VISIO CORP
10-Q/A, 1997-01-09
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>   1
===============================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

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

                                FORM 10-Q/A

          [x]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996

                                       OR

         [ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-26772

                               VISIO CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               WASHINGTON                            91-1448389
    (State or other jurisdiction of      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     incorporation or organization)        

         520 Pike Street, Suite 1800, Seattle, Washington 98101-4001
        (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip code)

                                 (206) 521-4500
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

           Yes  X                                             No 
               ---                                               ---

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

               Class                   Shares outstanding as of April 30, 1996
 ---------------------------------    -----------------------------------------
   Common Stock ($.01 par value)                    13,412,541

===============================================================================
<PAGE>   2
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a)     Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
                 10.15(a)         Agreement for the Amendment of Distribution
                                  Agreement dated January 15, 1996, between
                                  Visio and ASCII Corporation.
                 11.1             Computation of Earnings Per Share.
                 27.1             Financial Data Schedule, which is submitted
                                  electronically to the Securities and 
                                  Exchange Commission for information only
                                  and not filed.
         (b)     Reports on Form 8-K:
                 None.





                                       14
<PAGE>   3
                                   SIGNATURES

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



Date:  January 9, 1997                  VISIO CORPORATION


                                        By:  /s/ MARTY CHILBERG
                                           ------------------------------------
                                        Marty Chilberg
                                        Vice President, Finance and Operations;
                                        Chief Financial Officer

                                        (Principal Financial and Accounting
                                        Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)





                                       15
<PAGE>   4
                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EXHIBIT NO.                      DESCRIPTION                         PAGE
- -----------                      -----------                         ----
   <S>            <C>                                                <C>
   10.15(a)+      Agreement for the Amendment of Distribution
                  Agreement dated January 15, 1996, between
                  Visio Corporation and ASCII Corporation.            

   11.1           Computation of Earnings Per Share.                  *

   27.1           Financial Data Schedule, which is submitted 
                  electronically to the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission for information only and not filed.      **

   
</TABLE>

*                 Previously filed.
**                Previously submitted.
+                 Confidential treatment.    



                                      16

<PAGE>   1





                         Dated    day of January 199





                VISIO CORPORATION AND VISIO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
                                                                      FIRST PART


                                ASCII CORPORATION

                                                                     SECOND PART








                         AGREEMENT FOR THE AMENDMENT OF
                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   2
         THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 19th day of January 1996 between:

1.       VISIO CORPORATION, having its principal place of business at 520 Pike
         Street, Suite 1800, Seattle, Washington 98101-4001, U.S.A., and its
         affiliates, including but not limited to VISIO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
         (collectively referred to as "Visio"), and

2.       ASCII CORPORATION, a Corporation organised under the laws of Japan,
         having its principal place of business at 4-33-10 Yoyogi, Shibuya,
         151-24 Tokyo, Japan and its affiliates ("Distributor").

         RECITALS:

A.       Visio and Distributor have entered into a Distribution Agreement as of
         1st January, 1995 ("the Distribution Agreement").

B.       Visio and Distributor have agreed to amend the Distribution Agreement
         pursuant to section 21(g) thereof in accordance with the provisions of
         this Agreement.

         IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:-

                             CLAUSE 1 - PRELIMINARY

1.1      Definitions:

         Words and expressions used in this Agreement, save where the context
         otherwise requires, bear the same meanings as in the Distribution
         Agreement.

         CLAUSE 2 - AMENDMENTS TO THE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

2.1      The Distribution Agreement is hereby amended as follows:-

         2.1.1    All references in the Distribution Agreement to "Shapeware"
                  shall be amended to "Visio".

         2.1.2    All references in the Distribution Agreement to "F.O.B." shall
                  be amended to "C.I.F. port of destination Narito Airport".

         2.1.3    Section 1 of the Distribution Agreement is hereby amended to
                  add the following:

                  (l)      "Promo Campaign Product" shall mean the full retail
                           unit of Visio 4.0 (J) which Distributor shall
                           purchase from Visio for [*]."

                  (n)      "Sell-Through" shall mean the number of Units of the
                           Product sold by the Distributor to end users of the
                           Product and sold by sub-


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   3
                                    distributors of the Product to resellers or
                                    end users of the Product, net of all returns
                                    of the Product."

                  2.1.4    The sentence:-

                           "Pursuant to Section 5(a) of this Agreement,
                           Shapeware grants Distributor the right to manufacture
                           the first version of the initial Product."

                           shall be deleted from Section 2(a) of the
                           Distribution Agreement.

                  2.1.5    Section 5(a) of the Distribution Agreement is
                           replaced in its entirety with the following:-

                           "(a) Visio and Distributor agree that all versions of
                           any Product will be manufactured in Ireland by Visio
                           with Distributor's co-operation to ensure that
                           Products meet Distributor's quality requirements and
                           delivery schedules. Visio shall invoice Distributor
                           in US Dollars each time Products are shipped. Prices
                           shall be as set out in the Price Schedule Distributor
                           agrees to pay Visio on a Net 30 days basis from the
                           date of invoice.

                  2.1.6    Section 5(b) of the Distribution Agreement is
                           replaced in its entirety with the following:

                           Prices shall be in accordance with Visio's Product
                           prices as determined solely by Visio, less
                           compensation allowances ("Allowances") all as set
                           forth in the Price Schedule. Allowances are
                           deductions from Visio's Product prices, which Visio
                           offers to Distributor for Distributor's performance
                           of the Valued Added Functions."

                  2.1.7    Section 5(c) of the Distribution Agreement is
                           replaced in its entirety with the following:

                           "(c) The US$ prices in the Price Schedule are based
                           on Yen to the $ rate of 102 Yen to $ and only in the
                           event that such rate deviates more than plus or minus
                           (5%) will Visio change the $ price in the Price
                           Schedule. All prices are C.I.F. port of destination
                           Narita Airport which, for the avoidance of doubt,
                           means that Visio will cover freight costs to Narita
                           Airport. All prices are exclusive of applicable
                           sales, use or value added taxes or other taxes,
                           import or export fees, duties including import
                           clearance charges or tariffs, and any other taxes,
                           duties or fees of any kind which may be levied in
                           connection with the transactions covered hereby. Such
                           charges shall be paid by Distributor. Visio, however,
                           shall be responsible for all taxes based upon its net
                           income."


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   4
                  2.1.8    Sections 5(f) and 5(g) are hereby added to the
                           Distribution Agreement as follows:

                           (f)      Visio and Distributor shall mutually agree
                                    upon a promotional campaign for sales
                                    related to Visio 4.0 (J). Distributor agrees
                                    to purchase the Promo Campaign Product
                                    during a period of time, not to exceed
                                    ninety (90) days, as mutually agreed upon by
                                    Visio and Distributor ("Promotional
                                    Period"). Distributor agrees that
                                    Distributor may not return to Visio any of
                                    the Promo Campaign Product.

                           (g)      Distributor will receive a credit of [*] per
                                    unit of a Product sold as a performance
                                    incentive in the event that either or both
                                    of the following events occur:

                                    (i)      Sell-Through of [*] units of the
                                             shrink-wrap Visio 4.0(J) Product
                                             for each calendar quarter in which
                                             such Sell-Through occurs;

                                    (ii)     Sell-Through of [*] units of the
                                             shrink-wrap Promo Campaign Product
                                             during the Promotional Period.

                                    Distributor shall receive the credit as set
                                    forth in this Section 5(g) within thirty
                                    (30) days of the end of the calendar quarter
                                    for credits received pursuant to Section
                                    5(g)(i) and within thirty (30) days of the
                                    end of the Promotional Campaign Period for
                                    credits received pursuant to Section
                                    5(g)(ii)."


                  2.1.9    Section 6(b) of the Distribution Agreement is
                           replaced in its entirety with the following:-

                           "(b) achieve the key performance measures set forth
                           in paragraph 13 of the Business Plan and in the Sales
                           forecast set forth in the Price Schedule;".

                  2.1.10   Sections 6(k), (l), (m) and (n) shall be inserted
                           into the Distribution Agreement as follows:-

                           (k)      work towards maintaining a minimum of four
                                    (4) weeks inventory with Distributor and its
                                    sub-distributors in Japan, based on average
                                    weekly Sell-Through for the previous five
                                    weeks;

                           (l)      submit to Visio a monthly 90 day rolling
                                    forecast of stock keeping units ("SKUs") of
                                    products which Visio will ship to
                                    Distributor on a monthly basis, based on a
                                    firm monthly purchase order;


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   5
                           (m)      provide Visio within two (2) business day
                                    from the end of each week with weekly
                                    report, in the form requested by Visio,
                                    including but not limited to the following:

                                    (i)      inventory held by Distributor and
                                             sub-distributors of the Product;

                                    (ii)     inventory held by major retailers
                                             (such as [*] and [*]), in the
                                             instance where this information is
                                             unavailable from major retailers,
                                             Distributor will provide best
                                             estimates;

                                    (iii)    Sell-Through;

                                    (iv)     purchases of the Product by
                                             Distributor;

                                    (v)      purchases of the Product by
                                             sub-distributors from Distributor;
                                             and

                                    (vi)     purchases of the Product by
                                             resellers from sub-distributors."

                           (n)      provide Visio with monthly reports, in the
                                    form requested by Visio, to be delivered
                                    within five (5) business days from the end
                                    of each month as to royalties, customer
                                    service and technical support calls,
                                    marketing activities (such as advertising,
                                    channel marketing, product and price
                                    promotions), corporate account licensing
                                    activities and customer registrations,
                                    Distributor will provide best estimates of
                                    corporate account licensing activities where
                                    this information is unavailable from major
                                    retailers."

                  2.1.11   Section 7(j) is hereby added to the Distribution
                           Agreement as follows:

                           (j)      provide Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) to end users
                                    of the Product who have purchased Japanese
                                    Visio 3.0(J) between November 8, 1995 and
                                    January 31, 1996 at a cost to Distributor of
                                    fifteen US Dollars ($15) per unit subject to
                                    a maximum quantity of five thousand (5,000)
                                    units, this Section 7(j) reflects Visio's
                                    sole responsibility regarding Japanese Visio
                                    3.0(J)" 

                  2.1.12   The expression "ten (10)" in Section 8 of the
                           Distribution Agreement shall be replaced by the
                           expression "seven (7)", and the sentence:-

                           "All claims for goods damaged during shipment shall
                           be made directly to Distributor's carrier."

                           shall be deleted in that Section, except for internal
                           freight in Japan.


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   6
         2.1.13   The last sentence of Section 9 shall be replaced by the
                  following:

                  "Distributor shall place one main monthly order for all
                  Products in line with the forecast as per the Business Plan
                  and to support Sell-Through. Distributor shall also be
                  entitled to make one further order in any given calender
                  month. Visio may at its sole discretion accept further orders
                  from Distributor in the same calender month.

         2.1.14   Section 10 of the Distribution Agreement is replaced in its
                  entirety with the following:

                  "(a)     For Products manufactured pursuant to this Agreement,
                  the parties will use best efforts to establish a mutually
                  agreed upon verification and credit process for return of
                  Products.

                  (b)      Subject to Section 10(c) herein, Distributor may only
                  return Products to Visio as follows:-

                           (i)      if the Product has not been accepted
                                    pursuant to Section 8;

                           (ii)     if the Product is being returned pursuant to
                                    any end-user warranty claim pursuant to
                                    Section 11; or

                           (iii)    Products as listed in Exhibit C, for which
                                    Product updates have been issued ("Obsolete
                                    Product") may be exchanged but only if:
                                    Distributor returns the Obsolete Products to
                                    Visio within forty five (45) days after
                                    notification from Visio of the
                                    discontinuance of a Product or the release
                                    of a Product update and such Obsolete
                                    Product is exchanged for new products on an
                                    equivalent value basis. In returning
                                    Obsolete Product, Distributor shall return
                                    Product disks to Visio and destroy all
                                    Product documentation. However, if Visio
                                    authorises Distributor not to return the
                                    Obsolete Product, Distributor must destroy
                                    all copies of the Obsolete Product disks and
                                    all Obsolete Product documentation. Visio
                                    shall provide notice in writing of each
                                    Product update to Distributor at least 90
                                    days prior to the shipping date of that
                                    Product update.

                  (c)      Distributor shall pay all expenses, including without
                           limitation, freight, duties and insurance for
                           returned Products.

         2.1.15   Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement is replaced in its
                  entirety with the Business Plan contained in the First
                  Schedule hereto.


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   7
         2.1.16   Exhibit B of the Distribution Agreement is replaced in its
                  entirety with the following:

                  EXHIBIT B - PRICE SCHEDULE

                  As compensation for these services performed by Distributor
                  for Visio, Visio provides Distributor with allowances as
                  mutually agreed upon by both parties ("Allowances"), deducted
                  from Visio's Product Prices as determined solely by Visio.
                  Visio's Product Prices and the Allowances shall be in US
                  Dollars. The [*] listed in the Schedule below are Visio's
                  present Product Prices from which Allowances have been
                  deducted.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
         PRODUCT            [*]        [*]        [*]               [*]
================================================================================
<S>                         <C>        <C>   <C>             <C>                                         
         Visio 4.0          [*]        [*]        [*]               [*] per unit
Japanese                                     Units
================================================================================
         Visio 4.0          [*]        [*]        [*]               [*] per unit
Promo Product (J)                            Units
================================================================================
         Visio 4.0          [*]        [*]        [*]               [*] per unit
Upgrade (J)                                  Units
================================================================================
         Visio 4.0 
Licence Packs
================================================================================
         1 User             [*]                   [*]               [*] per 
Licence Pack                                 Licences        licence
================================================================================
         10 User            [*]                                     [*] per 
Licence Pack                                                 licence 
================================================================================
         50 User            [*]                   [*]               [*] per 
Licence Pack                                 Licences        licence
================================================================================
         100 User           [*]                   [*]               [*] per 
Licence Pack                                 Licences        licence
================================================================================
         Visio 4.0 
Licence Pack 
Upgrade
================================================================================
         1 User             [*]                                     [*] per 
Licence Pack                                                 licence
================================================================================
         10 User            [*]                                     [*] per 
Licence Pack                                                 licence
</TABLE>


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
         PRODUCT            [*]        [*]        [*]               [*]
================================================================================
<S>                         <C>        <C>   <C>             <C>                                         
         50 User            [*]                                     [*] per 
Licence Pack                                                 licence
================================================================================
         100 User           [*]                                     [*] per 
Licence Pack                                                 licence
================================================================================
         Ascii Visio        [*]        [*]        [*]               [*] per unit
4.0 (J) End User                             Units
================================================================================
         Visio 4.0          [*]        [*]        [*]               [*] per unit
N.F.R.'s                                     Units
================================================================================
         (Free Up to a 
Max of 500 Units)
</TABLE>

         2.1.17   The Product "Japanese Visio 4.0(J)" is added to Exhibit C of
                  the Distribution Agreement.

2.2      All other provisions of the Distribution Agreement shall remain
         unchanged.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have on this day of 199 entered
into this Agreement which the parties agree shall be effective as of the day and
year first above written.

         VISIO CORPORATION
         by /s/ MARTY CHILBERG
           ----------------------------

         Name Marty Chilberg
              -------------------------
         (print)

         Title Vice President
               ------------------------

         Date March 8, 1996
              -------------------------

         VISIO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
         by /s/ MARTY CHILBERG
           ----------------------------

         Name Marty Chilberg
              -------------------------
         (print)

         Title Director
               ------------------------

         Date March 8, 1996
              ------------------------- 


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   9
         ASCII CORPORATION

         by /s/ KAZUHIKO NISHI
           -----------------------------

         Name Kazuhiko Nishi
             ---------------------------
         (print)

         Title C.E.O. & President
               -------------------------

         Date January 15, 1996
             ---------------------------


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested


<PAGE>   10
                                 FIRST SCHEDULE


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested
<PAGE>   11
                             VISIO/ASCII CORPORATION
                               1996 BUSINESS PLAN



1.       GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

General

         -        To position Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) as the #1 drawing and
                  diagramming software in Japan.

         -        To strengthen the Visio brand in the channels of distribution
                  and in the end user market.

         -        To establish Visio as the standard drawing and diagramming
                  software in large enterprises.

         -        To leverage [*] to help develop the mass market for Japanese
                  Visio 4.0 (J).

         -        To sign an OEM Agreement with Microsoft that would bundle
                  Japanese Visio Express 4.0 (J) with Microsoft Office.

         -        To partner with [*] and [*] events, seminars and road shows.

         -        To establish a market for the [*] (see paragraph 6 below).

         -        To extend the market for Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) by developing
                  and marketing Visio Add-ons for target market segments.

         -        To develop a market for Third Party Japanese Visio 4.0 (J)
                  Add-on SmartShapes.

Sales

         -        To achieve the 1996 calendar year retail unit forecast of [*]
                  units and a license unit forecast of [*] licenses. Unit sales
                  are divided into the following categories:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION                                      1996 UNITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>   
Full Retail Product [*]                                          [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promotional Product [*]                                          [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full Retail Upgrade Product [*]                                  [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASCII User Campaign Product [*]                                  [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
License Pack [*] licenses                                        [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
License Pack [*] licenses                                        [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
License Pack [*] licenses                                        [*]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested    1


<PAGE>   12
2.       MARKETING

         2.1.     GENERAL POSITIONING

                  Visio's strategy is to establish Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) in the
                  category that we describe as "Business Drawing and
                  Diagramming". The objective is to differentiate Japanese Visio
                  from other "non-intelligent" drawing programs. Japanese Visio
                  is a "drag and drop" drawing tool for the non-graphics
                  specialist. The goal is to position Japanese Visio as a
                  component of every Windows desktop and office suite.
                  Additionally, the key differentiating factors of Japanese
                  Visio 4.0 (J) are:

                  Visio is leading-edge technology that has pioneered the
                  category of "business drawing and diagramming"

                  Visio Shapes are not clipart but intelligent shapes.

                  Visio is extensible technology that allows the user to create
                  their own "Smart Shapes"

                  Visio is leading-edge Windows technology with the best
                  implementation of OLE 2.0 technology in the market. The key
                  marketing message is, "When you buy Visio, you buying into
                  leading edge technology, a technology that will become more
                  and more useful as you add more and more "Smart Shapes".

                  In the early stages of introducing Visio to Japan, Visio
                  expects the product "positioning" and messaging to stay
                  focused on the business market. In the longer term, we would
                  expect ASCII to "expand" the market for Visio by launching the
                  technical version of the product. In the early stage, it is
                  important not to confuse the market by indicating that Visio
                  is for anything but the business user.

         2.2.     PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PRODUCT REVIEW

                  Visio has the view that customers make the primary purchase
                  decisions based on what the "independent" press recommend,
                  rather than on what the manufacturer claims through
                  advertising. Because Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) is new technology
                  it can capture a significant amount of press coverage.
                  Historically, the press has been intrigued by the concept of
                  an "intelligent drawing tool" with SmartShapes. So, you have a
                  chance to get a significant amount of press time. On the other
                  hand, the press can and will "position" the product
                  inappropriately if they are not properly managed. The concern
                  is that the press will include Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) with
                  other traditional drawing products like Corel Draw or Just
                  System's Hanako. In the early stages of the product
                  introduction - from January through May - Visio expects ASCII
                  to focus the majority of its time and resources on working
                  with the press on an individual basis.


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested    2


<PAGE>   13
                  2.2.1.   POSITION JAPANESE VISIO AS THE "ESSENTIAL DRAWING AND
                           DIAGRAMMING SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS, WINDOWS 95 AND
                           WINDOWS NT." 

                           Distance Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) from "traditional
                           drawing tools". Focus on the unique SmartShape 
                           technology and tight OLE 2.0 integration.

                           Spotlight the following capabilities:

                           SmartShape technology

                           OLE 2.0 and Windows 95 integration (drag and drop,
                           scrap feature, mail-enabled, viewer, etc.)

                           New Wizard Technology

                           [*] SmartShapes [*]

                           [*] with [*] and Microsoft Office (e.g. Microsoft
                           Office Binder)


                  2.2.2.   ACTIVITIES

                           We will need to schedule a program of on-going press
                           interviews and product reviews. This should include
                           interesting story ideas on the Visio technology and
                           end user solutions.

                           Focus on [*]

                           Strategy is to focus critical sales and marketing
                           time working with the press during the critical
                           launch phase. To ensure that the product is
                           positioned correctly, it is ESSENTIAL that the ASCII
                           carefully and closely manage the introduction of
                           Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) to the local press - with one
                           on one meetings, carefully scripted demos and
                           carefully worded press kits. (Visio must review the
                           materials in the early stages in order to assist
                           ASCII so that it can maintain a consistent brand
                           identity worldwide. Visio will have approval
                           authorization on all materials).


         2.3.     CHANNEL MARKETING

                  We need to establish an effective channel marketing plan which
                  concentrates in the following areas:

                  2.3.1.   CHANNEL COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION 

                           We will need to define a program of on-going channel
                           communication (marketing collateral, advertising,
                           etc.) to ensure Visio's awareness with distributors
                           and dealers. Also, we need to be certain that dealers
                           are educated about Visio and have the necessary tools
                           (e.g. video, demo files, NFRs, etc.) to demonstrate
                           the product.


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested    3


<PAGE>   14
                  2.3.2.   PROMOTIONS

                           ASCII and Visio will define 2-3 product promotions in
                           1996. For example, we will [*] of [*] (e.g. [*] etc.)
                           to "upgrade" to Visio. Also, we will focus on
                           attaching Visio to Microsoft Office and Lotus
                           SmartSuite users via a promotional campaign.
                           Promotions will employ special pricing.



                  2.3.3.   MERCHANDISING

                           We need to capitalize on an array of programs that
                           are possible in the retail channel. For example in
                           [*] [*], we must develop POP displays (e.g. end-caps
                           with product, signage, collateral, demos, etc.). We
                           should also develop "demonstration days" where we
                           assist retailers by encouraging sales via in-store
                           demos, product drawings and special give-aways.


         2.4.     EVENTS [*]


                  2.4.1.   EVENTS

                           We need to identify all significant events and trade
                           shows where we can showcase Visio.


                  2.4.2.   [*]

                           We need to create a [*] in order to educate and build
                           interest in the large enterprise segment of the
                           market. This [*] would emphasize "business solutions"
                           using Visio and Microsoft Office, Lotus SmartSuite
                           Notes, etc. Ideally, we could receive [*] and [*]
                           directly from [*]

                           This [*] will the forerunner to [*] that will focus
                           on [*]. This will be very important [*] Visio into
                           [*] for future [*] [*] sales.


         2.5.     ADVERTISING


                  2.5.1.   STAGE 1 - BRAND BUILDING

                           The initial advertising will target building of the
                           Visio brand. The style of the initial advertising
                           will be "Eye catching" in design. This stage will
                           begin in approximately February of 1996 and conclude
                           in May of 1996.


                  2.5.2.   STAGE 2 - EDUCATIONAL - "HOW TO USE"

                           The second stage of advertising will focus on "How to
                           Use" Japanese Visio 4.0 (J). The type and use of
                           specific SmartShapes to solve users problems will be
                           the focus. Japanese Visio will be positioned as an
                           alternative to traditional drawing applications. The
                           message will position 


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested    4
<PAGE>   15
                           Japanese Visio as a part of "every office suite".
                           This stage will begin in May and conclude in August
                           of 1996.

                  2.5.3    STAGE 3 - TARGET MARKETS -"SOLUTIONS"
                           The third stage of the advertising will focus on how
                           Japanese Visio can address specific problems that
                           users have. The type of applications will be the main
                           focus of the advertising. This stage will begin in
                           October and continue throughout the remainder of
                           1996.


         2.6.     DIRECT MARKETING

                  2.6.1.   UPGRADES AND DIRECT SALES
                           The creations of significant marketing program to [*]
                           during January, February and March [*] sales. [*]
                           [*], etc. have to be defined in order to be
                           successful in this area. A direct sales and marketing
                           effort targeted at the existing customer base will
                           also be important to the overall business.


         2.7.     [*]

                  Visio's strategy is to [*] in the market. The first stage of
                  Visio's strategy is to bundle Visio Express 4.0 (J) with
                  Microsoft Office Professional. This would preferably be
                  accomplished through a direct OEM Agreement with Microsoft.
                  Ideally, Visio Express 4.0 (J) would be bundled inside the
                  actual Microsoft Office box. Other possibilities include [*]
                  at the distributor or dealer level or [*] at the channel or
                  using a coupon that would entitle the customer to [*] after
                  the purchase of Microsoft Office.

                  The strategy to [*] is based both on Visio technology and [*]
                  for drawing applications. Visio is one of the best
                  implementations of OLE 2.0 for Windows available. [*] can use
                  Visio as a technology [*] for Microsoft Office. The strategy
                  is to get [*] Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) OLE 2.0 capabilities [*].
                  This will allow Japanese Visio to gain credibility (by being
                  included as a part of [*]) as the high quality, leading
                  technology drawing and diagramming solution. Secondly, Visio
                  intends to [*] on the fact that [*] does [*] as part of [*].
                  With its "drag and drop" capability, Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) is
                  uniquely suited to be sold to the average business user.

                  Visio will communicate all relevant information regarding [*]
                  to ASCII,

                  2.7.1.   [*]
                           The second stage of the strategy is to [*] the [*]
                           user to the full retail version of [*] would be used
                           to [*] and/or to purchase [*] packages of [*].



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          5
<PAGE>   16
         3.       SALES

                  3.1.     DISTRIBUTION AND PRICING

                           ASCII will continue to sell Visio through the major
                           channels of distribution in Japan. It is anticipated
                           that the majority of the revenue will be derived from
                           the following channels:

                                -  [*]        [*]
                                -  [*]        [*]
                                -  [*]        [*]
                                -  [*]        [*]


                                Note:  The [*] [*] is anticipated to be [*].

                           The [*] is to offer a [*] to the [*]. The SRP
                           (suggested retail price) for the [*] [*] of Japanese
                           Visio 4.0(J) will be [*]. The [*] from ASCII for this
                           version will be [*] of the SRP. It is [*] that the
                           [*] for this [*] will be [*] to [*].

                           ASCII [*] [*] for Japanese Visio 4.0 (J). The SRP for
                           this [*] will be [*]. The [*] from ASCII for this [*]
                           will be [*] of the SRP. It is [*] that the [*] for
                           this [*] will be [*].

                           ASCII will conduct [*] in 1996 including a [*] and
                           [*] for [*] users.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

VISIO PRODUCTS                        RETAIL PRICE      [*]                 [*]
<S>                                   <C>               <C>                 <C>
[*]                                   [*]
[*]                                   [*]               [*]                 [*]
[*]                                   [*]               [*]                 [*]
[*]                                   [*]                                   [*]
[*] [*] (per license)                 [*]                                   [*]
[*] [*] (per license)                 [*]                                   [*]
[*] (per license)                     [*]                                   [*]
[*] Upgrade (per license)             [*]                                   [*]
[*] Upgrade (per license)             [*]                                   [*]
[*] Upgrade (per license)             [*]                                   [*]
[*]                                   [*]                                   [*]
</TABLE>

                   3.2.    MICROSOFT

                           Because Visio has a [*], Visio will initiate the
                           negotiations for an OEM Agreement with Microsoft
                           Japan. ASCII will be asked to participate in the
                           final negotiations for this agreement and to manage
                           the on- going [*].

                           The strategy is to twofold. First of all, Visio
                           intends to seed the market through a bundle deal with
                           Microsoft and then actively promote the upgrade to
                           the full retail version of Japanese Visio 4.0 (J).
                           Secondly, Visio intends to [*] marketing capability
                           by [*] to [*] Japanese Visio's OLE 2.0 features [*]
                           MS Office 

[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          6
<PAGE>   17
                  applications. The goal is to make Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) the
                  [*] for [*] capabilities [*].

         3.3.     OTHER [*]

                  The strategy is to initially [*] on the [*]. Visio does [*] to
                  [*] any other [*] until the local [*] have been made. This
                  will allow the greatest [*] to participate [*]. ASCII will be
                  responsible for developing other [*] in the future.

4.       KEY EVENTS FOR 1996

                The following are the key events for the 1996 calendar year.

         4.1.     PRODUCT LAUNCH                             JANUARY

         4.2.     PROMOTION #1 PLANNING                      JANUARY (TO BEGIN 
                                                             IN MARCH/APRIL)

         4.3.     MARKETING PLAN FOR 1ST HALF OF YEAR        JANUARY

         4.4.     PROMOTION #2 PLANNING                      FEBRUARY (TO BEGIN
                                                             IN MAY/JUNE)

         4.5.     PROMOTION #3 PLANNING                      MAY/JUNE (TO BEGIN
                                                             IN SEPTEMBER/
                                                             OCTOBER)

5.       ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

         The following section outlines the roles and responsibilities for ASCII
         and Visio.

         5.1.     ASCII TEAM

                  The following list describes the functional areas for which
                  ASCII shall be responsible. After each area the responsible
                  individual (if designated) is mentioned.

                  5.1.1.   GENERAL MANAGEMENT  - MR. HIRANO

                           Mr. Hirano will be directly responsible for managing
                           the Visio business in Japan. He will oversee the
                           ASCII team and act as a management level liaison to
                           Visio in the US. He will be directly responsible for
                           the performance of the Japanese Visio products. Mr.
                           Hirano will also be responsible for creation of the
                           biannual business and marketing plan.


                  5.1.2.   OEM SALES - MR. HIRANO
                           Mr. Hirano will be responsible for the negotiation of
                           all OEM agreements involving Visio products in Japan
                           except any [*] and except any [*] originated in the
                           [*] which shall be [*]. Mr. Hirano will wait until he
                           receives the written approval of Visio before
                           starting any OEM negotiations. Also, ASCII agrees to
                           obtain Visio's written approval before entering into
                           an OEM arrangement in which an OEM projects a
                           purchase of [*] 



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          7
<PAGE>   18
                           of the Japanese Visio products. All pricing, terms
                           and conditions, etc. are subject to Visio's written
                           approval.

                  5.1.3.   SALES AND MARKETING - MR. KITAMURA
                           Mr. Kitamura will develop [*] plan that will conform
                           to a mutually agreed upon [*] with Mr. Brown. Mr.
                           Kitamura will discuss [*] with Visio management
                           before implementing [*]. Mr. Kitamura will be
                           responsible for the creation and placement of Visio's
                           [*] Japan. Mr. Kitamura must receive Visio's written
                           approval on creative design of [*] before placing
                           them in publications [*]. He will also be responsible
                           for providing Visio with [*]. The [*] month [*] to be
                           delivered to Visio [*].

                  5.1.4.   LOCALIZATION - MR. HAYASHI
                           Mr. Hayashi will oversee all development activities
                           for Japanese Visio 5.0 (J). This will include
                           management of the localization of the [*]. All
                           localization work for hire will comply to
                           specifications provided by Visio.

                  5.1.5.   ENGINEERING [*]  - MR. NISHIMOTO/MR. SAKAMOTO
                           Mr. Nishimoto/Mr. Sakamoto will be responsible for
                           the development of [*] that [*] to the [*]. He will
                           be responsible for creation of the product
                           specification for each [*]. The specifications must
                           be approved in writing by Visio management before
                           final product content is determined.

                  5.1.6.   QUALITY ASSURANCE - MR. NAKAMURA
                           Mr. Nakamura will be responsible for running all
                           quality assurance tests on the [*]. He will be
                           responsible for interfacing with Visio Quality
                           Assurance staff in Seattle to address any testing
                           methodology issues. Mr. Nakamura will work with the
                           Visio automated testing tools as well as creating
                           Japanese specific tools.

                  5.1.7.   PROJECT MANAGEMENT - MR. SATO
                           Mr. Sato will be responsible for project tracking and
                           reporting. He will be responsible for the overall
                           management of the development of the product. This
                           includes [*] development [*] and day-to-day
                           management of the schedule.

                  5.1.8.   TRANSLATION - MR. YANAGIDA
                           Mr. Yanagida will be responsible for the translation
                           of the manual, Japanese Visio [*] Japanese Visio
                           program resources, and [*]. He will be the liaison
                           between ASCII translators and Visio staff.



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          8
<PAGE>   19
                  5.1.9.   Key Contact with Visio - Mr. Yanagida
                           Mr. Yanagida will be the primary contact for day to
                           day to communications with Visio for issues regarding
                           the development of the Japanese versions of the
                           product. He will be responsible for managing day to
                           day communications between ASCII and Visio.

                  5.1.10.  OPERATIONS - MR. KITAMURA
                           Mr. Kitamura will be responsible for placing all
                           orders for Japanese Visio products to Visio.

                  5.1.11.  CUSTOMER SUPPORT - MR. NAGATOMO
                           Mr. Nagatomo, will be responsible for managing the
                           technical support of Japanese Visio 4.0 (J). He will
                           be responsible for the development of the technical
                           support team for Japanese Visio and interfacing with
                           the technical support team at Visio. Mr. Nagatomo
                           will be trained in Seattle by Visio technicians and
                           will receive additional training twice yearly.
                           REPORTS and TOOLS?

         5.2.     VISIO TEAM

                  The following list describes the functional areas for which
                  Visio shall be responsible. After each area the responsible
                  individual (if designated) is mentioned.

                  5.2.1.   BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND SALES AND MARKETING
                           MANAGEMENT - KEVIN BROWN
                           Mr. Brown will manage the business relationship and
                           the sales and marketing relationship between ASCII
                           and Visio. He will be the primary contact at Visio
                           for ASCII and he will be responsible for all business
                           planning and required approvals. He is to receive and
                           review the monthly sell-in, sell-through reports and
                           monthly forecast reports from ASCII. He will also
                           will be responsible for working with ASCII staff to
                           create all sales and marketing plans for Japanese
                           Visio 4.0 (J). He will ensure that the Visio
                           executive staff is involved during the planning
                           process and approve all plans. Mr. Brown will also
                           assist in the negotiation of OEM agreements, approve
                           special pricing requests, and provide ongoing sales
                           and marketing support.

                  5.2.2.   ENGINEERING TRAINING - STEVE FUJIKI AND MATT TOWERS
                           Mr. Fujiki and Mr. Towers will be responsible for
                           organizing the training of the [*] developers in
                           Seattle. This training program will also involve
                           question and answer support from the applications
                           engineers as the [*] are developed by Mr. Nishimoto.


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          9
<PAGE>   20
                  5.2.3.   PRODUCT MANAGEMENT - STEVE FUJIKI
                           Mr. Fujiki will manage the creation of a detailed
                           product plan for Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) pursuant to
                           the Product Schedule (Exhibit B) and Specifications
                           (Exhibit C) of the Visio Corporation Localization
                           Agreement between Visio and ASCII ("Localization
                           Agreement"). He will determine the exact product
                           content with input from ASCII staff. Mr. Fujiki will
                           also develop a process for creation of these
                           documents.

                  5.2.4.   JAPANESE VISIO EXE/DOUBLE BYTE ENABLING - MITCH
                           BOSS/TERRY RUSSELL
                           Mr. Boss and Mr. Russell will be responsible for the
                           design and implementation of the engineering
                           necessary to create the Japanese version of Visio.
                           All modifications to the Visio source code to create
                           the Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) will be handled by Mr.
                           Boss and Mr. Russell.

                  5.2.5.   QUALITY ASSURANCE - JASPER CHIN
                           Mr. Chin will be responsible for providing all the
                           [*] tools and procedures to the ASCII Quality
                           Assurance lead. He will provide basic training on the
                           tools as well as answering questions from ASCII
                           staff. Mr. Chin will also be responsible for the
                           final QA and verification of the gold diskettes.


                  5.2.6.   PRODUCT ACCEPTANCE - STEVE FUJIKI/ JASPER CHIN
                           Mr. Fujiki and Mr. Chin will be responsible for
                           providing ASCII with key criteria for acceptance of
                           the final product. They will be responsible for
                           performing the final acceptance testing and creating
                           the gold master diskettes for duplication.

                  5.2.7    PRODUCT SUPPORT - ANNE MARIANI
                           Ms. Mariani will provide "secondary" technical
                           support to ASCII. She will assign a contact person
                           for Mr. Nishimoto. The Japanese Visio 4.0 (J)
                           products support liaison will be responsible for
                           providing [*] [*] and delivering [*] to the ASCII
                           contact. The Product Support liaison will also be
                           responsible for collecting and managing the technical
                           support statistics gathered by ASCII.

                  5.2.8.   OPERATIONS - MARY COFFEY
                           Ms. Coffey will be responsible for the management of
                           the manufacturing and product delivery for the
                           Japanese market. She will work with ASCII to create
                           detailed specifications for manufacturing quality as
                           well as shipping parameters.



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          10
<PAGE>   21
                  5.2.9.   Additional Marketing Support - TBD
                           TBD will be responsible for reviewing and approving
                           all ASCII advertising and marketing materials in
                           order to ensure consistent world-wide branding for
                           Visio products. TBD will also provide marketing
                           support to ASCII.


6.       KEY DECISIONS REQUIRING WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM VISIO

         6.1.     PLANNING DOCUMENTS

                  The annual business plan and contract amendment will be
                  submitted to Mr. Jeremy Jaech of Visio. If there is any
                  deviation from these plans or contract terms, written approval
                  will be required from Visio.

         6.2.     SALES AND PRICING

                  If any of the following Sales and Marketing related situations
                  occur, ASCII must receive prior written authorization from
                  Visio.

                  - OEM agreements involving volumes greater than [*] units.

                  - OEM agreements for any other Visio product other than
                    Japanese Visio Express.

                  - [*] the [*] of any Visio product [*] than [*] the existing 
                    [*].

         6.3.     PRODUCT

                  If any of the following modifications are to be made to any
                  Visio product ASCII must receive prior written authorization
                  from Visio.

                  - Packaging modifications Any changes from the [*] ([*] and 
                    [*] - the [*] of the [*])

                  - [*] Any [*][*] to the product (This includes [*] of [*] or 
                    modification to the [*] in the [*] document.)

         6.4.     MARKETING

                  The following items will require Visio's prior written
                  approval before they are implemented.

                  - All [*] - e.g. [*] and [*]

                  - Product [*] - (e.g. [*], the [*] on a [*] emphasizing a [*]
                    of [*])

                  The following will require Visio's prior written approval
                  before changes are made.

                  - [*] If the frequency or [*] is modified from the [*]
                    section 6.3 of this business plan.



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          11
<PAGE>   22
         6.5      DISCLOSURE TO ASCII

                  ASCII would like to be notified of any new products, pricing
                  policies or strategic plans by Visio that will involve ASCII
                  in Japan.

7.       LOCALIZATION

         Goal is to ship full retail version of Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) by
         JANUARY 31, 1997. The Localization Agreement sets forth in detail the
         localization process.

         7.1.     PACKAGING

                  The packaging will be modified to better adhere to the
                  Japanese market requirements. The basic design and coloring
                  will be retained as much as possible to maintain Visio's
                  worldwide corporate identity.

         7.2.     MANUALS

                  The manuals will be maintain the basic "look and feel" of the
                  US manuals. Modifications in design will be made if necessary
                  to adapt to the Japanese market.

         7.3.     [*]

                  The [*] [*] will be outlined in detail in the product
                  specifications. The [*] content will be determined by Visio
                  and ASCII to meet the needs of the Japanese customers.

         7.4.     [*]

                  The [*] will be maintained as a [*] to help [*] become [*].
                  The product will be [*] and will [*].

8.       LEGAL

         8.1.     LICENSE AGREEMENTS

                  All end user license agreements will be provided by Visio. The
                  licenses will be developed by Visio attorneys and reviewed by
                  ASCII and Japanese counsel.

         8.2.     COPYRIGHTS AND TRADEMARKS

                  All copyright and trademarks will be registered by Visio in
                  Japan.

9.       [*]

         9.1.     [*] PROGRAM

                  [*] some [*] to get started. Evaluate the possibility of [*]
                  to include in Japanese Visio 4.0 (J), and offer to [*] with
                  coupon in the box.



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          12
<PAGE>   23
         9.2.     MARKETING

                  Promote with Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) - [*] during Public
                  Relations campaign, etc.

10.      CUSTOMER SUPPORT

         10.1.    USER REGISTRATION - DIRECT SALES

                  The plan is to have [*] of the total number of Japanese Visio
                  4.0 (J) units registered by the end of 110106. Registration is
                  considered the receipt of a customers name address and other
                  information. The long [*] will be to [*] to the registered
                  users of Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) and Express products.

         10.2.    CUSTOMER SERVICE

                  The plan is to have customer service handle the following
                  types of service requests:

                  - Replacement product diskettes

                  - Product literature

                  - Dealer location information

                  - Fulfillment of special offers and promotions

                  - Tracking customer information requests.

         10.3.    TECHNICAL SUPPORT

                  ASCII will provide Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) customers with high
                  quality customer support via phone, fax and BBS to the
                  registered user base.

                  The Visio Dublin Support Group or the USA Technical Support
                  Group will expect the following:

                  - [*]

                  - [*]

                  - [*]

                  - [*]

11.      OPERATIONS

         11.1.    MANUFACTURING

12.      SCHEDULES AND CHECKPOINTS

         12.1.    PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

                  See Exhibit B of the Localization Agreement for a detailed
                  project schedule.


[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          13
<PAGE>   24
         12.2.    ADVERTISING

                  See Appendix A for a detailed advertising insertion schedule.

13.      KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

         This section outlines the key performance measures to be performed by
         ASCII.

                  -   Sell-through unit sales shall be at least [*] units ([*]
                      of the estimated sales of [*] units for 1996 mentioned in
                      paragraph 1 of this business plan.)

                  -   Distribution market share (units) shall not fall below
                      [*] of the [*] software category. The [*] in the [*]
                      category includes [*] and Visio.

                  -   User registration of the Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) product
                      shall not fall below [*] of shipments of the full retail
                      version of Visio 4.0 (J)for Business.

                  -   The Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) product shall meet the
                      specifications as outlined in Exhibit C of the
                      Localization Agreement.

                  -   The Japanese Visio 4.0 (J) product shall not deviate from
                      the Product Schedule (Exhibit B) of the Localization 
                      Agreement by more than 60 days.

                  -   Distributor will not compete with Visio pursuant to the
                      terms in Section 6 of the Visio Corporation Distribution
                      Agreement between Visio and ASCII ("Distribution
                      Agreement").

                  -   Distributor is obligated to make payments to Visio
                      pursuant to Section 5 of the Distribution Agreement.

14.      [*] - 1996 TARGETS

         14.1.    [*]

                  14.1.1.  [*]

         -    To achieve the 1996 calendar year [*] units and a [*] of [*].
              Unit sales are divided into the following categories:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION                              1996 [*]
<S>                                                               <C>
                       [*]                                           [*]
                       [*]                                           [*]
                       [*]                                           [*]
                       [*]                                           [*]
                       
                                                TOTAL                [*]

                       [*]                                           [*]
                       [*]                                           [*]
                       [*]                                           [*]
                       
                                                TOTAL                [*]

</TABLE>

[*] Confidential Treatment Requested          14
<PAGE>   25
15.      CONTROLLING LANGUAGE

         Terms used in this Business Plan shall have the same meaning as such
         terms in the Localization Agreement and the Distribution Agreement. In
         the event of any discrepancy in usage of the terms or obligations by
         the parties among the Business Plan, Localization Agreement, and
         Distribution Agreement, the usage of such terms and the obligations by
         the parties in the Localization Agreement and the Distribution
         Agreement shall control.

[*] Confidential Treatment Requested           15
<PAGE>   26
APPENDIX A - ADVERTISING MAGAZINE PAGE PLACEMENT

         1996 Magazine Page Placement [*]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         [*]      [*]       [*]      [*]      [*]      [*]      [*]     [*]      [*]     [*]      [*]      [*]
<S>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
[*]
[*]
[*]
[*]
[*]
[*]
[*]
[*]
</TABLE>

        All bold magazines are [*].

[*] Confidential Treatment Requested           16
<PAGE>   27
APPENDIX B - DEALER DEVELOPMENT PLAN

         TO BE DEVELOPED JOINTLY



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested           17
<PAGE>   28
APPENDIX C - REVENUE FORECASTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION                   1996 [*]        [*]     [*]
<S>                                   <C>             <C>     <C>
[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]
[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]
[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]
[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]

                           TOTAL         [*]                  [*]

[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]
[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]
[*]                                      [*]          [*]     [*]

                           TOTAL         [*]                  [*]

                     GRAND TOTAL                              [*]
</TABLE>
         [*]



[*] Confidential Treatment Requested           18


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