery or receipt of merchandise, except those equipped
with rubber tires and side guards.  Tenant shall repair all damage to floors
both in the Premises and the Common Area caused by its use of material-handling
equipment and, if requested by Landlord, Tenant shall install at its expense
suitable floor covering to protect the floors and shall remove such floor
covering (and repair any damage caused by the removal) at its expense at the
expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.  All air compressors, electric
motors and other machinery and equipment shall be shock-mounted so as not to
transmit vibrations.

                                     -50-
<PAGE>
 
     6.   All entrance doors in Tenant's premises shall be kept locked when
Tenant's premises are not in use.  Entrance doors shall not be left open at any
time.  All windows in Tenant's premises shall be kept closed at all times and
all blinds therein above the ground floor shall be lowered when and as
reasonably required because of the position of the sun, during the operation of
the air conditioning system to cool or ventilate the tenant's premises.

     7.   Nothing shall be done or permitted in Tenant's premises which would
impair or interfere with any of the Systems or Equipment or the proper and
economic servicing of the Building or the Premises, or the use or enjoyment by
any other tenant of any other premises, nor shall there be installed by Tenant
any Systems or Equipment or other equipment of any kind which, in Landlord's
judgment, could result in such impairment or interference.  If necessary in
Landlord's judgment, Landlord may install, relocate, remove, use, maintain,
repair and replace Systems and Equipment within or serving the Tenant's premises
or other parts of the Project, and perform other work and alterations within the
Tenant's premises.  No dangerous, inflammable, combustible or explosive object
or material shall be brought into the Building by Tenant or with the permission
of Tenant.

     8.   Whenever Tenant shall submit to Landlord any plan, agreement or other
document for Landlord's consent or approval, such tenant agrees to pay Landlord
as additional rent, on demand, a processing fee in a sum equal to the fees of
any architect, contractor, engineer and attorney employed by Landlord to review
said plan, agreement or document. Within fifteen (15) days after Landlord's
request from time to time, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord Tenant's financial
statements, including a balance sheet, income statements and bank references.

     9.   No acids, vapors hazardous or other materials shall be discharged or
permitted to be discharged into the waste lines, ducts, vents or flues which may
damage them or any other portions of the Building or the Project.  The water and
wash closets and other plumbing fixtures in or serving any tenant's premises
shall not be used for any purpose other than the purpose for which they were
designed or constructed, and no sweepings, rubbish, rags, acids or other foreign
substances shall be deposited therein.  All damage resulting from any misuse of
the fixtures shall be borne by the tenant who, or whose servants, employees,
agents, visitors or licensees, shall have caused the same.

     10.  No signs, advertisements, notice or other lettering shall be
exhibited, inscribed, painted or affixed by Tenant on any part of the outside or
inside the premises or the Building without the prior written consent of
Landlord.  The Tenant shall cause the exterior of any permitted sign to be kept
clean, properly maintained and in good order and repair throughout the term of
its lease.  In the event of the violations of the foregoing by Tenant, Landlord
may remove the same without any liability, and may charge the expense incurred
by such removal

                                     -51-
<PAGE>
 
to Tenant.  Landlord shall have the right to prohibit any advertising by Tenant
which impairs the reputation of the Building or the Project, and upon written
notice from Landlord, Tenant shall refrain from or discontinue such advertising.

     11.  Tenant's employees shall not loiter around the hallways, stairways,
elevators, front, roof or any other part of the Building used in common by the
occupants thereof.

     12.  If the premises become infested with vermin, Tenant, at its sole cost
and expense, shall cause its premises to be exterminated, from time to time, to
the satisfaction of Landlord, and shall employ such exterminators therefor as
shall be approved by Landlord.

     13.  All movers used by Tenant shall be appropriately licensed and shall
maintain adequate insurance coverage (proof of such coverage shall be delivered
to Landlord prior to movers providing service in and throughout the Building).
Tenant shall protect the premises and the rest of the Building from damage or
soiling by Tenant's movers and contractors and shall pay for extra cleaning or
replacement or repairs by reason of Tenant's failure to do so.

     14.  The premises shall not be used for lodging or sleeping or for any
immoral or illegal purposes.

                                     -52-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "F"
                             BANKRUPTCY PROVISIONS

           This Article is incorporated into the Lease as Article 23:

23.  BANKRUPTCY OR INSOLVENCY.
     ------------------------ 

     23.1 Tenant's Interest Not Transferable.  Neither Tenant's Interest in this
          ----------------------------------                                    
Lease nor any estate hereby created in Tenant nor any interest herein or therein
will pass to any trustee or receiver or assignee for the benefit of creditors or
otherwise by operation of law except as may specifically be provide pursuant to
the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq. (the "Bankruptcy Code").
                                           -- ---                          

     23.2 Default and Termination.  If:
          -----------------------      

          (a) Tenant or Tenant's Guarantor, if any, or its executors,
     administrators, or assigns, will generally not pay its debts as they become
     due or will admit in writing its inability to pay its debts, or will make a
     general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

          (b) Tenant or Tenant's Guarantor, if any, will commence any case,
     proceeding or other action seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment,
     liquidation, dissolution or composition of it or its debts under any law
     relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, or
     seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar
     official for it or for all or any substantial part of its property; or

          (c) Tenant or Tenant's Guarantor, if any, will take any corporate,
     partnership or other action to authorize or in furtherance of any of the
     actions set forth above in subsections (a) or (b); or

          (d) Any case, proceeding or other action against Tenant or Tenant's
     Guarantor, if any, will be commenced seeking to have an order for relief
     entered against it as debtor, or seeking reorganization, arrangement,
     adjustment, liquidation, dissolution or composition of it or its debts
     under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief
     of debtors, or seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or
     other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its
     property, and such case, proceeding or other action: results in the entry
     of an order for relief against it which is not fully stayed within seven
     (7) business days after the entry thereof; or remains undismissed for a
     period of forty-five (45) days, then it will be a

                                     -53-
<PAGE>
 
default hereunder and this Lease and all rights of Tenant hereunder will
automatically cease and terminate as if the date of such event were the original
expiration date of this Lease and Tenant will vacate and surrender the Premises
but will remain liable as herein provided.

     23.3 Right and Obligations Under the Bankruptcy Code.
          ----------------------------------------------- 

          (a) Upon the filing of a petition by or against Tenant under the
Bankruptcy Code, Tenant, as debtor and as debtor in possession, and any trustee
who may be appointed agree as follows: (i) to perform all obligations of Tenant
under this Lease, including, but not limited to, the covenants regarding the
operations and uses of the Premises until such time as this Lease is either
rejected or assumed by order of the United States Bankruptcy Court; (ii) to pay
monthly in advance on the first day of each month as reasonable compensation for
use and occupancy of the Premises an amount equal to all Monthly Minimum Rental
and other rent otherwise due pursuant to this Lease; (iii) to reject or assume
this Lease within sixty (60) days of the filing of a petition under any Chapter
of the Bankruptcy Code or under any Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or relief of debtors (any such rejection being deemed a rejection
and automatic termination of this Lease); (iv) to give Landlord at least thirty
(30) days prior written notice of any proceeding relating to any assumption of
this Lease; (v) to give at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any
abandonment of the Premises (any such abandonment being deemed a rejection and
automatic termination of this Lease); (vi) to do all other things of benefit to
Landlord otherwise required under the Bankruptcy Code or under any Law relating
to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors; (vii) to be
deemed to have rejected this Lease in the event of the failure to comply with
any of the above; and (viii) to have consented to the entry of an order by an
appropriate United States Bankruptcy Court providing all of the above, waiving
notice and hearing of the entry of same.

          (b) No default under this Lease by Tenant, either prior to or
subsequent to the filing of such petition, will be deemed to have been waived
unless expressly done so in writing by Landlord.

          (c) Included within and in addition to any other conditions or
obligations imposed upon Tenant or its successor in the event of assumption
and/or assignment are the following: (i) the cure of any monetary defaults and
the reimbursement of pecuniary loss by the time or the entry of the order
approving such assumption and/or assignment (pecuniary loss will include,
without limitation, any attorneys' fees and costs and expert witness fees
incurred by Landlord in protecting its rights under this Lease,

                                     -54-
<PAGE>
 
     including representation of Landlord in any proceeding commenced under the
     Bankruptcy Code or under any Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization or relief of debtor); (ii) the deposit of an additional sum
     equal to three (3) months' base rent; (iii) the use of the Premises only as
     set forth in this Lease; (iv) the reorganized debtor or assignee of such
     debtor in possession or of Tenant's trustee demonstrates in writing that it
     has sufficient background including, but not limited to, substantial
     experience in operating businesses in the manner contemplated in this Lease
     and meet all other reasonable criteria of Landlord as did Tenant upon
     execution of this Lease; (v) meeting all other criteria of 11 U.S.C.
     Section 365(b)(3); and (v) the prior written consent of any mortgagee to
     which this Lease has been assigned as collateral security; and (vi) the
     Premises at all times remains a single unit and no Alterations or physical
     changes of any kind may be made unless in compliance with the applicable
     provisions of this Lease.

          (d) Any person or entity to whom this Lease is assigned pursuant to
     the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code will be deemed without further act or
     deed to have assumed all of the obligations arising under this Lease on or
     after the date of such assignment. Any such assignee will upon demand
     execute and deliver to Landlord an instrument confirming such assumption.

     23.4 Construction.  The terms of this Article will be in addition to, but
          ------------                                                        
not exclusive of, any rights or remedies of Landlord in Article 22 and elsewhere
in this Lease or otherwise available at law or in equity, and will not be deemed
to limit Landlord, except as may be required by law.

                                     -55-
<PAGE>
 
                                    RIDER #1

26.  STORAGE SPACE.
     ------------- 

     If Tenant is not in default, on prior written notice to Landlord Tenant
will have the right to lease unleased space in the Building designated as vacant
by Landlord for use as storage space (the "Storage Space") on a month-to-month
basis.  To the extent so leased, the Storage Space will become part of and
increase the size of the Premises.  Tenant's base rent for the Storage Space
will be Three and No/100 Dollars ($3.00) per annum per square foot of rentable
area, payable monthly in advance with the rest of the base rent as described in
Article 5.  Either Landlord or Tenant may cancel this Lease as to the Storage
Space at any time on thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other.
Landlord will not be required to provide maintenance or services for the Storage
Space or protect or have any Liabilities for items stored therein.  Tenant will
use the Storage Space solely for storage of Tenant's Property, and not for any
other purpose, nor will Tenant store any hazardous substances in the Storage
Space or make any Alterations thereto.  Tenant may Transfer the Storage Space
only pursuant to a Transfer of the rest of the Premises.

27.  RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER.
     -------------------- 

     "Offer Space" means the unleased space in the Project east of High Street
designated as vacant by Landlord, with the exception of any space constructed
after the date of this Lease. During the first five (5) Lease Years, Tenant will
have the right to lease the Offer Space on the following terms and conditions:

          (a) Subject to the rest of this Article, before leasing all or any
     part of the Offer Space during the first five (5) Lease Years, Landlord
     will notify Tenant in writing of the rentable area of that part of the
     Offer Space and the base rent that Landlord will accept for that space. If
     Tenant wishes to exercise its right to lease that space, it must deliver an
     unconditional written notice of exercise to Landlord within twenty (20)
     days after receipt of Landlord's notice. Tenant may not lease less than the
     entire space offered. Unless otherwise agreed by Landlord and Tenant, the
     rentable area of each portion of the Offer Space (and the Storage Space,
     Expansion Space and any other space in the Premises) will be determined by
     Landlord's architect's measurement of the area, determined by measuring
     from interior face of glass to interior of face of glass without
     deductions. Time is of the essence, and if Tenant does not exercise its
     rights as described above, its rights to lease that portion of the Offer
     Space will lapse and become null and void, except only as described in
     Subsection (d) below.

                                     -56-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) Subject to the rest of this Article, if Tenant exercises its
     rights as described above, when Landlord tenders vacant possession of that
     portion of the Offer Space to Tenant it will become part of the Premises
     and the rentable area of the Premises will be increased by the rentable
     area of that portion, and the base rent for that space will be as described
     in Subsections (d) below.

          (c) These rights are personal to the Tenant originally named in this
     Lease and may not be exercised by or for any other Transferee or other
     person or entity. Whether or not these rights have been exercised, these
     rights will lapse and Tenant will have no rights in connection with any
     Offer Space if, before vacant possession of any Offer Space is tendered to
     Tenant, Tenant defaults or Transfers all or part of this Lease or the
     Premises (except for permitted subleases aggregating less than 16,000
     rentable square feet). Also, Tenant may not exercise any rights under this
     Article 27 unless and until it first has exercised all of its Expansion
     Options and leased the maximum amount of Expansion Space possible per
     Article 28. (For example, if Tenant wishes to exercise its rights under
     this Article during the first Lease Year, it first must have exercised all
     three of the Expansion Options and lease approximately 30,000 square feet
     of rentable area under Article 28. If Tenant already has exercised its
     First Expansion Option for 10,000 square feet and wishes to exercise it
     rights under this Article during the Second Lease Year, it must first
     exercise its Second and Third Expansion Options for an additional 20,000
     square feet of rentable area under Article 28). Tenant's option, expansion,
     extension, or similar rights that have been granted to the existing tenants
     in the Project (and their successors and assigns) as of the date of this
     Lease.

          (d) The base rent per annum per square foot of rentable area for each
     part of the Offer Space will be the greater of: the base rent in 
     Exhibit "D"; or the base rent per square foot in Landlord's initial notice
     for that space. However, as provided in the last sentence of 
     Subsection (a) above, and subject to the rest of this Article 27, if Tenant
     fails to exercise its option with respect to that space, during the first
     five (5) Lease Years Landlord may not enter into any other lease for that
     space for an average net base rent per square foot specified in Landlord's
     initial notice without first reoffering that space to Tenant. The reoffered
     base rent per square foot will be equal to the greater of: the base rent as
     shown in Exhibit "D"; or that lesser base rent. If Tenant wishes to
     exercise its option it must do so as described in Subsection (a) above, and
     if it does not, Tenant's rights to lease that part of the Offer Space (as
     increased or decreased by up to twenty percent 20% of the usable space)
     will lapse and become null and void.

28.  EXPANSION OPTIONS.
     ----------------- 

                                     -57-
<PAGE>
 
     28.1 Expansion Options.  Landlord grants to Tenant three (3) options (the
          -----------------                                                   
"First Expansion Option," the "Second Expansion Option," and the "Third
Expansion Option") to Lease portions of the Expansion Space on the same terms
and conditions as this Lease, except as set forth below.  "Expansion Space"
means the space in buildings 3A and 11 in the Project as so designated in
Exhibit "B".  The First, Second and Third Expansion Options can be exercised
only by Tenant delivering unconditional written notice of exercise to Landlord
at lease six (6) months before the end of the first, second and third Lease
Years, respectively.  If for any reason Landlord does not actually receive this
unconditional written notice of exercise when required for a particular
Expansion Option, that expansion Option and all subsequent Expansion Options
will lapse and become null and void.  The Expansion Options are granted to and
may be exercised by Tenant on the express condition that, at the time of the
exercise and at all times before vacant possession of any Expansion Space is
delivered to Tenant, Tenant is not in default.  TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OF THE
ESSENCE.  The Expansion Options are personal to the Tenant originally named in
this Lease and may not be exercised by or for anyone else, and if Tenant
Transfers any part of the this Lease or the Premises (except for permitted
subleases aggregating less than 16,000 square feet of rentable area) before the
beginning of an Expansion Option term, at Landlord's election that Expansion
Option and all subsequent Expansion Options will lapse and become null and void.

     28.2 Size of Expansion Space.  For each of the Expansion Options, Tenant
          -----------------------                                            
may lease no less than approximately 3,000 square feet of rentable area.
Subject to Section 28.3(c), for the First Expansion Option, Tenant may lease no
more than a full floor in building 3A. Subject to Section 28.3(c), for the
Second Expansion Option, Tenant may lease no more than it leased for the First
Expansion Option (if any).  Subject to Section 28.3(c), for the Third Expansion
Option, Tenant may lease no more than it leased for the Second Expansion Option
(if any).

     28.3 Additional Terms.
          ---------------- 

          (a) Landlord will not incur Liabilities to Tenant if Landlord is
     unable to deliver vacant possession of any of the Expansion Space by the
     required dates if due to the holdover of a previous tenant or force
     majeure, but if due to a holdover Landlord will diligently attempt to
     deliver vacant possession of that space as soon as reasonably possible, and
     Tenant's rights and obligations with respect to that space will commence as
     soon as Landlord delivers vacant possession.

          (b) When Landlord tenders vacant possession of any Expansion Space to
     Tenant, that space will become part of the Premises and the rentable area
     of the Premises will be increased by the rentable area of that Expansion
     Space.

                                     -58-
<PAGE>
 
          (c) Tenant first must lease all Expansion Space in building 3A before
     it can lease any Expansion Space in building 11. For Tenant's First
     Expansion Option, it must lease either all of the 3rd floor (i.e., the
     middle floor) of building 3A or the area on that floor designated as
     "Expansion Area AA" in Exhibit "B." If Tenant has leased Expansion Area AA
     for its First Expansion Option, for its Second Expansion Option it must
     lease only "Expansion Area BB" as shown in Exhibit "B," which is the rest
     of the 3rd floor of building 3A. If Tenant chooses (and is permitted) to
     lease Expansion Space on the bottom floor of building 11, it must lease the
     full floor of Expansion Space and not a partial floor, at Landlord's option
     (even if this conflicts with Section 28.2). Notwithstanding anything to the
     contrary, unless otherwise elected by Landlord (and unless otherwise
     permitted by code) any bathrooms and corridors in building 3A, the corridor
     on the bottom floor of building 11 and the lobby area(s) as shown in
     Exhibit "B" will be and remain Common Area, and if Tenant leases Expansion
     Space, a pro rata share of the rentable area of these bathrooms, corridors
     and lobbies will be included in the rentable area of Tenant's Expansion
     Space. Unless Tenant leases Expansion Space in building 3A, Tenant agrees
     that it will not use the bathrooms or the lobby area on the 3rd floor of
     building 3A. Tenant will have the non-exclusive right to use the bathrooms
     on the bottom floor of building 3A until and unless Landlord modifies those
     bathrooms to provide Tenant with exclusive use of one bathroom for men and
     one bathroom for women with direct access from Tenant's existing Premises,
     at which time these exclusive bathrooms will become part of the Premises.
     Landlord also has the right to acoustically and/or visually separate the
     upper lobby area on the 4th floor of building 3A from the lower lobby area
     using transparent and/or translucent materials.

          (d) Subject to and except as provided in Subsection (c) above and the
     rest of this Article, Expansion Space always shall be for space contiguous
     to the Premises and in regular blocks in such locations and with such
     configurations as Landlord and Tenant will reasonably agree upon, taking
     into consideration the specific requirements of Tenant, as well as
     Landlord's need to configure and locate the Expansion Space so that the
     remaining space forms marketable and desirable leasable units for other
     potential tenants without requiring Landlord to make major (i.e.,
     expensive) renovations to the remaining space or the rest of the Project in
     order to provide reasonable and customary access thereto or meet applicable
     Laws and codes or add to or reconfigure existing Systems and Equipment. If
     and to the extent that the rest of this Article and/or Subsection (c) above
     does not apply and the parties cannot reasonably agree on the location or
     configuration of Expansion Space, each agrees to submit the matter to
     arbitration as provided in Section 24.13.

                                     -59-
<PAGE>
 
                                    RIDER #2

                                EXTENSION OPTION


1.   Landlord grants to Tenant one (1) option (the "Option") to extent the Lease
     Term for an additional term of five (5) years. There will be no further
     right to extend. The Option can be exercised only by Tenant delivering
     unconditional written notice of exercise to Landlord at least one (1)
     calendar year before the expiration of the initial term. If for any reason
     Landlord does not actually receive this notice of exercise when required,
     the Option will lapse and become null and void and there will be no further
     right to extend the Lease term. The Option is granted to and may be
     exercised by Tenant on the express condition that, at the time of the
     exercise and at all times before the beginning of the Option period, Tenant
     is not in default (and has not committed acts or omissions which would
     constitute a default with the passage of time or the giving of notice or
     both). TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OF THE ESSENCE.

2.   The Option is personal to the Tenant originally named in this Lease, and it
     may not be exercised by or for anyone else. If during the initial term
     Tenant Transfers any part of this Lease or the Premises (except for
     permitted subleases aggregating less than 16,000 square feet of rentable
     area), at Landlord's written election this Option will lapse and become
     null and void, whether or not it has been exercised. The base rent for each
     Lease Year of the Option period will be increased to the levels as set
     forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
          Lease Year          Annual Base Rent Per Rentable  
          ----------          -----------------------------  
                                 Square Foot in Premises     
                                 -----------------------     
          <S>                 <C>                            
                                                             
              11                            $13.95             
                                                               
              12                             13.95             
                                                               
              13                             15.56             
                                                               
              14                             15.56             
                                                               
              15                             15.56             
 
</TABLE>

NOTE:  THE BASE RENT RATES ABOVE DO NOT APPLY TO ANY STORAGE SPACE LEASED PER
       ARTICLE 26.

                                     -60-
<PAGE>
 
                                    RIDER #3

                            RIGHT TO CHANGE PROJECT


1.   If there is any conflict between the rest of this Lease (including other
     Riders and Exhibits) and this Rider, this Rider will control

2.   Landlord's rights in connection with the Project include, without
     limitation, the right to eliminate the softball field or convert it for
     other uses and the right to separate the Project into separate parcels by a
     lot split or otherwise. As a hypothetical example, Landlord might split the
     Project into two parcels, one lying east of High Street and one lying west
     of High Street. If Landlord does separate the Project into separate parcels
     it will have the right to change the Lease definition of the Project so
     that the Project consists only of the land and improvements within the
     parcel(s) designated by Landlord (and of course the definition of the
     Project always will include the parcel that contains the Premises), and in
     that case Tenant's Percentage would be the agreed rentable area of the
     Premises divided by the rentable area of the space held for lease in the
     designated parcel(s).

                                     -61-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.2

                           AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LEASE

1.  Parties.
    ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of September 1, 1992, is between North Andover
Mills Realty ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.  Recitals.
    -------- 

     2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated November 19,
1991, for space at North Andover Mills in North Andover, Massachusetts (the
"Lease").  Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this Amendment have the same
meanings as those used in the Lease.

     2.2  Tenant wants to lease as part of the initial Premises the additional
space located on the bottom floor of Building 3A and designated as the "New
Space" in the pages of Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
this reference.  The New Space is agreed to contain 10,043 rentable square feet.
Also, the parties want to modify Article 28 with respect to the Expansion
Options and to agree on certain amounts owed by Landlord to Tenant.  To
accomplish these and other matters, for Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
acknowledged, the parties agree and the Lease is amended as follows,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary:

3.  Amendments.
    ---------- 

     3.1  (a)  In Section 1.1(c), the initial Premises now includes the New
Space, and the initial rentable area of the Premises is increased from 73,491
square feet to 83,534 square feet.  Exhibit "B" attached to the Lease is
deleted, and Exhibit "B" attached hereto is substituted in its place.

          (b) In Section 1.1(f), Tenant's Percentage is increased from 13.43% to
15.26%.

          (c) All references in Article 28 and elsewhere in the Lease to or
about the Third Expansion Option are deleted, and there will only be a First
Expansion Option and a Second Expansion Option. In Section 28.3(c), the fourth
sentence of that Section (beginning with the words "if Tenant chooses ...") and
the second to last sentence to that Section (beginning with the words "Tenant
will have the non-exclusive right ...") are deleted.

     3.2  Concurrently herewith, Landlord has delivered to Tenant an executed
Promissory Note in the form of Exhibit "AA" attached hereto, which the parties
agree constitutes full payment and settlement of all of Landlord's obligations
and liabilities under or
<PAGE>
 
in connection with all of the following:  Letter Agreement between Landlord and
Tenant, dated April 28, 1992, re: base rent reimbursement; Letter Agreement
between Landlord and Tenant, dated January 30, 1992, re: reimbursement for
$24,500.00 for architectural redesign work; Section 2(b) of the Lease; and
Sections 1.2 and G. of Exhibit "C" to the Lease, re: the payment of any
construction cost savings to Tenant, Landlord also agrees that the costs in
connection with Landlord's Work did not exceed the "Maximum Amount" as set forth
in Sections 1.2 and G. of Exhibit "C", and so no amounts are due from Tenant to
Landlord as a result thereof.

     3.3  Landlord will, at its expense: provide passenger access to the top
floor of Building 11 on or before December 10, 1993 (subject to extensions due
to delays caused by force majeure or causes beyond Landlord's reasonable
control) either by converting the existing freight elevator to a
passenger/freight elevator, or otherwise; and comply with applicable 1996
building codes as they relate to the existing freight elevator serving Building
11 as and when compliance is required.

4.  No Other Changes.
    ---------------- 

     Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant thereunder.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

WITNESS:                          FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
<S>                               <C> 

/s/ Edward J. Rosner              By:  /s/ David H. Zirkle
- ----------------------------         ------------------------------------------------
Name Printed:                     Name:  David H. Zirkle
Edward J. Rosner                  Title: President
                                  Authorized Signatory

WITNESS:


/s/ Edward J. Rosner               By: /s/ Nancy L. Connor
- ------------------------------         ----------------------------------------------
Name Printed:                      Name:  Nancy L. Connor
Edward J. Rosner                   Title: Secretary
                                   Authorized Signatory


WITNESS:                           NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY
                                   By:  Niuna-North Andover, Inc., general partner

/s/ David Miller                   By:  /s/ John Kusmiersky
- ------------------------------          ---------------------------------------------
Name Printed:                      Name:  John Kusmiersky
David Miller                       Title: President
                                   Authorized Signatory

WITNESS:                           By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts Partnership,
                                          general partner

                                   By:  Copley Advisors, Inc., managing general
                                          partner

/s/ Thomas Mazza                   By: /s/ Charles A. Valentino
- ------------------------------         ----------------------------------------------
Name Printed:                      Name:   Charles A. Valentino
Thomas Mazza                       Title:  Managing Director
                                   Authorized Signatory
</TABLE> 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "AA"


$458,969.00                                            September 1, 1992



                           UNSECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
                           -------------------------


     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned promises to pay to FTP Software, Inc.,
or order, of Two High Street, North Andover, Massachusetts 01845, or such other
address as may be provided to the maker by the holder hereof from time to time,
the sum of $458,969.00 on or before March 1, 1993.

     The unpaid portion of this principal sum will bear interest beginning
October 1, 1992 until repaid at a rate of 7.5% per annum, but if this principal
sum is not repaid in full on or before March 1, 1993, thereafter the annual
interest rate on the unpaid portion thereof will be the Wells Fargo Bank prime
rate from time to time plus 3% until repaid.

     The maker may prepay this loan in whole or in part at any time or from time
to time, without penalty.

     At the option of the holder hereof, this note shall become immediately due
and payable without notice or demand upon the occurrence at any time of any of
the following events of default:

     1.   Default of any liability, obligation or undertaking of the undersigned
hereunder or under any mortgage instrument granting a mortgage to the holder to
secure the obligations due hereunder, for a period of thirty (30) days.

     2.   The institution by or against the undersigned of any proceedings under
the Bankruptcy Act or any other law in which the undersigned is alleged to be
insolvent or unable to pay the undersigned's debts as they mature or the making
by the undersigned of an assignment for the benefit of creditors which is not
dismissed within sixty (60) days of the date of institution thereof.

     The undersigned agree to pay any and all expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees which may be incurred by the holder in the enforcement or
protection of its rights in connection with this loan if the maker defaults.

     No delay or omission on the part of the holder hereof in exercising any
right hereunder shall operate as the waiver of such right or of any other right
of such holder hereof nor shall

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
any delay, omission or waiver on any one occasion be deemed a bar to or waiver
of the same or any other right on any future occasion.  The undersigned, and any
endorser or guarantor hereof, regardless of the time, order or place of signing,
waives presentment, demand, protest and notices of every kind and assents to any
one or more extensions or postponements of the time of payment or any other
indulgences, to any substitutions, exchanges or releases of collateral and to
the additions or releases of any other party or persons primarily or secondarily
liable.

     All rights and obligations hereunder shall be governed by the Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and this note shall be deemed to be under seal.


                              NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY, a Massachusetts 
                              limited partnership
                              

                              By:  Niuna-North Andover, Inc., a Massachusetts
                              corporation, general partner
WITNESS:                      
                              
____________________________  By:______________________________________________
Name Printed:                    John Kusmiersky, President
                              

                              By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts partnership,
                              general partner
                              

                              By:  Copley Advisors, a Massachusetts corporation,
                              managing general partner
                              
WITNESS:                      
                              
_____________________________ By:_______________________________________________
Name Printed:                 Name Printed:
Title:                        Its Duly Authorized


                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                   PREMISES

                                 SECOND FLOOR

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                   PREMISES

                             DETAIL OF BUILDING #3

                         SECOND FLOOR COMMON CORRIDOR

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                   PREMISES

                                  THIRD FLOOR

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                   PREMISES

                                 FOURTH FLOOR

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                   PREMISES

                            DETAIL OF BUILDING #32

                            2ND, 3RD, & 4TH FLOORS

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                                   PREMISES

                             DETAIL OF BUILDING #3

                               THIRD FLOOR LOBBY

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" CONTINUED
                             ---------------------

                                   PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                                 SECOND FLOOR

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" CONTINUED
                             ---------------------

                                   PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                                  THIRD FLOOR

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "B" CONTINUED
                             ---------------------

                                   PREMISES

                                EXPANSION SPACE

                     DETAIL OF BUILDING #3A - THIRD FLOOR

                                      -14-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3
 
                           AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO LEASE

1.  Parties.
    ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of January 6, 1993, is between North Andover Mills
Realty ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.  Recitals.
    -------- 

     2.1.  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated November 19,
1991, as amended, for space at North Andover Mills in North Andover,
Massachusetts (the "Lease"). Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this
Amendment have the same meanings as those used in the Lease.

     2.2.  Tenant wants to exercise its First Expansion Option to lease
additional space located on the middle (3rd) floor of Building 3A, designated as
Expansion Space "AA" and Expansion Space "BB" in the pages of Exhibit "B" to the
Lease (collectively, the "First Option Space").  To accomplish this and other
matters, for Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties
agree and the Lease is amended as follows, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary:

3.  Amendments.
    ---------- 

     3.1.  (a)  In Section 1.1(c), the Premises now includes the First Option
Space, and therefore the agreed rentable area of the premises is increased from
83,634 square feet to 94,700 square feet.

           (b) In Section 1.1(f), Tenant's Percentage will be increased from 
15.26% to 17.30% on the earlier of: July 1, 1993; or the date that Tenant first
occupies the First Option Space.

           (c) Base rent for the Premises allocable to the First Option Space
will beentirely abated until July 1, 1993, even if Tenant occupies the First 
Options Space earlier.

           (d) Tenant will be solely responsible, at its expense, for construc-
ting all necessary tenant improvements to and for the First Option Space to the
equivalent fit, finish and specifications as the rest of the Premises.  All work
will be done diligently and in a good and workmanlike manner, using new
materials and in compliance with all applicable Laws and the terms of this
Lease. Tenant's work will include, without limitation, all necessary hookups,
connections and tie-ins, all necessary drawings, plans and engineering, and
securing all necessary permits, approvals and a final Certificate of Occupancy
from the Town of North Andover. Tenant's construction will be subject to
coordination and supervision by Landlord
<PAGE>
 
or its representatives and will be performed so as not to interfere with other
Tenants or damage the rest of the Project or its Systems and Equipment.

     Within 30 days after the following conditions have been satisfied, and
provided that Tenant is not in default under the Lease, Landlord will reimburse
to Tenant a construction allowance of up to $171,814.50 to reimburse Tenant for
the construction costs incurred and paid by Tenant for the First Option Space
(and Tenant will submit paid invoices against work in place for the
reimbursement requested):  (i) Tenant's work has been fully paid for and
completed in accordance with the plans therefor and the terms of this Lease and
Tenant and its architect (or other representative) and contractors so certify to
Landlord; (ii) Tenant delivers final and unconditional lien releases from all
contractors, subcontractors, laborers and suppliers and certifies that all liens
that have been or could be filed have been discharged of record or waived, and
the lien filing periods have run; and (iii) Tenant delivers to Landlord the
final Certificate of Occupancy from the Town of North Andover and a set of "as
built" plans and drawings for the First Option Space.  If Landlord does not
reimburse the construction allowance to Tenant when required, from and after the
date that reimbursement was required the unpaid portion of the construction
allowance will bear interest until paid at a rate per annum equal to the Wells
Fargo Bank prime rate of interest from time to time plus 3%.

4.   No Other Changes.
     ---------------- 

     Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant thereunder.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.


                                       FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
WITNESS:


/s/ Edward J. Rosner                      By: /s/ David H. Zirkle
- ----------------------------------------     -------------------------------
Name Printed:                             Name:  David H. Zirkle
Edward J. Rosner                          Title:    President
                                          Authorized Signatory

WITNESS:

/s/ Edward J. Rosner                      By:  /s/ Nancy L. Connor
- -----------------------------------------    --------------------------------
Name Printed:                             Name:  Nancy L. Connor
Edward J. Rosner                          Title:    Secretary
                                          Authorized Signatory

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                                NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY

                                By:  Niuna-North Andover, Inc., general partner
WITNESS:

/s/ Janet Champagne                  By:  /s/ Martin Spagat
- ----------------------                   -------------------------------------
Name Printed:                            Name:  Martin Spagat
Janet Champagne                          Title: Vice President
                                         Authorized Signatory

                                By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts
                                     partnership, general partner

                                     By: Copley Advisors, Inc., managing
                                         general partner

WITNESS:

/s/ John C. Cissel                   By:  /s/ Charles A. Valentino
- --------------------------------         -------------------------------------
Name Printed:                            Name:  Charles A. Valentino
John C. Cissel                           Title: Managing Director
                                           Authorized Signatory




                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.4


                           AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO LEASE


1.   Parties.
     ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of June 18, 1993, is between North Andover Mills
Realty ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.   Recitals.
     -------- 

     2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated November 19,
1991, as amended, for space at North Andover Mills in North Andover,
Massachusetts (the "Lease"). Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this
Amendment have the same meanings as those used in the Lease.

     2.2  Tenant wants to exercise its Second (and last) Expansion Option to
lease 11,024 rentable square feet of additional space located on the bottom
floor of Building 11 (the "Building 11 Space") as shown in the pages of Exhibit
"B" to the Lease, and to construct and lease a two-story addition to the open-
slab portion of the Building 3 loading dock of 1,127 rentable square feet (the
"2-Story Addition") as shown in Exhibit "AA" attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference (this additional space and the 2-Story Addition
collectively are called the "Second Option Space").  To accomplish this and
other matters, for Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties
agree and the Lease is amended as follows, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary:

3.   Amendments.
     ---------- 

     3.1  (a)  In Section 1.1(c), the Premises now includes the Second Option
Space, and therefore the agreed rentable area of the Premises is increased from
94,700 square feet to 106,851 square feet.  With the inclusion of the Second
Option Space, Tenant now leases all of Buildings 3, 3A and 11 as part of the
Premises.

          (b)  In Section 1.1(f), Tenant's Percentage will be increased from
17.30% to 19.52% on the date (the "Rental Start Date") which is the earlier of:
November 1, 1993; or the date that Tenant first obtains a Certificate of
Occupancy from the Town of North Andover for the Second Option Space (which
Tenant will attempt to obtain as soon as reasonably possible).

          (c)  Base rent for the Premises allocable to the Second Option Space
will be entirely abated until the Rental Start Date.
<PAGE>
 
               Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, starting as of the
Rental Start Date, the annual base rent for the initial Lease term for the 1,127
square foot 2-Story Addition will be One Hundred Seventy and 88/100 Dollars
($170.88) for each One Thousand and No/Dollars ($1,000.00) or portion thereof
reimbursed by Landlord to Tenant pursuant to Section 3.1(f)(ii) below for the
costs for the 2-Story Addition (prorated for any partial Lease Year), and the
parties will promptly execute an amendment to this Lease confirming this
increase when the amount of Landlord's reimbursement is determined. The failure
of either party to execute such an amendment will not alter Tenant's obligation
to pay such increase. (For example, if the reimbursements for the 2-Story
Addition total Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00), the annual base
rent for the 2-Story Addition during the initial Lease term will be Eight
Thousand Five Hundred Forty-four and No/100 ($8,544.00), prorated for any
partial Lease Year, starting as of the Rental Start Date.) During any extension
or Option terms, the base rent per annum per square foot for the 2-Story
Addition will be at the same rate per square foot as the rest of the office
space in the Premises.

          (d)  Notwithstanding Section 3.3 of Amendment No. 1 to Lease, dated
September 1, 1992, or anything else to the contrary, upon the mutual written
agreement of Landlord and Tenant, pursuant to such agreement Landlord and Tenant
will allocate between themselves responsibility for the elevator-related
obligations as described in Section 3.3 of Amendment No. 1 (the "Elevator
Work").  If such an agreement is entered into (which neither party is required
to do), Landlord will remain responsible for the costs incurred in connection
with the Elevator Work but only up to a maximum amount specifically approved in
writing by Landlord, and Tenant will be responsible for all excess costs (if
any).  If this mutual written agreement is not entered into, then Landlord will
remain responsible for the Elevator Work, but the time within which Landlord
must provide passenger access per Section 3.3 of the Amendment No. 1 will be
extended to February 28, 1994 (subject to extension due to delays caused by
force majeure or causes beyond Landlord reasonable control).

          (e)  Tenant will be solely responsible, at its expense, for providing
all necessary work and services to: (i) construct all necessary improvements to
or that are necessary in connection with the Second Option Space (including the
2-Story Addition) to the equivalent fit, finish and specifications as the rest
of the Premises; and (ii) perform the Elevator Work if Tenant becomes
responsible for it as provided in Section 3.1(d) above. All work will be done
diligently and in a good and workmanlike manner, using new materials and in
compliance with all applicable Laws and the terms of this Lease. Tenant's work
will include, without limitation, all necessary hookups, connections and tie-
ins, all necessary drawings, plans and engineering, and securing all necessary
permits, inspections, approvals and a final Certificate of Occupancy from the
Town of North Andover. Tenant's work and the plans and specifications therefor
will be subject to the prior review and approval of and coordination and
supervision by Landlord or its representatives and will be performed so as not
to damage the rest of the Project or its Systems and Equipment.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          (f)  Landlord will reimburse to Tenant (i) a construction allowance of
up to One Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-eight and No/100
Dollars ($173,628.00) to reimburse Tenant for all costs incurred and paid for by
Tenant directly related to the construction of the space on the bottom floor of
Building 11, (ii) a construction allowance of up to One Hundred Twenty Thousand
and No/100 Dollars ($120,000.00) to reimburse Tenant for all costs incurred and
paid for by Tenant directly related to the construction of the 2-Story Addition,
and (iii) a construction allowance up to the maximum amount agreed to by
Landlord as described in Section 3.1(d) above to reimburse Tenant for all costs
incurred and paid for by Tenant directly related to the Elevator Work if Tenant
becomes responsible for the Elevator Work per Section 3.1(d) above (and Tenant
will submit paid invoices against work in place for all reimbursements
requested) within 30 days after the following conditions have been satisfied,
and provided that Tenant is not in default under the Lease: (x) Tenant's work
has been fully paid for and completed in accordance with the plans therefor and
the terms of this Lease and Tenant and its architect (or other representative)
and contractors, so certify to Landlord; (y) Tenant delivers final and
unconditional lien releases from all contractors, subcontractors, laborers and
suppliers and certifies that all liens that have been or could be filed have
been discharged of record or waived, and the lien filing periods have run; and
(z) Tenant delivers to Landlord the final Certificate of Occupancy from the Town
of North Andover and a set of "as built" plans and drawings for the Second
Option Space, and final inspections and approvals of the Elevator Work from all
required governmental authorities (if Tenant becomes responsible for Elevator
Work as described in Section 3.1(d) above). Tenant will account separately for
the costs incurred in Subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) above. If Landlord does
not reimburse the construction allowances to Tenant when required, from and
after the date that reimbursement was required the unpaid portion of the
construction allowance that is then due will bear interest until paid at a rate
per annum equal to the Wells Fargo Bank prime rate of interest form time to time
plus 3%.

4.   No Other Changes.
     ---------------- 

     Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant thereunder.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.
 

WITNESS:                                FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
 
/s/ Edward J. Rosner                    By:  /s/ Stev Knowles
- ------------------------                   --------------------------
Name printed:                           Name:  Stev Knowles
Edward J. Rosner                        Title: Vice President
                                        Authorized Signatory

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
WITNESS:                                By: /s/ Nancy L. Connor
                                           --------------------------
                                        Name:   Nancy L. Connor
/s/ Edward J. Rosner                    Title:  Secretary
- ------------------------                Authorized Signatory
Name Printed:
Edward J. Rosner

                                        NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY
WITNESS:
                                        By: Niuna-North Andover, Inc.,
                                        general partner
                        
/s/ David Zirkle                        By:  /s/ John Kusmiersky
- ------------------------                   --------------------------
Name Printed:                           Name:   John Kusmiersky
                                        Title:  President
                                        Authorized Signatory



WITNESS:                                By: CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts
                                             partnership, general partner
/s/ Thomas W. Mazza, Jr.
- ------------------------                     By: Copley Advisors, Inc., managing
Name Printed:                                      general partner
Thomas W. Mazza
                                                   By: /s/ Charles A. Valentino
                                                      --------------------------
                                                   Name:   Charles A. Valentino
                                                   Title:  Managing Director
                                                   Authorized Signatory

                                      -4-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.5

                           
                           AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO LEASE

1.   Parties.
     ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of September 30, 1993, is between North Andover
Mills Realty ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.   Recitals.
     -------- 

     2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated November 19,
1991, as amended, for space at North Andover Mills in North Andover,
Massachusetts (the "Lease"). Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this
Amendment have the same meanings as those used in the Lease.

     2.2  Tenant wants to lease the following additional space in the Project
(collectively, the "Additional Space"):  the top floor of Building 9, the top
floor of Building 9A, the space that is currently vacant on the second (2nd) and
third (3rd) floors of Building 44E, and the entire first (1st) floor of
Buildings 44E and 44W (all subject to Landlord's reservation of common areas as
shown).  The Additional Space is depicted in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference, and is agreed to contain 19,415 square
feet of rentable area.  To accomplish this and other matters, for Ten and No/100
Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties agree and the Lease is amended
as follows, notwithstanding anything to the contrary:

3.   Amendments.
     ---------- 

     3.1  In Section 1.1(c), the Premises now includes the Additional Space, and
therefore the agreed rentable area of the Premises is increased from 106,851
square feet to 126,266 square feet.

     3.2  Landlord grants to Tenant an option (the "Termination Option") to
terminate the Lease term only with respect to the Additional Space at the end of
the fifth (5th) calendar year after the "Additional Space Rental Start Date" (as
defined in Section 3.3 below).  There will be no further right to terminate.
The Termination Option can be exercised only by Tenant delivering unconditional
written notice of exercise to Landlord before the end of the fourth (4th)
calendar year after the Additional Space Rental Start Date.  If for any reason
Landlord does not actually receive this notice of exercise when required, the
termination Option will lapse and become null and void and there will be no
further right to terminate the Lease term. The Termination Option is granted to
and may be exercised by Tenant on the express condition that, at the time of the
exercise and at all times before the end of the fifth (5th) calendar year after
the Additional Space Rental Start Date, Tenant is not in default (and has not
committed acts or omission which would constitute a default with the passage of
time or
<PAGE>
 
the giving of notice or both).  TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OF THE ESSENCE.  The
Termination Option is personal to the Tenant originally named in this Lease, and
it may not be exercised by or for anyone else.  If during the initial term
Tenant Transfers any part of this Lease or the Premises (except for permitted
subleases aggregating less than 16,000 square feet of rentable area), at
Landlord's written election this Termination Option will lapse and become null
and void, whether or not it has been exercised.

     3.3  In Section 1.1(f), Tenant's Percentage will be increased from 19.52%
to 20.22% on December 6, 1993 (the "Additional Space Rental Start Date").

     3.4  Base rent for the Premises allocable to the Additional Space will be
entirely abated until the Additional Space Rental Start Date.  Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary, starting as of the Additional Space Rental Start Date,
the annual base rent per square foot of rentable area in the Additional Space
will be as follows:

     (a)  $10.75 per square foot for the first five (5) years after the
Additional Space Rental Start Date.

     (b)  $9.00 per square foot for the remainder of the initial Lease term.

     (c)  For each Lease Year of the Option term:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   Annual Base Rent Per Rentable
                                   -----------------------------
                  Lease Year       Square Foot in Additional Space
                  ----------       -------------------------------
                  <S>              <C>
                      11                       $10.13
                      12                        10.13
                      13                        11.55
                      14                        11.55
                      15                        11.55
</TABLE> 
                        
     3.5  Tenant will be solely responsible, at its expense, for providing all
necessary work and services to construct all necessary improvements to or that
are necessary in connection with the Additional Space (including, without
limitation, the Base Building Improvements described in Exhibit "B" attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference) to the equivalent fit, finish
and specifications as the rest of the Premises.  All work will be done
diligently and in a good and workmanlike manner, using new materials and in
compliance with all applicable Laws and the terms of this Lease.  Tenant's work
will include, without limitation, all necessary hookups, connections and tie-
ins, all necessary drawings, plans and engineering, and securing all necessary
permits, inspections, approvals and a final Certificate of Occupancy from the
Town of North Andover.  Tenant's work and the plans and specifications therefor
will be subject to the prior review and approval of and coordination and
supervision by Landlord or its representatives and will be performed so as not
to damage the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
rest of the Project or its Systems and Equipment.  In particular, Landlord will
have the right and be granted the opportunity to fully participate in the entire
bidding and acceptance process (including any re-bidding, as deemed necessary by
Landlord) with respect to the Base Building Improvements, and all contracts in
connection with the Base Building Improvements and the prices therefor must
first be approved by Landlord in writing.

     3.6  Landlord will reimburse to Tenant:  (a) a construction allowance of up
to Fifteen and 75/100 Dollars ($15.75) per square foot of rentable area in the
Additional Space to reimburse Tenant for all costs incurred and paid for by
Tenant directly related to the construction of the Additional Space (excluding
the Base Building Improvements); and (b) a construction allowance up to the
[___] amounts agreed to by Landlord as described in Section 3.5 above to
reimburse Tenant for all costs incurred and paid for by Tenant directly related
to the Base Building Improvements.  Tenant will submit paid invoices against
work in place for all reimbursements requested, and the reimbursements will be
paid within 30 days after the following conditions have been satisfied, and
provided that Tenant is not in default under the Lease:  (x) Tenant's work has
been fully paid for and completed in accordance with the plans therefor and the
terms of this Lease and Tenant and its architect (or other representative) and
contractors, so certify to Landlord; (y) Tenant delivers final and unconditional
lien releases from all contractors, subcontractors, laborers and suppliers and
certifies that all liens that have been or could be filed have been discharged
of record or waived, and the lien filing periods have run; and (z) Tenant
delivers to Landlord the final Certificate of Occupancy from the Town of North
Andover and a set of "as built" plans and drawings for the Additional Space.
Tenant will account separately for the costs incurred in Subsections (a) and (b)
above.  If Landlord does not reimburse the construction allowances to Tenant
when required, from and after the date that reimbursement was required the
unpaid portion of the construction allowance that is then due will bear interest
until paid at a rate per annum equal to the Wells Fargo Bank prime rate of
interest from time to time plus 3%.

     3.7  Article 28 of the Lease is deleted, and the following is substituted:

          "28.  EXPANSION OPTION.
                ---------------- 

                28.1   Landlord grants to Tenant one (1) option (the "Expansion
Option") to lease the Expansion Space on the same terms and conditions as this
Lease with respect to the Additional Space (including tenant improvement
allowance and Base Building Improvements), except as set forth below.
"Expansion Space" means the remainder of the space in Buildings 9 and 9A and all
of Building 22, all as so designated in Exhibit "A."  The Expansion Option can
be exercised only by Tenant delivering unconditional written notice of exercise
to Landlord at least six (6) months before the end of the first calendar year
after the Additional Space Rental Start Date.  If for any reason Landlord does
not actually receive this unconditional written notice of exercise when
required, the Expansion Option will lapse and become null and void.  The
Expansion Option is granted to and may be exercised by Tenant on the express
condition that, at the time of the exercise and at all times before vacant

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
possession of the Expansion Space is delivered to Tenant, Tenant is not in
default.  TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OF THE ESSENCE.  The Expansion Option is personal
to the Tenant originally named in this Lease and may not be exercised by or for
anyone else, and if Tenant Transfers any part of this Lease or the Premises
(except for permitted subleases aggregating less than 16,000 square feet of
rentable area) before the beginning of the Expansion Option term, at Landlord's
election the Expansion Option will lapse and become null and void.

                28.2   Size of Expansion Space.  The parties agree that the
                       -----------------------                             
Expansion Space in Buildings 9 and 9A contains a total of 3,881 square feet of
rentable area and 1,941 square feet of rentable area, respectively, and the
Expansion Space in Building 22 contains 3,143 square feet of rentable area.

                28.3  Additional Terms.
                      ---------------- 

                      (a)   Landlord will not incur Liabilities to Tenant if
Landlord is unable to deliver vacant possession of any of the Expansion Space by
the required date if due to the holdover of a previous tenant or force majeure,
(but if due to a holdover Landlord will diligently attempt to deliver vacant
possession of that space as soon as reasonably possible), and Tenant's rights
and obligations with respect to that space will commence as soon as Landlord
delivers vacant possession.

                      (b)   When Landlord tenders vacant possession of any
Expansion Space to Tenant, that space will become part of the Premises, the
rentable area of the Premises will be increased by the rentable area of that
Expansion Space, and otherwise the Expansion Space will be treated in the same
manner as Additional Space under this Lease."

4.   No Other Changes.
     ---------------- 

     Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant thereunder.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.

                                      FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
WITNESS:
/s/ Edward J. Rosner                  By:  Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
- ------------------------                  ----------------------------
Name Printed:                            Name:   Robert W. Goodnow
Edward J. Rosner                         Title:  Vice President Finance
                                         Authorized Signatory

WITNESS:

____________________                  By:___________________
Name Printed:                            Name:
                                         Title:
                                         Authorized Signatory

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                       NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY

                                       By:  Niuna-North Andover, Inc.,
                                            general partner
WITNESS:

/s/ Josephine A. Uszynski                   By:/s/ Martin Spaggat
- ----------------------------                   ------------------
Name Printed:                                  Name:   Martin Spaggat
                                               Title:  Vice President
                                               Authorized Signatory

                                       By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts
                                            partnership, general partner

                                            By:   Copley Advisors, Inc.,
                                                  managing general partner
WITNESS:

/s/ Thomas W. Mazza                    By:  /s/ Charles A. Valentino
- ----------------------------                ----------------------------
Name Printed:                               Name:   Charles A. Valentino
Thomas W.Mazza                              Title:  Managing Director
                                                    Authorized Signatory

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------
                               "ADDITIONAL SPACE"

                            BUILDINGS #44E AND #44W
                                  FIRST FLOOR

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------
                               "ADDITIONAL SPACE"

                           BUILDINGS #9, #9A AND #44E
                                  SECOND FLOOR

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------
                               "ADDITIONAL SPACE"

                                 BUILDING #44E
                                  THIRD FLOOR

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------
                               "EXPANSION SPACE"

                              BUILDINGS #9 AND #9A
                                  FIRST FLOOR

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------
                               "EXPANSION SPACE"

                                  BUILDING #22

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------
                         LANDLORD'S BASE BUILDING WORK

1.   ENTRANCE TO BUILDING #9A
     ------------------------
     a.   Designs and approval
     b.   Sitework
     c.   Walkway(s) and landscaping

2.   HVAC and MECHANICAL ISSUES
     --------------------------
     a.   Maintenance 'check-up' and servicing of all units
     b.   Install 'fresh air' HVAC intake(s)
     c.   Construct electrical rooms, as required by design
     d.   Install 'cable trays' for data & communications wiring
     e.   Existing lighting: replace light bulbs, check ballasts and check
          quantities of fixtures
     f.   Life safety equipment: including sprinkler, to comply with code
     g.   Electric consumption for FTP, other tenant and common spaces to be
          separately metered
     h.   Install new data/communications conduit from the rear of 
          Building #11 to Building #9A.  Tenant will compensate Landlord for
          this work.                   
 
3.   HANDICAPPED ISSUES
     ------------------
     a.   Design approval
     b.   Ramp from third floor of Building 44E to second floor of Building #9.
     c.   Other:  restrooms, corridors, etc.
 
4.   PASS-THROUGH BETWEEN BUILDINGS #44E AND #9
     ------------------------------------------
     a.   Make repairs/install spandrel glass at existing storefront frame at 
          West wall of Building #9             
     b.   Other:  Check-out and/or install lighting, etc.

5.   EXISTING BUILDING #9 CONCRETE STAIR
     -----------------------------------
     a.   Remove stair and in-fill second floor at opening

6.   MISCELLANEOUS REPAIRS
     ---------------------
     a.   Replace broken glass (if applicable)
     b.   Seal/caulk interior perimeter of windows to prevent air infiltration
     c.   Install new window/glazing at East end of Building #9A, where old
          (wooden) loading dock doors are removed

7.   DEMOLITION AND CLEANING OF SPACE
     --------------------------------
     a.   Remove miscellaneous equipment/materials/supplies from Tenant's
          premises
     b.   Remove birds from second floor of Buildings #9 and #9A

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
8.   EXISTING RESTROOMS
     ------------------
     a.   General cleaning of restrooms in Building #9 and #44E
     b.   Make necessary repairs as required

9.   OLD HOIST EQUIPMENT (CRANE) IN BUILDING #9A
     -------------------------------------------
     a.   Inspect and make safe
     b.   Remove cable, but keep hoist (crane) in place

10.  MASONRY REPAIRS
     ---------------
     a.   Repair masonry chimney at East wall of Building #9A
     b.   Perform interior masonry repairs as required

11.  ROOFING
     -------
     a.   Inspect membrane roofing above Tenant's premises and make repairs as
          required

12.  DESIGN FEES
     -----------
     a.   Landlord will be responsible for all design fees that are associated
          with the work described in the preceding items #1 through #11

                                      -13-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.6

                           AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO LEASE


1.   Parties.
     ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of August 12, 1995, is between North Andover Mills
Realty Limited Partnership ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.   Recitals.
     -------- 

     2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated November 19,
1991, as amended, for space at North Andover Mills in North Andover,
Massachusetts (the "Lease"). Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this
Amendment have the same meanings as those used in the Lease.

     2.2  Tenant wants to lease additional space ("the New Space") consisting of
the 4th floor of Building 1 and a portion of the 4th Floor of Building 32 as
crosshatched in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference, and is agreed to contain 9,679 square feet of rentable area.  To
accomplish this and other matters, for Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
acknowledged, the parties agree and the Lease is amended as follows,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary:

3.   Amendments.
     ---------- 

     3.1  "New Space Start Date" means August 12, 1995.  As of the New Space
Start Date, and continuing through and until the date that the Lease expires or
terminates with respect to the New Space:

          (a)   In Section 1.1(c), the Premises subject to the Lease will
include the New Space and therefore the agreed rentable area of the Premises
will be increased from 126,266 square feet to 134,945 square feet.

          (b)   In Section 1.1(f), Tenant's Percentage will be increased from
20.22% to 21.61%.

          (c)   The monthly base rent for the New Space will be the amounts set
forth below, prorated for any partial month.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
          Period                 Monthly Amount
          ------                 --------------
          <S>                    <C>          
          8/12/95 - 8/11/96          $4,340
          8/12/96 - 8/11/97          $4,514
          8/12/97 - 8/11/98          $4,694
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>

          <S>                        <C> 
          8/12/98 - 8/11/99          $4,882
          8/12/99 - 8/11/2000        $5,077
          8/12/2000 - 8/11/2001      $5,280
          8/12/2001 - 8/31/2002      $5,491
</TABLE>

          (d) During the term of the Lease with respect to the New Space only,
Tenant will have the right to park an additional 24 cars in the project east of
High Street, but subject in all respects to Section 15.2 of the Lease (other
than the provision of such Section specifying the maximum number of Tenant's
parking spaces). If and when the Lease terminates with respect to the New Space,
Tenant will no longer be entitled to the additional parking set forth in this
clause.

     3.2  The term of the Lease with respect to the New Space only will expire
and terminate on the earliest of: August 31, 2002; the expiration of termination
of the Lease; or the termination of the Lease with respect to the New Space
pursuant to the "Cancellation Option" as described below.  There will be no
right to extend the Lease term with respect to the New Space.  Landlord grants
to Tenant an option (the "Cancellation Option") to terminate the Lease term (and
Tenant's obligations hereunder) solely with respect to the New Space, which may
be exercised only by Tenant delivering to Landlord at any time at least six (6)
months prior written notice of such termination.  On or before the effective
termination date, Tenant shall vacate and surrender possession of the New Space,
remove all of its personal property therefrom and repair any damage thereto
(except for reasonable wear and tear and casualty damage).

     3.3  Tenant accepts the New Space absolutely "as is" and with all faults in
all respects, in each case as of the New Space Start Date.  Tenant will be
solely responsible, at its expense, for providing all necessary work and
services to construct all necessary improvements to or that are necessary in
connection with the New Space (including, without limitation, submetering the
New Space for electricity and any base building improvements) to the equivalent
fit, finish and specifications as the rest of the Premises.  All work will be
done diligently and in a good and workmanlike manner, using new materials and in
compliance with all applicable Laws and the terms of the Lease.  Tenant's work
will include, without limitation, all necessary hookups, connections and tie-
ins, all necessary drawings, plans and engineering, and securing all necessary
permits, inspections, approvals and a final Certificate of Occupancy (if needed)
from the Town of North Andover.  Tenant's work and the plans and specifications
therefor will be subject to  the prior review and approval (which approval shall
not be unreasonably withheld) of and coordination and supervision by Landlord or
its representatives and will be performed so as not to damage the rest of the
Project or its Systems and Equipment.

     3.4  Landlord will not be required to, and Tenant will be solely
responsible for paying, and will indemnify, defend and hold Landlord and its
Affiliates harmless from, all brokerage fees, commissions or similar charges,
and any and all claims [_] in connection


                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
with this transaction from anyone that Tenant has engaged or dealt with or that
claims by, under, through or as a result of contact with Tenant.  Tenant
acknowledges that it will be paying consideration to CRF Partners, Inc. in
connection with this transaction.

4.   No Other Changes.
     ---------------- 

     Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant thereunder.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.


WITNESS:                         FTP SOFTWARE, INC.


/s/ Lisa M. McGrath              By:  /s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
- ---------------------------          ------------------------------------
Name Printed:                    Name:    Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
Lisa M. McGrath                  Title:   Vice President of Finance
                                 Authorized Signatory



WITNESS:                         NORTH ANDOVER MILLS REALTY
                                 By:  Niuna-North Andover, Inc., general partner


/s/ Carolyn Grover               By: /s/ Martin Spagat
- ---------------------------         -------------------------------------
Name Printed:                    Name:   Martin Spagat
Carolyn Grover                   Title:  Vice President
                                 Authorized Signatory


WITNESS:                         By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts 
                                        Partnership, general partner

                                 By:  Copley Advisors, Inc., managing general
                                        partner

  /s/ Robert J. Kalinowski       By: /s/ John J. Moynihan
 --------------------------         -------------------------------------
Name Printed:                    Name:   John J. Moynihan
Robert J. Kalinowski             Title:    Vice President
                                 Authorized Signatory


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES

                                   4th FLOOR







                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "A" CONTINUED
                             ---------------------

                             DETAIL OF BUILDING #32

                                   4TH FLOOR




                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.7


                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 1st day of March, 1993, by and between FTP
Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation with its principal place of business
located at 2 High Street, North Andover, MA 01845 (hereinafter referred to as
"FTP") and David H. Zirkle, an individual residing at 6 Quimby Lane, Atkinson,
NH 03811 (hereinafter referred to as "Zirkle").

     WHEREAS, FTP currently employs Zirkle in the capacity of President and
Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an Employment Agreement dated November 6,
1992 (hereinafter referred to as the "Prior Agreement"), a copy of which is
annexed hereto as Exhibit 1; and

     WHEREAS, FTP and Zirkle desire to amend the terms and conditions pursuant
to which Zirkle will remain as President and Chief Executive Officer of FTP;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants
herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.   FTP shall continue the employment of Zirkle as its President and Chief
Executive Officer for a period of two (2) years commencing March 1, 1993, and
Zirkle hereby accepts such continuing employment.  As President and Chief
Executive Officer, Zirkle shall devote his full time and effort to the affairs
of FTP and shall have the maximum authority permitted under FTP's Articles of
Organization and By-Laws, as well as under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts governing corporations.

2.   As compensation for the services to be performed by Zirkle as President and
Chief Executive Officer of FTP pursuant to Paragraph 1 hereof, FTP shall:

     A.   Pay to Zirkle an aggregate base salary in the sum of Four Hundred
Thirty Thousand ($430,000.00) Dollars (hereinafter referred to as the "Base
Salary"), which shall be subject to periodic increases (hereinafter referred to
as the "Adjusted Base Salary") by FTP's Board of Directors.  Except as otherwise
provided for herein, the Base Salary and Adjusted Base Salary shall be payable
in equal installments over the term of employment specified in Paragraph 1
hereof, consistent with FTP's current payroll practices for executive employees:

     B.   Pay to Zirkle full incentive and bonus compensation as is provided to
other executive officers under FTP's Executive Compensation Plan, a copy of
which is annexed hereto as Exhibit 2 and made a part hereof; and

     C.   Provide such other benefits as is provided to its other executive
officers.
<PAGE>
 
3.   In the event FTP breaches any material term or condition of this Agreement
or Zirkle is removed as a director, President and/or Chief Executive Officer of
FTP prior to February 28, 1995, for any reason other than his breach of this
Agreement or his commission of (i) a felony; or (ii) an act of fraud or
dishonesty against FTP, FTP shall immediately pay to Zirkle the greater of:

     A.   All sums which may have otherwise become due and payable to or for the
benefit of Zirkle under this Agreement (including FTP's obligations, contingent
or otherwise under Paragraphs 3D, 3E and 4 of the Prior Agreement); or

     B.   An amount equal to Twenty Five (25%) Percent of the greater of the
Base Salary or the Adjusted Base Salary.

4.   Zirkle, as a material inducement to FTP to enter into this Agreement, shall
promptly enter into FTP's standard confidentiality and inventions agreements.

5.   If, during the term of this Agreement, more than Fifty (50%) Percent of
FTP's issued and outstanding shares of voting equity securities are acquired or
accumulated by any person, firm, entity or "control" group (as that term is
defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in a transaction
or series of transactions which did not receive the prior approval or consent of
FTP's then constituted board of directors, the term of this Agreement shall
automatically be extended for a period of two (2) years from the date of such
acquisition or accumulation with a base salary equal to the greater of the Base
Salary or the Adjusted Base Salary.  In connection with any such extension, all
unexercised stock options previously issued to Zirkle shall immediately vest and
shall remain exercisable for the remainder of their stated life, regardless of
his continued employment or any term or condition contained in the stock options
which would cause the earlier termination in the event of his termination of
employment

6.   All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be
in writing and personally or electronically delivered, or sent by certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid.  Notice to either party shall
be delivered to his or its address as first specified above, or to such other
address as such party shall designate by notice to the other.  Notices shall be
effective on the earlier of delivery or, if mailed, three (3) days after mailing
in accordance with this Paragraph 6.

7.   This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as herein provided, supersedes
all prior discussions, understandings, dealings and agreements relating thereto,
including the Employment Agreement between the parties dated November 6, 1992.
It is specifically agreed and understood, however, that Paragraphs 3D, 3E and 4
of the Prior Agreement shall survive the execution of this Agreement and shall
remain in full force and effect as though incorporated herein.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
8.   No waiver, amendment or modification of or to this Agreement shall be
enforceable unless in writing and signed by the both parties.  The waiver of any
breach of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any future breach.

9.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts consistent with contracts executed and
to be performed therein. The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of
the state and federal courts located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in
connection with any dispute or controversy arising hereunder.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.


                                     /s/ David H. Zirkle
                                     -------------------------------
                                     David Zirkle


                                     FTP Software, Inc.


                                     By: /s/ Nancy L. Connor
                                         ---------------------------

                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8
                                 AMENDMENT #1
                            TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                                    BETWEEN
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                                      AND
                                DAVID H. ZIRKLE



     THIS AMENDMENT is made as of the 14th day of June, 1993, by and between FTP
Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation with its principal place of business
located at 2 High Street, North Andover, MA 01845 (hereinafter referred to as
"FTP") and David H. Zirkle, an individual residing at 6 Quimby Lane, Atkinson,
NH 03811 (hereinafter referred to as "Zirkle").

     WHEREAS, FTP currently employs Zirkle in the capacity of President and
Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an Employment Agreement dated as of March 1,
1993, (hereinafter referred to as the "Current Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, prior to entering into the Current Agreement, Zirkle was employed
by FTP pursuant to an Employment Agreement dated November 6, 1993 (hereinafter
referred to as the "Prior Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Paragraph 7 of the Current Agreement, the terms and
conditions contained in Paragraph 4 of the Prior Agreement survived the
execution of the Current Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, FTP and Zirkle desire to further amend the terms and conditions
pursuant to which Zirkle will remain as President and Chief Executive Officer of
FTP;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants
herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.  Paragraph 7 of the Current Agreement is hereby amended so as to state in its
    entirety as follows:

    "7.  This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties
    with respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as herein provided,
    supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, dealings and agreements
    relating thereto, including the Employment Agreement between the parties
    dated November 6, 1992. It is specifically agreed and understood, however,
    that Paragraphs 3D and 3E of the Prior Agreement shall survive the execution
    of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect as though
    incorporated herein."
<PAGE>
 
2.  Paragraph 2 of the Current Agreement is hereby amended by adding a Sub-
    paragraph D which states:

         "D.  Issue to Zirkle ten (10) year options to purchase 40,000 shares of
    the Corporation's common stock at $50.00 per share, with all such options to
    vest on the earlier of: (i) one year from the date of grant; or (ii) the
    effective date of the first registration statement filed by the FTP under
    the Securities Act of 1933."

3.  All other terms and conditions contained in the Current Agreement shall
    remain in full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this amendment as of the date
first above written.


                                               /s/ David H. Zirkle
                                               -----------------------------
                                               David H. Zirkle



                                               FTP Software, Inc.



                                               By: /s/ Nancy L. Connor
                                                  --------------------------
                                                   Nancy L. Connor,
                                                   Vice President

                                      -2-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.9


                            AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO to Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") dated
March 1, 1993, as amended, by and between FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation, with a principal place of business located at 2 High Street,
Andover, Massachusetts 01845 ("FTP") and David H. Zirkle, an individual,
residing at 6 Quimby Lane, Atkinson, New Hampshire 03811 ("Zirkle") is made as
of the 15th day of August, 1994 by and between FTP and Zirkle.

     WHEREAS, FTP continues to employ Zirkle in the capacity of President and
Chief Executive Officer; and

     WHEREAS, based on information received by FTP from several consulting firms
regarding executive compensation in the software industry, FTP and Zirkle desire
to amend the terms and conditions of the Agreement to increase Zirkle's salary
consistent with the resolution of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors which occurred at a meeting held on August 12, 1994.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants
herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.  Section 2(A) of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing it in its
entirety with the following:

    "A. Pay to Zirkle an aggregate base salary (hereinafter referred to as the
    "Base Salary") as follows, which shall be subject to periodic increases
    (hereinafter referred to as the "Adjusted Base Salary") by FTP's Board of
    Directors. The Base Salary shall be payable in an amount equal to (i) Two
    Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($215,000.00) for the period effective
    March 1, 1993, through June 30, 1994, (ii) Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand
    Dollars ($265,000.00) effective July 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, and
    (iii) Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) effective January 1, 1995
    through February 28, 1995, in each case payable in equal installments.
    Except as otherwise provided for herein, the Base Salary and Adjusted Base
    Salary shall, at all times, be payable consistent with FTP's current payroll
    practices for executive employees;"

2.  All other terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and
effect.
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment Number
Two as of the date first above written.


                                         FTP SOFTWARE, INC.


/s/ David H. Zirkle                      By: /s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr. 
- --------------------------------            ------------------------------------
David H. Zirkle                             Name:  Robert W. Goodnow, Jr. 
                                            Title: Vice President/Finance

                                      -2-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.10


                           AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE to Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") dated
March 1, 1993, as amended, by and between FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation, with a principal place of business located at 100 Brickstone
Square, Fifth Floor, Andover, Massachusetts 01810 ("FTP") and David H. Zirkle,
an individual, residing at 6 Quimby Lane, Atkinson, New Hampshire 03811
("Zirkle") is made as of the 28th day of February 1995, by and between FTP and
Zirkle.

     WHEREAS, FTP continues to employ Zirkle in the capacity of President and
Chief Executive Officer; and

     WHEREAS, FTP and Zirkle desire to amend the Agreement to extend the term of
Zirkle's employment, which term was to expire on February 28, 1995, for an
additional two (2) years commencing March 1, 1995.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants
herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.  Section 1 of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the first sentence
thereof in its entirety with the following:

    "FTP shall continue the employment of Zirkle as its President and Chief
    Executive Officer for a period of two (2) years commencing March 1, 1995,
    and Zirkle hereby accepts such continuing employment."

2.  All other terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and
effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment Number
Three as of the date first above written.


                                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.


  /s/ David H. Zirkle                         By:  /s/ Douglas F. Flood
  ---------------------------------              -------------------------------
  David H. Zirkle                                Name:  Douglas F. Flood
                                                 Title: Vice President

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.11


                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                               STOCK OPTION PLAN


     1.  Purpose of the Plan.  Under the Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") of FTP
         -------------------                                                  
Software, Inc. (the "Company") options may be granted to eligible employees to
purchase shares of the Company's capital stock.  The Plan is designed to enable
the Company and its subsidiaries to attract, retain and motivate their employees
by providing for or increasing the proprietary interests of such employees in
the Company.  The Plan provides for options which qualify as incentive stock
options ("Incentive Options") under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), as well as options which do not so qualify.

     2.  Stock Subject to Plan.  The maximum number of shares of stock for which
         ---------------------                                                  
options granted hereunder may be exercised shall be 3,300,000 shares of common
stock $.01 par value, subject to the adjustments provided in Sections 7 and 12.
Shares of stock subject to the unexercised portions of any options granted under
this Plan which expire or terminate or are cancelled may again be subject to
options under the Plan.  However, if stock appreciation rights are granted with
respect to any options under this Plan, the total number of shares of stock for
which further options may be granted under this Plan shall be irrevocably
reduced not only when there is an exercise of an option granted under this Plan,
but also when such option is surrendered upon an exercise of a stock
appreciation right granted under this Plan, in either case by the number of
shares covered by the portion of such option which is exercised or surrendered.

     3.  Eligible Employees.  The employees eligible to be considered for the
         ------------------                                                  
grant of options hereunder are any persons regularly employed by the Company or
its parent(s) or subsidiaries in a managerial, professional, or technical
capacity on a full-time, basis. Notwithstanding the above, an employee is not
eligible if he owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting
power of all stock of the company or its parents or subsidiaries unless the
option price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to
the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration
of five years from the date such option is granted.  For purposes of this
paragraph, an employee is deemed to own stock if it is owned by himself, his
brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, spouse, ancestors and lineal
descendants.  Stock owned directly or indirectly by or for a corporation,
partnership or trust is treated as owned proportionately by or for its
shareholders, partners or beneficiaries.

     4.  $100,000 Incentive Stock Option Exercise Limitation.  The aggregate
         ---------------------------------------------------                
fair market value of the stock for which Incentive Options granted to any one
eligible employee under this Plan and under all stock option plans of the
Company, its parent(s) and subsidiaries, may by their terms first become
exercisable during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000, determining fair
market value of the stock subject to any option as of the time that option is
granted.
<PAGE>
 
     5.  Minimum Exercise Price.  The exercise price for each option granted
         ----------------------                                             
hereunder shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at
the date of the grant of the option.

     6.  Nontransferability.  Any option granted under this Plan shall by its
         ------------------                                                  
terms be nontransferable by the optionee other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution and is exercisable during the optionee's lifetime only
by him or by his guardian or legal representative.

     7.  Adjustments.  If the outstanding shares of stock of the class then
         -----------                                                       
subject to this Plan are increased or decreased, or are changed into or
exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities, as a result of
one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, stock splits, reverse stock
splits, stock dividends or the like, appropriate adjustments shall be made in
the number and/or kind of shares or securities for which options may thereafter
be granted under this Plan and for which options then outstanding under this
Plan may thereafter be exercised.  Any such adjustments in outstanding options
shall be made without changing the aggregate exercise price applicable to the
unexercised portions of such options.

     8.  Maximum Option Term.  No option granted under this Plan may be
         -------------------                                           
exercised in whole or in part more than ten years after its date of grant.

     9.  Plan Duration.  Options may not be granted under this Plan more than
         -------------                                                       
ten years after the date of the adoption of this Plan, or of shareholder
approval thereof, whichever is earlier.

     10.  Payment.  Payment for stock purchased under any exercise of an option
          -------                                                              
granted under this Plan shall be made in full in cash concurrently with such
exercise, except that, if and to the extent that the Board or the Committee so
provides, such payment may be made in whole or in part (a) with shares of the
same class of stock which have been held for at least six months (unless the
Board or the Committee approves a shorter period) and which shares have a fair
market value on the last business day preceding the date of exercise equal to
the exercise price or (b) at such time as the stock is registered under Section
12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), by delivery of
an unconditional and irrevocable undertaking by a broker to deliver to the
Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price.

     11.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Company's board
          --------------                                                        
of directors (the "Board") or, in the discretion of the Board, by a committee
(the "Committee") of not less than three members of the Board from and after the
time that the common stock is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act,
the Plan shall be administered by a committee of at least three directors, all
of whom are disinterested within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange
Act.

     The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any term or
provision of the Plan or of any option granted under it shall be final, unless
otherwise determined by the Board in which event such determination by the Board
shall be final.  The Committee may from time to time

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
adopt rules and regulations for carrying out this Plan and, subject to the
provisions of this Plan, may prescribe the form or forms of the instruments
evidencing any option granted under this Plan.

     Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Board or, by delegation from
the Board, the Committee shall have full and final authority in its discretion
to select the employees to be granted options, to grant such options and to
determine the number of shares to be subject thereto, the exercise prices, the
terms of exercise, expiration date and other pertinent provisions thereof.

     12.  Corporate Reorganizations.  Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the
          -------------------------                                             
Company, or upon a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company as a
result of which the outstanding securities of the class then subject to options
hereunder are changed into or exchanged for cash or property or securities not
of the Company's issue, or upon a sale of substantially all the property of the
Company to, or the acquisition of stock representing more than eighty percent
(80%) of the voting power of the stock of the Company then outstanding by,
another corporation or person, the Plan shall terminate, and all options
theretofore granted hereunder shall terminate, unless provision be made in
writing in connection with such transaction for the continuance of the Plan
and/or for the assumption of options theretofore granted, or the substitution
for such options of options covering the stock of a successor employer
corporation, or a parent or a subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments
as to the number and kind of shares and prices, in which event the Plan and
options theretofore granted shall continue in the manner and under the terms so
provided.  If the Plan and unexercised options shall terminate pursuant to the
foregoing sentence, all persons entitled to exercise any unexercised portions of
options then outstanding shall have the right, at such time prior to the
consummation of the transaction causing such termination as the Company shall
designate, to exercise, the unexercised portions of their options, including the
portions thereof which would, but for this paragraph entitled "Corporate
Reorganizations," not yet be exercisable.

     13.  Stock Appreciation Rights.  If the instrument evidencing the option so
          -------------------------                                             
provides, an option granted under this Plan (herein sometimes referred to as the
"corresponding option") may include the right (a "Stock Appreciation Right") to
receive an amount equal to some or all of the excess of the fair market value
(determined in a manner specified in the instrument evidencing the corresponding
option) of the shares subject to unexercised portions of the corresponding
option over the aggregate exercise price for such shares under the corresponding
option as of the date the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.  The amount
payable upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right may be paid in cash or in
shares of the class then subject to the corresponding option (valued on the
basis of their fair market value, determined as specified with respect to the
measurement of the amount payable as aforesaid), or in combination of cash such
shares so valued.  No Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised in whole or in
part (a) other than in connection with the contemporaneous surrender without the
exercise of such corresponding option, or the portion thereof that corresponds
to the portion of the Stock Appreciation Right being exercised, or (b) except to
the extent that the corresponding option or such portion thereof is exercisable
on the date of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right by the person exercising
the Stock Appreciation Right, or (c) unless the class of stock then subject to
the

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
corresponding option is then "publicly traded."  For this purpose, a class of
stock is "publicly traded" if it is listed or admitted to unlisted trading
privileges on a national securities exchange or if bid and offer quotations
therefor are reported on the automated quotation system ("NASDAQ") operated by
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or on any then operative
successor to the NASDAQ system.

     14.  Restricted Stock.  If the instrument evidencing the option so
          ----------------                                             
provides, shares of stock issued on exercise of an option granted under this
Plan may upon issuance be subject to the following restrictions (and, as used
herein, "restricted stock" means shares issued on exercise of options granted
under this Plan which are still subject to restrictions imposed under this
Section 14 that have not yet expired or terminated):

     a.  shares of restricted stock may not be sold or otherwise transferred or
         hypothecated;

     b.  if the employment of the holder of shares of restricted stock with the
         Company or a subsidiary is terminated for any reason other than his
         death, normal or early retirement in accordance with his employer's
         established policies or practices, or total disability, the Company (or
         any subsidiary designated by it shall have the option for sixty (60)
         days after such termination of employment to purchase for cash all or
         any part of his restricted stock at the lesser of (i) the price paid
         therefor by the holder, or (ii) the fair market value of the restricted
         stock on the date of such termination of employment determined in a
         manner specified in the instrument evidencing the option); and

     c.  as to the shares of stock affected thereby, any additional restrictions
         that may be imposed on particular shares of restricted stock as
         specified in the instrument evidencing the option.

     The restrictions imposed under this Section 14 shall apply as well to all
shares or other securities issued in respect of restricted stock in connection
with any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization,
reclassification, spin-off, split-off, merger, consolidation or reorganization,
but such restrictions shall expire or terminate at such time or times as shall
be specified therefor in the instrument evidencing the option which provides for
the restrictions.

     15.  Financial Assistance.  The Company is vested with authority under this
          --------------------                                                  
Plan to assist any employee to whom an option is granted hereunder (including
any director or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries who is also an
employee) in the payment of the purchase price payable on exercise of that
option, by lending the amount of such purchase price to such employee on such
terms and at such rates of interest and upon such security (or unsecured) as
shall have been authorized by or under authority of the Board.

     16.  Amendment and Termination.  The Board may alter, amend, suspend or
          -------------------------                                         
terminate this Plan, provided that no such action shall deprive an optionee,
without his consent, of any

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
option granted to the optionee pursuant to this Plan or of any of his rights
under such option.  No such action will, without the approval of the
stockholders of the Company, effectuate a change for which stockholder approval
is required in order for the Plan to continue to qualify for the award of
Incentive Options under Section 422 of the Code and to continue to qualify under
Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

                                      -5-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.12


                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                 1993 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN


     1.  Purpose.  The purpose of this 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
         -------                                                                
Plan (the "Plan") is to advance the interests of FTP Software Inc. (the
"Company") by enhancing the ability of the Company to attract and retain non-
employee directors who are in a position to make significant contributions to
the success of the Company and to reward directors for such contributions
through ownership of shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Stock").

     2.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by a committee (the
         --------------                                                     
"Committee") of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Company designated
by the Board for that purpose.  Unless and until a Committee is appointed, the
Plan shall be administered by the entire Board, and references in the Plan to
the "Committee" shall be deemed references to the Board.  The Committee shall
have authority, not inconsistent with the express provisions of the Plan (a) to
issue options granted in accordance with the formula set forth in this Plan to
Eligible Directors as defined below; (b) to prescribe the form or forms of
instruments evidencing awards and any other instruments required under the Plan
and to change such forms from time to time; (c) to adopt, amend and rescind
rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan; and (d) to interpret
the Plan and to decide any questions and settle all controversies and disputes
that may arise in connection with the Plan.  Such determinations of the
Committee shall be conclusive and shall bind all parties.

     3.  Eligibility of Directors for Stock Options.  Directors eligible to
         ------------------------------------------                        
receive options under the Plan ("Eligible Directors") shall be those directors,
who are not at the time they become an Eligible Director, employees of or
consultants to the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company and (i) who are
                                                               ---            
directors on the Effective Date of this Plan (which shall be the eligibility
date for such directors) or (ii) who are first elected a director of the Company
after the Effective Date of this Plan (which election date shall be the
eligibility date for any such director).

     4.  Grant of Options; Exercise Price.  Each individual who is an Eligible
         --------------------------------                                     
Director shall, on his or her eligibility date as determined under Section 3,
automatically be granted an option ("Option") to purchase 30,000 shares of Stock
of the Company (subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 5 and 10) at an
exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the effective date
of grant; provided, however, that if an individual who becomes an Eligible
          --------  -------                                               
Director after the Effective Date of this Plan is elected to or appointed to
less than a full three-year term of office, the number of shares subject to such
option shall be reduced to that number obtained by multiplying 30,000 by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the term of office for
which such Eligible Director is elected or appointed and the denominator of
which is 1096.  Thereafter, on each date that an Eligible Director is
<PAGE>
 
elected to a new three-year term of office, such Eligible Director shall
automatically be granted an Option to purchase 30,000 shares of Stock of the
Company (subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 5 and 10) at an exercise
price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the effective date of
grant.  All options shall expire ten years after the effective date of grant.

     5.  Number of Shares.  The number of shares of Stock of the Company which
         ----------------                                                     
may be issued upon the exercise of Options granted under the Plan, including
shares forfeited pursuant to Section 7, shall not exceed 500,000 in the
aggregate, subject to increase under Section 10, which increases and appropriate
adjustments as a result thereof shall be made by the Committee, whose
determination shall be binding on all persons.

     6.  Stock to be Delivered.  Shares of Stock to be delivered pursuant to an
         ---------------------                                                 
Option granted under this Plan may constitute an original issue of authorized
Stock or may consist of previously issued Stock acquired by the Company, as
shall be determined by the Board.  The Board and the proper officers of the
Company shall take any appropriate action required for such delivery.  No
fractional shares shall be delivered under the Plan.

     The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Stock pursuant
to the Plan (a) until all conditions of the Option have been satisfied, (b)
until, in the opinion of the Company's counsel, all applicable federal and state
laws and regulation have been complied with, (c) if the outstanding Stock is at
the time listed on NASDAQ or any other stock exchange, until the shares to be
delivered have been listed or authorized to be listed on NASDAQ or such other
exchange upon official notice of notice of issuance, and (d) until all other
legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares have
been approved by the Company's counsel.  If the sale of Stock has not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company may
require, as a condition to exercise of the Options, such representations or
agreements as counsel for the Company may consider appropriate to avoid
violation of such Act and may require that the certificates evidencing such
Stock bear an appropriate legend restricting transfer.

     If an Option is exercised by the Eligible Director's legal representative,
the Company will be under no obligation to deliver Stock pursuant to such
exercise until the Company is satisfied as to the authority of such
representative.

     7.  Exercisability; Exercise; Payment of Exercise Price.  All Options
         ---------------------------------------------------              
granted under the Plan shall become exercisable as to 10,000 shares after one
year from the effective date of the grant, as to an additional 10,000 shares
after two years from the effective date of grant, and as to the final 10,000
shares after three years from the effective date of grant so that the Options
are 100% exercisable three years from the effective date of the grant; provided,
                                                                       -------- 
however, that an Option granted on the Effective Date of this Plan shall become
- -------                                                                        
exercisable as to 10,000 shares at the scheduled end of the term of office of
the Eligible Director holding such Option, as to an additional 10,000 shares on
the later of one year prior to the scheduled

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
end of the term of office of such Eligible Director or the Effective Date, and
as to the remaining 10,000 shares, on the later of two years prior to the
scheduled end of the term of office of such Eligible Director or the Effective
Date; and, provided, further, that if an Eligible Director is granted an Option
           --------  -------                                                   
for fewer than 30,000 shares as a result of the proviso to the first sentence of
Section 4, such Option shall become exercisable as follows: at the scheduled end
of the term of office of such Eligible Director, the lesser of 10,000 shares or
the full amount of the Option; if the scheduled term of office exceeds one year,
at one year prior to the scheduled end of such term of office, the lesser of
10,000 shares or the remainder of such Option; if the scheduled term of office
exceeds two years, at two years prior to the scheduled end of such term of
office, the remainder of such Option.

     Any exercise of an Option must be in writing, signed by the proper person
and delivered or mailed to the Company, accompanied by (1) any documents
required by the Committee and (2) payment in full as provided below for the
number of shares for which the Option is exercised.

     The exercise price of Stock purchased on exercise of an Option must be paid
for as follows: (1) in cash or by check (acceptable to the Company in accordance
with guidelines established for this purpose), bank draft or money order payable
to the order of the Company or (2) through the delivery of shares of Stock which
have been outstanding and held by the Option holder for at least six months and
which have a Fair Market Value on the last business day preceding the date of
exercise equal to the exercise price, or (3) by delivery of an unconditional and
irrevocable undertaking by a broker to deliver promptly to the Company
sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or (4) by any combination of the
permissible forms of payment.

     To the extent shares of Stock covered under an Option are not delivered
because the Option lapses or is terminated, such forfeited shares may be
regranted in another Option within the limits set forth in Section 5.

     8.  Termination of Options.
         ---------------------- 

     a.  If an Eligible Director ceases to be a director by reason of death or
total and permanent disability (as determined by the Committee), the following
will apply:

     All Options held by the Eligible Director that are not exercisable on the
thirtieth day after termination of the Eligible Director's status as a director
will terminate as of such date. All Options that are exercisable as of said
thirtieth day will continue to be exercisable until the earlier of (1) the first
anniversary of the date on which the Eligible Director's status as a director
ended or (2) the date on which the Option would have terminated had the Eligible
Director remained a director.  If the Eligible Director has died or is totally
or permanently disabled, the Option may be exercised within such limits by the
Eligible Director's legal representative.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     b.  If an Eligible Director's service with the Company terminates for any
reason other than death or incapacity as provided above, all options held by the
director that are not then exercisable shall terminate.  Options that are
exercisable on the date of such termination (other than termination upon a
removal for cause, in which event all Options shall immediately terminate) shall
continue to be exercisable until the earlier of (1) three months thereafter or
(2) the date on which the Option would have terminated had the director remained
an Eligible Director, and after completion of that period, such Options shall
terminate to the extent not previously exercised, expired or terminated.

     c.  Certain Corporate Transactions.  In the event of a consolidation or
         ------------------------------                                     
merger in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or which results in
the acquisition of substantially all the Company's outstanding Stock by a single
person or entity or by a group of persons and/or entities acting in concert, or
in the event of the sale or transfer of substantially all the Company's assets
or a dissolution or liquidation of the Company (a "covered transaction"), all
outstanding Options under the Plan will terminate as of the effective date of
the covered transaction, provided that each such outstanding Option not
otherwise exercisable shall become immediately exercisable in full 20 days prior
to the effective date thereof.

     9.  General Provisions
         ------------------

     a.  Documentation of Options.  Options will be evidenced by written
         ------------------------                                       
instruments prescribed by the Committee from time to time.  Such instruments may
be in the form of agreements, to be executed by both an Eligible Director and
the Company, or certificates, letters or similar instruments, which need not be
executed by an Eligible Director but acceptance of which will evidence agreement
to the terms thereof.

     b.  Rights as a Stockholder.  An option holder shall not have the rights of
         -----------------------                                                
a stockholder with respect to Options under the Plan except as to Stock actually
received by him or her under the Plan.

     c.  Tax Withholding.  The Eligible Director or other appropriate person
         ---------------                                                    
shall remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy the withholding
requirements, or make other arrangements satisfactory to the Committee with
regard to such requirements, prior to the delivery of any Stock.  If and to the
extent that such withholding is required, the Committee may permit the Eligible
Director such other person to elect at such time and in such manner as the
Committee provides to have the Company hold back from the shares to be
delivered, or to deliver to the Company, Stock having a value calculated to
satisfy the withholding requirement.

     d.  Nontransferability of Options.  No Option may be transferred other than
         -----------------------------                                          
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a director's
lifetime an Option may be exercised only by the director (or, in the event of
the director's incapacity, the person or persons legally appointed to act on the
director's behalf).

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     10.  Adjustments in the Event of Certain Transactions.
          ------------------------------------------------ 

     a.  In the event of a stock dividend, stock split or combination of shares,
recapitalization or other change in the Company's capitalization, or other
distribution to common stockholders other than normal cash dividends, the
Committee will make any appropriate adjustments to the maximum number of shares
that may be delivered under the Plan under Section 5 above.

     b.  In any event referred to in paragraph (a), the Committee will also make
any appropriate adjustments to the number and kind of shares of stock or
securities subject to Options then outstanding or subsequently granted, exercise
prices relating to Options and any other provision of Options affected by such
change.  The Committee may also make such adjustments to take into account
material changes in law or in accounting practices or principles, mergers,
consolidations, acquisitions, dispositions or similar corporate transactions, or
any other event, if it is determined by the Committee that adjustments are
appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of the Plan.

     11.  Fair Market Value.  For purposes of the Plan, Fair Market Value of a
          -----------------                                                   
share of Stock on any date will be the average of the bid and asked prices in
the over-the-counter market with respect to such Stock, as reported by the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") Automated Quotations
System or such other similar system then in use (or by the appropriate
equivalent closing price if the Stock is then listed on any stock exchange or is
included in the NASD National Market System), on that date; or, if on any such a
date such Stock is not quoted by any such organization, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices with respect to such Stock, as furnished by a
professional market maker making a market in such Stock selected by the
Committee; or if such prices are not available, the fair market value of such
Stock as of such date as determined in good faith by the Committee; provided,
                                                                    -------- 
however, that the Fair Market Value of shares subject to Options granted on the
- -------                                                                        
Effective Date shall be the price per share to the public of the Common Stock
issued in the Company's IPO.

     12.  Effective Date and Term.  This Plan, having been approved by the Board
          -----------------------                                               
of Directors on September 1, 1993, shall become, in accordance with the term of
the approving vote of the Board, effective on the effectiveness of the Company's
first Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the registration of the sale of its
Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("IPO") (the
"Effective Date"), subject to approval of this Plan by vote of a majority of the
shareholders of the Company present and eligible to vote on the question at an
annual or special meeting of stockholders held not later than September 1, 1994.
Options may be granted under the Plan prior to the date of stockholder approval,
and options so granted shall be effective on the effective date of grant subject
to stockholder approval of the Plan as provided in this Section.  No Options may
be awarded under this Plan after November 1,

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
2003, but the Plan shall continue thereafter while previously awarded Options
remain subject to the Plan.

     13.  Effect of Termination, and Amendment.  Neither adoption of the Plan
          ------------------------------------                               
nor the grant of Options to an Eligible Director shall confer upon any person
any right to continued status as a director with the Company or any subsidiary
or affect in any way the right of the Company or subsidiary to terminate a
director relationship at any time or shall affect the Company's right to grant
to such director options or other stock awards that are not subject to the Plan,
to issue to such director stock as a bonus or otherwise, or to adopt other plans
or arrangements under which stock may be issued to directors.  The Committee may
at any time terminate the Plan as to any further grants of Options.  The
Committee may at any time or times amend the Plan for any purpose which may at
the time be permitted by law, but in no event (except to comply with the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act or the rules thereunder) more than once in any six-month period.

     As adopted by the Board of Directors on September 1, 1993.

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.13

                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                               AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
                 1993 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN


     This Amendment No. 1 to the FTP Software, Inc. 1993 Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is effective as of June 2, 1995.  All capitalized
terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan.

1.   Amendments to the Plan.
     -----------------------

     a.  Paragraph b. of Section 8 of the Plan is hereby amended by deleting the
parenthetical appearing in the fifth through seventh lines of such paragraph.

     b.  Section 13 of the Plan is hereby amended by deleting the last sentence
thereof and replacing such sentence with the following sentence:

     The Board may at any time or times amend this Plan for any purpose which
     may at the time be permitted by law, provided that (1) in no event shall
     any of the terms of this Plan of the type described in Rule 16b-3(c)(2)
     (ii)(A) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
     "Exchange Act"), be amended more than once in any six-month period other
     than to comport with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee
     Retirement Income Security Act or the rules thereunder and (2) any
     amendment required to be approved by the shareholders of the Company
     pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act in order for this Plan to
     qualify under such rule shall be subject to the shareholder approval
     requirements of such Rule.

2.   Status of Plan.
     ---------------

     Except as specifically amended hereby, the Plan shall continue in full
force and effect. From and after the date hereof, all references in any
agreements covering options granted under the Plan shall be deemed to be
references to the Plan as amended hereby.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.14

                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                           1993 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
<PAGE>
 
                        1993 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN


The Board of Directors of FTP Software, Inc. believe that the company has grown
and matured to the point where a formal Executive Compensation Plan is necessary
to attract and maintain the executive talent required to allow the company to
achieve its current and future objectives.

The components of this plan will be as follows:

     Base Salary:  Will be competitive and in the middle range.

     Performance Bonuses: Will be a percentage of base salary and will be earned
     based upon predetermined criteria tied to key performance objectives of the
     business.

     Stock Options: Will be granted as part of this plan based on corporate
     performance.



                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                           1993 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN


1993 Bonus Cash Plan:

For 30% of base salary, the company must achieve the following performance:

Target:                        Value:
- ------                         ----- 
100% of Revenue Plan           33 1/3% of 30% of base salary
100% of Profit Plan            33 1/3% of 30% of base salary
100% of Cash Plan              33 1/3% of 30% of base salary
                               -----------------------------
     Total Cash Bonus          30% of base salary

 .    The entry level for minimum achievement will be 90% and maximum achievement
     will be 120% of plan.

 .    The performance curve will be from 90% to 120% of plan with the following
     criteria:

   90%  =  10% of base salary
   95%  =  20% of base salary
   100% =  30% of base salary
   110% =  40% of base salary
   120%  =  50% of base salary



                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                           1993 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN


1993 Bonus Stock Option Plan:

Options to purchase up to 15,000 shares of common stock.

For the maximum option grant, the company must achieve the following
performance:

       Target                                       Options for:
       ------                                       ----------- 
       100% of Revenue Plan                          5,000 shares
       100% of Profit Plan                           5,000 shares
       100% of Cash Plan                             5,000 shares
                                                    -------------
           Total maximum stock option               15,000 shares

 .  The entry level for minimum achievement will be 90% and maximum achievement
   will be 100% of plan.

 .  The performance curve will be from 90% to 100% of plan with the following
   criteria:

       Target                                       Options for:
       ------                                       ----------- 
        90%                                          5,000 shares
        95%                                         10,000 shares
       100%                                         15,000 shares


 .  Vesting schedule will be 20% per year over 5 years


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                 REVENUE PLAN



Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
90% of budget.

Additional Payments:  The bonus will increase from 10% of base salary at 90%
performance against budget to 30% of base salary at 100% performance against
budget.  From 100% performance against budget the bonus will increase to 50% of
base salary at 120% performance against budget (see graph).  The stock options
will increase from 1,666 shares at 90% performance against budget to 5,000
shares at 100% performance against budget.  No overachievement is available for
stock options.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.


                                  PROFIT PLAN


Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
90% of budget.

Additional Payments:  The Bonus will increase from 10% of base salary at 90%
performance against budget to 30% of base salary at 100% performance against
budget.  From 100% performance against budget the bonus will increase to 50% of
base salary at 120% performance against budget (see graph).  The stock options
will increase from 1,666 shares at 90% performance against budget to 5,000
shares at 100% performance against budget.  No overachievement is available for
stock options.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                   CASH PLAN



Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
90% of budget.

Additional Payments:  The bonus will increase from 10% of base salary at 90%
performance against budget to 30% of base salary at 100% performance against
budget.  From 100% performance against budget the bonus will increase to 50% of
base salary at 120% performance against budget (see graph).  The stock options
will increase from 1,666 shares at 90% performance against budget to 5,000
shares at 100% performance against budget.  No overachievement is available for
stock options.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                         1993 BONUS PLAN PAYMENT TERMS


Payments:  The Annual Bonus will be paid within sixty (60) days following the
close of FTP's books.  Any stock options earned under this plan will be granted
within the same time period, and will have an exercise price equal to the fair
market value as set on the day of the grant.

General Terms:

      Adjustments: Equitable adjustments to the Program caused by FTP
      directives, external events, acquisitions, etc., may be made from time to
      time and will be confirmed by an exchange of letters between FTP and the
      participant.

      Termination of Employment: In the event of termination of a Participant,
      the payment of all credited but unpaid moneys under the Program will
      depend upon the circumstances of termination, as follows:

      1.  If the Participant leaves of his own free will, credited but unpaid
          moneys are forfeited.

      2.  If FTP causes the termination, unilaterally or through negotiation,
          for other than cause, credited moneys, including a pro rata share of
          the then current year, will be paid at termination, or in accordance
          with the "Payments" paragraph above, at the option of FTP.

      3.  In the case of death, all moneys will be paid in accordance with the
          beneficiary named in the group insurance plan.

      Employment: Neither the action of FTP in establishing this Program nor any
      action taken by it under any provisions of this Program shall be construed
      as giving to any Participant the right to be retained in FTP's employ or
      any right to Program benefits or payments whatsoever, except to the extent
      of the benefits provided for by this Program. FTP expressly reserves the
      right at any time to dismiss any Participant without incurring any
      liability for any claim against itself for any payment whatsoever, except
      to the extent provided for in this Program.

Felony Conviction:  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Program, if a
Participant is convicted of a felony involving fraud, misappropriation of funds,
or other criminal activity of a similar nature involving FTP or its assets,
illegal use of trade secrets or proprietary information gained while in the
employ of FTP such Participant's rights to any benefits under this Program shall
be permanently and immediately forfeited.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                         EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN TARGETS

                                 (in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Entry   Current                Target at % of Plan
                 Point   Forecast     90%      95%    100%       110%    120%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>     <C> 
Revenue Plan      39.60    44.00      39.60   41.80    44.00      48.40  52.80
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit Plan**     15.21    16.90      15.21   16.05    16.90      18.59  20.28
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Plan         12.38    13.75      12.38   13.06    13.75      15.13  16.50
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       % of Salary as Bonus            10%     20%      30%        40%    50%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
** Pre-tax


                                      -8-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.15


                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                        1994 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>
 
                        1994 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

The Board of Directors of FTP Software, Inc. believe that the company has grown
and matured to the point where a formal Executive Compensation Plan is necessary
to attract and maintain the executive talent required to allow the company to
achieve its current and future objectives.  Executives covered by the Plan are
those who have executed a 1994 Officer's Agreement.

The components of this plan will be as follows:

     Base Salary:  Will be competitive and in the middle range.

     Performance Bonuses:  Will be a percentage of base salary and will be
     earned based upon predetermined criteria tied to key performance objectives
     of the business.

     Stock Options:  Will be granted from time to time based on performance.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                           1994 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN


1994 Bonus Plan:

For 30% of base salary, must achieve the following performance:

Target:                                   Value:
- ------                                    ----- 
100% of Revenue Plan           33 1/3% of 30% of base salary
100% of Profit Plan            33 1/3% of 30% of base salary
100% of Cash Plan              33 1/3% of 30% of base salary

The entry level for minimum achievement will be 95% and maximum achievement will
be 120% of plan.

The performance curve will be from 95% to 120% of plan with the following
criteria:

                      95% = 10% of base salary
                     100% = 30% of base salary
                     110% = 40% of base salary
                     120% = 50% of base salary

The performance curve is interpolated between the criteria defined above.  For
example, for achievement at 105%, a bonus of 35% of base salary is payable.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                 REVENUE PLAN

Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
95% of budget.

Additional Payments: The bonus will increase from 10% of base salary at 95%
performance against budget to 33 1/3% of 30% of base salary at 100% performance
against budget. From 100% performance against budget, the bonus will increase to
33 1/3% of 50% of base salary at 120% performance against budget.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.


                                  PROFIT PLAN

Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
95% of budget.

Additional Payments: The bonus will increase from 10% of base salary at 95%
performance against budget to 33 1/3% of 30% of base salary at 100% performance
against budget. From 100% performance against budget, the bonus will increase to
33 1/3% of 50% of base salary at 120% performance against budget.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.


                                   CASH PLAN

Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
95% of budget.

Additional Payments: The bonus will increase from 10% of base salary at 95%
performance against budget to 33 1/3% of 30% of base salary at 100% performance
against budget. From 100% performance against budget, the bonus will increase to
33 1/3% of 50% of base salary at 120% performance against budget.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.



                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                         1994 BONUS PLAN PAYMENT TERMS

Payments:  The Annual Bonus will be paid within ninety (90) days following the
close of FTP's books.

General Terms:

     Adjustments:  Equitable adjustments to the Program caused by FTP
     directives, external events, acquisitions, etc., may be made from time to
     time and will be confirmed by an exchange of letters between FTP and the
     participant. Adjustments must be approved by the Compensation Committee of
     the Board of Directors.

     Termination of Employment:  In the event of termination of a Participant,
     the payment of all credited but unpaid monies under the Program will depend
     upon the circumstances of termination, as follows:

          1. If the Participant leaves of his/her own free will, credited but
             unpaid monies are forfeited.

          2. If FTP causes the termination, unilaterally or through negotiation,
             for other than cause, credited monies, including a pro-rata share
             of the then current year, will be paid at termination, or in
             accordance with the "Payments" paragraph above, at the option of
             FTP.

          3. In the case of death, all monies will be paid in accordance with
             the beneficiary named in the group insurance plan.

     Employment:  Neither the action of FTP in establishing this Program nor any
     action taken by it under any provisions of this Program shall be construed
     as giving to any Participant the right to be retained in FTP's employ or
     any right to Program benefits or payments whatsoever, except to the extent
     of the benefits provided for by this Program.  FTP expressly reserves the
     right at any time to dismiss any Participant without incurring any
     liability for any claim against itself for any payment whatsoever, except
     to the extent provided for in this Program.

 Felony Conviction:  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Program, if a
  Participant   is convicted of a felony involving fraud, misappropriation of
  funds, or other criminal   activity of a similar nature involving FTP or its
  assets, illegal use of trade secrets or

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
  proprietary information gained while in the employ of FTP, such Participant's
  rights to any benefits under this Program shall be permanently and immediately
  forfeited.




                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                     1994 TARGETS FOR EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
                     -------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                    <S>                           <C>
                     REVENUE PLAN:                 $86,900,000.00
 
                     PROFIT PLAN
                     (NET INCOME FROM
                     OPERATIONS):                  $33,609,602.00
 
                     CASH PLAN:                    $80,908,463.00
 
</TABLE>

The above targets are based upon the attached 1994 Budget and 1994 Cash Flow
Analysis.


                                      -8-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.16


                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                        1995 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>
 
                        1995 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

The Board of Directors of FTP Software, Inc. believe that the company has grown
and matured to the point where a formal Executive Compensation Plan is necessary
to attract and maintain the executive talent required to allow the company to
achieve its current and future objectives.  Executives covered by the Plan are
those who have executed a 1995 Officer's Agreement.

The components of this plan will be as follows:

     Base Salary:  Will be competitive and in the middle range.

     Performance Bonuses:  Will be a percentage of base salary and will be
     earned based upon predetermined criteria tied to key performance objectives
     of the business.

     Stock Options:  Will be granted from time to time based on performance.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                           1995 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN


1995 Bonus Plan:

For the applicable percentage of base salary, as determined by the Company's
Board of Directors and set forth in each Executive Officer's Agreement, the
Company must achieve the following performance:

Target:                                           Value:
- ------                                            ----- 
100% of Revenue Plan         33 1/3% of [applicable percentage] of base salary
100% of Profit Plan          33 1/3% of [applicable percentage] of base salary
100% of Cash Plan            33 1/3% of [applicable percentage] of base salary

The entry level for minimum achievement will be 100% and maximum achievement
will be 120% of plan.

The performance curve will be from 100% to 120% of plan with the minimum and
maximum applicable percentage of base salary to be determined by the Company's
Board of Directors and set forth in each Executive Officer's Agreement.

The performance curve is interpolated between the criteria defined above.  For
example, if the applicable percentage is 30% of base salary, for achievement at
105%, a bonus of 35% of base salary is payable.

The Company's Board of Directors has currently set the minimum applicable
percentage at 25% to 35% and the maximum applicable percentage at 50%.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                 REVENUE PLAN

Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
100% of budget.

Additional Payments:  The bonus will increase from 33 1/3% of the minimum
applicable percentage, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of
base salary at 100% performance against budget.  From 100% performance against
budget, the bonus will increase to 33 1/3% of the maximum applicable percentage,
as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of base salary at 120%
performance against budget.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.


                                  PROFIT PLAN

Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
100% of budget.

Additional Payments:  The bonus will increase from 33 1/3% of the minimum
applicable percentage, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of
base salary at 100% performance against budget.  From 100% performance against
budget, the bonus will increase to 33 1/3% of the maximum applicable percentage,
as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of base salary at 120%
performance against budget.

The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.


                                   CASH PLAN

Entry Point:  No Annual Bonus will be paid for performance which is less than
100% of budget.

Additional Payments:  The bonus will increase from 33 1/3% of the minimum
applicable percentage, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of
base salary at 100% performance against budget.  From 100% performance against
budget, the bonus will increase to 33 1/3% of the maximum applicable percentage,
as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, of base salary at 120%
performance against budget.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
The maximum bonus payable is that percent of base salary indicated at the 120%
of performance against budget level.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                         1995 BONUS PLAN PAYMENT TERMS

Payments:  The Annual Bonus will be paid within ninety (90) days following the
close of FTP's books.

General Terms:

     Adjustments:  Equitable adjustments to the Program caused by FTP
     directives, external events, acquisitions, etc., may be made from time to
     time and will be confirmed by an exchange of letters between FTP and the
     participant.  Adjustments must be approved by the Compensation Committee of
     the Board of Directors.

     Termination of Employment:  In the event of termination of a Participant,
     the payment of all credited but unpaid monies under the Program will depend
     upon the circumstances of termination, as follows:

          1.          If the Participant leaves of his/her own free will,
             credited but unpaid monies are forfeited.

          2.          If FTP causes the termination, unilaterally or through
             negotiation, for other than cause, credited monies, including a 
             pro-rata share of the then current year, will be paid at
             termination, or in accordance with the "Payments" paragraph above,
             at the option of FTP.

          3.          In the case of death, all monies will be paid in
             accordance with the beneficiary named in the group insurance plan.

     Employment:  Neither the action of FTP in establishing this Program nor any
     action taken by it under any provisions of this Program shall be construed
     as giving to any Participant the right to be retained in FTP's employ or
     any right to Program benefits or payments whatsoever, except to the extent
     of the benefits provided for by this Program.  FTP expressly reserves the
     right at any time to dismiss any Participant without incurring any
     liability for any claim against itself for any payment whatsoever, except
     to the extent provided for in this Program.

     Felony Conviction: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Program, if
     a Participant is convicted of a felony involving fraud, misappropriation of
     funds, or other criminal activity of a similar nature involving FTP or its
     assets, illegal use of trade secrets or proprietary information gained
     while in the employ of FTP, such Participant's rights to any benefits under
     this Program shall be permanently and immediately forfeited.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                     1995 TARGETS FOR EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
                     -------------------------------------

          REVENUE PLAN:                               $140,000,000


          PROFIT PLAN
          (NET INCOME FROM
          OPERATIONS):                                $56,459,000


          CASH PLAN:                                  $117,000,000



The above targets are based upon the attached 1995 Budget and 1995 Cash Flow
Analysis.

                                      -7-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.17

                               BRICKSTONE SQUARE
                             ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS


                                     LEASE



LANDLORD:            ANDOVER MILLS REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
                     a Massachusetts Limited Partnership


TENANT:              FTP SOFTWARE, INC., a Massachusetts Corporation


DATE:                October 1, 1993


BUILDING No. 100:    5th Floor


LEASE NO.:           505A
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


1.   BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS .................................................. 1
 
2.   CONSTRUCTION OF PREMISES ................................................ 3
 
3.   POSSESSION AND SURRENDER OF PREMISES .................................... 3
                             
4.   TERM .................................................................... 3
 
5.   RENT .................................................................... 4
 
6.   TAXES ................................................................... 4
 
7.   OPERATING COSTS ......................................................... 5
 
8.   INSURANCE ............................................................... 5
 
9.   MONTHLY PAYMENT OF TAXES, OPERATING COSTS AND INSURANCE
     PREMIUMS ................................................................ 7
 
10.  UTILITIES ............................................................... 7
 
11.  USE OF PREMISES ......................................................... 8
 
12.  MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS ................................................. 9
 
13.  ALTERATIONS ............................................................ 10
 
14.  INDEMNITY; SATISFACTION OF REMEDIES .................................... 11
                             
15.  COMMON AREA AND PARKING ................................................ 12
 
16.  DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION .................................................. 13
 
17.  CONDEMNATION ........................................................... 13
 
18.  ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING .............................................. 14
 
19.  MORTGAGEE PROTECTION ................................................... 17
 
20.  ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES .................................................. 17

                                      -i-
<PAGE>
 
21.  DEFAULT ................................................................ 18
 
22.  REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT ................................................... 18
 
23.  [SEE EXHIBIT "F" -- BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY] ......................... 20
                             
24.  GENERAL PROVISIONS ..................................................... 20
 
25.  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ................................................... 25


                                 EXHIBIT LIST
                                 ------------

"A"         Project Site Plan
"B"         Premises
"C"         Workletter
"D"         Base Rent
"E"         Current Rules and Regulations
"F"         Bankruptcy Provisions
Rider #1    Right of First Offer
Rider #2    Extension Option

                                     -ii-
<PAGE>
 
                            INDEX TO DEFINED TERMS
                            ----------------------
 
Term                                  Section                             Page
- ----                                  -------                             ----
                                  
Affiliates                            24.18(a)                             13
Alterations                           13                                    5
Bankruptcy Code                       Exhibit "F"
Base Rent                             1.1(e)                                1
Building                              1.1(d)                                1
Common Area                           15                                    6
Condemnation                          17                                    7
Expansion Option                      28.1                           Rider #1
Expansion Space                       28.1                           Rider #1
Guarantor                             1.1(k)                                1
Hazardous Substances                  25                                   13
Landlord's Mortgagee                  19.1                                  8
Landlord's Work                       2                                     2
Laws                                  24.18(b)                             13
Lease Year                            4                                     2
Liabilities                           24.18(c)                             13
Liens                                 13.4                                  5 
Maximum Amount                        1.2                         Exhibit "C"
Offer Space                           27                             Rider #1
Operating Costs                       7.1                                   2
Option                                                               Rider #2
Premises                              1.3                                   1
Project                               1.2                                   1
Rent                                  5                                     2
Rent Commencement Date                1.1(a)                                1
Security Deposit                      1.1(g)                                1
Systems and Equipment                 24.18(d)                             13
Superior Leases and Mortgages         24.4                                 11
Taxes                                 6.2                                   2
Tenant's Broker                       1.1(l)                                1
Tenant's Percentage                   1.1(f)                                1
Tenant's Property                     3                                     2
Transfer                              18.1                                  7


                                     -iii-
<PAGE>
 
                                     LEASE
                                     -----


     THIS INDENTURE OF LEASE, dated as of October 1, 1993, is between ANDOVER
HILLS REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
("Landlord"), and FTP SOFTWARE, INC., a Massachusetts corporation ("Tenant").

     Landlord leases the Premises to Tenant and Tenant leases the Premises from
Landlord on the following terms and conditions:

 1.  BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS.
     ---------------------- 

     1.1  Summary.
          ------- 

          (a)  Rent Commencement Date: Ten (10) days after Landlord's Work is
     substantially completed, but if Tenant occupies the Premises for the
     conduct of its business earlier, then the Rent Commencement Date will be
     the date that Tenant so occupies. Landlord will use all diligent efforts to
     substantially complete Landlord's Work on or before March 1, 1994.

          (b)  Term: Until August 31, 2002, subject to extension as provided in
     Rider #2 or earlier termination in accordance with this Lease.

          (c)  Premises: The fifth (5th) floor of the Building, as shown in
     Exhibit "B". The Premises have an initial agreed rentable area of 66,286
     square feet, which will be increased if more space is leased as described
     in Rider #1.

          (d)  Building:  Building 100 as shown in Exhibit "A".

          (e)  Base Rent:  (see Exhibit "D").

          (f)  Tenant's Percentage: 7.05%, subject to proportional increase if
     the size of the Premises increases pursuant to this Lease.

          (g)  Security Deposit: [an amount equal to two (2) months initial base
     rent.]

          (h)  Use of Premises:  As offices and for the packaging, creation and
     duplication of computer software, light assembly, testing, configuring
     computer hardware, and training (but no manufacturing).

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
          (i)  Notice to Tenant Before Possession of Premises:

                    FTP Software
                    Two High Street
                    North Andover, Massachusetts  01845
                    Attn:  Chief Financial Officer

               With a copy to:
               -------------- 

                    Edward Rosner, Esq.
                    Flott, Rosner and O'Brien
                    919 18th Street
                    Washington, DC  20006

          (j)  Notice to Landlord:

                    c/o Brickstone Properties, Inc.
                    300 Brickstone Square
                    Andover, Massachusetts  01810
                    Attn:  Martin Spagat

               With a copy to:
               -------------- 

                    c/o U.S. Managers Realty, Inc.
                    433 North Camden Drive
                    Suite 960
                    Beverly Hills, CA  90210
                    Attn:  John G. Baker, Esq.

          (k)  Guarantor:  N/A.

          (l)  Tenant's Broker:  John C. Cissel/F.R. Partnership.

          (m)  Certain Other Defined Terms:  [See Section 24.18]

     If there is a conflict between this summary and the rest of this Lease, the
     rest of this Lease will control.

     1.2  Project.  Exhibit "A" is the general site plan of the principal
          -------                                                        
buildings, improvements and areas that are now part of the project commonly
known as Brickstone Square, Andover, Massachusetts (the "Project").  Landlord
reserves the right to change the Project from time to time.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     1.3  Description of Premises.  Landlord reserves the space above hung
          -----------------------                                         
ceilings, below the floor and within the walls of the Premises, and the right to
install, relocate, remove, use, maintain, repair and replace Systems and
Equipment within or serving the Premises or other parts of the Buildings or the
Project.  To the extent that it does not interfere with or damage Landlord's
Work and/or existing Systems and Equipment or the rest of the Building or the
use and occupancy of any other tenant, Tenant, at its cost, may install wiring
for its computers and equipment above hung ceilings and within the interior
walls of the Premises, provided that Tenant otherwise complies with the rest of
this Lease and that Landlord will have no obligations or Liabilities in
connection therewith.  Tenant will indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from
Liabilities in connection with this wiring and installation, maintenance and
removal.  Tenant will maintain the wiring and, at Landlord's request, will
remove the wiring and repair any damage on the expiration or earlier termination
of this Lease.

 2.  CONSTRUCTION OF PREMISES.
     ------------------------ 

     Landlord will perform "Landlord's Work" and Tenant will perform "Tenant's
Work" (if any) as described in the Workletter attached as Exhibit "C" to prepare
the Premises for Tenant's initial occupancy.  Landlord's Work will be deemed
substantially completed even if Landlord has not completed "punch list" or other
minor items, as long as Landlord agrees to complete these items.  Tenant's final
punch list will be submitted to Landlord within thirty (30) days after Landlord
notifies Tenant that Landlord's Work is substantially completed.  At Landlord's
option, certification by Landlord's architect of the substantial completion of
Landlord's Work or the issuance of a temporary or final certificate of occupancy
will be binding on the parties as to the date of substantial completion.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord's Work will not be deemed substantially
complete if any uncompleted item of Landlord's Work renders the Premises
untenantable.

 3.  POSSESSION AND SURRENDER OF PREMISES.
     ------------------------------------ 

     When this Lease terminates, Tenant will remove all of its signs, movable
trade fixtures and equipment, inventory and other personal property ("Tenant's
Property").  Tenant's Property remaining after termination will be deemed
abandoned and Landlord may keep, sell, destroy or dispose of it without any
Liabilities to Tenant.  Tenant will repair all damage and surrender the Premises
broom clean and in good order, condition and repair, and otherwise in the same
condition as on the Rent Commencement Date, normal wear and tear excepted.

 4.  TERM.
     ---- 

     The Lease term begins on the date of this Lease and ends August 31, 2002,
unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Lease or extended per Rider
#2.  A "Lease Year" is a period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months
during the Lease term, starting with the Rent Commencement Date.  However, the
first Lease Year is the first twelve (12) full calendar months plus the partial
month (if any) after the Rent Commencement Date if the Rent

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Commencement Date is not the first day of the month, and the last Lease Year may
be less than twelve (12) months if the Lease is terminated early.

 5.  RENT.
     ---- 

     Tenant will pay the annual base rent as shown in Exhibit "D" in equal
monthly installments in advance beginning on the Rent Commencement Date and
thereafter on the first day of each month during the term, prorated for any
portion of a month.  The term "rent" includes base rent, additional rent and all
other amounts to be paid by Tenant under this Lease, whether or not specifically
described as rent.  All rent due under this Lease will be paid without demand,
deduction, counterclaim or offset of any type in lawful U.S. legal tender at 433
North Camden Drive, Suite 960, Beverly Hills, California  90210, Attn:
Accounting Dept., or to such other person or place as Landlord may from time to
time designate by written notice pursuant to this Lease.  Tenant will pay the
first month's base rent when it executes this Lease.

 6.  TAXES.
     ----- 

     6.1  Definition of Taxes.  "Taxes" means all taxes, assessments, and other
          -------------------                                                  
governmental or quasi-governmental levies, charges and fees imposed against, for
or in connection with all or any portion of:  the Project; the use, ownership,
leasing, occupancy, operation, management, repair, maintenance, demolition or
improvement of the Project; Landlord's right to receive, or the receipt of,
rent, profit or income from the Project; improvements, utilities and services,
whether because of special assessment districts or otherwise; the value of
Landlord's interest in the Project; a reassessment due to any change in
ownership or other transfer of all or any portion of the Project; and fixtures,
equipment and other real or personal property used by Landlord in connection
with the Project.  Taxes also include, without limitation, license fees, sale,
use, capital and value-added taxes, penalties, interest and costs incurred in
contesting taxes, and any governmental or quasi-governmental charges or taxes in
addition to, in substitution or in lieu of, partially or totally, any taxes or
charges previously included within this definition, including taxes or
governmental or quasi-governmental charges completely unforeseen by the parties
and collected from whatever source.  Taxes do not include:  Landlord's federal,
                                     --------------------                      
state or municipal net income, franchise, excise, inheritance, gift or estate
taxes.

     6.2  Payment of Taxes.  Subject to Article 9, as of the Rent Commencement
          ----------------                                                    
Date Tenant will pay its Tenant's Percentage of all Taxes directly to Landlord
as additional rent within ten (10) days after receipt of Landlord's bill.

     6.3  Tenant's Taxes.  Tenant will pay before delinquency all taxes,
          --------------                                                
assessments, license fees and charges levied, assessed or imposed on Tenant,
Tenant's business operations and Tenant's Property.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
 7.  OPERATING COSTS.
     --------------- 

     7.1  Definition of Operating Costs.  "Operating Costs" are all costs and
          -----------------------------                                      
expenses incurred in connection with the Project and its ownership, operation,
management, maintenance, repair, replacement and improvement, including, without
limitation, costs for: services, costs and utilities not otherwise directly paid
or reimbursed by tenants; materials, supplies and equipment; deductibles under
Landlord's insurance policies; wages and payroll, including bonuses, (all of
which, for existing employees, will not increase by more than ten percent (10%)
per annum, cumulative, and, for employees subsequently hired, will not increase
by more than ten percent (10%) per annum, cumulative, over their initial wages
and payroll, including bonuses); fringe benefits, workers compensation and
payroll taxes; professional and consulting fees; management fees at prevailing
rates or, if no managing agent is retained, an amount in lieu thereof not in
excess of prevailing rates; complying with any laws and insurance requirements;
"environmental audits" deemed necessary by Landlord (but no more than once per
year); and the Common Area (including the parking area).  Operating Costs do not
                                                          ----------------------
include:  Taxes, depreciation of the Project structures and improvements;
- -------                                                                  
Landlord's loan or ground lease payments; brokerage commissions; marketing
costs; legal fees and costs to enforce any leases; and costs to construct new
leasable area in the Project.  If Landlord in the future leases space to other
tenants on a gross rather than net basis, Operating Costs will not thereby be
increased over what they would have been if Landlord had leased on a net basis.

     7.2  Payment of Operating Costs.  Subject to Article 9, as of the Rent
          --------------------------                                       
Commencement Date Tenant will pay its Tenant's Percentage of Operating Costs
described in Section 7.1, both as additional rent within fifteen (15) days after
receipt of Landlord's bill.

     7.3  Building Operating Costs.  From time to time, Landlord may determine
          ------------------------                                            
that certain costs otherwise included within the definition of Operating Costs
more properly relate only or primarily to the Building (as a hypothetical
example, elevator maintenance).  If Landlord so elects, these costs will be
deducted from Operating Costs and allocated only to tenants of the Building,
Tenant's share of these costs will be calculated by dividing Tenant's rentable
square footage by the rentable square footage [***] in the Building, and Tenant
will pay its share of these costs in the manner described in Section 7.2.

 8.  INSURANCE.
     --------- 

     8.1  Tenant's Insurance.
          ------------------ 

          (a)  Tenant will maintain during the term:

               (i)   Comprehensive general public liability insurance (Broad
          Form CGL), with contractual liability, cross-liability and fire legal
          liability endorsements, protecting against all claims and liabilities
          for personal, bodily

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          and other injuries, death and property damage including, without
          limitation, broad form property damage insurance, automobile and
          personal injury coverage. This insurance also will insure Tenant's
          indemnities pursuant to this Lease. The amount of this insurance will
          not be less than $5,000,000.00 combined single limit for each
          occurrence.

               (ii)  "All risk" casualty insurance, covering all of the Tenant's
          Work, Tenant's Property and all Alterations made by or for the benefit
          of Tenant. This insurance will be for full replacement value.
 
               (iii) [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

               (iv)  Worker's compensation insurance in statutory limits, and
          employer's liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000.00.

               (v)   Builder's risk insurance (completed value form) for work
          required of or permitted to be made by Tenant. The amount of this
          insurance will be reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and must be
          obtained before any work is begun.

          (b)  All policies of insurance carried by Tenant must: name Landlord
     and its designees as additional insureds; contain a waiver by the insurer
     of any right to subrogation against Landlord and its Affiliates; be from
     insurers acceptable to Landlord; and state that the insurers will not
     cancel, fail to renew or modify the coverage without first giving Landlord
     and any other additional insureds at least thirty (30) days prior written
     notice.

          (c)  Tenant will supply copies of each paid-up policy or a certificate
     from the insurer certifying that the policy has been issued and complies
     with all of the terms of this Article. The policies or certificates will be
     delivered to Landlord within thirty (30) days after this Lease is signed
     and renewals provided not less than thirty (30) days before the expiration
     of the coverage. Landlord always may inspect and copy any of the policies.
     Tenant waives any right to recover against Landlord for Liabilities in
     connection with any type of cause or peril which is supposed to be insured
     against under the insurance policies required to be maintained by Tenant.

     8.2  Landlord's Insurance; Payment; and Waiver of Subrogation.
          -------------------------------------------------------- 

          (a)  Landlord will maintain casualty, liability and other insurance
     policies in such amounts, with such deductibles and providing protection
     against such perils as Landlord determines to be necessary in its sole
     discretion (which may include, without limitation, rental loss insurance
     policies). All losses on all policies maintained pursuant to this Article
     will be settled in Landlord's name (or as otherwise designated

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
     by Landlord) and proceeds will belong and be paid to Landlord. Landlord
     makes no representations or warranties as to the adequacy of any insurance
     to protect Landlord's or Tenant's interests. Landlord's insurance policies
     will contain waivers of subrogation.

          (b)  Subject to Article 9, Tenant will pay directly to Landlord as
     additional rent Tenant's Percentage of the cost of all premiums for
     Landlord's insurance for the Project within fifteen (15) days after receipt
     of Landlord's bill.

          (c)  Tenant and its Affiliates will not undertake, fail to undertake
     or permit any acts or omissions which will in any way increase the cost of,
     violate, void or make voidable all or any portion of any insurance policies
     maintained by Landlord, unless Landlord gives its specific written consent
     and Tenant pays all increased costs directly to Landlord on demand.

9.   MONTHLY PAYMENT OF TAXES, OPERATING COSTS AND INSURANCE PREMIUMS.
     ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

     At any time and from time to time, and subject to later change, Landlord
may elect to have Tenant pay Tenant's share of Taxes, Operating Costs and
Landlord's insurance premiums (or any of them) in monthly installments, in
advance on the first of each month, based on amounts estimated by Landlord (as
revised from time to time).  If these estimated monthly payments are required,
after the end of each tax fiscal year, Lease Year or other relevant periods
selected by Landlord, Landlord will deliver to Tenant a statement of the actual
amounts due for the period.  Any additional amounts due from Tenant will be
payable as additional rent within fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's
statement, and any overpayment by Tenant will be refunded by Landlord or
deducted from the next monthly installments due for that particular payment
category.  Quarterly, or less frequently, Landlord may deliver a bill to Tenant
for Tenant's share of Taxes, Operating Costs or insurance premiums, and Tenant
will pay the amount due to Landlord as additional rent within fifteen (15) days
(ten (10) days for Taxes) after receipt of Landlord's bill.  Tenant will receive
a credit for any estimated monthly payments already paid by Tenant for the
period covered by that bill.

10.  UTILITIES.
     --------- 

     Landlord will be solely responsible for bringing utility services to the
Premises to the extent now existing  and/or as provided as part of Landlord's
Work in Exhibit "C".  Tenant will pay when due to the furnishing parties all
fees and costs for utility services, and meters and equipment (to the extent not
supplied as part of Landlord's Work), furnished to the Premises, including,
without limitation, telephone, electricity, HVAC, sewer, water and gas (if
furnished).  If utilities and services for the Premises are not separately
metered or charged, Tenant will pay its share (as reasonably determined by
Landlord) of such costs directly to

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
Landlord as additional rent, either monthly when base rent is due, or within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's bill, at Landlord's option.
Landlord is not responsible for any Liabilities incurred by Tenant or Tenant's
Affiliates nor may Tenant abate rent, terminate this Lease or pursue any other
right or remedy against Landlord or Landlord's Affiliates, as a result of any
termination or malfunction of any utilities or utility systems.

11.  USE OF PREMISES.
     --------------- 

     Tenant will use the Premises for the purposes described in Section 1.1(h),
but for no other purpose.  Tenant will:

          (a)  Operate its business in an attractive and first class manner.
     Tenant will not permit any objectionable or unreasonable noises,
     vibrations, odors or fumes in or to emanate from the Premises, nor commit
     or permit any waste, improper, immoral or offensive use of the Premises,
     any public or private nuisance or anything that disturbs the quiet
     enjoyment of the other tenants, licensees, occupants or customers of the
     Project. All deliveries and pickups must be conducted at times and in the
     manner reasonably prescribed by Landlord. All trash and waste products must
     be stored, discharged, processed and removed in the manner prescribed by
     Landlord, and so as not to be visible to other tenants or create any health
     or fire hazard.

          (b)  Install only window coverings and treatments approved by Landlord
     and, once installed, keep them sufficiently closed to shield from outside
     view any machinery or other equipment that Landlord determines is unsightly
     or inconsistent with that portion of the Project. Tenant will vent only
     through louvres in the windows of the Premises, but Tenant may not detach
     those louvres.

          (c)  Not permit any coin or token operated vending, video, pinball,
     gaming or other mechanical devices on the Premises, except solely for use
     by Tenant's employees; conduct retail sales to walk-in customers (other
     than occasional sales); permit governmental or quasi-governmental agencies
     to occupy the Premises; use of the Premises as doctors' offices, a school
     or educational institution (but training for customers and/or Tenant's
     personnel in the use of Tenant's software will be permitted), living or
     sleeping quarters; store, sell or distribute obscene, lewd or pornographic
     materials or engage in related businesses in or from the Premises; or
     conduct any auction, distress, fire, bankruptcy or going-out-of-business
     sale.

          (d)  Comply with: Laws and insurance requirements affecting the
     Premises, the Project or any use and occupancy thereof by Tenant or its
     Affiliates (including, without limitation, making required improvements to
     the Premises); and Landlord's rules and regulations from time to time.
     Tenant will, at is expense, obtain and maintain all licenses, approvals and
     variances necessary to conduct its business and occupy the Premises, but
     none of those licenses, permits or variances will be binding

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     on or in any way affect or restrict Landlord, any other tenants in the
     Project or the Project itself.

          (e)  If it wishes, install signs or lettering on the entry doors to
     the Premises and on a monument sign to be specified by Landlord, which will
     include other tenant names, identifying its tenancy in the manner customary
     to first-class office buildings. Tenant will conform to standards
     established by Landlord from time to time for the above signs and lettering
     and submit for Landlord's prior approval a plan or sketch of the Tenant's
     proposed sign or lettering, and provided that Tenant's signs and lettering
     so conform, Landlord's consent will not be unreasonably withheld. All other
     signs, lettering, awnings, canopies or other decorations require Landlord's
     prior approval.

          (f)  Not use any advertising or other media or other device which can
     be heard or experienced outside the Premises (except as permitted in
     subparagraph (e) above), including without limitation, lights or audio or
     visual devices. Tenant will not distribute handbills or advertising,
     promotional or other materials anywhere in the Project or solicit business
     in the Project other than within its own Premises.

12.  MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.
     ----------------------- 

     12.1 Landlord's Obligations.  Landlord will repair and maintain the roof
          ----------------------                                             
and the structural portions of the floor and load-bearing walls of the Premises
(but not the interior surfaces), the plumbing Systems and Equipment up to and
including the main vertical risers, the sanitary sewer and chilled water lines
outside of the footprint of the Premises, and the electrical Systems and
Equipment up to the buss duct tap.  Landlord also will manage the cleaning,
landscaping and snowplowing of the Common Areas.  However, Tenant will be
responsible for all repairs and maintenance  resulting from Tenant's Alterations
or the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of Tenant or its Affiliates.
Landlord will make its repairs within a reasonable time following Tenant's
notification that the repairs are required. Landlord's obligations are subject
to the provisions of Articles 16 or 17 and the rest of this Lease.

     12.2 Tenant's Obligations.  Except for Landlord's obligations in Section
          --------------------                                               
12.1 and as set forth immediately below, Tenant will maintain and repair the
Premises and the Systems and Equipment serving the Premises in a first-class
manner (including replacement thereof if and when necessary), and keep the
Premises in good order and condition, including, without limitation, Tenant's
Property, all doors, windows, window treatments, wall coverings, floor
coverings, non-structural portions of the ceiling, floor and walls, and Tenant's
Alterations (unless otherwise requested by Landlord).  Subject to Landlord's
prior consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld, Tenant may select a
cleaning company of its choice to clean the Premises at Tenant's sole cost.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
13.  ALTERATIONS.
     ----------- 

     13.1 Landlord's Consent.  "Alterations" means Tenant's alterations,
          ------------------                                            
additions, improvements, remodeling, repainting, or other changes.  Tenant may
make nonstructural Alterations to the interior of the Premises without
                                                               -------
Landlord's consent as long as the Alterations do not:  affect the windows, the
exterior of the Building, or any portion of the Building or the rest of the
Project outside of the Premises; affect the strength, structural integrity or
load-bearing capacity of any portion of the Building; affect the Systems and
Equipment in the Premises or the rest of the Building or increase Tenant's
usage; or, in Landlord's reasonable judgment, cost more than a total of Sixty
Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($60,000.00) in any Lease Year when combined with
the cost of other Alterations made in that Lease Year.  All other Alterations
require Landlord's prior written consent.  Whether or not Landlord's consent is
required, Alterations are subject to the rest of this Article.

     13.2 Notice.  Tenant will notify Landlord not less than fifteen (15) days
          ------                                                              
before beginning any Alterations (but no notice will be required for moveable,
unattached partitions and work stations).  Together with Tenant's notice, Tenant
will give Landlord copies of the necessary permits and approvals and, if
Landlord deems it necessary, plans and specifications for the Alterations (but
not for minor, non-structural Alterations such as wall coverings, built-in
cabinetry, and painting).  Landlord's review or approval lf Tenant's plans and
specifications is solely for Landlord's benefit and will not be considered a
representation or warranty to Tenant as to safety, adequacy, efficiency,
compliance with Laws or any other matter, or a waiver of any of Tenant's
obligations.  Except for items of Tenant's Property, all Alterations will be
deemed Landlord's property and part of the realty, and will be surrendered with
the Premises at the end of this Lease, unless otherwise required by Landlord.

     13.3 Compliance with Laws.  Alterations will comply in all respects with
          --------------------                                               
this Lease and applicable Laws and insurance requirements.  Alterations will be
done in a first-class manner, using first quality materials, and so as not to
interfere in any way with Landlord or any other tenant in the Project, cause
labor disputes, disharmony or delay, or impose any Liabilities on Landlord.
Alterations will be performed only by experienced, licensed and bonded
contractors and subcontractors approved in writing by Landlord, which approval
will not be unreasonably withheld.  At Landlord's request, Tenant will cause its
contractors and subcontractors to carry worker's compensation insurance.

     13.4 Liens.  Tenant will pay when due all claims for labor, materials and
          -----                                                               
services claimed to be furnished for Tenant or Tenant's Affiliates or for their
benefit and keep the Premises and the Project free from all liens, security
interests and encumbrances ("Liens"). Tenant will indemnify Landlord for, and
hold Landlord harmless from, all Liens, the removal of all Liens and any related
actions or proceedings, and all Liabilities incurred by Landlord in connection
therewith.  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL PERSONS FURNISHING LABOR OR MATERIALS
TO TENANT THAT NO MECHANICS', MATERIALMENS'

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
OR OTHER LIENS SOUGHT ON THE PREMISES WILL IN ANY MANNER AFFECT LANDLORD'S
RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST.

     13.5 Satellite Dish.  Subject to the following and the rest of this Article
          --------------                                                        
and this Lease, Tenant may install a satellite dish no larger than three feet
(3') in diameter in a location specified by Landlord.  Tenant will be
responsible for all Liabilities in connection with this satellite dish and
associated equipment, including, without limitation, installation, removal,
operation, maintenance, insurance, taxes and other costs and fees.  Tenant also
will be solely responsible for securing all federal, state and local permits in
connection with the installation and operation of this satellite dish prior to
its installation.  If this satellite dish is on a roof, Tenant will secure from
the membrane roofing manufacturer certification that the installation of this
satellite dish is compatible with all design requirements and that this
installation will not void the existing roof warranty.  This certification must
be delivered to Landlord before installation begins.  Tenant also will  use only
a manufacture-authorized roofing contractor for any work that requires the
penetration of the existing membrane roofing system.   Upon the expiration or
earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant, at its expense, will remove the
satellite dish and all associated equipment and repair all damage.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Landlord will have no Liabilities in
connection with this satellite dish and associated equipment, and Tenant will
indemnify Landlord for and hold it free and harmless from all Liabilities
arising out of or in connection with this satellite dish.

 14. INDEMNITY; SATISFACTION OF REMEDIES.
     ----------------------------------- 

     14.1 Indemnification.  In addition to any other indemnities in this Lease,
          ---------------                                                      
Tenant will indemnify Landlord for and hold Landlord harmless from Liabilities
arising from or in connection with:  acts or omissions of Tenant or its
Affiliates or the conduct of Tenant's business; Tenant's breach of or default
under this Lease; and claims by Tenant's Affiliates or other persons if Landlord
declines to consent to any act, event or document requiring Landlord's consent
under this Lease.

     14.2 Damage to Persons or Property.  Subject to the rest of this Section
          -----------------------------                                      
and the rest of this Lease, Landlord will be liable for damages solely to the
extent caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct in breach of this
Lease, but Landlord will not be liable for any special, indirect, consequential,
punitive or similar damages (including, without limitation, any loss of use or
revenue by Tenant or any other person) under any circumstances, or for any
Liabilities arising from or in connection with:  acts or omissions of Tenant,
any other tenants of the Project, any third parties, or their Affiliates,
including, without limitation, burglary, vandalism, theft, or criminal or
illegal activity; explosion, fire, steam, electricity, water, gas, rain,
pollution, contamination, hazardous substances, motor vehicles or any
casualties; breakage, leakage, malfunction, obstruction or other defects in
Systems and Equipment, or of any services or utilities; any work, demolition,
maintenance or repairs permitted under this Lease; any exercise of Landlord's
rights under any laws or under this Lease, including any entry by Landlord or
its Affiliates on the Premises in accordance with this Lease; or any of the

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
matters described in Section 24.5.  Tenant and Tenant's Affiliates assume the
risk of all of these Liabilities and waive all claims against Landlord in
connection therewith.  Tenant also waives any Laws or rights that would permit
Tenant to terminate this Lease, perform repairs or maintenance in lieu of
Landlord (or on Landlord's behalf), or offset or withhold any amounts due
because of damage to or destruction of the Premises, any repairs or maintenance,
or for any other reason.  Tenant immediately will notify Landlord of any damage
or injury to persons or property and any events which could be anticipated to
give rise to any of the foregoing Liabilities.  This exculpation of Landlord and
all of Tenant's waivers in this Lease will apply to all of Tenant's Affiliates
to the greatest extent possible.  This Section 14.2 is not meant to reduce the
extent of Landlord's obligations to repair or rebuild in any particular
circumstance as may be required in Section 12.1 and Articles 16 and 17.

     14.3 Satisfaction of Remedies.  Notwithstanding anything in this Lease or
          ------------------------                                            
elsewhere to the contrary:  Tenant and its Affiliates will look solely to
Landlord's interest in the Project to satisfy any claims, rights or remedies,
and Landlord and its Affiliates, at every level of ownership and interest, have
no personal or individual liability of any type, whether for breach of this
Lease or otherwise, their assets will not be subject to lien or levy of any
type, nor will they be named individually in any suits, actions or proceedings
of any type.

15.  COMMON AREA AND PARKING.
     ----------------------- 

     15.1 Common Area.  "Common Area" means all areas and improvements within
          -----------                                                        
the Project, as it now exists or as it exists in the future, not held or
designated for the exclusive use or occupancy of Landlord, Tenant, or other
tenants or prospective tenants.  Tenant may use the Common Area on a
nonexclusive basis during this Lease.  Landlord reserves all rights in
connection with the Common Area, including, without limitation, the right to
change, relocate, improve or demolish portions, promulgate rules and regulations
for its use, limit the use of any portion of the Common Area by Tenant or its
Affiliates, and place certain portions of the Common Area off limits to Tenant
and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, janitorial, maintenance,
equipment and storage areas, and entrances, loading docks, corridors, elevators
and parking areas.  Except during emergencies or necessary maintenance, repair
or construction, Landlord's exercise of these rights will not ever prevent
Tenant from having access to the Premises and a loading dock [***], but will not
require Landlord to compensate Tenant in any way, result in any liabilities to
Landlord, entitle Tenant to abate rent, or reduce Tenant's Lease obligations.

     15.2 Parking.  Tenant may park 199 passenger cars in the areas designated
          -------                                                             
by Landlord from time to time for Tenant's parking (Tenant's current areas are
shown in Exhibit "A").  If Tenant does not use all of its parking spaces,
Landlord may allow others to use those spaces at no charge, subject to Tenant's
right to reclaim those spaces when needed. As permitted by Section 15.1,
Landlord may:  limit access to portions of the parking areas; change signs,
lanes and the direction of traffic to parking; allow free parking or parking
with a

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
validation, valet, sticker or other system; promulgate rules and regulations;
and take any other actions deemed necessary by Landlord.

16.  DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION.
     --------------------- 

     16.1 Repairs.  Subject to the rest of this Article and the rest of this
          -------                                                           
Lease, Landlord will repair damage to the Premises caused by casualties insured
against under standard "all risk" casualty policies.  However, Landlord is not
obligated to repair damage for which Tenant or its Affiliates are responsible or
for which Landlord has no liability under other provisions of this Lease.
Except as may otherwise be required by then applicable Laws, Landlord will
attempt to restore the damaged portions to their prior condition, but Landlord
is not required to undertake repairs unless insurance proceeds are available,
spend more than the net insurance proceeds it actually receives and is permitted
to retain for any repair or replacement, or repair or replace any damage to
Tenant's Work, Tenant's Property or any Alterations.  Landlord will begin
repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the damage, required
building permits or licenses and the insurance proceeds payable on account of
the damage.

     16.2 Election to Terminate.  Landlord has the option either to repair the
          ---------------------                                               
casualty damage, or terminate this Lease by delivering written notice within
sixty (60) days after the damage occurs, if:  the damage occurs during the last
year of the term; or Tenant is in default; or the repairs would take more than
one hundred twenty (120) days to complete or cost more than thirty-five percent
(35%) of the cost of Landlord's Work; or the damage was caused primarily by the
intentional act or omission of Tenant or its Affiliates; or more than twenty-
five percent (25%) of the leasable space in the rest of the Building is damaged.

     16.3 Abatement of Rent.  If the Premises are damaged so as to be
          -----------------                                          
untenantable for more than five (5) consecutive business days and Landlord is
required or elects to repair the damage, base rent and Tenant's share of Taxes
and Landlord's insurance premiums will abate until Landlord has substantially
completed the repairs and given Tenant access to the Premises, or Tenant
reoccupies part of the Premises, whichever is earlier.  If Tenant continues to
occupy or reoccupies the Premises before substantial completion of these repairs
but cannot occupy substantially all of the Premises because of these ongoing
repairs, base rent and Tenant's share of Taxes and Landlord's insurance premiums
will abate in proportion to the degree in which Tenant's use of the Premises is
impaired, as reasonably determined by Landlord.  Base rent and Tenant's share of
Taxes and Landlord's insurance premiums will not be abated if the acts or
omissions of Tenant or its Affiliates render Landlord unable to collect the
rental loss insurance proceeds that otherwise would have been payable to
Landlord.  The abatement of base rent and Tenant's share of Taxes and Landlord's
insurance premiums described above is Tenant's sole remedy against and
compensation from Landlord in connection with any damage, destruction or
repairs.

17.  CONDEMNATION.
     ------------ 

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
     If all or substantially all of the Premises are condemned, taken or
appropriated by any public or quasi-public authority under the power of eminent
domain, police power or otherwise, or if there is a sale in lieu thereof
("Condemned"), this Lease will terminate when title or possession is taken by
the condemning authority or its designee.  If:

          (a)  More than twenty-five percent (25%) of the usable area of the
     Premises is Condemned, either Landlord or Tenant may terminate this Lease
     when title or possession is taken by the condemning authority or its
     designee by delivering written notice to the other within fifteen (15) days
     thereafter. Landlord also may terminate this Lease as provided above if
     more than twenty-five percent (25%) of any of the leasable area of the rest
     of the Building is Condemned.

          (b)  Part of the Premises is Condemned and this Lease is not
     terminated, Landlord will make the necessary repairs so that, to the extent
     reasonably possible, the remaining part of the Premises will be a complete
     architectural unit. Otherwise, Landlord's restoration will be conducted as
     described in Section 16.1, except that Landlord will not be required to
     begin repairs until a reasonable time after it receives any necessary
     building permits and substantially all of the proceeds of any awards
     granted for the Condemnation. After the date title or possession is taken
     by the condemning authority or its designees, base rent and Tenant's share
     of Taxes and Landlord's insurance premiums will abate in proportion to the
     area of the Premises Condemned.

All proceeds, income, rent, awards and interest in connection with any
Condemnation will belong to Landlord, whether awarded as compensation for
diminution of value to the leasehold improvements, or the unexpired portion of
this Lease, or otherwise.  Tenant waives all claims against Landlord and the
condemning authority with respect thereto, but nothing in this Section prevents
Tenant from bringing a separate action against the condemning authority for
moving costs or for lost goodwill (as long as this separate action does not
diminish Landlord's recovery).

18.  ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING.
     ------------------------- 

     18.1 Landlord's Consent Required.  Tenant will not voluntarily,
          ---------------------------                               
involuntarily or by operation of any laws sell, convey, mortgage, subject to a
security interest, license, assign, sublet or otherwise transfer or encumber all
or any part of Tenant's interest in this Lease or the Premises, or allow anyone
other than Tenant's employees to occupy the Premises (singularly or
collectively, "Transfer"), without Landlord's prior written consent in each
instance.  Any attempt to do so without this consent will be null and void and a
default.

     18.2 Notice.  Tenant will notify Landlord in writing at least forty-five
          ------                                                             
(45) days before any proposed or pending Transfer and will deliver to Landlord
such information as

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
Landlord may reasonably request in connection with the proposed or pending
Transfer and the proposed Transferee, including, without limitation, a copy of
the proposed Transfer documents, financial statements and other financial
information about and banking references for the proposed Transferee, and
information as to the type of business and business experience of the proposed
Transferee.  All of this information must be suitably authenticated.

     18.3 Landlord's Right to Terminate.  If Tenant notifies Landlord of a
          -----------------------------                                   
Transfer, or if Landlord becomes aware of a Transfer, Landlord may:  consent,
withhold consent (subject to 18.4 below); or terminate this Lease on written
notice to Tenant if the Transfer is an assignment of the Lease or a sublease of
all or substantially all of the Premises.  If Tenant proposes a sublease for a
term longer than one year that, together with any other subleases, totals more
than 13,200 square feet of rentable area, Landlord may terminate the Lease as to
the portion of the Premises proposed to be sublet.  If Landlord elects to
terminate, this Lease (or this Lease as applicable to the portion to be sublet
as described above) will terminate on the date set forth in Landlord's
termination notice.  Nothing in this Section limits Landlord's rights or
remedies if Tenant is in default or if the Transfer does not comply with this
Article.

     18.4 Reasonable Consent.  If Landlord does not elect (assuming it is
          ------------------                                             
permitted) to terminate this Lease, and if the request for Transfer is given
after the end of the first (1st) Lease Year, Landlord will not unreasonably
withhold its consent to an assignment or subletting.  (For purposes of this
Section, an assignment for security purposes and other Transfers will continue
to be governed by Section 18.1.)  Tenant agrees that the withholding of
Landlord's consent will be deemed reasonable if Tenant has breached this Lease
or failed to comply with the rest of this Article, or if any of the following
conditions are not satisfied:

          (a)  The proposed assignee or subtenant will use the Premises strictly
     in accordance with the terms of this Lease and the business of the proposed
     assignee or subtenant is consistent with the other uses and the standards
     of the Project, in Landlord's reasonable judgment.

          (b)  The proposed assignee or subtenant is reputable, has a credit
     rating reasonably acceptable to Landlord, and otherwise has sufficient
     independent financial capabilities to perform all of its obligations under
     this Lease or the proposed sublease, in Landlord's reasonable judgment.

          (c)  Neither the proposed assignee or subtenant nor its Affiliates is
     or has been a tenant or occupant or has negotiated for space in the Project
     or in other projects in Massachusetts owned by Landlord or a partnership or
     corporation affiliated with Landlord or Niuna-Andover, Inc. or its current
     shareholders or officers (current projects are located in Cambridge, North
     Andover, Wakefield and West Newton) within the six (6) month period before
     the delivery of Tenant's written notice. This Subsection (c) will apply
     only while North Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
     or an affiliated entity or an entity affiliated with Niuna-Andover, Inc. or
     its current shareholders or officers owns the Premises.

          (d)  Landlord's Mortgagees consent to the assignment or subletting,
     and a proposed sublease will not result in more than three entities or
     businesses occupying the Premises.

These conditions are not exclusive and Landlord may consider other factors in
determining if it should grant or reasonably withhold its consent.

     18.5 [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

     18.6 No Release of Tenant.  Whether or not Landlord consents, no Transfer
          --------------------                                                
will release or alter the primary liability of Tenant to pay rent and perform
all of Tenant's other obligations under this Lease.  The acceptance of rent by
Landlord from any person other than Tenant is not a waiver by Landlord.  Consent
to one Transfer will not be deemed to be consent to any subsequent Transfer.  If
any Transferee defaults under this Lease, Landlord may proceed directly against
the Transferee and/or against Tenant without proceeding or exhausting its
remedies against the other.  After any transfer, Landlord may consent to
subsequent Transfers of or amendments to this Lease without notifying Tenant or
any other person, without obtaining consent thereto, and without relieving
Tenant of liability under this Lease (as it may be modified), except that
Tenant's aggregate monetary liability under this Lease, as it may be modified,
will not be greater than it would have been under this Lease without the
modification.

     18.7 Additional Terms.  Tenant will pay Landlord's attorneys' fees and
          ----------------                                                 
other costs in connection with any request for Landlord's consent to a Transfer.
To be effective all assignments and subleases must always prohibit any further
assignment, subleasing or other Transfer and state that they are subject and
subordinate to the terms of this Lease.  While North Andover Hills Realty or an
affiliated entity owns the Project, Tenant and its Affiliates will not, directly
or indirectly, take an assignment or sublease from, or otherwise occupy premises
leased to, any existing or future tenants (or their assignees, sublessees or
successors) of space in the Project or in other projects in Massachusetts owned
by Landlord or a partnership or corporation affiliated with Landlord or with
Niuna-Andover, Inc. or its current shareholders or officers (current  projects
are located in Cambridge, Wakefield, North Andover, and West Newton).  The
surrender of its Lease or its termination will not be a merger, but Landlord
will have the right to terminate all subleases and the occupancy rights of all
Transferees.  Tenant will pay to Landlord as additional rent:  fifty percent
(50%) of all consideration paid or payable for or by reason of any assignment of
this Lease; and, in the case of a sublease, fifty percent (50%) of the amount by
which the sublease rent and other consideration paid or payable (less the
sublessee's pro-rata payment of real estate taxes and insurance, to the extent
paid or payable) exceeds the base rent for the sublease term (pro rated for the
square footage subleased).  At Landlord's option, Landlord may collect all or
any part

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
of this additional rent directly from the payor, and consideration paid or
payable will be defined in its broadest sense.

19.  MORTGAGEE PROTECTION.
     -------------------- 

     19.1 Subordination and Attornment.  This Lease is subordinate to all
          ----------------------------                                   
Superior Leases and Mortgages (defined in Section 24.4), and Tenant will attorn
to each person or entity that succeeds to Landlord's interest under this Lease.
This Section is self-operative, but if requested to confirm a subordination
and/or attornment, Tenant will execute subordination and attornment agreements
furnished by Landlord or Landlord's lessor or mortgagee under any of the
Superior Leases and Mortgages (a "Landlord's Mortgagee") within ten (10) days
after request.  However, if Landlord or Landlord's Mortgagee elects in writing,
this Lease will be superior to the Superior Leases and Mortgages specified,
regardless of the date of recording, and Tenant will execute an agreement
confirming this election on request.

     19.2 Mortgagee's Liability.  The obligations and Liabilities of Landlord,
          ---------------------                                               
Landlord's Mortgagees or their successors under this Lease will exist only if
and for so long as each of these respective parties owns fee title to the
Project or is the lessee under a ground lease of the Project.  Tenant will be
liable to Landlord's Mortgagees or their successors if any of those parties
become the owner of the Project for any base rent paid more than thirty (30)
days in advance.  Landlord's Mortgagees and their successors will not be liable
for:  (a) acts or omissions of prior owners; (b) the return of any security
deposit not delivered or credited to them (and Landlord agrees to deliver or
credit Tenant's unapplied security deposit to Landlord's Mortgagees if they
succeed to Landlord's interest under this Lease); or (c) amendments to this
Lease made without their consent (if their consent is required under a Superior
Lease or Mortgage).

     19.3 Mortgagee's Right to Cure.  No act or omission (if any) which
          -------------------------                                    
otherwise entitles Tenant under the terms of this Lease to be released from any
Lease obligations or to terminate this Lease will result in such a release or
termination unless Tenant first gives written notice of the act or omission to
Landlord and Landlord's Mortgagees and those parties then fail to correct or
cure the act or omission within ninety (90) days thereafter.  Nothing in this
Section or the rest of this Lease obligates Landlord's Mortgagees to correct or
cure any act or omission or is meant to imply that Tenant has the right to
terminate this Lease or be released from its obligations unless that right is
explicitly granted elsewhere in this Lease.

 20. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES.
     --------------------- 

     Tenant will from time to time, within fifteen (15) days after request by
Landlord, execute and deliver an estoppel certificate in form satisfactory to
Landlord or its designees which will certify (except as may be noted) such
information concerning this Lease or Tenant or it's Affiliates as Landlord or
its designees may request.  If Tenant fails to execute and deliver estoppel
certificates as required, Landlord's representations concerning the matters

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
covered by the estoppel certificate will conclusively be presumed to be correct
and binding on Tenant and its Affiliates.

21.  DEFAULT.
     ------- 

     The occurrence of one or more of the following events will be a default by
Tenant under this Lease:  (a) the vacating or abandoning of the Premises; (b)
the failure to pay rent or any other required amount within seven (7) days after
the payment is due; (c) as provided in Articles 23 and 25; (d) a Transfer or
attempted Transfer in violation of Article 18; (e) the failure to maintain its
required insurance policies; or (f) the failure to observe or perform any other
obligation, term or condition within the time period specified in this Lease; if
no time period is specified, it will be a default if this failure continues for
fifteen (15) days after written notice from Landlord to Tenant, but if more than
fifteen (15) days are reasonably required to cure, Tenant will not be in default
if Tenant begins to cure within the fifteen (15)-day period and then diligently
completes the cure as soon as possible but within sixty (60) days after the
notice of default is given.

22.  REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.
     -------------------- 

     22.1 General.  If Tenant defaults, Landlord may at any time thereafter,
          -------                                                           
with or without notice or demand, do any or all of the following:  (a) give
Tenant written notice stating that the Lease is terminated, effective on the
giving of notice or on a date stated in the notice, as Landlord may elect, in
which event this Lease will terminate without further action; (b) with or
without process of law or notice, and with or without terminating this Lease,
terminate Tenant's right of possession and enter and repossess the Premises
either by force or otherwise, and expel Tenant and Tenant's Affiliates, and
remove their property and effects, without being guilty of trespass; and (c)
pursue any other right or remedy now or hereafter available to Landlord under
this Lease or at law or in equity.

     22.2 Tenant's Obligations.  If any default, termination, reentry or
          --------------------                                          
dispossess occurs:

          (a)  All rent provided for in this Lease will become due and will be
     paid to the time the default, termination, reentry or dispossess, together
     with such costs as Landlord may incur for attorneys' fees and costs,
     inspection, brokerage fees, putting the Premises in good order, condition
     and repair and/or for preparing and improving the Premises for re-letting.

          (b)  Landlord may, at its sole option, re-let all or any portion of
     the Premises on terms satisfactory to Landlord in its sole discretion,
     either in its own name or otherwise, for a term or terms which may, at
     Landlord's option, be more or less than the balance of the term of this
     Lease and pursuant to one or more leases, and Landlord may grant
     concessions, tenant allowances and/or free rent, among other things.

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  Subject to Section 22.2(e), wither or not the Premises are re-
     let, Tenant will pay punctually to Landlord all of the rent and other sums
     and perform all of Tenant's obligations for the entire Lease term (assuming
     the original expiration date and any exercised options) in the same manner
     and at the same time as if this Lease had not been terminated.

          (d)  If Landlord re-lets the Premises, Tenant will be entitled to a
     credit in the net amount of the rent actually received by Landlord from the
     re-letting, after deducting all expenses described in Sections 22.2(a) and
     22.2(f) and the costs of collecting the rent. Rent received by Landlord
     after re-letting first will be applied against Landlord's expenses as
     described above until those expenses are recovered. Until recovery of those
     expenses, Tenant will pay as and when due all amounts it is required to pay
     under this Lease. Tenant's obligations prior to any re-letting and recovery
     of expenses will not be diminished even if the re-letting is for a rent
     higher than the rent hereunder. When and if these expenses have been
     completely recovered, amounts collected by Landlord from the re-letting
     that have not previously been applied will be credited against Tenant's
     obligations when each payment would fall due under this Lease, and only the
     net amount thereof will be payable by Tenant. Amounts received by Landlord
     from re-letting for any period will be credited only against obligations of
     Tenant allocable to that period, and not against Tenant's obligations
     accruing before or after that period, nor will any credit be given to
     Tenant for any period after the original expiration date of this Lease.

          (e)  At Landlord's option, in lieu of other damages, Landlord may, by
     written notice to Tenant at any time after Tenant's default, elect to
     recover, and Tenant will thereupon pay, as liquidated damages, an amount
     equal to the excess, if any, of: (i) the total rent and other benefits
     which would have accrued to Landlord under this Lease for the remainder of
     the Lease term (assuming the original expiration date and any exercised
     options) if the default had not occurred plus all of the expenses described
     in Sections 22.2(a) and 22.2(f); less (ii) the value of the cash rental to
     be paid to Landlord for any lease or leases of the Premises actually
     executed by Landlord at the time Landlord exercises its option, subject to
     Subsection (d) above.

          (f)  No action of Landlord in connection with any re-letting, or
     failure to re-let or collect rent under such re-letting, will operate or be
     construed to release or reduce Tenant's Liabilities hereunder. Without
     limiting any of the foregoing provisions, and in addition to any other
     amounts that Tenant is otherwise obligated to pay, Tenant agrees that
     Landlord may recover from Tenant all costs and expenses, including
     attorneys' fees and costs, incurred by Landlord in enforcing this Lease
     from and after Tenant's default.

     22.3 Redemption.  Tenant waives any and all rights of redemption granted by
          ----------                                                            
or under any laws if Tenant is evicted or dispossessed for any cause, or if
Landlord obtains

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
possession of the Premises by reason of the violation by Tenant of any of the
terms, covenants or conditions of this Lease, or otherwise.

     22.4 Performance by Landlord.  If Tenant defaults or fails to perform any
          -----------------------                                             
of its obligations under this Lease, Landlord, without waiving or curing the
default or failure, may, but will not be obligated to, perform Tenant's
obligations for the account and at the expense of Tenant.  Notwithstanding
Section 21(i), in the case of an emergency or to prevent damage or injury or
protect health, safety or property, Landlord need not give any notice before
performing Tenant's obligations.  Tenant will pay on demand all costs and
expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with Landlord's performance of
Tenant's obligations, and Tenant will indemnify Landlord for and hold Landlord
harmless from all liabilities incurred by Landlord in connection therewith.

     22.5 Post-Judgment Interest.  The amount of any judgment obtained by
          ----------------------                                         
Landlord against Tenant in any legal proceeding arising out of Tenant's default
under this Lease will bear interest until paid at the Wells Fargo Bank prime
rate plus two percent (2%), or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is
less.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Laws, with
respect to any damages that are certain or ascertainable by calculation,
interest will accrue from the day that the right to the damages vests in
Landlord, and in the case of any unliquidated claim, interest will accrue from
the day the claim arose.

23.  [SEE EXHIBIT "F" -- BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY]

24.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.
     ------------------ 

     24.1 Holding Over.  Tenant will not hold over in the Premises after the end
          ------------                                                          
of the Lease term without the express prior written consent of Landlord.  Tenant
will indemnify Landlord for, and hold Landlord harmless from, any and all
Liabilities arising out of or in connection with any holding over, including,
without limitation, any claims made by any succeeding tenant and any loss of
rent suffered by Landlord.  If, despite this express agreement, any tenancy is
created by Tenant's holding over, except as specifically set forth in the next
sentence the tenancy will be a tenancy at will terminable immediately at
Landlord's sole option on written notice to Tenant, but otherwise subject to the
terms of this Lease, except that the most recent annual base rent will be
doubled.  Nothing in this Article or elsewhere in this Lease permits Tenant to
hold over or in any way limits Landlord's other rights and remedies in Tenant
holds over.

     24.2 Entry By Landlord.  Landlord and its Affiliates at all times have the
          -----------------                                                    
right to enter the Premises, and Landlord will retain (or be given by Tenant)
keys to unlock all the doors to or within the Premises, excluding doors to
Tenant's vaults and files.  Landlord and its Affiliates will have the right to
use any means necessary to enter the Premises if Landlord believes there is an
emergency or that entry is necessary to prevent damage or injury or protect
health, safety or property.  Such entry to the Premises and the exercise of
Landlord's

                                     -20-
<PAGE>
 
rights will not, under any circumstances, be deemed to be a default, a forcible
or unlawful entry into or a detainer of the Premises or an eviction of Tenant
from the Premises or any portion thereof, nor will it subject Landlord to any
Liabilities or entitle Tenant to any compensation, abatement of rent or other
rights and remedies.

     24.3 Brokers.  Tenant represents and warrants that it has had no dealings
          -------                                                             
with any agent, broker, finder or other person who is or might be entitled to a
commission or other fee from Landlord in connection with this or any related
transaction except for Tenant's Broker.

     24.4 Quiet Enjoyment.  So long as Tenant pays all rent and performs its
          ---------------                                                   
other obligations as required, Tenant may quietly enjoy the Premises without
hindrance or molestation by Landlord or any person lawfully claiming through or
under Landlord, subject to the terms of this Lease and the terms of any Superior
Leases and Mortgages, and all other agreements or matters of record or to which
this Lease is subordinate.  As used in this Lease, the term "Superior Leases and
Mortgages" means all present and future ground leases, underlying leases,
mortgages, deeds of trust or other encumbrances, and all renewals,
modifications, consolidations, replacements or extensions thereof and advances
made thereunder, affecting all or any portion of the Premises or the Project.

     24.5 Security.  Tenant is solely responsible for providing security for the
          --------                                                              
Premises and Tenant's personnel.  Without limiting the generality of this
Article, Tenant agrees that: (a) Landlord may, but will not be required to,
supply security personnel and systems for the Premises, the Common Area or the
rest of the Project and remove or restrain unauthorized persons and prevent
unauthorized acts; (b) Landlord will incur no Liabilities for failing to provide
security personnel or systems or, if provided, for acts, omissions or
malfunctions of the security personnel or systems; and (c) Landlord and its
Affiliates make no representations or warranties of any kind in connection with
the security or safety of the Premises, the Common Area or the rest of the
Project.

     24.6 Obligations; Successors; Recordation.  If Tenant consists of more than
          ------------------------------------                                  
one person or entity, the obligations and liabilities of those persons or
entities are joint and several.  Time is of the essence of this Lease.  Subject
to the restrictions in Article 18, this Lease inures to the benefit of and binds
Landlord, Tenant and their respective Affiliates. Tenant will not record this
Lease but Tenant may record a memorandum of this Lease, in form satisfactory to
Landlord, to comply with the Massachusetts statutory notice provisions.  If this
Lease expires or is terminated, this memorandum will be deemed null and void and
removed from title, and Tenant will execute and record such documents as may be
necessary to accomplish this at Landlord's request, and if Tenant refuses to do
so, Landlord may execute and record such documents in Tenant's name or in its
own name.

     24.7 Late Charges.  If any rent or other amounts payable by Tenant are not
          ------------                                                         
received within five (5) days after the due date, Tenant will pay to Landlord on
demand a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of the overdue amount, and if
not received within ten (10) days

                                     -21-
<PAGE>
 
after the due date, the amounts also will bear interest from the due date until
paid at the interest rate in Section 22.5.  Collection of these late charges and
interest will not:  be a waiver or cure of Tenant's default or failure to
perform; be deemed to be liquidated damages, an invalid penalty or an election
of remedies; or prevent Landlord from exercising any other rights and remedies.

     24.8   Accord and Satisfaction. Payment by Tenant or acceptance by Landlord
            -----------------------                                      
of less than the full amount of rent due is not a waiver, but will be deemed to
be on account of amounts next due, and no endorsement of statements on any check
or any letter accompanying any check or payment will be deemed an accord and
satisfaction or binding on Landlord. Landlord may accept the check or payment
with prejudice to any of Landlord's rights and remedies, including, without
limitation, the right to recover the full amount due.

     24.9   Prior Agreements; Amendments; Waiver.  This Lease is an integrated
            ------------------------------------                              
document and contains all of the agreements of the parties with respect to any
matter covered or mentioned in this Lease, and supersedes all prior agreements
or understandings relating to the subject matter herein.  this Lease may not be
amended except by an agreement in writing signed by the parties.  All waivers
must be in writing, specify the act or omission waived and be signed by
Landlord.  No other alleged waivers will be effective, including, without
limitation, Landlord's acceptance of rent, collection of a late charge or
application of a security deposit.  Landlord's waiver of any specific act,
omission, term or condition will not be a waiver of any other or subsequent act,
omission, term or condition.

     24.10  Representations; Inability to Perform.  Landlord and its
            -------------------------------------                   
Affiliates have not made, and Tenant is not relying on, any representations or
warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the Premises, the
Project or this transaction.  Landlord will not be in default nor incur any
Liabilities if it can't fulfill any of its obligations, or is delayed in doing
so, because of accidents, breakage, strike, labor troubles, war, sabotage,
governmental regulations or controls, inability to obtain materials or services,
acts of God, or any other cause, whether similar or dissimilar, beyond
Landlord's reasonable control.

     24.11  Legal Proceedings.  In any action or proceeding involving or
            -----------------                                           
relating in any way to this Lease, the court or other person or entity having
jurisdiction in such action or proceeding will award to the party in whose favor
judgment is entered the actual attorneys' fees and costs incurred.  Tenant also
will indemnify Landlord for, and hold Landlord harmless from and against, all
Liabilities incurred by Landlord if Landlord becomes or is made a party to any
proceeding or action:  (a) involving Tenant and any third party, or by or
against any person holding any interest under or using the Premises by license
of or agreement with Tenant (except and strictly to the extent that Landlord is
finally determined to be a joint tortfeasor with Tenant against such third
party); or (b) necessary to protect Landlord's interest under this Lease in a
proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code.  Unless prohibited by law, Tenant waives
the right to trial by jury in all actions involving or related to this Lease,
the Project or any collateral or subsequent agreements between the parties, and
any right to

                                     -22-
<PAGE>
 
impose a counterclaim in any proceeding brought for possession of the Premises
as a result of Tenant's default.  Tenant also submits to and agrees not to
contest the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts
located in Massachusetts to adjudicate all matters in connection with this Lease
or involving Landlord or Landlord's Affiliates in any way, and Tenant agrees
that it will bring all suits and actions only in such Massachusetts courts and
not to seek a change of venue.  Service on any one or more of the individuals
comprising Tenant will conclusively be deemed service on all of those
individuals.  In any circumstance where Tenant is obligated to indemnify or hold
harmless Landlord under this Lease, that obligation also will run in favor of
Landlord's Affiliates, and will include the obligation to protect Landlord and
its Affiliates, and defend them with counsel acceptable to Landlord, and Tenant
will pay when due all attorneys' fees and costs.  These obligations to
indemnify, hold harmless, protect and defend will survive the expiration or
termination of this Lease.

     24.12  Ownership; Invalidity; Remedies; Choice of Law.  As used in this
            ----------------------------------------------                  
Lease, the term "Landlord" means only the current owner or owners of the fee
title to the Premises. Upon such conveyance (whether voluntary or involuntary)
of fee title, the conveying party will be relieved of all Liabilities and
obligations contained in or derived from this Lease or arising out of any act,
occurrence or omission occurring after the date of such conveyance.  Landlord
may Transfer all or any portion of its interests in this Lease, the Premises, or
the Project without affecting Tenant's obligations and Liabilities under this
Lease.  Tenant has no right, title or interest in the name of the Building or
the Project, and may use these names only to identify its location.  Any
provision of this Lease which is invalid, void or illegal will not affect,
impair or invalidate  any of the other provisions and the other provisions will
remain in full force and effect.  Landlord's rights and remedies are cumulative
and not exclusive.  This Lease is governed by the laws of Massachusetts
applicable to transactions to be performed wholly therein.

     24.13  Expense; Consent.  Unless otherwise provided in this Lease, a
            ----------------                                             
party's obligation will be performed at that party's sole cost and expense,
except when Landlord is performing Tenant's obligations because of Tenant's
default or failure to perform or as otherwise permitted in this Lease.  Except
where it is expressly provided that Landlord will not unreasonably withhold its
consent or approval or exercise its judgment reasonably, Landlord may grant or
withhold its consent or approval and exercise its judgment arbitrarily and in
its sole and absolute discretion and without dispute by Tenant.  In any dispute
involving Landlord's withholding of consent or exercise of judgment, the sole
right and remedy of Tenant and its Affiliates is declaratory relief (i.e., that
such consent should be granted where Landlord has agreed not to unreasonably
withhold its consent) pursuant to arbitration in Massachusetts conducted by the
American Arbitration Association utilizing its expedited arbitration procedures,
and Tenant and its Affiliates waive all other rights and remedies, including,
without limitation, claims for damages.

     24.14  Presumptions; Exhibits; Submission; Net Lease.  This Lease will
            ---------------------------------------------                  
be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring
construction or interpretation against

                                     -23-
<PAGE>
 
the party drafting the document.  The titles to the Articles and Sections of
this Lease are not a part of this Lease and will have no effect on its
construction or interpretation.  Whenever required by the context of this Lease,
the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular, and the
masculine, feminine and neuter genders each include the others, and the word
"person" includes individuals, corporations, partnerships or other entities.
All exhibits and riders attached to this Lease are incorporated in this Lease by
this reference, and if there is any conflict with the rest of this Lease, the
riders will control.  The submission of this Lease to Tenant or its broker,
agent or attorney for review or signature is not an offer to Tenant to lease the
Premises or the grant of an option to lease to Premises.  This Lease will not be
binding unless and until it is executed and delivered by both Landlord and
Tenant.  This Lease is intended to be a completely "triple net" lease, unless
specifically otherwise provided in this Lease.

     24.15  Cooperation.  Tenant will, at its expense, cooperate with
            -----------                                              
Landlord in all respects in connection with this Lease, Landlord's ownership,
operation, management, improvement, maintenance and repair of the Premises and
the rest of the Project, and Landlord's exercise of its rights and obligations
under this Lease.  If necessary, this cooperation will include, without
limitation, moving machinery and equipment within the Premises and allowing
Landlord sufficient space within the Premises to enable Landlord to perform any
work that Landlord has the right or is required to perform under this Lease.

     24.16  Notices.  All notices, demands or communications required or
            -------                                                     
permitted under the Lease (the "Notices") will be in writing and personally or
electronically delivered, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid.  Notices to Tenant will be delivered to the address for Tenant
in Section 1.1.  Notices to any one or more of the individuals comprising Tenant
will be deemed Notices to all of those individuals.  Notices to Landlord will be
delivered to the addresses for Landlord in Section 1.1.  Notices will be
effective on the earlier of:  delivery; or, if mailed, three (3) days after they
are mailed in accordance with this Section.

     24.17  Security Deposit.  On the execution of this Lease, Tenant will
            ----------------                                              
deposit the Security Deposit with Landlord as security for the performance of
Tenant's obligations.  If Tenant fails to perform its Lease obligations as
required, Landlord may, but will not be obligated to, apply all or any part of
the Security Deposit for the payment of any amounts due or any other Liabilities
which Landlord may incur.  If any part of the Security Deposit is so applied,
Tenant will, within five (5) days after written demand, deposit cash with
Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the Security Deposit to its previous
amount.  Landlord need not keep the Security Deposit separate from its general
funds, and Tenant will receive interest on the unapplied Security Deposit at a
rate per annum equal to the rate payable from time to time by the Bank of
America at its main San Francisco branch on passbook savings accounts, payable
at the end of each Lease Year.  If Tenant complies with all of the provisions of
this Lease, the unused portion of the Security Deposit will be returned to
Tenant after the end of

                                     -24-
<PAGE>
 
this Lease and the surrender of possession of the Premises to Landlord in the
condition required.

     24.18  Other Defined Terms.
            ------------------- 

            (a)  "Affiliates" means: partners, directors, officers,
     shareholders, agents, employees, parents, subsidiaries, affiliated parties,
     invitees, customers, licensees, concessionaires, contractors,
     subcontractors, successors, assigns, subtenants, and representatives.
     However, where Tenant under this Lease releases Landlord's Affiliates from
     Liabilities, Tenant will not be deemed to have released Landlord's
     contractors and subcontractors if such parties are completely independent
     from Landlord and otherwise are not Affiliates of Landlord.

            (b)  "Laws" means: laws, codes, decisions, ordinances, rules,
     regulations, licenses, permits, and directives of governmental and quasi-
     governmental officers, including, without limitation, those relating to
     building and safety, fire prevention, health, energy conservation,
     Hazardous Substances and environmental protection.

            (c)  "Liabilities" means: all costs, damages, claims, injuries,
     liabilities and judgments, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees
     and costs (whether or not suit is commenced or judgment entered).

            (d)  "Systems and Equipment" means: all HVAC, plumbing, mechanical,
     electrical, lighting, water, gas, sewer, safety, sanitary and any other
     utility or service facilities, systems and equipment, and all pipes, ducts,
     poles, stacks, chases, conduits and wires.

25.  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES.
     -------------------- 

     Without limiting the generality of any portion of this Lease, Tenant and
its Affiliates will:

            (a)  Not store, handle, transport, use, process, generate, discharge
     or dispose of any hazardous, toxic, corrosive, dangerous, explosive,
     flammable or noxious substances, gasses or waste, whether now or hereafter
     defined under any Laws or otherwise (collectively, "hazardous substances"),
     from, in or about the Premises or the rest of the Project, or create any
     release or threat of release of any hazardous substances, nor permit any of
     the foregoing to occur. If any of the foregoing occur, or if Landlord in
     good faith believes that any of the foregoing have occurred or are likely
     to occur or that Tenant and its Affiliates are not complying fully with the
     requirements of this Article, in addition to any other rights and remedies
     of Landlord, Tenant and its Affiliates immediately will cease the acts or
     omissions and in addition to any other rights and remedies (all of which
     are cumulative), at Landlord's request Tenant will

                                     -25-
<PAGE>
 
     take such actions as may be required by Laws and as Landlord may direct to
     cure or prevent the problem. Tenant and its Affiliates will comply fully
     with all Laws and insurance requirements in connection with or related to
     hazardous substances, whether now or hereafter existing, including, without
     limitation, CERCLA, SARA, RCRA, TSCA, CWA, Chapter 21E of Massachusetts
     General Laws and any other Laws promulgated by the EPA, OSHA or
     Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

          (b)  Immediately pay, and indemnify Landlord for and hold Landlord
     harmless from, all Liabilities in connection with or arising directly or
     indirectly from hazardous substances or any breach by Tenant or its
     Affiliates of their obligations in this Article, including, without
     limitation, the costs of any of the following, whether required by
     Landlord, applicable Laws or insurance requirements or otherwise: any
     "response actions" or "responses"; any surveys, "audits", inspections,
     tests, reports or procedures deemed necessary or desirable by Landlord or
     governmental or quasi-governmental authorities to determine the existence
     or scope of any hazardous substances or Tenant's compliance with this
     Article, and any actions recommended to be taken in connection therewith;
     compliance with any applicable Laws and insurance requirements; any
     requirements, directives or plans for the prevention, containment,
     processing, storage, clean-up or disposal of hazardous substances; the
     release and discharge of any resulting liens; and any other injury or
     damage. On the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant will
     leave the Premises free of hazardous substances.

          (c)  Immediately deliver to Landlord copies of any notices,
     information, reports, and communications of any type received or given in
     connection with hazardous substances, including, without limitation,
     notices of violation and settlement actions from or with governmental or
     quasi-government authorities, reports from Tenant's engineers or
     consultants, and the results of any analyses conducted by or for Tenant.
     Tenant specifically grants Landlord the right to participate in all
     discussions and meetings regarding actual or potential violations,
     settlements or abatements.

Tenant's failure to comply with the requirement of this Article will be a
material default under this Lease.  All of Tenant's obligations under this
Article will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

                                     -26-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, each party has executed
this Lease as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above on the
date specified below next to its signature.

                                   "LANDLORD"

                                        ANDOVER MILLS REALTY
                                        LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
                                        Massachusetts limited partnership
                                    
Executed:  October 1, 1993              By:  Niuna-Andover, Inc., a
                                             Massachusetts corporation,
                                             general partner
WITNESS:                            
Josephine A. Uszynski                   By: /s/ Martin Spaggat
- ---------------------                      -------------------------
Name Printed:                                    Name:  Martin Spaggat
                                                 Its:   Vice President
                                    
                                        By:  CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts
                                             partnership, general partner
                                    
                                             By:   Copley Advisors, Inc., a
                                                   Massachusetts corporation,
                                                   managing general partner
WITNESS:                            
 Thomas W. Mazza                                   By:  /s/ Charles A. Valentino
- ---------------------                                 --------------------------
Name Printed:                                         Name: Charles Valentino
Thomas W. Mazza                                       Its: Managing Director

                                     -27-
<PAGE>
 
                                    "TENANT"

Executed: October 1, 1993                FTP SOFTWARE, INC.,
                                         a Massachusetts corporation
WITNESS:
    /s/ Edward J. Rosner                 By:  /s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
  ---------------------------               --------------------------------
Name Printed:                               Name:  Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
Edward J. Rosner                            Title:  Vice President, Finance
                                            Authorized Signatory

                                     -28-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                               PROJECT SITE PLAN

                                     -29-
<PAGE>
 
                             EXHIBIT "A" CONTINUED
                               PROJECT SITE PLAN

                                     -30-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------
                                    PREMISES
                                  BUILDING 100
                                  FIFTH FLOOR

                                     -31-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------
                             EXPANSION OPTION SPACE
                                  BUILDING 100
                                  SECOND FLOOR

                                     -32-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------
                             EXPANSION OPTION SPACE
                                  BUILDING 100
                                  FIRST FLOOR

                                     -33-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "C"

                                   WORKLETTER

1.   General Conditions.
     ------------------ 

     1.1  Tenant and its contractors may have access to the Premises for the
purpose of preparing the Premises for Tenant's occupancy at least sixty (60)
days before Landlord's Work has been substantially completed, provided that such
access does not interfere with or delay Landlord's Work.  After any entry by
Tenant or its contractors, all of Tenant's Lease obligations will be immediately
effective except for the obligation to pay base rent, Taxes, Landlord's
insurance premium and Operating Costs.  All construction, materials, services,
licenses, approvals, costs, installations and equipment to or for the Premises
other than Landlord's Work are called "Tenant's Work," and will be performed by
Tenant at Tenant's sole cost and in a good and workmanlike manner and subject to
the rest of the terms of this Lease.  Tenant will not interfere in any way with
Landlord's Work, whether in connection with Tenant's Work or otherwise.  If
Landlord's Work is delayed or made more expensive due to:  any act or omission
of Tenant or its Affiliates (including, without limitation, any delay of or
failure to complete Tenant's Work, any requested or required changes to the
Final Plans agreed to by Landlord, or any failure or delay in submitting plans,
specifications, drawings, requirements, information or approvals, or changes or
inaccuracies in any of the foregoing), then Tenant will be responsible for the
delays and additional cost, Landlord's Work will be deemed substantially
completed when it would have been completed but for the delays (and at minimum
any delays will be subtracted from the date of actual substantial completion in
determining when substantial completion will be deemed to have occurred), and
Tenant will pay any additional cost to Landlord as additional rent within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of Landlord's bill.  Within ten (10) days after
Landlord's request, Tenant will execute and deliver to Landlord a certificate
confirming the date of substantial completion of Landlord's Work. Tenant's
certificate is for purposes of confirmation only and will not affect the actual
date of substantial completion.

     2.1  The rest of this Workletter is attached and is incorporated herein by
this reference.

                                     -34-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "C"
                                  -----------

                             100 BRICKSTONE SQUARE
                             ---------------------
                             ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS
                             ----------------------
            LANDLORD/TENANT SPLIT OF WORKLETTER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
            --------------------------------------------------------
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                               ------------------
                                  FIFTH FLOOR
                                  -----------
                               September 29, 1993
                               ------------------
                          Corrected September 30, 1993
                          ----------------------------
                                PROJECT 93677.00

B.1.0 GENERAL
- -------------

     The Workletter is intended to show the division between Landlord's Work
     (the Base Building described below) and Tenant work. Tenant's Work includes
     any work not described under the Base Building heading below, and any
     changes, additions or deletions to Landlord's Work requested by Tenant. All
     descriptions of the split between the Landlord's versus the Tenant's
     responsibilities with regard to HVAC, electrical, fire suppression, life
     safety and plumbing are for the purpose of allocating cost and installation
     responsibilities. The Landlord will specify, purchase, install and balance
     all installations listed under the Base Building Heading. In order to
     insure a coordinated system, the remaining systems that are to be specified
     and installed by the Tenant must be approved by the Landlord, as must any
     modifications or additions to the Base Building systems. Tenant is solely
     responsible for paying and performing Tenant's Work. However, Landlord
     reserves the right to install Tenant's Work (at Tenant's cost) if it
     connects to or affects Landlord's Work or any code-related or life-safety-
     related work.

     Tenant may request that Landlord contract for all or a part of a Tenant's
     Work. If Landlord agrees, this work will be deemed to be part of Tenant's
     Work and not part of Landlord's Work, and will be done at Tenant's Sole
     cost, risk and liability and Landlord will have no cost, risk or liability.
     Landlord will not be required to advance any funds for this work and at
     Landlord's request Tenant will advance, or pay to Landlord within seven
     days after receipt of bills, all costs (whether "hard" or "soft" costs)
     incurred or which may be due in connection with this work, including
     without limitation, costs for permits, design, drawing, architectural,
     engineering and drafting services, contractors overhead and profit, labor,
     materials and ten percent (10%) of hard and soft costs to Landlord for
     Landlord's supervision, coordination and involvement. Tenant will indemnify
     and hold Landlord harmless from all damages, claims and liabilities in
     connection with this work.

                                     -35-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
B.2.0. SITE IMPROVEMENTS
- ------------------------

1.     Landlord will identify assigned 
       parking spaces.

       Landlord will prominently display 
       Tenant's name on an existing brick 
       and stone building directory 
       monument.

B.3.0. STRUCTURE
- ----------------

1.     Landlord is responsible for any 
       modifications to the Base Building
       structural system due to Base 
       Building construction and 
       improvements.

B.4.0. DEMOLITION
- -----------------

1.     Landlord will prepare the Tenant's 
       space for the Landlord's work and 
       for Tenant fit-up as designed.

B.5.0. BUILDING EXTERIOR
- ------------------------

1.     No work required except for Base 
       Building items such as demolition,
       mechanical exhausts, fresh air 
       intakes, mechanical and electrical 
       penetrations.

B.6.0. HVAC (Central)
- -----------
                                                                               
1.     All existing central equipment            1.  All special Tenant HVAC   
       serving the Tenant but not within             equipment required for     
       the Tenant's usable area, including           non-typical Tenant cooling
       existing:                                     loads except as defined   
                                                     under Base Building.      

</TABLE> 

                                     -36-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
     -  Boiler and associated circulating        2.  All special ventilation and
        pumps in ground floor mechanical             exhaust requirements related to
        room.                                        Tenant occupancy uses such as
                                                     mentioned in the previous paragraph
     -  Controls associated with the                 except as defined under Base Building.
        operation of the central
        heating equipment.                       3.  Any special Tenant related
                                                     systems or equipment such as special
                                                     controls, climate control
                                                     (humidification), etc.
 
                                                 4.  All modifications to the system
                                                     including ducted returns or other
                                                     upgrades to the system to eliminate
                                                     the need for rated data/communication
                                                     cable above the ceiling.

B.7.0. HVAC (Tenant)
- -----------         

1.   HVAC system in the Tenant area, as 
     further defined by the attached 
     Schedule of Tenant Workletter 
     Quantities, including:

     -  Distribution ductwork and diffusers, 
        all installed in Landlord-
        provided acoustical ceiling system.

     -  HVAC controls in the Tenant area as 
        necessary for the Landlord-
        provided system.

     -  Plenum ceiling and/or open area 
        return air provisions.

     -  Exhaust fans and ductwork for toilet 
        rooms.

     -  New fresh air system.
</TABLE> 

                                     -37-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                                         TENANT
- -------------                                                         ------
<S>                                                                   <C> 
     -  New smoke exhaust fans.

B.7.0. HVAC (Tenant)
- -----------         

2.   Landlord to provide HVAC equipment 
     for Tenant's computer/telephone room.
     Equipment to be a Liebert Challenger 
     unit (size 5 to 7 1/2 tons) with 
     rooftop condensing unit.

3.   Landlord to provide a building 
     automation system for the control of
     Landlord-provided equipment including 
     air handling units and fin tube radiation
     control valves. System to be expandable 
     to allow for control of devices in
     Tenant's 75,000 sq. ft. expansion "option" 
     space.  Building automation system will 
     also monitor temperatures in various areas 
     of the Tenant's space. Approximately 3 
     sensors in each air handling unit zone may 
     be installed.

4.   Landlord to provide baseboard heating 
     system at the perimeter of the Tenant's 
     space with zoned controls as required by 
     design.

5.   Landlord to provide transfer air grills 
     with acoustical baffles at all locations 
     where partitions are constructed to underside 
     of structure.  Areas to include Training Rooms, 
     Conference Rooms, and offices of Vice President 
     and Directors.
</TABLE>

                                     -38-
<PAGE>
 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------

HVAC NOTES
- ----------

1.   HVAC systems will be designed to meet the following criteria:
 
     -    Cooling and ventilation capacity sufficient to meet accepted design
          standards for the following:

          a.   A density of one occupant per 150 gross usable square feet.

          b.   Total Tenant electrical loads of 6 watts per square foot for
               lighting and convenience power.

          c.   One thermostat control per 2500 s.f. of Tenant usable floor area.
               Additional control zones will be the Tenant's responsibility.

          Comfort Conditions:

          a.   Summer - maintain indoor condition 76F, 56% rh at 90 F db/75
               outdoors.

          b.   Winter - maintain indoor temperature of 72 F at 10 F outdoors.

2.   Landlord is to provide the basic HVAC distribution and control system as
     required by the Tenant Space Plan designed by H.F. Lenz Company and
     approved by Tenant. Final definition of the scope of this work will be
     determined once the Tenant has approved the space plan.

                                     -39-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C>  
B.8.0. ELECTRICAL
- -----------------

1.   All central electrical equipment and        1.  All electrical provisions required to  
     distribution including the following:           fit-up the Tenant area other than      
                                                     that provided by the Landlord, as      
     -  2,500 KVA pad-mounted exterior               defined herein.                        
        transformer.                                                                        
                                                 2.  Tenant is also responsible to make     
     -  480/277V service entrance.                   arrangements with the Massachusetts    
                                                     Electric Company for an electric       
     -  4,000A main switchgear.                      service contract.                       

     -  480V four wire electrical riser in       3.  Tenant will provide data and       
        conduit.                                     telephone wiring and connections for
                                                     Tenant's systems.                   
     -  400 amp breaker panel and a 120/208V 
        step down transformer for Tenant
        power, to be located in an electrical 
        closet within the Tenant's demised
        premises.

     -  Provisions for a Tenant electrical 
        meter (to be installed in the
        electrical meter room by Massachusetts 
        Electric Company at the request of the
        Tenant.

     -  Emergency power as necessary for 
        emergency lighting systems required by 
        code such as, stair and exit way lighting 
        and emergency lighting within the
        Tenant space.

     -  Lighting and power as required for all 
        central equipment rooms, elevators, main 
        lobby, exterior lighting, typical floor 
        elevator lobbies, exit ways, stair
        towers, etc.  These common areas will 
</TABLE> 

                                     -40-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
        be metered and controlled from the 
        house meters and control panels 
        respectively.

2.   Landlord will provide all raceways for 
     data and telephone systems including 
     conduit within partitions and all 
     junction boxes.

3.   Landlord will provide all special and 
     dedicated power circuits and special
     lighting and dimmers as designed by H.F. 
     Lenz Company.

4.   Landlord will assist the Tenant with 
     ordering the required electrical meter
     and service contract.
 
B.9.0. FLOORING
- ---------------

1.   Landlord will provide direct                1.  All special flooring in Tenant
     glue-down carpet (or sheet vinyl or             areas in excess of the carpet
     VCT of comparable value) with                   allowance amount, not including
     integral pad over repaired/existing             carpet tiles.
     floors in those areas requiring
     carpeting of floor covering within
     the Tenant's demised premises.  The
     Landlord allowance for Tenant floor
     coverings is $18.00 per square yard
     including taxes and installation.
     The allowance applies to all demised
     areas except the storage area.

2.   At the storage area, the Landlord
     will provide V.C.T. and base only.
 
3.   Landlord will furnish and install
     vinyl or rubber base or bound edge
     carpet base for all partitions and
     columns as selected by Tenant.
</TABLE>

                                     -41-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
4.   Landlord will provide smooth, sound 
     floors ready to receive specified
     floor coverings exclusive of the 
     allowance.

5.   In addition, Landlord will provide 
     accent carpet and borders as designed 
     in common, executive, entry areas, 
     main corridors, and training rooms.

6.   In addition, Landlord will provide 
     low-static carpet tiles (Milliken
     Colorbond/Colorvision) in the computer/
     telephone room.

B.10.0 CEILINGS
- ---------------

1.   Landlord will provide building standard 
     ceilings for the areas requiring ceilings 
     within the Tenant's demised space in a 
     regular grid "open-plan" configuration. 
     Tenant is to layout his partitions 
     accordingly.  Ceilings to be at 
     approximately 10'x/- throughout space 
     except for soffited areas required to 
     accommodated ductwork, utilities, and areas
     designed with soffits and fascias.

2.   Landlord will provide 15/16" standard face 
     suspension system with regular edge tiles 
     throughout the Tenant space except in the 
     storage area. Building standard tiles to be 
     Armstrong Second Look.

3.   Landlord will leave all areas above the 
     ceiling open to the underside of 
</TABLE> 

                                     -42-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
     the structure above, except where full 
     height partitions are shown.

4.   Landlord will construct bulkheads as 
     required to conceal distribution
     ductwork.

5.   At the storage room, the Landlord will 
     paint the concrete floor deck above.
     No ceiling will be provided.

6.   Landlord will provide special ceilings 
     as designed in the training rooms.

B.11.0. WALLS AND PARTITIONS
- ----------------------------

1.   Core walls on single Tenant floors 
     will be taped, spackled, and prime and
     finish painted.  Tenant demising walls 
     and interior surface of exterior walls
     will be taped, spackled, and prime painted 
     with one finish coat.

2.   Landlord will install all non-moveable 
     ceiling height partitions within the
     Tenant's space as required by the Tenant 
     Space Plan, but not in excess of the
     limitations of the attached Schedule of 
     Tenant Workletter requirements.

3.   In open plan area, Landlord will construct 
     half-height (60" high maximum) walls to 
     receive Tenant moveable furniture system 
     partitions.  Distribution of power and 
     telephone/data to workstations will be
     through these partitions. However, Tenant 
     cannot design
</TABLE> 

                                     -43-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
     half-height partitions in lieu of 
     moveable furniture system.

4.   Landlord will tape, spackle, prime and 
     provide one finish coat on all
     partitions installed as part of the 
     Landlord's Base Building obligations.

5.   Landlord will provide, tape, spackle, 
     prime, and Polomyx 6000 Series where 
     designed not to exceed the amount specified 
     in the Workletter quantities.

6.   In addition, the Landlord will build all 
     walls for training rooms, conference rooms,
     and executive areas including special 
     acoustical treatment as designed.

7.   Landlord will build the standard tenant 
     partition with 5/8" drywall each side of 
     steel studs with acoustical insulation.  
     Training rooms, conference rooms, and Vice 
     President and directors' offices to be 
     constructed with 2 layers 5/8" drywall each
     side of steel studs with acoustical 
     insulation, built to underside of structure.

8.   Landlord to provide column capital detail 
     similar to Marshall's, Brickstone Square, 
     including painted drywall, soffit, fascia, 
     and returns and acoustic ceiling tile.

B.12.0 DOORS
- ------------
</TABLE> 

                                     -44-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
1.   Landlord to furnish and install all         Tenant to furnish and install all interior     
     main building entries and exit doors and    door frames and hardware within the            
     building perimeter, all core areas doors,   demised Tenant area other than those           
     and doors to mechanical areas.              provided by the Landlord as mentioned in       
                                                 the Base Building provisions.  Tenant          
2.   Landlord to furnish and install 3' -0" x 7" doors, frames, and hardware to be the same     
     - 0" high red oak veneer solid core wood    specification as those provided by the         
     doors (with hardware 26D finish) within     Landlord unless otherwise approved by the      
     the Tenant's demised premises, as required  Landlord.                                       
     by the Tenant Space Plan, subject to 
     submittal and approval of Tenant's space 
     plan by the Landlord, and subject to the 
     limitations of the attached Schedule of 
     Tenant Workletter Quantities.

3.   Landlord to furnish and install acoustical 
     seals and door bottoms at training and 
     conference room doors.

B.13.0. SPECIALTIES
- -------------------

1.   Landlord to furnish and install core area   1.  Tenant is responsible for all Tenant 
     signage for all floors.                         specific identification signs,      
                                                     directories, etc.                    
B.14.0. SPECIAL LANDLORD CONSTRUCTION
- --------------------------------------
 
1.   Landlord will provide a transparent         1.  With the exception of training and       
     finished hardwood framed 2-leaf suite           conference rooms, Tenant to provide      
     entrance door with glass sidelights on          and install special lighting fixtures    
     both sides.                                     or fixture quantities in excess of       
                                                     Workletter quantity allowance.           
2.   Landlord will provide glass sidelights                                                   
     at the rate of one per office with          2.  Tenant to provide and install all        
     vertical blinds.                                laboratory equipment, fixtures,          
                                                     worksurfaces, etc.                        
</TABLE> 

                                     -45-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
*3.  Landlord will provide built-in              3.  Tenant to provide and install Tenant 
     casework for a reception counter, 2             specific security system.            
     full kitchens including appliances, 
     and three kitchenettes.

4.   Landlord will provide a directory that 
     will list Tenant's located within 
     Building 100.

5.   Landlord to provide three-hour rated 
     gypsum drywall enclosed record
     storage area.  Record storage to be 
     further protected by building standard
     sprinkler system.  Floor finishes to be
     V.C.T. within this area.  Ceiling to be
     exposed painted concrete floor slab.  
     Light fixtures to be hung from structural
     slab.

6.   Landlord will provide millwork, chair rails,
     accent trim in common areas, conference and 
     training rooms as designed and detailed.

7.   All electrical and mechanical quantities and
     locations to be as designed by H.F. Lenz Co., 
     Inc. and approved by FTP Software, Inc.

8.   Landlord will provide a cable tray system as 
     designed and detailed at locations shown on 
     the drawings. Cable tray system to be 
     suspended from overhead structure and be 
     mounted below ceilings.
</TABLE> 

*Corrected September 30, 1993

                                     -46-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 

9.   Landlord will provide code complying 
     core toilet rooms for each sex.
</TABLE> 

                                     -47-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------
<S>                                              <C> 
PART C - SCHEDULE OF TENANT WORKLETTER QUANTITIES
- -------------------------------------------------

HVAC Thermostats (with protective covers)        - 1/2500 SF Usable
HVAC Diffusers                                   - 1/300 SF Usable
Lighting Fixtures                                - 1/100 SF Usable
                                                 - Tenant may substitute recessed
                                                        incandescent light fixtures for
                                                        building standard light fixtures at 
                                                        locations of the Tenant's choice.
Lighting Switches                                - 1/Room, plus
                                                   1/2000 SF Usable Open Area
Convenience Outlets                              - As designed
Sprinkler Heads                                  - As required by code
Smoke Detectors                                  - As required by code
Speakers                                         - As required by code
Carpet and/or VCT                                - Full Coverage
Ceilings and/or painted exposed structure        - Full Coverage
Interior Partitions                              - 100 l.f./1000 SF
Suite Doors                                      - 1 (2 leafs w/side lights)
                                                        including three pr. butts, mortise
                                                        lockset, dummy pulls, flush bolts, 
                                                        closer.
Interior Doors                                   - 1/30 Ft. of partition allowance
                                                            including 1-1/2 pr. butts, 
                                                            passage set and doorstop.
                                                 - Tenant may substitute up to 25% of the
                                                        door allowance with locksets.
Special Prime and Paint (Polomyx 6000 Series)    - 30,000 SF surface area
Dedicated Outlets                                - As designed
Transom Glass in Partitions                      - 25 LF/1000 SF rentable
      (above door height)
      (drywall framed, butt joint glass)
</TABLE> 

                                     -48-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "D"

                                   BASE RENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                     Annual Base Rent
                    -------------------
Lease Year          Per Rentable Square
- ----------          -------------------
                     Foot in Premises
                    -------------------
<S>                 <C>
    1                   $ 9.61
    
    2                     9.61
    
    3                    10.99
    
    4                    10.99
    
    5                    10.99
    
    6                    11.45
    
    7                    11.45
    
    8                    11.45
    
    9                    11.45
</TABLE>

NOTE:     THE BASE RENT RATES ABOVE APPLY TO OFFER SPACE LEASED ONLY AS PROVIDED
          IN ARTICLE 27.

          *THE BASE RENT FOR THE 9TH LEASE YEAR WILL BE PAYABLE ONLY THROUGH AND
          UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF THE INITIAL TERM.

                                     -49-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "E"
                             RULES AND REGULATIONS


1.   Fire exits and stairways are for emergency use only, and they shall not be
     used for any other purposes. Tenant shall not encumber or obstruct, or
     permit the encumbrance or obstruction of or store or place any materials on
     any of the sidewalks, plazas, entrance, corridors, elevators, fire exits or
     stairways of the Project. The Landlord reserves the right to control and
     operate the public portions of the Project and the public facilities, as
     well as facilities furnished for the common use of the tenants, and access
     thereto, in such manner as it deems best.

2.   The cost of repairing any damage to the public portions of the Project or
     the public facilities or to any facilities used in common with other
     tenants caused by Tenant or its Affiliates shall be paid by Tenant.

3.   Any person whose presence in the Project at any time shall, in the judgment
     of the Landlord, be prejudicial to the safety, character, reputation and
     interests of the Project or its tenants may be denied access to the Project
     or may be ejected therefrom. In case of invasion, riot, public excitement
     or other commotion the Landlord may prevent all access to the Project or
     the Building during the continuance of the same, by closing the doors or
     otherwise, for the safety of the tenants and protection of property. The
     Landlord shall in no way be liable to any tenant for damages or loss
     arising from the admission, exclusion or ejection of any person to or from
     Tenant's premises or the Project under the provisions of this rule.

4.   No awnings or other projections over or around the windows shall be
     installed by Tenant and only such window blinds as are permitted by the
     Landlord shall be used in Tenant's premises.

5.   Hand trucks shall not be used in any space, or in the public halls of the
     Building in the delivery or receipt of merchandise, except those equipped
     with rubber tires and side guards. Tenant shall repair all damage to floors
     both in the Premises and the Common Area caused by its use of material-
     handling equipment and, if requested by Landlord, Tenant shall install at
     its expense suitable floor covering to protect the floors and shall remove
     such floor covering (and repair any damage caused by the removal) at its
     expense at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. All air
     compressors, electric motors and other machinery and equipment shall be
     shock-mounted so as not to transmit vibrations.

6.   All entrance doors in Tenant's premises shall be kept locked when Tenant's
     premises are not in use. Entrance doors shall not be left open at any time.
     All windows in Tenant's premises shall be kept closed at all times and all
     blinds therein above the
                                     -50-
<PAGE>
 
     ground floor shall be lowered when and as reasonably required because of
     the position of the sun, during the operation of the air conditioning
     system to cool or ventilate the Tenant's premises.

7.   Nothing shall be done or permitted in Tenant's premises which would impair
     or interfere with any of the Systems or Equipment or the proper and
     economic servicing of the Building or the Premises, or the use or enjoyment
     by any other tenant of any other premises, nor shall there be installed by
     Tenant any Systems or Equipment or other equipment of any kind which, in
     Landlord's judgment, could result in such impairment or interference. If
     necessary in Landlord's judgment, Landlord may install, relocate, remove,
     use, maintain, repair and replace Systems and Equipment within or serving
     the Tenant's premises or other parts of the Project, and perform other work
     and alterations within the Tenant's premises. No dangerous, inflammable,
     combustible or explosive object or material shall be brought into the
     Building by Tenant or with the permission of Tenant.

8.   Whenever Tenant shall submit to Landlord any plan, agreement or other
     document for Landlord's consent or approval, such tenant agrees to pay
     Landlord as additional rent, on demand, a processing fee in a sum equal to
     the fees of any architect, contractor, engineer and attorney employed by
     Landlord to review said plan, agreement or document. Within fifteen (15)
     days after Landlord's request from time to time, Tenant shall deliver to
     Landlord Tenant's financial statements, including a balance sheet, income
     statements and bank references.

9.   No acids, vapors hazardous or other materials shall be discharged or
     permitted to be discharged into the waste lines, ducts, vents or flues
     which may damage them or any other portions of the Building or the Project.
     The water and wash closets and other plumbing fixtures in or serving any
     tenant's premises shall not be used for any purpose other than the purpose
     for which they were designed or constructed, and no sweepings, rubbish,
     rags, acids or other foreign substances shall be deposited therein. All
     damage resulting from any misuse of the fixtures shall be borne by the
     tenant who, or whose servants, employees, agents, visitors or licensees,
     shall have caused the same.

10.  No signs, advertisements, notice or other lettering shall be exhibited,
     inscribed, painted or affixed by Tenant on any part of the outside or
     inside the premises or the Building without the prior written consent of
     Landlord. The Tenant shall cause the exterior of any permitted sign to be
     kept clean, properly maintained and in good order and repair throughout the
     term of its lease. In the event of the violation of the foregoing by
     Tenant, Landlord may remove the same without any liability, and may charge
     the expense incurred by such removal to Tenant. Landlord shall have the
     right to prohibit any advertising by Tenant which impairs the reputation of
     the Building or the Project, and upon written notice from Landlord, Tenant
     shall refrain from or discontinue such advertising.

                                     -51-
<PAGE>
 
11.  Tenant's employees shall not loiter around the hallways, stairways,
     elevators, front, roof or any other part of the Building used in common by
     the occupants thereof.

12.  If the premises become infested with vermin, Tenant, at its sole cost and
     expense, shall cause its premises to be exterminated, from time to time, to
     the satisfaction of Landlord, and shall employ such exterminators therefor
     as shall be approved by Landlord.

13.  All movers used by Tenant shall be appropriately licensed and shall
     maintain adequate insurance coverage (proof of such coverage shall be
     delivered to Landlord prior to movers providing service in and throughout
     the Building). Tenant shall protect the premises and the rest of the
     Building from damage or soiling by Tenant's movers and contractors and
     shall pay for extra cleaning or replacement or repairs by reason of
     Tenant's failure to do so.

14.  The premises shall not be used for lodging or sleeping or for any immoral
     or illegal purposes.

                                     -52-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "F"
                             BANKRUPTCY PROVISIONS


     This Article is incorporated into the Lease as Article 23:

23.  BANKRUPTCY OR INSOLVENCY.

23.1 Tenant's Interest Not Transferable.  Neither Tenant's interest in this
     ----------------------------------                                    
     Lease nor any estate hereby created in Tenant nor any interest herein or
     therein will pass to any trustee or receiver or assignee for the benefit of
     creditors or otherwise by operation of law except as may specifically be
     provided pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq.
     (the "Bankruptcy Code").

23.2 Default and Termination.  If:
     -----------------------      

     (a)  Tenant or Tenant's Guarantor, if any, or its executors,
          administrators, or assigns, will generally not pay its debts as they
          become due or will admit in writing its inability to pay its debts, or
          will make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

     (b)  Tenant or Tenant's Guarantor, if any, will commence any case,
          proceeding or other action seeking reorganization, arrangement,
          adjustment, liquidation, dissolution or composition of it or its debts
          under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
          relief of debtors, or seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee,
          custodian or other similar official for it or for all or any
          substantial part of its property; or

     (c)  Tenant or Tenant's Guarantor, if any, will take any corporate,
          partnership or other action to authorize or in furtherance of any of
          the actions set forth above in subsection (a) or (b); or

     (d)  Any case, proceeding or other action against Tenant or Tenant's
          Guarantor, if any, will be commenced seeking to have an order for
          relief entered against it as debtor, or seeking reorganization,
          arrangement, adjustment, liquidation, dissolution or composition of it
          or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
          reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking appointment of a
          receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for
          all or any substantial part of its property, and such case, proceeding
          or other action: results in the entry of an order for relief against
          it which is not fully stayed within seven (7) business days after the
          entry thereof; or remains undismissed for a period of forty-five (45)
          days, then it will be a default hereunder and this Lease and all
          rights of Tenant hereunder will automatically

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
          cease and terminate as if the date of such event were the original
          expiration date of this Lease and Tenant will vacate and surrender the
          Premises but will remain liable as herein provided.

23.3 Rights and Obligations Under the Bankruptcy Code.
     ------------------------------------------------ 

     (a)  Upon the filing of a petition by or against Tenant under the
          Bankruptcy Code, Tenant, as debtor and as debtor in possession, and
          any trustee who may be appointed agree as follows: (i) to perform all
          obligations of Tenant under this Lease, including, but not limited to,
          the covenants regarding the operations and uses of the Premises until
          such time as this Lease is either rejected or assumed by order of the
          United States Bankruptcy Court; (ii) to pay monthly in advance on the
          first day of each month as reasonable compensation for use and
          occupancy of the Premises an amount equal to all Monthly Minimum
          Rental and other rent otherwise due pursuant to this Lease; (iii) to
          reject or assume this Lease within sixty (60) days of the filing of a
          petition under any Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code or under any Law
          relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of
          debtors (any such rejection being deemed an automatic termination of
          this Lease); (iv) to give Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior
          written notice of any proceeding relating to any assumption of this
          Lease; (v) to give at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of
          any abandonment of the Premises (any such abandonment being deemed a
          rejection and automatic termination of this Lease); (vi) to do all
          other things of benefit to Landlord otherwise required under the
          Bankruptcy Code or under any Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
          reorganization or relief of debtors; (vii) to be deemed to have
          rejected this Lease in the event of the failure to comply with any of
          the above; and (viii) to have consent to the entry of an order by an
          appropriate United States Bankruptcy Court providing all of the above,
          waiving notice and hearing of the entry of same.

     (b)  No default under this Lease by Tenant, either prior to or subsequent
          to the filing of such petition, will be deemed to have been waived
          unless expressly done so in writing by Landlord.

     (c)  Included within and in addition to any other conditions or obligations
          imposed upon Tenant or its successor in the event of assumption and/or
          assignment are the following: (i) the cure of any monetary defaults
          and the reimbursement of pecuniary loss by the time of the entry of
          the order approving such assumption and/or assignment (pecuniary loss
          will include, without limitation, any attorneys fees and costs and
          expert witness fees incurred by Landlord in protecting its rights
          under this Lease, including representation of Landlord in any
          proceeding commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or under any Law
          relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of
          debtor); (ii) the deposit of an

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
          additional sum equal to three (3) months' base rent; (iii) the use of
          the Premises only as set forth in this Lease; (iv) the reorganized
          debtor or assignee of such debtor in possession or of Tenant's trustee
          demonstrates in writing that it has sufficient background including,
          but not limited to, substantial experience in operating businesses in
          the manner contemplated in this Lease and meet all other reasonable
          criteria of Landlord as did Tenant upon execution of this Lease; (v)
          meet all other criteria of 11 U.S.C. Section 365(b)(3); and (v) the
          prior written consent of any mortgagee to which this Lease has been
          assigned as collateral security; and (vi) the Premises at all times
          remains a single unit and no Alterations or physical changes of any
          kind may be made unless in compliance with the applicable provisions
          of this Lease.

     (d)  Any person or entity to whom this Lease is assigned pursuant to the
          provisions of the Bankruptcy Code will be deemed without further act
          or deed to have assumed all of the obligations arising under this
          Lease on or after the date of such assignment. Any such assignee will
          upon demand execute and deliver to Landlord an instrument confirming
          such assumption.

23.4 Construction.  The terms of this Article will be in addition to, but not
     ------------                                                            
     exclusive of, any rights or remedies of Landlord in Article 22 and
     elsewhere in this Lease or otherwise available at law or in equity, and
     will not be deemed to limit Landlord, except as may be required by law.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                                    RIDER #1


26.  TENANT'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE.
     --------------------------- 

     a.   During the first five (5) Lease Years, Tenant will have the right to
terminate this Lease on written notice to Landlord provided that the terms and
conditions below and in the rest of this Article first are satisfied and
complied with:

          i.   At the time that Tenant exercises its termination right and at
     all times before the new termination date Tenant is not in default (and has
     not committed acts of omissions which would constitute a default with the
     passage of time or the giving of notice or both). Time is absolutely of the
     essence in connection with this termination right. This termination right
     is personal to the Tenant originally named in this Lease, and it may not be
     exercised by or for anyone else. If during the initial term Tenant
     Transfers any part of this Lease or the Premises (except for permitted
     subleases aggregating less than 13,200 square feet of rentable area), at
     Landlord's written election this termination right will lapse and become
     null and void, whether or not it has been exercised.

          ii.  At the time that Tenant exercises its termination right Teleglobe
     Communications, Inc. or its successors or assigns are no longer leasing or
     occupying the space (the "Teleglobe Spare") at the project commonly known
     as North Andover Mills in North Andover, Massachusetts ("North Andover")
     which is currently leased by Teleglobe Communications, Inc. pursuant to a
     Lease dated April 1, 1992, as amended; and North Andover Mills Realty, the
     owner of North Andover, and Tenant have agreed on and have executed a final
     and binding lease (or a final and binding amendment of the existing Lease,
     dated November 19, 1991, between North Andover Mills Realty and Tenant, as
     amended) pursuant to which Tenant will lease the Teleglobe Space on terms
     agreeable to both parties. The parties acknowledge and agree that neither
     North Andover Mills Realty nor Tenant nor their successors or assigns are
     obligated in any way to agree to such a new lease or amendment.

          iii. All secured lenders at the Project grant their written consent to
     the termination of this Lease; Andover Mills Realty Limited Partnership or
     an entity affiliated with Niuna-Andover, Inc. or its current shareholders
     or officers owns the Project; and North Andover Mills Realty or an entity
     affiliated with Niuna-North Andover, Inc. or its current shareholders or
     officers owns the Teleglobe Space.

          iv.  Together with its termination notice Tenant pays to Landlord in
     good funds the following amount: (A) an amount equal to three (3) months of
     base rent and additional rent at the rates that would have applied for the
     three (3)-month period after the exercise of Tenant's termination right;
     plus (B) an amount equal to all costs and

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with the tenant improvement
     portion of Landlord's Work (including, without limitation, designer's,
     architect's and engineer's fees, fees for permits and approvals, and fees
     paid to contractors and subcontractors) plus fees paid by Landlord for any
     brokerage commissions in connection with this Lease (including, without
     limitation, fees paid to Tenant's Broker and to Landlord's in-house
     brokers), plus interest on all of such costs at the rate of eight percent
     (8%) per annum from the date incurred, all multiplied by a fraction, the
     numerator of which is the number of months and partial months remaining in
     the Lease term when Tenant exercises its termination notice and the
     denominator of which is 101. (For example, if the remaining lease term is 3
     years and 4 1/2 months when Tenant sends its termination notice, the
     fraction referred to above would be 40.5 = .40)
                                         ----       
                                         101

     b.   Provided that the terms and conditions in Section 26 (a) above have
been satisfied and compiled with, Tenant will have the right to exercise its
termination right by giving written notice to Landlord on or before the end of
the fifth (5th) Lease Year, if those terms and conditions are satisfied and
compiled with, this Lease will terminate and expire 30 days after all of the
following have occurred:  Tenant has occupied the Teleglobe Space for the
conduct of its business, unconditionally accepted the Teleglobe Space by written
notice to Landlord (except only for uncompleted items which Tenant must specify
and acknowledge in its notice as being in the aggregate, minor punchlist items
which do not affect the tenantability or Tenant's occupancy of the Teleglobe
Space), Tenant acknowledges in writing that the rent commencement date for the
Teleglobe Space has occurred, and Tenant has paid its first month's rent for the
Teleglobe Space.  Once tendered, the termination notice cannot be revoked unless
otherwise agreed in writing by Landlord in its sole and arbitrary discretion.

27.  RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER.
     -------------------- 

     "Offer Space" means the unleased space in the Building designated as vacant
by Landlord.  During the first five (5) Lease Years, Tenant will have the right
to lease the Offer Space on the following terms and conditions:

     a.   Subject to the rest of this Article, before leasing all or any part of
the Offer Space during the first five (5) Lease Years, Landlord will notify
Tenant in writing of the rentable area of that part of the Offer Space and the
base rent and term that Landlord will accept for that space.  If Tenant wishes
to exercise its right to lease that space, it must deliver an unconditional
written notice of exercise to Landlord within twenty (20) days after receipt of
Landlord's notice.  Tenant may not lease less than the entire space offered.
Unless otherwise agreed by Landlord and Tenant, the rentable area of each
portion of the Offer Space (and any other space in the Premises) will be
determined by Landlord's architects measurement of the area, determined by
measuring from interior face of glass to interior of face of glass without
deductions.  Time is of the essence, and if Tenant does not exercise its rights
as described

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
above, its rights to lease that portion of the Offer Space will lapse and become
null and void, except only as described in Subsection (d) below.

     b.   Subject to the rest of this Article, if Tenant exercises its rights as
described above, when Landlord tenders vacant possession of that portion of the
Offer Space to Tenant it will become part of the Premises and the rentable area
of the Premises will be increased by the rentable area of that portion, [***]
the base rent for that space will be as described in Subsection (d) below, and
if Tenant [***] exercises its right to lease any Offer Space after the second
Lease Year, then the term of the Lease with respect to that Offer Space will be
the greater of: the term set forth in Landlord's offer notice in Tenant; or the
term of this Lease.

                    [***]
                    [***]
     c.   These rights are personal to the Tenant originally named in this Lease
and may not be exercised by or for any other Transferee or other person or
entity.  Whether or not these rights have been exercised, these rights will
lapse and Tenant will have no rights in connection with any Offer Space if,
before vacant possession of any Offer Space is tendered to Tenant, Tenant
defaults or Transfers all or part of this Lease or the Premises (except for
permitted subleases aggregating less than 13,200 rentable square feet).  Tenant
may not exercise any rights under this Article 27 unless and until it has first
exercised its Expansion Option and leased the Expansion Space per Article 28.
Tenant's rights in this Article are subject and subordinate to rights of first
offer, option, expansion, extension, or similar rights that have been granted to
the existing tenants in the Project (and their successors and assigns) as of the
date of this Lease.

     d.   The base rent per annum per square foot of rentable area for each part
of the Offer Space will be the greater of:  the base rent in Exhibit "D"; or the
base rent per square foot in Landlord's initial notice for that space.  However,
as provided in the last sentence of Subsection (a) above, and subject to the
rest of this Article 27, if Tenant fails to exercise its option with respect to
that space, during the first five (5) Lease Years Landlord may not enter into
any other lease for that space for an average net base rent per square foot
which is less than eighty percent (80%) of the average net base rent per square
foot specified in Landlord's initial notice without first reoffering that space
to Tenant.  The reoffered base rent per square foot will be equal to the greater
of: the base rent as shown in Exhibit "D;" or that lesser base rent.  If Tenant
wishes to exercise its option it must do so as described in Subsection (a)
above, and if it does not, Tenant's rights to lease that part of the Offer Space
(as increased or decreased by up to twenty percent 20% of the usable space) will
lapse and become null and void.

28.  EXPANSION OPTION.
     ---------------- 

     28.1 Expansion Option.  Landlord grants to Tenant one (1) option (the
          ----------------                                                
"Expansion Option") to lease the Expansion Space on the same terms and
conditions as

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
this Lease (including Landlord's work), except as set forth below.  "Expansion
Space" means the space on the first floor of the Building, plus either Area A or
Area B on the second floor of the Building as selected by Landlord, all as so
designed in Exhibit "B". The Expansion Option can be exercised only by Tenant
delivering unconditional written notice of exercise to Landlord at least six (6)
months before and end of the first Lease Year.  If for any reason Landlord does
not actually receive this unconditional written notice of exercise when
required, the Expansion Option will lapse and become null and void.  The
Expansion Option is granted to and may be exercised by Tenant on the express
condition that, at the time of the exercise and at all times before vacant
possession of the Expansion Space is delivered to Tenant, Tenant is not in
default. TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OF THE ESSENCE.  The Expansion Option is personal to
the Tenant originally named in this Lease and may not be exercised by or for
anyone else, and if Tenant Transfers any part of this Lease or the Premises
(except for permitted subleases aggregating less than 13,200 square feet of
rentable area) before the beginning of the Expansion Option term, at Landlord's
election the Expansion Option will lapse and become null and void.

     28.2 Size of Expansion Space.  The parties agree that the Expansion Space
          -----------------------                                             
for the first floor of the Building contains at least 41,557 square feet of
rentable area, the Area A Expansion Space contains 33,609 square feet of
rentable area, and the Area B Expansion Space contains 32,677 square feet of
rentable area.

     28.3 Additional Terms.
          ---------------- 

          (a) Landlord will not incur Liabilities to Tenant if Landlord is
unable to deliver vacant possession of any of the Expansion Space by the
required date if due to the holdover of a previous tenant or force majeure, but
if due to a holdover Landlord will diligently attempt to deliver vacant
possession of that space as soon as reasonably possible, and Tenant's rights and
obligations with respect to that space will commence as soon as Landlord
delivers vacant possession.

          (b) When Landlord tenders vacant possession of any Expansion Space to
Tenant, that space will become part of the Premises and the rentable area of the
Premises will be increased by the rentable area of that Expansion Space.

          (c) Within fourteen (14) days after Tenant validly exercises its
Expansion Option, Landlord will have the right, in its sole discretion, by
written notice to Tenant, to cause either (but not both of) Area A or Area B on
the second floor of the Building to become part of the Expansion  Space to be
leased by Tenant pursuant to the Expansion Option.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                    RIDER #2

                                EXTENSION OPTION


     1.   Landlord grants to Tenant one (1) option (the "Option") to extend the
Lease Term for an additional term of five (5) years.  There will be no further
right to extend.  The Option can be exercised only by Tenant delivering
unconditional written notice of exercise to Landlord at least one (1) calendar
year before the expiration of the initial term.  If for any reason landlord does
not actually receive this notice of exercise when required, the Option will
lapse and become null and void and there will be no further right to extend the
Lease term. The Option is granted to and may be exercised by Tenant on the
express condition that, at the time of the exercise and at all times before the
beginning of the Option period, Tenant is not in default (and has not committed
acts or omissions which would constitute a default with the passage of time or
the giving of notice or both).  TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OF THE ESSENCE.

     2.   The Option is personal to the Tenant originally named in this Lease,
and it may not be exercised by or for anyone else.  If during the initial term
Tenant transfers any part of this Lease or the Premises (except for permitted
subleases aggregating less than 13,200 square feet of rentable area), at
Landlord's written election this Option will lapse and become null and void,
whether or not it has been exercised.  The base rent for each Lease Year of the
Option period will be increased to the levels as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              Lease Year       Annual Base Rent Per Rentable
             ------------      -----------------------------
          During Option Term      Square Foot in Premises
          ------------------      -----------------------
          <S>                  <C>
                  1                        $12.89
 
                  2                         12.89
 
                  3                         14.38
 
                  4                         14.38
 
                  5                         14.38
</TABLE>

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

 
                           ADMENDMENT No. 1 TO LEASE                           


1.  Parties.
    ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of February 10, 1994, is between Andover Mills
Realty Limited Partnership ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.  Recitals.
    -------- 

     2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated as of October 1,
1993, for space at the project know as Brickstone Square in Andover,
Massachusetts ("Lease"). Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this Amendment
have the same meanings as those used in the Lease.

     2.2  Landlord and Tenant wish to change the location of a portion of the
Expansion Space.  To accomplish this and certain other matters, for good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged,
the parties agree and the Lease is amended as follows:

3.  Amendments.
    ---------- 

     3.1  In Sections 28.1 and 28.2 in Rider #1 to the Lease, the previous
definition of Expansion Space is deleted, and for all purposes under Lease
Expansion Space will be deemed to mean: the space on the first floor of the
Building, agreed to contain 63,176 square feet of rentable area, shown as
Expansion Space in Exhibit "B" attached hereto.  Exhibit "B" to the Lease is
deleted and Exhibit "B" attached to this Amendment is substituted in its place.

     3.2  Tenant acknowledges that Landlord is attempting to lease the 2nd and
3rd floors of the Building to PictureTel Corporation, and that as part of that
lease PictureTel Corporation will have one expansion option to lease
approximately 30,000 square feet on the 4th floor of the Building.  If and to
the extent that Tenant has any rights under Article 16 (Right of First Offer) of
the Lease with respect to the space described above, Tenant hereby waives such
rights to favor of Landlord's lease to PictureTel Corporation (and any
extensions thereof) and PictureTel Corporation's potential exercise of its
expansion option, and consents to Landlord's lease to PictureTel Corporation.

     Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment as of the date in Article 1 above.


                                       ANDOVER MILLS REALTY LIMITED 
                                       PARTNERSHIP,
                                       a Massachusetts limited partnership

                                       By: Niuna-Andover, Inc., a Massachusetts
            corporation, a general partner

WITNESS:


/s/ David Miller                       By: /s/ John Kusmiersky
 ------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
Name:
Title:  Vice President


WITNESS:                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.


                                       By: /s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
- -------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
Name:                                        Name:  Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
Title:                                       Title: Vice President
                                             Authorized Signatory

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"
                                  -----------

                             EXPANSION OPTION SPACE

                                  BUILDING 100

                                  FIRST FLOOR

                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.19


                              AMENDMENT TO LEASE

1.  Parties.
    ------- 

     This Amendment, dated as of May 19, 1995, is between Andover Mills Realty
Limited Partnership ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.  Recitals.
    -------- 

    2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated October 1, 1993,
as amended, for space at Brickstone Square in Andover, Massachusetts (the
"Lease").  Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this Amendment have the same
meanings as those used in the Lease.

    2.2  Tenant wants to lese, on a temporary basis, additional space on the
fourth (4th) floor of the Building (the "Cafeteria Space"), which is depicted in
Exhibit "AAA" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, and is
agreed to contain 8,572 square feet of rentable area.  To accomplish these and
other matters, for Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties
agree and the Lease is amended as follows, notwithstanding in the Lease anything
to the contrary:

3.  Amendments.
    ---------- 

    3.1  As of the date hereof, Tenant leases, and the Premises subject to the
Lease will be deemed to include, the Cafeteria Space.  However, Tenant will not
be required to pay any base rent or any share of Taxes or Operating Costs for
the Cafeteria Space.

    3.2  Tenant and Landlord each will have the right to terminate the Lease
with respect to the Cafeteria Space on at least 60 days prior written notice to
the other.  This termination will not affect any other portion of the Premises
and will not relieve Tenant of liability for any defaults.  On or before the
termination date for the Cafeteria Space, Tenant will vacate and surrender the
Cafeteria Space, remove all of its personal property, repair any damage caused
by Tenant to the Cafeteria Space and return the Cafeteria Space to a condition
at least as good as the condition it was in as of the date hereof.

    3.3  Landlord will not be required to pay for or perform any work to or for
the benefit of the Cafeteria Space, and any required work and any certificates
of occupancy or other approvals required for occupancy of the Cafeteria Space
(if any) shall be Tenant's sole responsibility and cost, and Tenant will
indemnify, defend and hold Landlord and its Affiliates harmless from all costs,
claims, liabilities and obligations (including, without limitation, attorneys'
fees and costs) in connection therewith.
<PAGE>
 
4.  No Other Changes.
    ---------------- 

    Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force
and effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant hereunder.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have
executed this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.

                                        FTP SOFTWARE INC.
WITNESS:

/s/ Lisa M. McGrath                     By:/s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
- -----------------------------              --------------------------
Name Printed: Lisa M. McGrath           Name: Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
                                        Title: Vice President of Finance
                                        Authorized Signatory

                                        ANDOVER MILLS REALTY LIMITED
                                        PARTNERSHIP

                                        By: Niuna-Andover, Inc., general partner
WITNESS:

/s/ John C. Cissel                      By: /s/ Martin Spagat
- -----------------------------              -------------------------------------
Name Printed:                           Name:  Martin Spagat
                                        Title: 
                                                Authorized Signatory

                                        By: CIIF Associates, a Massachusetts
                                            partnership, general partner

                                            By: Copley Advisors, Inc.,
                                                managing general partner
      
WITNESS:


/s/ Robert J. Kalinowski                By: /s/ John J. Moynihan
- -----------------------------               ------------------------------------
Name Printed:                           Name:  John J. Moynihan
                                        Title: Vice President
                                        Authorized Signatory

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT AAA
                                  -----------

                                    PREMISES
                                  BUILDING 100
                                  FOURTH FLOOR

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.20


                           AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO LEASE

1.  Parties.
    ------- 

    This Amendment, dated June 7, 1995, is between Andover Mills Realty Limited
Partnership ("Landlord") and FTP Software, Inc. ("Tenant").

2.  Recitals.
    -------- 

    2.1  Landlord and Tenant have entered into a Lease, dated October 1, 1993,
as amended, for space at Brickstone Square in Andover, Massachusetts (the
"Lease").  Unless otherwise defined, terms used in this  Amendment have the same
meanings as those used in the Lease.

    2.2  Tenant wants to lease the following additional space in the Project
(the "Additional Space"): a portion of the first (1st) floor of the Building
which is depicted in Exhibit "AA" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
this reference, and is initially agreed to contain 40,314 square feet of
rentable area.  Tenant also wants an option to lease other space in the
Building.  To accomplish these and other matters, for Ten and No/100 Dollars
($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which is acknowledged, the parties agree and the Lease is amended as follows,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary:

3.  Amendments.
    ---------- 

    3.1  "Additional Space Start Date" means the earlier of: the date that
Tenant occupies the Additional Space for the conduct of its business, or the
date that Landlord substantially completes Landlord's Work for the Additional
Space as described in this Amendment.  Substantial completion will be determined
in the same manner as in Section 2 of the Lease.

    3.2  As of the Additional Space Start Date the Premises will be deemed to
include the Additional Space, and therefore the agreed rentable area of the
Premises will be increased from 66,286 s.f. to 104,600 s.f.; and in Section
1.1(f), Tenant's Percentage will be increased form 7.05% to 11.12%.

    3.3  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, base rent for the Additional
Space will commence October 1, 1995, and during the initial term of the Lease
the annual base rent per square foot of rentable area in the Additional Space
will be as follows:
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                           Annual Base Rent Per Rentable
                                           -----------------------------
Lease Year                                 Square Foot of Additional Space
- ----------                                 -------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                          <C>
10/1/95  - 3/31/96                                      $12.81
4/1/96   - 6/30/96                                       14.19
7/1/96   - 3/31/97                                       10.99
4/1/97   - 3/31/98                                       10.99
4/1/98   - 3/31/99                                       10.99
4/1/99   - 3/31/2000                                     11.45
4/1/2000 - 3/31/2001                                     11.45
4/1/2001 - 8/31/2002                                     11.45
</TABLE>
Base rent for the Additional Space during the term of the extension Option will
be at the rates set forth in Rider #2 to the Lease.

    3.4    "Landlord's Work" to prepare the Additional Space for Tenant's
initial occupancy is described in Exhibit "BB" attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference.  Landlord will complete Landlord's Work for the
Additional Space in accordance with the terms of the Lease.  All work to or for
the benefit of the Additional Space other than Landlord's Work is deemed to be
Tenant's Work, and will be completed by Tenant at its sole cost and expense and
in accordance with the terms of the Lease.  Section 1.1 of Exhibit "C" to the
Lease also will be applicable to Landlord's Work and Tenant's Work with respect
to the Additional Space.

    3.5    Article 26 of the Lease (Tenant's Right to Terminate) is deleted.

    3.6    Article 28 of the Lease (Expansion Option), is amended as follows:

          (a) The "Expansion Space" now means only the space designated
"Expansion Space" in Exhibit "AA" hereto, and no other space, and the rentable
area of the Expansion Space is agreed to be 23,212 square feet.

          (b) The date by which the Expansion Option must be exercised is
changed to November 1, 1995.

          (c) Landlord's Work for the Expansion Space will be as set forth in
Exhibit "BB" attached hereto.

          (d) Section 28.3(c) and Exhibit "B" to the Lease are deleted.

    3.7    Section 15.2 of the Lease is amended as follows:

           As of the Additional Space Start Date, Tenant's permitted parking
will be

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
increased to 301 passenger cars (Tenant's current areas are shown in Exhibit "A"
attached hereto).  However, if Tenant does not validly exercise the Expansion
Option (or if it lapses or becomes null or void pursuant to the terms of the
Lease) then Tenant's permitted parking will be reduced by 15 spaces.  If
Landlord ever constructs additional parking adjacent to the Building, when such
additional parking is completed Tenant will receive: for the Additional Space,
an additional 13 spaces, or the total number of such additional parking spaces
created, whichever is less; and if the Expansion Option is validly exercised and
does not lapse or become null or void, an additional 7 spaces for the Expansion
Space, or the total number of such additional parking spaces created that are
not already leased to Tenant, whichever is less.

    3.8    Exhibit "A" to the Lease is deleted and Exhibit "A" attached hereto
is substituted in its place.

4.  No Other Changes.
    ---------------- 

    Except as set forth above, the Lease remains unchanged and in full force and
effect and there are no defaults by Landlord or Tenant thereunder.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties have executed
this Amendment under seal as of the date first set forth above.

                                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
WITNESS:
 /s/ Deborah E. Sheehan                       By: /s/ Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
- ------------------------------                    ------------------------------
Name Printed:                                     Name: Robert W. Goodnow, Jr.
                                                  Title: Vice President Finance
                                                  Authorized Signatory
WITNESS:
        
__________________________                    By:                              
Name Printed:                                    -------------------------------
                                                 Name:                         
                                                 Title:                        
                                                 Authorized Signatory           

                                              ANDOVER MILLS REALTY LIMITED
                                              PARTNERSHIP

                                              By:  Niuna-Andover, Inc., general
partner
WITNESS:
/s/ John C. Cissel                            By: /s/ Martin Spaggat            
- --------------------------                        ------------------------------
Name Printed:                                      Name:                        
                                                   Title:  Vice President       
                                                   Authorized Signatory

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT "AA"
                                 ------------
                                 "THE PROJECT"
                                 BUILDING 100
                                  FIRST FLOOR

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "A"
                                 PARKING AREAS

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "BB"
                                   WORKLETTER
                             100 BRICKSTONE SQUARE
                             ---------------------
                             ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS
                             ----------------------
            LANDLORD/TENANT SPLIT OF WORKLETTER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
            --------------------------------------------------------
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                               ------------------
                              "ADDITIONAL SPACE"
                              ------------------
                            FIRST FLOOR - WEST HALF
                            -----------------------
                               February 15, 1995
                               -----------------
                           BURT HILL PROJECT 93677.00

B.1.0  GENERAL
- --------------

     The Workletter is intended to show the division between Landlord's Work
     (the Base Building described below) and Tenant work.  Tenant's Work
     includes any work not described under the Base Building heading below, and
     any changes, additions or deletions to Landlord's Work requested by Tenant.
     All descriptions of the split between the Landlord's versus the Tenant's
     responsibilities with regard to HVAC, electrical, fire suppression, life
     safety and plumbing are for the purpose of allocating cost and installation
     responsibilities.  The Landlord will specify, purchase, install and balance
     all installations listed under the Base Building Heading.  In order to
     insure a coordinated system, the remaining systems that are to be specified
     and installed by the Tenant must be approved by the Landlord, as must any
     modifications or additions to the Base Building systems.  Tenant is solely
     responsible for paying and performing Tenant's Work.  However, Landlord
     reserves the right to install Tenant's Work (at Tenant's cost) if it
     connects to or affects Landlord's Work or any code-related or life-safety-
     related work.

     Tenant may request that Landlord contract for all or a part of a Tenant's
     Work. If Landlord agrees, this work will be deemed to be part of Tenant's
     Work and not part of Landlord's Work, and will be done at Tenant's sole
     cost, risk and liability and Landlord will have no cost, risk or liability.
     Landlord will not be required to advance any funds for this work and at
     Landlord's request Tenant will advance, or pay to Landlord within seven
     days after receipt of bills, all costs (whether "hard" or "soft" costs)
     incurred or which may be due in connection with this work, including
     without limitation, costs for permits, design, drawing, architectural,
     engineering and drafting services, contractors overhead and profit, labor,
     materials and ten percent (10%) of hard and soft costs to Landlord for
     Landlord's supervision, coordination and involvement. Tenant will indemnify
     and hold Landlord harmless from all damages, claims and liabilities in
     connection with this work.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASE BUILDING                                           TENANT
- -------------                                           ------

B.2.0. SITE IMPROVEMENTS
- ------------------------
<S>  <C>                                                <C> 
1.   Landlord will identify 
     assigned parking spaces.

     Landlord will prominently 
     display Tenant's name on an 
     existing brick and stone 
     building directory 
     monument.

B.3.0  STRUCTURE
- ----------------

1.   Landlord is responsible for 
     any modifications to the 
     Base Building structural 
     system due to Base Building 
     construction and 
     improvements.

B.4.0  DEMOLITION
- -----------------

1.   Landlord will prepare the 
     Tenant's space for the 
     Landlord's work and for
     Tenant fit-up as designed.

B.5.0  BUILDING EXTERIOR
- ------------------------

1.   No work required except for 
     Base Building items such as 
     demolition, mechanical 
     exhausts, fresh air intakes, 
     mechanical and electrical
     penetrations.

</TABLE> 

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASE BUILDING                                 TENANT
- -------------                                 ------
<S>                                           <C>
B.6.0. HVAC (Central)
- -----------
 
1.    All existing central                    1.   All special Tenant HVAC
      equipment serving the                        equipment required for non.
      Tenant but not within the                    typical Tenant cooling loads
      Tenant's usable area,                        except as defined under Base
      including existing:                          Building.
 
      -  Boiler and associated                2.   All special ventilation and
         circulating pumps in                      exhaust requirement related
         ground floor mechanical                   to Tenant occupancy uses
         room.                                     such as mentioned in the
                                                   previous paragraph except as
      -  Controls associated with                  defined under Base Building.
         the operation of the central 
         heating equipment.                   3.   Any special Tenant related
                                                   systems or equipment such
                                                   as special controls, climate
                                                   control (humidifcation), etc.
                                         
                                              4.   All modifications to the
                                                   system including ducted
                                                   returns or other upgrades to
                                                   the system to eliminate the
                                                   need for related
                                                   data/communication cable
                                                   above the ceiling.

</TABLE> 

 B.7.0. HVAC (Tenant)                                                    
 -----------                                                             
                                                                         
 1.    HVAC system in the Tenant area,                                   
       as further defined by the attached 
       Schedule of Tenant Workletter      
       Quantities, including:             
                                          
       -  Distribution ductwork and      
          diffusers, all installed in    
          Landlord-provided acoustical   
          ceiling system.                 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
       -  HVAC controls in the Tenant
          area as necessary for the
          Landlord-provided system.

       -  Plenum ceiling and/or open
          area return air provisions.

       -  Exhaust fans and ductwork for
          toilet rooms.

       -  New fresh air system.

       -  New smoke exhaust fans.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                          TENANT
                                                          ------

BASE BUILDING
- -------------

B.7.0.  HVAC (Tenant) (continued)
- ------------                     
<S> <C>                                                   <C>  
2.  Landlord to provide HVAC equipment for 
    Tenant's computer/telephone room.
    Equipment to be a Liebert Challenger unit 
    (size 5 to 7 1/2 tons) with rooftop
    condensing unit.

3.  First floor HVAC system to be connected 
    to the building automation control system. 
    Building automation system will also 
    monitor temperatures in various areas of 
    the Tenant's space.  Approximately 3 
    sensors in each air handling unit zone may 
    be installed.

4.  Landlord to provide baseboard heating 
    system at the perimeter of the Tenant's 
    space with zoned controls as required by 
    design.  Acoustical sealing of partitions at 
    baseboard heat to be same as fifth floor.

5.  Landlord to provide transfer air grills with 
    acoustical baffles at all locations where 
    partitions are constructed to underside of 
    structure.  Areas to include Conference 
    Rooms and offices of Vice President and 
    Directors, Video Conference Center and 
    Exercise Area.

6.  Landlord to provide new baseboard heat 
    covers and end caps where damaged on
    existing heat.

</TABLE> 

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                     TENANT
                                     ------

BASE BUILDING
- -------------

HVAC NOTES
- ----------

1.  HVAC systems will be designed to meet the following criteria:

     -  Cooling and ventilation capacity sufficient to meet accepted design
standards for the following:

        a.  A density of one occupant per 150 gross usable square feet.*

        b.  Total Tenant electrical loads of 6 watts per square foot for
            lighting and convenience power.

        c.  One thermostat control per 2500 s.f. of Tenant usable floor area.
            Additional control zones will be the Tenant's responsibility.

     -  Comfort Conditions:

        a.  Summer - maintain indoor conditions 76F, 56% rh at 90 F db/75
            outdoors.

        b.  Winter - maintain indoor temperature of 72 F at 10 F outdoors.

2.  Landlord is to provide the basic HVAC distribution and control system as
    required by the Tenant Space Plan designed by H.F. Lenz Company and approved
    by Tenant. Final definition of the scope of this work will be determined
    once the Tenant has approved the space plan.

3.  FTP Software first floor HVAC system to be connected to the Viking
    temperature control system.



*To be confirmed during the preliminary design.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                           TENANT
                                           ------

BASE BUILDING
- -------------

B.8.0 ELECTRICAL
- ----------------
<S> <C>                                            <C> 
1.  All central electrical equipment and           1.  All electrical provisions required to fit-up 
    distribution including the following:              the Tenant area other than that provided by 
                                                       the Landlord, as defined herein.            
     -  2,500 KVA pad-mounted exterior                                                             
        transformer.                               2.  Tenant is also responsible to make          
                                                       arrangements with the Massachusetts         
     -  480/277V service entrance.                     Electrical Company for an electric service  
                                                       contract with the assistance of H.F. Lenz   
     -  4,000A main switchgear.                        Company.                                    
                                                                                                   
     -  480V four wire electrical riser in         3.  Tenant will provide data and telephone      
        conduit.                                       wiring and connections for Tenant's         
                                                       systems.                                     
     -  400 amp breaker panel and a 
        120/208V step down K-rated 
        transformer for Tenant power, to be 
        located in an electrical closet within 
        the Tenant's demised premises.

     -  Provisions for a Tenant electrical 
        meter (to be installed in the electrical 
        meter room by Massachusetts Electric 
        Company at the request of the Tenant.

     -  Emergency power as necessary for 
        emergency lighting systems required 
        by code such as, stair and exit way 
        lighting and emergency lighting within 
        the Tenant space.

</TABLE> 

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
                                     TENANT
                                     ------

BASE BUILDING
- -------------

B.8.0 ELECTRICAL (continued)
- ----------------            

     -  Lighting and power as required for all 
        central equipment rooms, elevators, 
        main lobby, exterior lighting, typical 
        floor elevator lobbies, exit ways, stair 
        towers, etc.  These common areas 
        will be metered and controlled from
        the house meters and control panels 
        respectively.

2.   -  Landlord will provide all raceways for
        data and telephone systems including
        conduit and pull wires within
        partitions and all junction boxes.
 
3.   -  Landlord will provide all special and
        dedicated power circuits and special
        lighting and dimmers as designed by
        H.F. Lenz Company.
 
4.   -  Landlord will assist the Tenant with
        ordering the required electrical meter 
        and service contract.
 

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASE BUILDING                                           TENANT
- -------------                                           ------

B.9.0 FLOORING
- --------------
<S> <C>                                           <C> 
1.  Landlord will provide direct glue-down        1.  All special flooring in Tenant areas in  
    carpet (or sheet vinyl or VCT of                  excess of the carpet allowance amount, not
    comparable value) with integral pad over          including carpet tiles.                   
    repaired/existing floors in those areas
    requiring carpeting of floor covering within 
    the Tenant's demised premises. Carpet to 
    be Bigelow/Karastan Pamlico with Newport 
    News or equivalent borders and accents.

2.  At the storage area, the Landlord will 
    provide V.C.T. and base only.

3.  Landlord will furnish and install vinyl or 
    rubber base or bound edge carpet base for 
    all partitions and columns as selected by 
    Tenant.

4.  Landlord will provide smooth, sound floors 
    ready to receive specified floor coverings 
    exclusive of the allowance.

5.  In addition, Landlord will provide accent 
    carpet and borders as designed in common, 
    executive, entry areas, main corridors.

6.  In addition, Landlord will provide low-
    static carpet tiles (Milliken
    Colorbond/Colorvision) in the 
    computer/telephone room or VCT.

7.  Computer/telephone room will have a 6" 
    maximum raised access floor.

</TABLE> 

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASE BUILDING                                           TENANT
- -------------                                           ------

B.10.0 CEILINGS
- ---------------
<S> <C>                                                 <C> 
1.  Landlord will provide building standard 
    ceilings for the areas requiring ceilings 
    within the Tenant's demised space in a 
    regular grid "open-plan" configuration. 
    Tenant is to layout his partitions 
    accordingly.  Ceilings to be at 
    approximately 10' + /- throughout space 
    accept for soffited areas required to
    accommodate ductwork, utilities, and areas 
    designed with soffits and fascias.

2.  Landlord will provide 15/16" standard face 
    suspension system with tegular edge tiles 
    throughout the Tenant space except in the 
    storage areas.  Building standard tiles to be 
    Armstrong Second Look.

3.  Landlord will leave all areas above the 
    ceiling open to the underside of the
    structure above, except where full height 
    partitions are shown.

4.  Landlord will construct bulkheads as 
    required to conceal distribution ductwork.

</TABLE> 

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASE BUILDING                                           TENANT
- -------------                                           ------

B.11.0 WALLS AND PARTITIONS
- ---------------------------
<S> <C>                                                 <C> 
1.  Core walls on Tenant floors will be taped, 
    spackled, and prime and finish painted. 
    Tenant demising walls and interior surface 
    of exterior walls will be taped, spackled, 
    and prime painted with one finish coat.

2.  Landlord will install all non-moveable 
    ceiling height partitions within the Tenant's 
    space as required by the Tenant Space Plan, 
    but not in excess of the limitations of the 
    attached Schedule of Tenant Workletter 
    requirements.

3.  In open plan area, Landlord will construct 
    half-height (60" high = maximum) walls to 
    receive Tenant movable furniture system 
    partitions.  Distribution of power and 
    telephone/data to workstations will be 
    through these partitions. However, Tenant 
    cannot design half-height partitions in lieu 
    of moveable furniture system.

4.  Landlord will tape, spackle, prime and 
    provide one finish coat on all partitions 
    installed as part of the Landlord's Base 
    Building obligations.

5.  Landlord will provide tape, spackle, prime, 
    and Polomyx 6000 Series where designed 
    not to exceed the amount specified in the 
    Workletter quantities.

6.  In addition, the Landlord will build all
    walls for video conference center, exercise,
    conference rooms, and executive areas
    including special acoustical treatment as
    designed.
 
</TABLE>

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S> <C> 
7.  Landlord will build the standard tenant 
    partition with 5/8" drywall each side of 
    steel studs with acoustical insulation. 
    Video conference rooms, conference 
    rooms, and Vice President and directors' 
    offices and exercise rooms to be 
    constructed with 2 layers 5/8" drywall each 
    side of steel studs with acoustical 
    insulation, built to underside of structure.

8.  Landlord to provide column capital detail 
    similar to FTP Software, Level 5, 
    Brickstone Square, including painted 
    drywall, soffit, fascia, and returns and
    acoustic ceiling tile.
 
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
B.12.0 DOORS
- ------------
<S> <C>                                               <C> 
1.  Landlord to furnish and install all main          1.  Tenant to furnish and install all interior
    building entries and exit doors and building          door frames and hardware within the
    perimeter, all core areas doors, and doors            demised Tenant area other than those
    to mechanical areas.                                  provided by the Landlord as mentioned in
                                                          the Base Building provisions.  Tenant
                                                          doors, frames, and hardware to be the same 
                                                          specification as those provided by      
                                                          Landlord unless otherwise the approved by the
                                                          Landlord.                
                                                     
2.  Landlord to furnish and install 3' - 0" x 7' -   
    0" high white oak veneer solid core wood         
    doors (with hardware 26D finish) within the      
    Tenant's demised premises, as required by        
    the Tenant Space Plan, subject to submittal      
    and approval of Tenant's space plan by the       
    Landlord, and subject to the limitations of      
    the attached Schedule of Tenant Workletter       
    Quantities.                                      
                                                     
3.  Landlord to furnish and install acoustical       
    seals and door bottoms at doors selected by      
    Tenant.
</TABLE>

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BASE BUILDING                                    TENANT
- -------------                                    ------

B.13.0 SPECIALTIES
- --------------------------------------
<S> <C>                                             <C> 

1.  Landlord to furnish and install core area       1. Tenant is responsible for Tenant specific                          
    signage for all floors.                            identification signs, directories, etc.

B.14.0 SPECIAL LANDLORD CONSTRUCTION
- --------------------------------------
                                                    
1.  Landlord will provide a transparent finished    1.  With the exception of training and
    hardwood framed 2-leaf suite entrance door          conference rooms, Tenant to provide and
    with glass sidelights on both sides.                install special lighting fixtures or fixture
                                                        quantities in excess of Workletter quantity
                                                        allowance.

2.  Landlord will provide glass sidelights at the   2.  Tenant to provide and install all laboratory
    rate of one per office with vertical blinds.        equipment, fixtures, worksurfaces, etc.     
                                                    
3.  Landlord will provide built-in casework for     3.  Tenant to provide and install Tenant
    a reception counter, lunch room appliances,         specific security system.           
    and two kitchenettes.                           
              
4.  Landlord will provide a directory that will 
    list Tenant's located within Building 100.
 
5.  Landlord to provide three-hour rated 
    gypsum drywall enclosed record storage 
    area.  Record storage to be further 
    protected by building standard sprinkler 
    system.  Floor finishes to be V.C.T. within 
    this area.  Ceiling to be exposed painted
    concrete floor slab.  Light fixtures to be 
    hung from structural slab.
 
6.  Landlord will provide millwork, chair rails, 
    accent trim in common areas, conference 
    and video conference, exercise rooms as
    designed and detailed.
 
7.  All electrical and mechanical quantities and 
    locations to be as designed by H.F. Lenz 
    Co., Inc. and approved by FTP Software, 
    Inc.

</TABLE>

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASE BUILDING                                       TENANT
- -------------                                       ------
<S>                                                 <C>    
B.14.0 SPECIAL LANDLORD CONSTRUCTION
(continued)
 
8.  Landlord will provide a cable tray system 
    as designed and detailed at locations shown 
    on the drawings. Cable tray system to be 
    suspended from overhead structure and be
    mounted below ceilings.                         
                                                
9.  Landlord will provide code complying core       1.  Tenant will provide exercise
    toilet rooms for each sex within and for the        equipment.                  
    exclusive use of FTP Software employees.
 
10. Landlord will provide toilets and shower 
    facilities in the exercise area.
 
</TABLE>

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

PART C - SCHEDULE OF TENANT WORKLETTER QUANTITIES
- -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C> 
HVAC Thermostats (with protective covers)       1/2,500 Usable S.F.
HVAC Diffusers (flush with ceiling)             1/300 Usable S.F.
Lighting Fixtures                               1/100 Usable S.F.
                                                Tenant may substitute recessed incandescent light 
                                                fixtures for building standard light fixtures at 
                                                locations of Tenant's choice
Lighting Switches                               1/Room, plus 1/2,000 Usable S.F. of Open Area
Convenience Outlets                             As designed
Sprinkler Heads                                 As required by code
Smoke Detectors                                 As required by code
Fire Alarm Speakers/Annunciators                As required by code
Carpet and/or VCT                               Full Coverage
Ceilings and/or painted exposed structure       Full Coverage
Interior Drywall Partitions                     3,055 L.F. for "Additional Space"
                                                2,686 L.F. for "Expansion Space"
                                                94 Single Leaf Doors for "Additional Space"
                                                83 Single Leaf Doors for "Expansion Space"
                                                      Includes 2 leaf suite entry doors 
                                                      w/sidelights, 3 pr. butts, mortise lockset,
                                                      dummy pulls, flush bolts, closer.

                                                      Includes single leaf doors w/1 1/2 pr. butts, 
                                                      passage set and door stop.  Tenant may 
                                                      substitute up to 25% of the single leaf door 
                                                      allowance w/locksets
Polymix (6000 Series)                           12,485 S.F. for "Additional Space"
                                                10,980 S.F. for "Expansion Space"
Dedicated Outlets                               As designed
Transom Glass (above door height, drywall       133 L.F. for "Additional Space"
     framed, butt joint glass)                  177 L.F. for "Expansion Space"

</TABLE> 
Note:  Portions of the quantities not used for the "Additional Space" may be
       allocated to the "Expansion Space", should the Tenant exercise their
       option for the "Expansion Space."

                                      -20-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.21

                                V-P SALES PLAN

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              % OF TOTAL    VALUE OF    PAYMENT
       EARNINGS TYPE          INCENTIVES    INCENTIVE  FREQUENCY             DESCRIPTION
- ---------------------------  -------------  ---------  ----------           -------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>        <C>         <C>
COMPANY REVENUE COMMISSIONS            50%    $45,000   Monthly    Commission will be paid based on
                                                                   y-t-d revenue performance.  See 
                                                                   below for details.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY REVENUE BONUS                  50%    $45,000  Quarterly   $45,000 for 100% performance
                                                                   against annual goal;  quarterly
                                                                   advances of $11,250 for 100%
                                                                   performance against y-t-d
                                                                   seasonalized goal; no above goal
                                                                   accelerators
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INCENTIVES                      100%    $90,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION> 

Monthly Commission Advances                         Year-End Commission
- ---------------------------                         -------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                                                     
0-79%              $0 per % achieved                0-79%              $0 per % achieved, less advances                 
80-84%             $24.30 per % achieved            80-84%             $292 per % achieved, less advances              
85-89%             $28.10 per % achieved            85-89%             $337 per % achieved, less advances              
90-94%             $35.60 per % achieved            90-94%             $427 per % achieved, less advances              
95-100%            $37.50 per % achieved            95-100%            $450 per % achieved, less advances             
Greater than 100%  Max of $3750 per month           Greater than 100%  $9000 per % achieved over 100%                   
</TABLE>

                        FTP SOFTWARE, INC. CONFIDENTIAL

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.22
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

     This Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July __, 1996, is among FTP
Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Company"), and John A.
Kimberley, Peter R. Simkin and Richard J. Whitehead (each, an "Investor" and
collectively, the "Investors").

     WHEREAS, the Company, Firefox Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company and a Delaware corporation ("Sub"), and Firefox Communications
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Firefox"), have entered into an Amended and
Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 (as amended and
restated and in effect from time to time, the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to
which Sub will merge with and into Firefox (the "Merger") and Firefox will
become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and each outstanding share of
common stock of Firefox, $.001 par value per share ("Firefox Common Stock"),
will be converted into the right to receive (i) that number of shares of common
stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share ("FTP Common Stock"), that equals
the amount obtained by dividing (i) $50,000,000 divided by the number of shares
of Firefox Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
effective time of the Merger (the "Outstanding Firefox Shares") by (ii) the
average closing price of the FTP Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the date of the special
meeting of Firefox stockholders held for the purpose of voting on the Merger
Agreement and the Merger, subject to the provisions in the Merger Agreement
relating to fractional shares, and (b) cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided
by the number of Outstanding Firefox Shares, subject to adjustment as described
in the Merger Agreement. subject to adjustment as described in the Merger
Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the Investors will receive shares of FTP Common Stock in exchange
for their shares of Firefox Common Stock pursuant to the Merger; and

     WHEREAS, it is a condition to obligations of Firefox under the Merger
Agreement that the Company and the Investors enter into this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1.  Definitions; Certain Rules of Construction.  Capitalized terms used and not
elsewhere defined in this Agreement shall have the specific meanings defined
below in this Section 1. Except as otherwise explicitly specified to the
contrary or unless the context clearly requires otherwise, (a) the capitalized
term "Section" refers to sections of this Agreement, (b) the

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
capitalized term "Exhibit" refers to exhibits to this Agreement, (c) references
to a particular Section include all subsections thereof, (d) the word
"including" shall be construed as "including without limitation," (e) references
to a particular statute or regulation include all rules and regulations
thereunder and any successor statute, regulation or rules, in each case as from
time to time in effect, (f) words in the singular or plural form include the
plural and singular form, respectively, and (g) references to a particular
Person include such Person's successors and assigns to the extent permitted by
this Agreement.

     1.1.  "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     1.2.  "1934 Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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

     1.4.  "Company" is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

     1.5.  "Company Indemnitees" is defined in Section 2.6(b).

     1.6.  "Firefox" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

     1.7.  "Firefox Common Stock" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

     1.8. "Form S-1", "Form S-3" and "Form S-4" mean such respective
registration forms in effect on the date hereof (or any successor registration
forms subsequently adopted by Securities and Exchange Commission) under the 1933
Act.

     1.9.  "FTP Common Stock" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

     1.10.  "Indemnitee" means each of the Company Indemnitees and the Holder
Indemnitees.

     1.11.  "Investors" is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

     1.12.  "Holder" means (a) any Person that owns, or has the right to
acquire, Registrable Securities and (b) any permitted assignee thereof in
accordance with Section 6.

     1.13.  "Holder Indemnitees" is defined in Section 2.6(a).
 
     1.14.  "Merger" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
 
     1.15.  "Merger Agreement" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

     1.16.  "Outstanding Firefox Shares" is defined in the recitals to this
Agreement.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     1.17.  "Person" means any current or future natural person or any
corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, limited
liability partnership, joint venture, joint stock or other company, business
trust, trust, estate, organization, business or government or any governmental
agency or political subdivision thereof.

     1.18.  "register", "registered" and "registration" refer to a registration
effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in
compliance with the 1933 Act and the automatic effectiveness, or the declaration
or ordering of effectiveness, of such registration statement or document.

     1.19.  "Registrable Securities" means (a) any share of FTP Common Stock
issued to any Investors pursuant to the Merger Agreement and (b) any share of
FTP Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any
warrant, right, or other security which is issued as) a dividend or other
distribution with respect to, in exchange for, or in replacement of, any share
of FTP Common Stock described in the foregoing clause (a); provided, however,
that any share of FTP Common Stock previously sold to the public pursuant to a
registered public offering or pursuant to an exemption from the registration
requirements of the 1933 Act shall cease to be a Registrable Security.  For
purposes of this Agreement, the number of Registrable Securities at any time
outstanding shall be the sum of (i) the number of shares of FTP Common Stock
then outstanding which are Registrable Securities plus (ii) the number of shares
of FTP Common Stock which are issuable pursuant to then exercisable or
convertible securities and which upon issuance would be Registrable Securities.

     1.20.  "Requesting Holders" is defined in Section 2.1.

     1.21.  "Rule 144" is defined in Section 2.7(a).

     1.22.  "Rule 144 Information" is defined in Section 2.7(b).

     1.23.  "Sub" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

     1.24.  "Violation" means, with respect to any registration statement which
includes any Registrable Securities:

     (a)  any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained or incorporated by reference in such registration statement, including
any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any
amendments or supplements thereto;

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading; or

     (c)  any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the 1933 Act, the
1934 Act, any state securities law or any rule or regulation promulgated under
the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or any state securities law in connection with any
matter relating to such registration statement.

2.  Registration Rights.

     2.1.  Company Registration.  If (but without any obligation to do so), at
any time prior to two years (or, if shorter, such period as is set forth in Rule
145(d)(2), as from time to time in effect, under the 1933 Act) following the
effective date of the Merger, the Company proposes to register any of its
capital stock or other securities under the 1933 Act in connection with the
public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than a registration
relating solely to the sale of securities to participants in a Company stock
plan or a registration on Form S-4 or any successor form), the Company shall, at
each such time, promptly give each Holder written notice of such proposed
registration.  Upon the written request of any Holder given within 15 days after
mailing of such notice by the Company (which request shall specify the
Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such Holder), the Company
shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.5, use its best efforts to cause
the Registrable Securities, the Holders of which shall have so requested the
registration thereof (the "Requesting Holders"), to be registered under the 1933
Act to the extent requisite to permit the disposition of such Registrable
Securities in the manner contemplated by the Company's proposed registration;
provided, however, that the Company shall be under no obligation to register
Registrable Securities representing any more than 160,000 shares of FTP Common
Stock on behalf of each Holder during the twelve-month period ending on the
first anniversary of the date of this Agreement.  If, at any time after giving
written notice of its intention to register any securities and prior to the
effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such
registration, the Company shall determine for any reason not to register or to
delay registration of such securities, the Company may, at its election, give
written notice of such determination to each holder of Registrable Securities
and, thereupon, (i) in the case of a determination not to register, shall be
relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities in connection
with such registration and (ii) in the case of a determination to delay
registering, shall be permitted to delay registering any Registrable Securities,
for the same period as the delay in registering such other securities.

     2.2.  Obligations of the Company.  Whenever required under this Section 2
to use its best efforts to effect the registration of any Registrable
Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible, prepare
and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable
Securities and, subject to the last sentence of Section 2.1, use its best
efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, and, upon the
request

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
of the Requesting Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered
thereunder, keep such registration statement effective for up to 90 days or
until such Requesting Holders have informed the Company in writing that the
distribution of their securities has been completed.  In addition, the Company
shall:

     (a)  prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such
registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such
registration statement, and use its best efforts to cause each such amendment
and supplement to become effective, as may be necessary to comply with the
provisions of the 1933 Act with respect to the disposition of all securities
covered by such registration statement;

     (b)  furnish to the Requesting Holders such reasonable number of copies of
a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the
requirements of the 1933 Act, and such other documents as they may reasonably
request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned
by them;

     (c)  notify each Requesting Holder, at any time when a prospectus relating
to a registration statement under which such Requesting Holder's Registrable
Securities are being registered is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act,
upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which,
the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect,
includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, and
at the request of any such Requesting Holder promptly prepare and furnish to
such Requesting Holder a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an
amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter
delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such prospectus shall not
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made;

     (d)  use its best efforts to register or qualify the securities covered by
such registration statement under such securities or blue sky laws of such
states and jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Requesting
Holders, except that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith
or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business, subject itself to taxation
or file a general consent to service of process in any such state or
jurisdiction;

     (e)  in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and
perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary
form, with the managing underwriter of such offering; provided, however, that
each Holder participating in such underwriting shall also enter into and perform
its obligations

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
under such an underwriting agreement, including furnishing any opinion of
counsel or entering into a lock-up agreement (on terms not inconsistent with
those set forth in Section 2.8) requested by the managing underwriter; and

     (f)  apply for listing and use its best efforts to list the Registrable
Securities being registered on any national securities exchange on which the FTP
Common Stock, or, if the FTP Common Stock is not then listed or, if the Company
does not have a class of equity securities listed on a national securities
exchange, apply for qualification and use its best efforts to qualify the
Registrable Securities being registered for inclusion on the automated quotation
system of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

     2.3.  Furnish Information.  It shall be a condition precedent to the
obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 2 in
respect of the Registrable Securities of any Requesting Holder that such
Requesting Holder shall furnish to the Company such information regarding such
Requesting Holder, the Registrable Securities held by such Requesting Holder,
and the intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities as shall
be required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities.

     Each Requesting Holder agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the
Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in the subparagraph
(c) of Section 2.2, such Requesting Holder will forthwith discontinue such
Requesting Holder's disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the
Registration Statement relating to such Registrable Securities until such
Holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus
contemplated by subparagraph (c) of this Section 2.2 and, if so directed by the
Company, will deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file
copies, then in such Holder's possession of the prospectus relating to such
Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.

     2.4.  Expenses of Registration.  The Company shall bear and pay all
expenses incurred in connection with any registration, filing or qualification
of Registrable Securities with respect to any registration pursuant to Section
2.1 for each Requesting Holder, including all registration, filing and
qualification fees, printing and accounting fees, fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Company and the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel
for the Requesting Holders.  All underwriting discounts and commissions relating
to Registrable Securities included in any registration effected pursuant to
Section 2.1 will be borne and paid ratably by the Requesting Holders of such
Registrable Securities and the Company.

     2.5.  Underwriting Requirements.  In connection with any offering involving
an underwriting of securities being issued by the Company, the Company shall not
be required under Section 2.1 to include any of the Requesting Holders'
securities in such underwriting unless such Requesting Holders accept the terms
of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters
selected by it, and then only in such quantity, if any, as

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
will not, in the opinion of the underwriters, jeopardize the success of the
offering by the Company.  If the managing underwriter for the offering shall
advise the Company in writing that the total amount of securities, including
Registrable Securities, requested by shareholders to be included in such
offering exceeds the amount of securities to be sold other than by the Company
that can be successfully offered, then the Company shall be required to include
in the offering only that number of Registrable Securities which the managing
underwriter believes will not jeopardize the success of the offering.  Any
reduction in the number of Registrable Securities shall be allocated among the
Requesting Holders pro rata in accordance with the number of shares of
Registrable Securities requested to be included in the offering by each such
Requesting Holder.

     2.6.  Indemnification.  In the event any Registrable Securities are
included in a registration statement under this Section 2:

     (a)  The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Requesting Holder
whose Registrable Securities are included in the registration statement, the
officers, directors, partners, agents and employees of each Holder, any
underwriter (as defined in the 1933 Act) for such Requesting Holder and each
person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of
the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act (collectively, the "Holder Indemnitees"), against
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may
become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or any other federal or state
law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any Violation. The Company will
reimburse each Holder Indemnitee for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by such Holder Indemnitee in connection with investigating or defending
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.  The indemnity agreement
contained in this Section 2.6(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement
of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected
without the written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld), nor shall the Company be liable to any Holder Indemnitee
in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action (i) to
the extent that it arises out of or is based upon a Violation which occurs in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished expressly for use in
connection with such registration by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnitee or
(ii) in the case of a sale directly by a Holder of Registrable Securities
(including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter
retained by such Holder engaging in a distribution solely on behalf of such
Holder), such violation was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected
in a final or amended prospectus, and such Holder failed to deliver a copy of
the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation of the sale of
the Registrable Securities to the Person asserting any such loss, claim, damage
or liability in any case in which such delivery is required by the 1933 Act.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Each Requesting Holder who includes any Registrable Securities in
the registration statement (i) will indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
each of its directors, each of its officers who have signed the registration
statement, each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
the 1933 Act, each agent and any underwriter for the Company, and any other
Requesting Holder or other stockholder selling securities in such registration
statement or any of its directors, officers, partners, agents or employees or
any Person who controls such Holder or such other stockholder or such
underwriter (collectively, the "Company Indemnitees"), against any losses,
claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which any Company
Indemnitee may become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or other federal
or state law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions
in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case
to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of
such Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration and (ii) will
reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any Company
Indemnitee in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder
hereunder shall be limited to the amount of net proceeds (after deduction of all
underwriters' discounts and commissions paid by such Holder in connection with
the registration in question) received by such Holder in the offering giving
rise to the Violation; and provided, further, that in the case of a sale
directly by the Company of its securities (including a sale of such securities
through any underwriter retained by the Company to engage in a distribution
solely on behalf of the Company), no such Holder shall be liable to the Company
in any case in which such violation was contained in a preliminary prospectus
and corrected in a final or amended prospectus, and the Company failed to
deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the
confirmation of the sale of the securities to the Person asserting any such
loss, claim, damage or liability in any case in which such delivery is required
by the 1933 Act.

     (c)  Promptly after receipt by any Indemnitee of notice of the commencement
of any action (including any governmental action), such Indemnitee will, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this
Section 2.6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the
commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to
participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly
with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume and control the
defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and
the Indemnitee; provided, however, that such Indemnitee shall have the right to
retain its own counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the
indemnifying party, if representation of such Indemnitee by the counsel retained
by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential
differing interests, as reasonably determined by the indemnifying part and the
Indemnitee between such Indemnitee and any other party represented by such
counsel in such

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
proceeding.  The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party
within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action, if prejudicial
to its ability to defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party of
any liability to the Indemnitee under this Section 2.6 to the extent of such
prejudice, but the omission so to deliver written notice to the indemnifying
party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to such Indemnitee
otherwise than under this Section 2.6.

     (d)  The obligations of the Company and the Holders under this Section 2.6
shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a
registration statement whether under this Section 2 or otherwise.

     (e)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.6 is unavailable
to a party that would have been an Indemnitee under this Section 2.6 in respect
of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in
respect thereof) referred to herein, then each party that would have been an
indemnifying party hereunder shall, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnitee,
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result
of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in
respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
fault of such indemnifying party, on the one hand, and such Indemnitee, on the
other hand, in connection with the violations that resulted in such losses,
claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof).
The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things,
whether the Violation relates to information supplied by such indemnifying party
or such Indemnitee and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such Violation.  The parties
agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
Section 2.6(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred
to in the preceding sentence.  The amount paid or payable by a contributing
party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or
proceedings in respect thereof) referred to above in this Section 2.6(e) shall
include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnitee in
connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.  No Person
guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of
the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  The liability of any Holder of
Registrable Securities in respect of any contribution obligation of such Holder
(after deduction of all underwriters' discounts and commissions paid by such
Holder in connection with the registration in question) arising under this
Section 2.6(e) shall not in any event exceed an amount equal to the net proceeds
to such Holder from the disposition of the Registrable Securities disposed of by
such Holder pursuant to such registration.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          (f)  Provisions similar to the foregoing provisions of this Section
2.6 may be included in any underwriting or similar agreement entered into by the
Company and any Holders in connection with any registration of Registrable
Securities.

     2.7.  Reports Under 1934 Act.

     (a)  With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule
144 promulgated under the 1933 Act ("Rule 144") and any other rule or regulation
of the Securities and Exchange Commission that may at any time permit a Holder
to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, the
Company agrees to:

     (i)  use its best efforts to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the
Company under the 1934 Act; and

     (ii)  furnish to any Holder, so long as such Holder owns any Registrable
Securities, forthwith upon request (A) a written statement by the Company as to
its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, the 1934 Act, (B) a
copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other
reports and documents so filed by the Company and (C) such other information as
may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of
the Securities and Exchange Commission which permits the selling of any such
securities without registration.

     2.8.  Lock-up Agreements.  If requested by the Company and the managing
underwriter, the Holders agree to enter into lock-up agreements pursuant to
which they will not, for a period of 180 days following the effective date of a
registration statement for a public offering of the Company's securities, offer,
sell or otherwise dispose of any Registrable Securities (except Registrable
Securities sold pursuant to such registration statement) without the prior
written consent of the Company and the managing underwriter.

3.  Legend.  Each certificate representing any Registrable Security shall bear
on its face substantially the following legends:

     (a)  "THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF A REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JULY __, 1996, AS AMENDED AND IN EFFECT FROM TIME
TO TIME, AMONG THE CORPORATION AND THE STOCKHOLDERS NAMED THEREIN, A COPY OF
WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE OFFICES OF THE CORPORATION."

     (b)  Any legends required by (i) the Merger Agreement, (ii) the Amended and
Restated Stockholder Agreement dated as of May 21, 1996, as amended and in
effect

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
from time to time, among the Company and the Investors or (iii) the laws of any
applicable jurisdiction.

4.  Specific Performance.  The parties recognizes that their respective rights
under this Agreement are unique, and, accordingly, each party shall, in addition
to such other remedies as may be available to it at law or in equity, have the
right to enforce its rights hereunder by actions for injunctive relief and
specific performance to the extent permitted by law.  This Agreement is not
intended to limit or abridge any rights of any party which may exist apart from
this Agreement.

5.  Notices.  All notices, demands and other communications required to be given
pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
received if given in writing (including telex, telecopy or similar
teletransmission) addressed as provided below (or to the addressee at such other
address as the addressee shall have specified by notice actually received by the
addressor), and if either (a) actually delivered in fully legible form to such
address (evidenced in the case of a telex by receipt of the correct answerback)
or (b) in the case of a letter, three days shall have elapsed after the same
shall have been deposited in the mails (i) with first-class (air mail if to or
from outside the United States of America) postage prepaid and registered or
certified, with return receipt requested, or (ii) with express delivery postage
prepaid, with receipt required for delivery.

     If to the Company, to it at 100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor, Andover,
Massachusetts 01810, Attention:  General Counsel, with a copy thereof to Ropes &
Gray, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Attention:  David B.
Walek, Esq.

     If to any Investor, to it at its address set forth on the signature page
hereto with a copy to Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, A Professional Corporation,
400 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301, Attention:  Diane Holt
Frankle, Esq.

6.  Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure
to the benefit of, the parties and their respective personal representatives,
successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that the Company shall not
have the right to assign its rights and obligations hereunder, or any interest
herein, without the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the
Registrable Securities then outstanding, and the Holders may not assign their
registration rights, which are deemed to be personal to such Holders, except to
their respective spouses and children (or trusts for their benefit).
 
7.  Course of Dealing; Amendments, Waivers and Consents.  No course of dealing
between the parties shall operate as a waiver of any party's rights under this
Agreement.  No delay or omission on the part of any party in exercising any
right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other
right hereunder or thereunder.  A waiver on any one occasion shall not be
construed as a bar to or waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion.
No amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be binding

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
unless it is in writing and signed by each of the Company and the Holders of a
majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding.

8.  General.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be found by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the parties hereby waive
such provision to the extent that it is found to be invalid or unenforceable.
Such provision shall, to the maximum extent allowable by law, be modified by
such court so that it becomes enforceable, and, as modified, shall be enforced
as any other provision hereof, all the other provisions hereof continuing in
full force and effect.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or
interpretation hereof.  This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all
prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to
such subject matter.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws (other than the conflict
of laws rules) of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as an agreement under seal as of the date first above written.

                              COMPANY

                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.


                              By _________________________________
                                    Title:


                              INVESTORS

 
                              _________________________________
                              John A. Kimberley
                              Notice Address:



                              _________________________________
                              Peter R. Simkin
                              Notice Address:

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                              _________________________________
                              Richard J. Whitehead
                              Notice Address:

                                       13

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.23


                                    July ___,  1996



FTP Software, Inc.
100 Brickstone Square, Fifth Floor
Andover, Massachusetts  01810

     Re:  Firefox Communications, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     The undersigned understands that FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation ("PARENT"), Firefox Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Parent ("MERGER SUB"), and Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "COMPANY"), have entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated May 21, 1996 (as amended and restated and in effect from time to
time, the "MERGER AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which Merger Sub would be merged (the
"MERGER") with and into the Company, and each outstanding share of common stock,
par value $.001 per share, of the Company ("COMPANY COMMON STOCK") would be
converted into the right to receive (a) that number of shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share, of Parent ("PARENT COMMON STOCK") that equals the
amount obtained by dividing (i) $50,000,000 divided by the number of shares of
Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective
time of the Merger (the "OUTSTANDING FIREFOX SHARES") by (ii) the average
closing price of the Parent Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market
for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the date of the Firefox Meeting,
subject to the provisions in the Merger Agreement relating to fractional shares,
and (b) cash in the amount of $10,000,000 divided by the number of Outstanding
Firefox Shares, subject to adjustment as described in the Merger Agreement.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the
Merger Agreement.

     Parent has requested the undersigned to agree, and the undersigned has
agreed, with Parent as follows:

     1.   Certain Transfer Restrictions.

     The undersigned has been advised that the issuance of shares of Parent
Common Stock to the undersigned, if any, pursuant to the Merger will be
registered under the Securities Act
<PAGE>
 
of 1933, as amended ("SECURITIES ACT"), pursuant to a registration statement on
Form S-4. The undersigned has also been advised that, if the undersigned is an
"affiliate" of the Company at the time the Merger is submitted to a vote of the
stockholders of the Company, Rule 145 under the Securities Act will restrict the
undersigned's sales of shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, received by the
undersigned in the Merger.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an
admission that the undersigned is an "affiliate" of the Company.  The
undersigned has been advised that if the undersigned is so subject to Rule 145,
the undersigned may not sell or otherwise dispose of any such shares of Parent
Common Stock except in accordance with Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act or
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

     The undersigned understands and agrees that:

     (i)   Parent is under no obligation to register the sale, transfer or other
disposition of the shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, to be received by the
undersigned in the Merger except as set forth in written agreements, if any,
with or for the benefit of the undersigned that may have been entered into by
Parent.

     (ii)  Stop transfer instructions will be given to the transfer agent of
Parent with respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock, if any, to be received
by the undersigned in the Merger, and there will be placed on the certificate
representing such stock, or any certificates delivered in substitution therefor,
a legend stating in substance:

     "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A
     TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT")
     APPLIES.  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE TRANSFERRED
     ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 145(d) OR PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT."

     (iii)  Unless the transfer by the undersigned of the shares of Parent
Common Stock, if any, to be received by the undersigned in the Merger is a sale
made in conformity with the provisions of Rule 145(d), or is made pursuant to a
registration statement under the Securities Act, Parent reserves the right to
put an appropriate Securities Act legend on the certificate issued to a
transferee.

     In connection with the foregoing, Parent represents and agrees as follows:

     (i)   For so long as and to the extent necessary to permit the undersigned
to sell the shares of Parent Common Stock, or any permitted transferee of any
such shares to

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
sell such shares, pursuant to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144
under the Securities Act, Parent shall use its best efforts to file, on a timely
basis, all reports required to be filed by it with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT"), so long as it is subject to such
requirement, shall furnish to the undersigned or any such transferee upon
request a written statement as to whether Parent has complied with such
reporting requirements during the 12 months preceding any proposed sale under
Rule 145 and shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to permit such
sales pursuant to Rule 145 and Rule 144.

     (ii)  Parent agrees that the stop transfer instructions and legends
referred to above in this section 1 shall be promptly terminated or removed if
the undersigned or any such transferee shall have delivered to Parent a copy of
a letter from the staff of the SEC or an opinion of counsel with recognized
expertise in securities law matters and reasonably acceptable to Parent, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, to the effect that such
instructions and legends are not required for the purposes of the Securities
Act.

     2.  Miscellaneous.

     This letter agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

     Please indicate your agreement with the foregoing by signing the
acknowledgment below on the enclosed copies of this letter, and returning the
same to the undersigned, whereupon this letter agreement shall become an
effective agreement between Parent and the undersigned.

                              Very truly yours,


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

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

Acknowledged and agreed as of
the date hereof:

FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

By
  ----------------------------

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     Name:
     Title:






                                       4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 11.1

                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

           WEIGHTED SHARES USED IN COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                              FULLY DILUTED         PRIMARY
<S>                                           <C>                 <C> 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993:
   Common stock outstanding, beginning
    of the year                                 17,152,240        17,152,240
   Issuance of cheap stock                       3,368,432         1,850,524
   Weighted average common stock issued
    during 1993                                  1,256,660         1,256,660
   Weighted average common stock
    purchased during 1993                         (907,418)         (907,418)
   Weighted average common stock equivalents     6,785,160         6,785,160
   Weighted average treasury shares
    acquired using the treasury stock method      (294,032)       (1,008,002)
                                                ----------        ----------
   Weighted average shares of common stock
    outstanding, end of the year                27,361,042        25,129,164
                                                ==========        ==========

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994:
   Common stock outstanding, beginning of the
    year                                        21,693,780        21,693,780
   Weighted average common stock issued
    during 1994                                    768,112           768,112
   Weighted average common stock equivalents     7,911,313         7,940,918
   Weighted average treasury shares acquired
    using the treasury stock method             (1,303,289)       (1,849,923)
                                                ----------        ----------

   Weighted average shares of common stock
    outstanding, end of the year                29,069,916        28,552,887
                                                ==========        ==========

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
   Common stock outstanding, beginning of
    the year                                    23,344,122        23,344,122
   Weighted average common stock issued
    during 1995                                  1,811,161         1,811,161
   Weighted average common stock 
    equivalents                                  4,304,545         4,304,545
   Weighted average treasury shares acquired
    using the treasury stock method             (1,197,232)       (1,244,628)
                                                ----------        ----------
   Weighted average shares of common stock
    outstanding, end of the year                28,262,596        28,215,200
                                                ==========        ==========
</TABLE> 

All shares information contained in the per share calculation have been adjusted
to reflect an 8-for-1 split of the Common Stock.
- -------------------
(1) In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83, issuance of Common
    Stock and Common Stock equivalents (stock options) one year prior to the
    initial filing date of a registration statement for an initial public
    offering at share prices below the initial public offering price of $19.00
    per share ("Cheap Stock"), are considered to have been made in anticipation
    of the public offering and have been included as if the shares were
    outstanding for all periods presented prior to the initial public offering
    using the treasury stock method at the initial public offering price.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 11.2

                              FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
           WEIGHTED SHARES USED IN COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                       FULLY DILUTED        PRIMARY
<S>                                                    <C>                 <C> 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995:
  Common stock outstanding, beginning of period           23,344,122        23,344,122
  Weighted average common stock issued during the
   three months ended March 31, 1995                         588,913           588,913
  Weighted average common stock equivalents                6,300,693         6,300,693
  Weighted average treasury shares acquired using the
   treasury stock method                                  (1,513,043)       (1,709,660)
                                                          ----------        ----------
  Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding,
   end of period                                          28,702,685        28,524,068
                                                          ==========        ==========
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996:
  Common stock outstanding, beginning of period           26,506,729        26,506,729
  Weighted average common stock issued during the
   three months ended March 31, 1996                         432,279           432,279
                                                          ----------        ----------
  Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding,
   end of period                                          26,939,008        26,939,008
                                                          ==========        ==========
</TABLE> 


<PAGE>
 
                                                              EXHIBIT 21

                              LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES


Subsidiary                           State or other jurisdiction of organization
- ----------                           -------------------------------------------

Campell Services, Inc.               Michigan
Firefox Acquisition Corp.            Delaware
FTP Software Asia, Inc.              Massachusetts
FTP Software (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd  Singapore
FTP Software Canada Ltd.             Alberta, Canada
FTP Software Export, Inc.            Barbados
FTP Software Kabushiki Kaisha        Japan
FTP Software Security Corp., Inc.    Massachusetts
FTP Software Worldwide, Inc.         Massachusetts

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

        We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-4 
of our report dated January 31, 1996, except Note 1, for which the dates are 
March 27, 1996 and, for the fifth paragraph, May 21, 1996 on our audits of the 
consolidated financial statements of FTP Software, Inc.  We also consent to the 
reference to our firm under the caption "Exports".



                                       /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
                                       COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

June 26, 1996
Boston, Massachusetts
        



<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4

CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

We consent to use in this Registration Statement of FTP Software, Inc. on Form
S-4 of our report dated February 5, 1996 (May 21, 1996 as to Note 12) relating
to the consolidated financial statements of Firefox Communications Inc. as of
and for the year ended December 31, 1995, appearing in the FTP Software,
Inc./Firefox Communications Inc. Joint Proxy Statement, which is a part of such
Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts"
in such Joint Proxy Statement.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Jose, California
June 24, 1996

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5

CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE

We consent to use in this Registration Statement of FTP Software, Inc. on Form
S-4 of our report dated February 8, 1995 (May 3, 1995 as to the first paragraph
of Note 7) relating to the consolidated financial statements of Firefox
Communications Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and for the years ended December 31,
1993 and 1994, appearing in the FTP Software, Inc./Firefox Communications Inc.
Joint Proxy Statement, which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Joint Proxy Statement.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE
Chartered Accountants
Birmingham, England
June 24, 1996

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.7


                      [LETTERHEAD OF COWEN APPEARS HERE]



                                       June 24, 1996

Firefox Communications Inc.
2953 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95054

Gentlemen:

We hereby consent to the inclusion of our written fairness opinion dated May 21,
1996, to the Board of Directors of Firefox Communications Inc. (the "Company")
in the proxy statement/prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with the merger pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Merger by and among FTP Software, Inc., Firefox Acquisition Corp., and the
Company as amended by the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of May 21, 1996.  In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that
Cowen & Company is within the class of persons whose consent is required by
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder

                                             Very truly yours,
                                    
                                             Cowen & Company

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 99.1
                               FTP SOFTWARE, INC.

             SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF FTP SOFTWARE, INC.
                                 JULY 22, 1996

              PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Douglas F. Flood, John J.
Warnock, Jr. and Karen A. Wharton, and each of them singly, with full power of
substitution, as proxies to vote and act at the FTP Software, Inc. Special
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on July 22, 1996 at 11:00 a.m., and at any
and all postponements and adjournments thereof (the "Special Meeting"), upon and
with respect to the number of shares of common stock of FTP Software, Inc.
("FTP"), $.01 par value per share (the "FTP Common Stock"), as to which the
undersigned may be entitled to vote or act.  The undersigned instructs such
proxies, or their substitutes, to vote in such manner as they may determine on
any matters which may come before the meeting, all as indicated in the
accompanying Notice of Special Meeting and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and
to vote on the following as specified by the undersigned on the reverse side.
All proxies heretofore given by the undersigned in respect of said meeting are
hereby revoked.

Unless otherwise specified on the reverse side hereof, this proxy will be voted
IN FAVOR of the proposal listed on the reversed side and in the discretion of 
the named proxies as to any other matter that may come before the Special 
Meeting or any postponement of adjournment thereof:

         -------------------------------------------------------------
- -------- PLEASE VOTE, DATE, AND SIGN ON OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY ---------
         IN ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
         -------------------------------------------------------------

Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon.  Joint owners should each sign.
If a corporation, sign in full corporate name by president or authorized 
officer.  If a partnership, sign in partnership name by authorized person.  When
signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian please give 
your full title as such.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED?

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

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

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

1.   The proposal to authorize and approve the issuance of the shares of FTP
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 among FTP, Firefox Acquisition Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary ("Sub") of FTP, and Firefox Communications Inc.
("Firefox"), pursuant to which, among other things, (a) Sub will be merged into
Firefox (the "Merger"), and Firefox will survive the Merger as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FTP, (b) outstanding shares of Firefox common stock, $.001 par
value per share ("Firefox Common Stock"), will be converted into shares of FTP
Common Stock and (c) outstanding options to purchase Firefox Common Stock
granted under certain Firefox employee and director stock option plans will be
deemed assumed by FTP and deemed to constitute options to purchase shares of FTP
Common Stock, all as more fully described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

                 [_]  For      [_]   Against     [_]    Abstain

                  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR

     The shares represented by this proxy, if properly executed, will be voted
in accordance with the instructions appearing herein.  IN THE ABSENCE OF
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY, IF PROPERLY
EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1 AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DISCRETION OF
THE PERSON VOTING THE PROXY WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER BUSINESS PROPERLY BEFORE
THE SPECIAL MEETING.

     Receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated June 26, 1996 relating to the Special Meeting
is hereby acknowledged.


                             ----------------
Please be sure to sign and   Date             Mark box at right if address  [_] 
date this Proxy.                              change has been noted on the
- --------------------------------------------- reverse side of this card.

- --Shareholder sign here--Co-owner sign here--
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 DETACH CARD                                                        DETACH CARD

                              [LOGO APPEARS HERE]

        Dear Stockholder:

        Please take note of the important information enclosed with this proxy 
        card.
 
        Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right
        to vote your shares.

        Please mark the boxes on this proxy card to indicate how your shares 
        shall be voted.  Then sign the card, detach it and return it in the
        enclosed postage paid envelope.

        Your vote must be received prior to the Special Meeting of Stockholders,
        July 22, 1996.  Whether or not you plan to be personally present at the
        meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy and return
        it promptly in the enclosed envelope.  If you later desire to revoke
        your proxy, you may do so at any time before it is exercised.

        Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration.

        Sincerely,


        FTP Software, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 99.2
 
PROXY                       FIREFOX COMMUNICATIONS INC.                    PROXY

     PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD JULY 22, 1996

   THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) John A. Kimberley
and Mark A. Rowlinson, and each of them, with full power of substitution, as
proxies to represent and vote as designated herein, all shares of stock of
Firefox Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), which the
undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Special
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at 2953 Bunker Hill Lane,
Suite 400, Santa Clara, California 95054, on July 22, 1996 at 9:00 a.m., local
time, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof (1) as hereinafter
described in the proposals listed below and as more particularly described in
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of the Company and FTP Software, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation, dated June __, 1996 (the "Proxy Statement"), receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged, and (2) in their discretion upon such other
matters as may properly come before the meeting.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY SHALL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED.  IF NO SPECIFICATION
                                    IS MADE,
              SUCH SHARES SHALL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.

          A vote FOR the following proposals is recommended by the Board of
Directors.

          1.  To approve and adopt an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of May 21, 1996 (as amended and restated, the "Merger
Agreement"), among the Company, FTP Software, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation
("FTP"), and Firefox Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary
of FTP ("Sub"), providing for the merger of Sub with and into the Company, as
further described in the Proxy Statement.

                 FOR [_]          AGAINST [_]        ABSTAIN [_]

          2.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment or adjournments of the meeting.

                 FOR [_]          AGAINST [_]        ABSTAIN [_]

                 (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
<PAGE>
 
  This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is given, this proxy will be
voted for proposals 1 and 2. Attendance of the undersigned at the meeting or at
any adjournment thereof will not be deemed to revoke this proxy unless the
undersigned shall revoke this proxy in writing before it is exercised.

                                        Dated:________________________, 1996


                                        ____________________________________
                                        Signature


                                        ____________________________________
                                        Signature if held jointly

                                        Please sign exactly as name appears
                                        herein. When shares are held by joint
                                        owners, both should sign. When signing
                                        as attorney, executor, administrator,
                                        trustee or guardian, please give the
                                        full title as such. If a corporation,
                                        please sign in full corporate name by
                                        President or other authorized officer.
                                        If a partnership, please sign in
                                        partnership name by authorized person.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, YOU ARE URGED TO SIGN
AND PROMPTLY MAIL THIS PROXY IN THE RETURN ENVELOPE SO THAT YOUR STOCK MAY BE
REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING.

                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3


                  Consent to Being Named as a Future Director

     The undersigned hereby consents to being named as a future director of FTP
Software, Inc. (the "Registrant") on the cover page and under the captions "The
Merger and Related Transactions -- General," " -- Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger -- Election to FTP Board of Directors" and "Management of FTP --
Executive Officers and Directors" in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by the Registrant with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June   , 1996.



/s/John A. Kimberley
John A. Kimberley

June 17, 1996


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