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

Form 10-Q

 
(Mark one)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from              to
 
Commission File Number 001-33506  
 

SHORETEL, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Delaware
 
77-0443568
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
960 Stewart Drive, Sunnyvale, California
 
94085-3913
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(408) 331-3300
(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    o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   o     No   o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
     
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
     
Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x
 
As of April 29, 2011, 47,166,545 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding .



 
 

 
 
SHORETEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011
 
INDEX
 
Page
PART I: Financial Information
3
       
Item 1
 
3
 
 
3
 
 
4
 
 
5
 
 
6
Item 2
 
16
Item 3
 
27
Item 4
 
     27
   
PART II: Other information
28
       
Item 1
 
         28
Item 1A
 
         28
Item 2
 
         29
Item 6
 
         29
 
 
         30
 
 
         31

 
2

 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1:
 
SHORETEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
   
March 31,   2011
   
June 30   2010
 
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 73,923     $ 68,426  
Short-term investments
    28,708       47,375  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $756 and $876 as of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively
    27,076       24,596  
Inventories
    16,459       9,954  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,107       8,125  
Total current assets
    150,273       158,476  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
    8,576       6,019  
GOODWILL
    7,415        
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
    9,122       5,025  
OTHER ASSETS
    658       1,201  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 176,044     $ 170,721  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 8,634     $ 7,868  
Accrued expenses and other
    7,500       10,061  
Accrued employee compensation
    9,768       8,261  
Deferred revenue
    22,548       19,450  
Total current liabilities
    48,450       45,640  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
               
Long-term deferred revenue
    10,557       9,269  
Other long-term liabilities
    1,395       1,346  
Total liabilities
    60,402       56,255  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value: authorized 5,000; none issued and outstanding
           
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, par value $0.001 per share, authorized 500,000; issued and outstanding, 46,451 and 45,370 shares as of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively
    233,495       222,491  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    81       191  
Accumulated deficit
    (117,934 )     (108,216 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    115,642       114,466  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 176,044     $ 170,721  
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 
3

 
SHORETEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
REVENUE:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Product
  $ 41,248     $ 28,945     $ 114,387     $ 83,685  
Support and services
    10,329       8,089       29,198       22,556  
Total revenue
    51,577       37,034       143,585       106,241  
COST OF REVENUE:
                               
Product (1)
    12,979       10,049       37,593       29,369  
Support and services (1)
    3,515       2,933       9,616       8,323  
Total cost of revenue
    16,494       12,982       47,209       37,692  
GROSS PROFIT
    35,083       24,052       96,376       68,549  
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Research and development (1)
    12,562       8,634       33,396       23,666  
Sales and marketing (1)
    18,920       14,726       54,437       39,653  
General and administrative (1)
    6,377       5,214       19,118       14,596  
Total operating expenses
    37,859       28,574       106,951       77,915  
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
    (2,776 )     (4,522 )     (10,575 )     (9,366 )
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest income
    105       100       447       296  
Other
    61       (220 )     333       (128 )
Total other income (expense)
    166       (120 )     780       168  
LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES
    (2,610 )     (4,642 )     (9,795 )     (9,198 )
BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES
    228       153       77       87  
NET LOSS
  $ (2,382 )   $ (4,489 )   $ (9,718 )   $ (9,111 )
Net loss per share — basic and diluted
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.20 )
Shares used in computing net loss per share — basic and diluted
    46,249       44,941       45,862       44,731  
____________                                
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
                               
Cost of product revenue
  $ 32     $ 34     $ 94     $ 99  
Cost of support and services revenue
    111       207       472       553  
Research and development
    1,086       805       2,688       2,248  
Sales and marketing
    459       911       2,212       2,528  
General and administrative
    1,112       861       2,786       2,320  
Total stock-based compensation expense
  $ 2,800     $ 2,818     $ 8,252     $ 7,748  
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 
4

 
SHORETEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
   
 
 
Net loss
  $ (9,718 )   $ (9,111 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    3,219       2,045  
Amortization of premium (discount) on investments
    500       72  
Stock-based compensation expense
    8,252       7,748  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    97       155  
Benefit from doubtful accounts receivable recovered
    (120 )     (83 )
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
               
Accounts receivable
    (2,300 )     1,920  
Inventories
    (6,444 )     (513 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,078       (3,746 )
Other assets
    578       988  
Accounts payable
    749       (273 )
Accrued expenses and other
    (2,612 )     5,611  
Accrued employee compensation
    1,400       1,338  
Deferred revenue
    4,291       4,082  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,970       10,233  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (5,137 )     (3,518 )
Purchases of short-term investments
    (3,136 )     (19,652 )
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
    21,194       6,635  
Cost of acquisition of a business
    (11,375 )      
Purchases of software license and other
    (770 )     (1,200 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    776       (17,735 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from issuance of common stock to employees
    3,177       1,504  
Taxes paid on vested and released stock awards
    (426 )     (118 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    2,751       1,386  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    5,497       (6,116 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Beginning of period
    68,426       73,819  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - End of period
  $ 73,923     $ 67,703  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for income taxes, net
  $ (1,572 )   $  
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Vesting of accrued early exercised stock options
  $     $ 18  
Purchase of property and equipment included in period-end accounts payable
  $ 443     $ 465  
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 
5

 
SHORETEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(Unaudited)
 
1. Description of Business
 
ShoreTel, Inc. and its subsidiaries (referred herein as “the Company”) is a leading provider of Pure Internet Protocol, or “IP”, unified communications systems for enterprises. The Company’s systems are based on its distributed software architecture and switch-based hardware platform which enable multi-site enterprises to be served by a single telecommunications system. The Company’s systems enable a single point of management, easy installation and a high degree of scalability and reliability, and provide end users with a consistent, full suite of features across the enterprise, regardless of location. As a result, management believes that the Company’s systems enable enhanced end user productivity and provide lower total cost of ownership and higher customer satisfaction than alternative systems.
 
2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2011 and for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
 
In the opinion of the management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of financial position as of March 31, 2011, and June 30, 2010,  results of operations for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, as applicable, have been made. The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future periods.
 
Computation of Net Loss Per Share
 
Basic net loss per common share is determined by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is determined by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares used in the basic loss per common share calculation plus the number of common shares that would be issued assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive securities outstanding under the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities of 9.5 million and 8.3 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were not included in the computation of dilutive net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) for the period plus unrealized gains (losses) on short-term investments. Accordingly, comprehensive loss was $2.5 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and $9.8 million and $9.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
           
The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. Such allocations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets.
 
Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 350 (“ASC 350”), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Triggering events for impairment reviews may include indicators such as adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions, lower projections of profitability, or a sustained decline in our market capitalization. The Company has one reporting unit. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step requires comparing the fair value of our reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The second step of the process is only performed if a potential impairment exists, and it involves determining the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets other than goodwill to the fair value of the reporting unit and if the difference is less than the net book value of goodwill, an impairment exists and is recorded.
 
 
6

 
The Company reviews the carrying values of long-lived assets whenever events and circumstances, such as reductions in demand, lower projections of profitability, significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets, or significant negative industry or economic trends, indicate that the net book value of an asset may not be recovered through expected undiscounted future cash flows from its use and eventual disposition. If this review indicates that there is an impairment, the impaired asset is written down to its fair value, which is typically calculated using: (i) quoted market prices and/or (ii) discounted expected future cash flows. The estimates regarding future anticipated revenue and cash flows, the remaining economic life of the products and technologies, or both, may differ from those used to assess the recoverability of assets. In that event, impairment charges or shortened useful lives of certain long-lived assets may be required, resulting in a reduction in net income or an increase to net loss in the period when such determinations are made.
 
Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to: future expected cash flows from customer contracts, customer lists, distribution agreements, acquired developed technologies and patents; expected costs to develop the in-process research and development into commercially viable products and estimating cash flows from the projects when completed. Management's estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to remove tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality from the scope of industry specific software revenue recognition guidance. In October 2009, the FASB also amended the standards for multiple deliverable revenue arrangements to:
 
 
(i)
provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated among its elements;
 
(ii)
require an entity to allocate the revenue using estimated selling prices (ESP) of the deliverables if there is no vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) or third party evidence of selling price (TPE); and
 
(iii)
eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.
 
This new accounting guidance became applicable to the Company beginning the first quarter of its 2011 fiscal year. The Company adopted this guidance for transactions that were entered into or materially modified on or after July 1, 2010 using the prospective basis of adoption.
 
The Company derives its revenue from sales of IP telecommunications systems and related support and services. The typical system includes a combination of IP phones, switches and software applications. Product revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, product has shipped or delivery has occurred (depending on when title passes), the sales price is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies and significant uncertainties, and collection is probable. The fee is considered fixed or determinable at the execution of an agreement, based on specific products and quantities to be delivered at specified prices. The agreements with customers generally do not include rights of return or acceptance provisions. To the extent that the Company’s agreements contain acceptance terms, the Company recognizes revenue upon product acceptance, unless the acceptance provision is deemed to be perfunctory. Even though substantially all of the contractual agreements do not provide return privileges, there are circumstances for which the Company will accept a return. The Company maintains a reserve for such returns based on historical experience. Payment terms to customers generally range from net 30 to net 60 days. In the event payment terms are extended materially from the Company’s standard business practices, the fees are deemed to not be fixed or determinable and revenue is recognized when the payment becomes due. The Company assesses the ability to collect from its customers based on a number of factors, including credit worthiness and past transaction history of the customer. If the customer is not deemed credit worthy, the Company defers all revenue from the arrangement until payment is received and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Shipping charges billed to customers are included in product revenue and the related shipping costs are included in cost of product revenue. Provisions for return allowances and product warranties are recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company’s historical experience. The provision for return allowances is recorded as a reduction to revenues on the statement of operations and is included as a reduction to account receivables on the balance sheet.
 
The Company’s core software (herein after referred to as “essential software”) is integrated with hardware and is essential to the functionality of the integrated system product. The Company also sells additional software which provides increased features and functions, but is not essential to the overall functionality of the integrated system products (herein after referred to as ‘non-essential software’). At the initial purchase, the customer generally bundles together the hardware, essential software, non-essential software, as needed and up to five years of post-contractual support. Thereafter, if the enterprise customer increases end users and functionality, it may add more hardware, software components, and related post-contractual support by purchasing them separately.
 
The new guidance does not generally change the units of accounting for the Company’s revenue transactions. Most of the products and services continue to qualify as separate units of accounting. Many of the Company’s products have both software and non-software components that function together to deliver the essential functionality of the integrated system product. The Company analyzes all of its software and non-software products and services and considers the features and functionalities of the individual elements and the stand alone sales of those individual components among other factors, to determine which elements are essential or non-essential to the overall functionality of the integrated system product.
 
 
7

 
For transactions entered into prior to the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, the Company recognized revenue based on industry specific software revenue recognition guidance. In accordance with industry specific software revenue recognition guidance, the Company utilized the residual method to determine the amount of product revenue to be recognized. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements, such as post-contractual support, is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement consideration is recognized as product revenue. VSOE of fair value is limited to the price charged when the same element is sold separately. VSOE of fair value is established for post-contractual support based on the volume and pricing of the stand alone sales within a narrow range. The fair value of the post-contractual support is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related support period, which is typically one to five years.
 
For transactions entered into or materially modified on or after the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, the total arrangement fees were allocated to all the deliverables based on their respective relative selling prices. The relative selling price is determined using VSOE when available. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to determine the TPE for the deliverables. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately by the competitors. Generally the Company’s product offerings differ from those of its competitors and comparable pricing of its competitors is often not available. Therefore, the Company is typically not able to determine TPE. When the Company is unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses ESP in its allocation of arrangement fees. The ESP for a deliverable is determined as the price at which the Company would transact if the products or services were sold on a stand alone basis.
 
The Company has been able to establish VSOE for its professional and post contractual support services mainly based on the volume and the pricing of the stand alone sales for these services within a narrow range. The Company establishes its ESP for products by considering factors including, but not limited to, geographies, customer segments and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and formal approval by the Company’s management. The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE and ESP and maintains internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates.
 
The Company’s multiple element arrangements may include non-essential software deliverables that are subject to the industry specific software revenue recognition guidance. The revenue for these multiple element arrangements is allocated to the non-essential software deliverables and the non-software deliverables based on the relative selling prices of all of the deliverables in the arrangement using the hierarchy in the new revenue accounting guidance. As the Company has not been able to obtain VSOE for all of the non-essential software deliverables in the arrangement, revenue allocated to such non-essential software elements is recognized using the residual method in accordance with industry specific software revenue recognition guidance as the Company was able to obtain VSOE for the undelivered elements bundled with such non-essential software elements. Under the residual method, the amount of revenue recognized for the delivered non-essential software elements equaled the total allocated consideration less the VSOE of any undelivered elements bundled with such non-essential software elements.
 
Total revenue as reported and pro forma total revenue that would have been reported during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, if the transactions entered into or materially modified on or after July 1, 2010 were subject to previous accounting guidance, are shown in the following table:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
(Unaudited)
   
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
(In thousands)
 
As Reported
   
Pro Forma Basis  As If The Previous Accounting Guidance Were in Effect
   
As Reported
   
Pro Forma Basis As If The Previous Accounting Guidance Were in Effect
 
Total revenue
  $ 51,577     $ 51,619     $ 143,585     $ 143,480  
 
The impact to total revenue during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 of the new revenue accounting guidance was primarily to decrease product revenues by $42,000 and increase product revenues by $105,000, respectively.
 
In terms of the timing and pattern of revenue recognition, the new accounting guidance for revenue recognition is not expected to have a significant effect on total revenues in periods after the initial adoption when applied to multiple element arrangements due to the existence of VSOE for most of the Company’s service offerings which remain undelivered after the software and non-software tangible products are delivered at the inception of the arrangement. The Company’s future revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements is not expected to differ materially from the results in the current period. However, as the Company’s marketing and product strategies evolve, the Company may modify its pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOE and ESP which could impact future revenues.
 
 
8

 
3. Business Combination
 
On October 19, 2010, the Company acquired Agito Networks, Inc. (“Agito”), a privately-held company based in Santa Clara, California that provided mobility solutions to enterprises to reduce mobile phone costs, provide high-quality, low cost coverage, increase productivity with greater responsiveness, accessibility and simplify unified communications for mobile workers and their peers. The acquisition of Agito expands and enhances the Company’s product offering by adding Agito’s mobility solution to the Company’s existing range of products, software and services. The purchase price of approximately $11.4 million was paid in cash. The resulting goodwill recognized during the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes. The purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values as follows (amounts in thousands):

Tangible assets
  $ 261  
Goodwill
    7,415  
Intangible assets
    4,220  
Liabilities assumed
    (521 )
 
  $ 11,375  
 
The Company recorded revenues of $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 from the mobility solutions products acquired from Agito. The Company has integrated the mobility solutions business within its own business operations and therefore unable to report expenses or earnings related to the acquired business. The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations for the Company and Agito as though the companies were combined as of the beginning of fiscal year 2010. The pro forma financial information for all periods presented also includes the business combination accounting effects resulting from the acquisition, including amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, adjustments to interest expenses for certain borrowings and exclusion of acquisition-related expenses and their related tax effects as though the companies were combined as of the beginning of fiscal year 2010. The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal year 2010.
 
   
(Unaudited)
Three Months   Ended March 31,
   
( Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share ammounts )  
2010
   
2011
    2010  
Total revenue
  $ 37,284     $ 144,028     $ 106,784  
Net loss
    (6,086 )     (11,224 )     (13,827 )
Basic and diluted earnings per share
    (0.14 )     (0.24 )     (0.31 )
 
4. Balance Sheet Details
 
Balance sheet components consist of the following:
 
(In thousands)
 
March 31,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
 
Inventories:
 
 
   
 
 
Raw materials
  $ 263     $ 335  
Work in process
    295       526  
Finished goods
    15,901       9,093  
Total inventories
  $ 16,459     $ 9,954  
Property and equipment, net:
               
Computer equipment and tooling
  $ 10,541     $ 9,559  
Software
    2,273       1,354  
Furniture and fixtures
    1,768       1,196  
Leasehold improvements and other
    2,537       583  
Total property and equipment
  $ 17,119     $ 12,692  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (8,543 )     (6,673 )
Total property and equipment, net
  $ 8,576     $ 6,019  
Deferred revenue - current and long-term:
               
Product
  $ 1,466     $ 966  
Support and services
    31,639       27,753  
Total deferred revenue
  $ 33,105     $ 28,719  
 
 
9

 
Intangible assets:
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s intangible assets (in thousands):
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
June 30, 2010
 
   
Gross Carrying
  Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortiza tion
   
Net Carrying
Amou nt
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortiza tion
   
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Patents
  $ 2,935     $ (878 )   $ 2,057     $ 2,310     $ (532 )   $ 1,778  
Technology
    4,130       (464 )     3,666                    
Customer relationships
    300       (19 )     281                    
Intangible assets in process
    3,118             3,118       3,247             3,247  
Other intangible assets
  $ 10,483     $ (1,361 )   $ 9,122     $ 5,557     $ (532 )   $ 5,025  
 
The Company acquired $2.8 million of identifiable technology, $0.3 million of customer relationships and $1.1 million of other intangible assets in-process from Agito Networks, Inc. as a part of the business combination discussed in Note 3. The Company transferred approximately $1.3 million from intangible assets in-process to technology as one of the projects reached its completion during the quarter ended December 31, 2010. The intangible assets are amortized over useful lives ranging from 3 years to 7 years.
 
Amortization of intangible assets for three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and for nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
 
The estimated future amortization expenses for intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
 
       
Years Ending June 30,
 
 
 
2011 (remaining three months)
  $ 441  
2012
    1,764  
2013
    1,764  
2014
    1,459  
2015
    458  
2016
    62  
Thereafter
    56  
Total
  $ 6,004  

 
10

 
Short-Term Investments:
 
The following tables summarize the Company’s short-term investments (in thousands):
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
As of March 31, 2011
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Corporate notes and commercial paper
  $ 11,680     $ 46     $     $ 11,726  
U.S. Government agency securities
    16,947       35             16,982  
Total short-term investments
  $ 28,627     $ 81     $     $ 28,708  
As of June 30, 2010
                               
Corporate notes and commercial paper
  $ 33,280     $ 142     $ (50 )   $ 33,372  
U.S. Government agency securities
    13,904       99             14,003  
Total short-term investments
  $ 47,184     $ 241     $ (50 )   $ 47,375  
 
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Company’s short-term investments (in thousands):
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
As of March 31, 2011
 
 
   
 
 
Less than 1 year
  $ 28,627     $ 28,708  
Due in 1 to 3 years
           
Total
  $ 28,627     $ 28,708  
                 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
As of June 30, 2010
               
Less than 1 year
  $ 33,956     $ 34,133  
Due in 1 to 3 years
    13,228       13,242  
Total
  $ 47,184     $ 47,375  
 
Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.
 
5.  Fair Value Disclosure
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market (or most advantageous market, in the absence of a principal market) for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Further, entities are required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring fair value, and to utilize a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
 
 
·
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
 
·
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable or are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
 
·
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities, and reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
 
The tables below set forth the Company’s cash equivalents and short-term investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
 
 
11

 
   
As of March 31, 2011
 
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Money market funds
  $ 59,739     $ 59,739     $     $  
Short-term investments:
                               
Corporate notes and commercial paper
    11,726             11,726        
U.S. Government agency securities
    16,982             16,982        
Total financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value as of March 31, 2011
  $ 88,447     $ 59,739     $ 28,708     $  
 
The above table excludes $14.2 million of cash balances on deposit at banks.
 
   
As at June 30, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Money market funds
  $ 51,660     $ 51,660     $     $  
Short-term investments:
                               
Corporate notes and commercial paper
    33,372             33,372        
U.S. Government agency securities
    14,003             14,003        
Total financial instruments measured and recorded at fair value as of June 30, 2010
  $ 99,035     $ 51,660     $ 47,375     $  
 
The above table excludes $16.8 million of cash balances on deposit at banks.

Money market funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market price in active markets. Short-term investments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued based on other observable inputs, including broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources. When quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are not available, the Company relies on non-binding quotes from independent pricing services. Non-binding quotes are based on proprietary valuation models prepared by independent pricing services. These models use algorithms based on inputs such as observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, historical pricing trends of a security as relative to its peers, internal assumptions of the independent pricing service and statistically supported models. The Company corroborates the reasonableness of non-binding quotes received from the independent pricing service by comparing them to the a) actual experience gained from the purchases and redemption of investment securities, b) quotes received on similar securities obtained when purchasing securities and c) monitoring changes in ratings of similar securities and the related impact on the fair value. The types of instruments valued based on other observable inputs include corporate notes and commercial paper and U.S. Government agency securities. We reviewed our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and concluded that there were no material impairment charges during each of these periods.
 
6.  Income Taxes
 
The Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $228,000 and $77,000 for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2011, compared to a benefit for income taxes of $153,000 and $87,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010.  The tax benefit determined for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 is primarily the result of a federal income tax refund claim filed during the three months ended March 31, 2011 for the carryback of tax year 2010 alternative minimum tax (AMT) losses to prior years.
 
The Company maintains liabilities for uncertain tax positions. As of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, the Company’s total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits were $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Of the total of $2.2 million and $2.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, only $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.
 
While management believes that the Company has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by tax authorities could be greater or less than the Company’s current position. Accordingly, the Company’s provisions on federal, state and foreign tax related matters to be recorded in the future may change as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change materially over the next 12 months.
 
The Company’s only major tax jurisdiction is the United States. The Company is currently undergoing an income tax examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for its fiscal years 2008 and 2009.   For the various foreign and state taxing jurisdictions in which the Company operates, tax years from 2000 through 2010 remain open and subject to tax examination.
 
 
12

 
7.  Common Stock
 
Common Shares Reserved for Issuance
 
At March 31, 2011, the Company has reserved shares of common stock for issuance as follows (in thousands):
 
Reserved under stock option plans
    14,281  
Reserved under employee stock purchase plan
    860  
Total
    15,141  
 
8.   Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company estimated the grant date fair value of stock option awards and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) rights using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
Employee Incentive Plans
 
2011
   
2010
 
Expected life of option (in years)
    5.75-6.26       6.08-6.50  
Expected life of ESPP right (in years)
    0.50       0.50  
Risk-free interest rate for option
    1.43-2.12 %     2.3-2.47 %
Risk-free interest rate for ESPP right
    0.18-0.20 %     0.16-0.27 %
Volatility for option
    57 %     57-58 %
Volatility for ESPP right
    46-51 %     59-138 %
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %
 
During both the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $2.8 million, net of forfeitures. During the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $8.3 million and $7.7 million, respectively, net of forfeitures.
 
Compensation expense is recognized only for the portion of stock options that are expected to vest. The Company estimates a forfeiture rate in determining stock-based compensation expense. A significant difference between actual and estimated forfeiture rates could affect the stock-based compensation expense recorded. As of March 31, 2011, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors was $17.6 million, net of estimated forfeitures. This cost will be amortized on a ratable basis over a weighted-average vesting period of approximately three years.
 
9.   Stock Option Plan
 
In January 1997, the Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 1997 stock option plan (the “1997 Plan”) which, as amended, provides for granting incentive stock options (“ISOs”) and nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”) for shares of common stock to employees, directors, and consultants of the Company. In September 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the number of shares authorized and reserved for issuance under the 1997 Plan to 10,513,325 shares of common stock. In accordance with the 1997 Plan, the stated exercise price shall not be less than 100% and 85% of the estimated fair market value of common stock on the date of grant for ISOs and NSOs, respectively, as determined by the Board of Directors. The 1997 Plan provides that the options shall be exercisable over a period not to exceed ten years. Options generally vest ratably over four years from the date of grant. Options granted to certain executive officers are exercisable immediately and unvested shares issued upon exercise are subject to repurchase by the Company at the exercise price (“Class Two Options”). The Company’s repurchase right for such options lapses as the options vest, generally over four years from the date of grant. There were no unvested shares subject to repurchase as of March 31, 2011.
 
In February 2007, the Company adopted the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) which, as amended, provides for grants of ISOs, NSOs, restrictive stock units (“RSUs”) and restrictive stock awards (“RSAs”) to employees, directors and consultants of the Company. This plan serves as the successor to the 1997 Plan, which terminated in January 2007. Five million shares of common stock were initially reserved for future issuance in the form of stock options, restricted stock awards or units, stock appreciation rights and stock bonuses. Pursuant to the automatic increase provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Company’s board of directors increased the number of shares authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2007 Plan by 2.2 million in February 2010 and 2.3 million in February 2011.
 
 
13

 
Transactions under the 1997 and 2007 Option Plans are summarized as follows:
 
   
 
   
Options Outstanding
 
(In thousands, except per share data and contractual term)
 
Shares Available for Grant
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Avera ge Remaining Co ntractual Term
(i n Years)
   
Aggregate Intr insic Value
 
Balance at July 1, 2010
    4,510       7,492     $ 4.59    
 
   
 
 
Shares authorized
    2,305                              
Termination of remaining shares available for grant under the 1997 Option Plan and other non-plan options
    (7 )              
 
   
 
 
Granted
    (2,185 )     2,185       6.63    
 
   
 
 
Exercised
          (657 )     2.68    
 
   
 
 
Cancelled, forfeited or expired
    738       (738 )     5.35    
 
   
 
 
Restricted stock units granted (see Note 11)
    (849 )              
 
   
 
 
Restricted stock units cancelled
    289                
 
   
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2011
    4,801       8,282     $ 5.21       6.9     $ 26,318  
Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2011
            7,575     $ 5.13       6.7     $ 24,696  
Exercisable and vested at March 31, 2011
            3,791     $ 4.37       5.7     $ 15,231  
 
The total pre-tax intrinsic value for options exercised in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, was $2.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, representing the difference between the estimated fair values of the Company’s common stock underlying these options at the dates of exercise and the exercise prices paid. There were 7,000 cancelled options that expired under the 1997 Option Plan due to the termination of that plan.
 
10. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
On September 18, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the commencement of offering periods under a previously-approved employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of Company stock at a discount through payroll deductions. The ESPP consists of six-month offering periods commencing on May 1 st and November 1 st , each year. Employees purchase shares in the purchase period at 90% of the market value of the Company’s common stock at either the beginning of the offering period or the end of the offering period, whichever price is lower.
 
The ESPP was amended in November 2010 to permit employees to purchase shares in the purchase period at 85% of market value of the Company’s common stock at either the beginning of the offering period or the end of the offering period, whichever price is lower, effective for the offering period commencing on and after May 1, 2011.
 
In February of fiscal year 2011 and 2010, pursuant to the automatic increase provisions of the ESPP, the Company’s Board of Directors approved increases to the number of shares authorized and reserved for issuance under the ESPP by 469,980 shares and 449,000 shares, respectively, pursuant to the terms of that plan.
 
As of March 31, 2011, 860,000 shares had been reserved for future issuance.
 
11. Restricted Stock
 
Under the 2007 Plan, the Company can issue restricted stock awards to non-employee directors electing to receive them in lieu of an annual cash retainer.
 
In addition, restricted stock units can be issued under the 2007 Plan to eligible employees, and generally vest 25% at one year or 50% at two years from the date of grant and 25% annually thereafter.
 
Restricted stock award and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 
Beginning balance
    809       507  
Awarded
    849       359  
Released
    (253 )     (88 )
Forfeited
    (207 )     (27 )
Ending balance
    1,198       751  
 
 
14


            Information regarding restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2011 is summarized below:
 
   
Number of Shares (thousands)
 
Weighted Average Remaining Cont ractual Lives
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (thousands)
 
Shares outstanding
    1,198  
                        1.79 years
  $ 9,857  
Shares vested and expected to vest
    951  
                        1.66 years
    7,828  
 
12. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
 
Litigation — The Company is not a party to any material litigation.
 
The Company could become involved in litigation from time to time relating to claims arising out of the ordinary course of business or otherwise. Any litigation, regardless of outcome, is costly and time-consuming, can divert the attention of management and key personnel from business operations and deter distributors from selling the Company’s products and dissuade potential customers from purchasing the Company’s products.
 
Leases — The Company leases its facilities under noncancelable operating leases which expire at various times through 2018. The leases provide for the lessee to pay all cost of utilities, insurance, and taxes. Future minimum lease payments under the noncancelable leases as of March 31, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):
 
Years Ending June 30,
 
 
 
2011 (remaining three months)
  $ 347  
2012
    1,627  
2013
    2,035  
2014
    1,930  
2015
    1,122  
2016
    866  
Thereafter
    1,571  
Total
  $ 9,498  
 
Lease obligations for the Company’s foreign offices are denominated in foreign currencies, which were converted in the above table to U.S. dollars at the interbank exchange rate on March 31, 2011.
 
Rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.5 million and $0.4 million respectively, and $1.4 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Purchase commitments —The Company had purchase commitments with contract manufacturers for inventory and with technology firms for usage of software licenses totaling approximately $25.5 million as of March 31, 2011 and $22.9 million as of June 30, 2010.
 
Indemnification — Under the indemnification provisions of the Company’s customer agreements, the Company agrees to indemnify and defend its customers against infringement of any patent, trademark, or copyright of any country or the misappropriation of any trade secret, arising from the customers’ legal use of the Company’s services. The exposure to the Company under these indemnification provisions is generally limited to the total amount paid by the customers under pertinent agreements. However, certain indemnification provisions potentially expose the Company to losses in excess of the aggregate amount received from the customer. To date, there have been no claims against the Company or its customers pertaining to such indemnification provisions and no amounts have been recorded.
 
The Company also has entered into customary indemnification agreements with each of its officers and directors.
 
13. Segment Information
 
The Company is organized as, and operates in, one reportable segment: the development and sale of IP voice communication systems. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of evaluating financial performance and allocating resources, accompanied by information about revenue by geographic regions. The Company’s assets are primarily located in the United States of America and not allocated to any specific region and it does not measure the performance of its geographic regions based upon asset-based metrics. Therefore, geographic information is presented only for revenue. Revenue by geographic region is based on the ship to address on the customer order.
 
 
15

 
The following presents total revenue by geographic region (in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
United States
  $ 45,634     $ 33,473     $ 127,255     $ 96,160  
International
    5,943       3,561       16,330       10,081  
Total revenues
  $ 51,577     $ 37,034     $ 143,585     $ 106,241  
 
ITEM 2.
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this document. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed above in the section entitled “Risk Factors.”
 
Overview
 
We are a leading provider of IP telecommunications solutions for enterprises. Our solution is comprised of our switches, IP phones and software applications. We were founded in September 1996 and shipped our first system in 1998. We have continued to develop and enhance our product line since that time. We currently offer a variety of models of our switches and IP phones.
 
We sell our products primarily through channel partners that market and sell our systems to enterprises across all industries, including small, medium and large companies and public institutions. We believe our channel strategy allows us to reach a larger number of prospective enterprise customers more effectively than if we were to sell directly. The number of our authorized channel partners has grown to over 975 as of March 31, 2011. Channel partners typically purchase our products directly from us. Our internal sales and marketing personnel support these channel partners in their selling efforts. In some circumstances, the enterprise customer will purchase products directly from us, but in these situations we typically compensate the channel partner for its sales efforts. At the request of the channel partner, we often ship our products directly to the enterprise customer.
 
Most channel partners generally perform installation and implementation services for the enterprises that use our systems. In most cases, our channel partners provide the post-contractual support to the enterprise customer by providing first-level support services and purchasing additional services from us under a post-contractual support contract. For channel partners without support capabilities or that do not desire to provide support, we offer full support contracts to provide all of the support to enterprise customers.
 
We outsource the manufacturing of our products to contract manufacturers. Our outsourced manufacturing model allows us to scale our business without the significant capital investment and on-going expenses required to establish and maintain a manufacturing operation. Our phone and switch products are manufactured by contract manufacturers located in California and in China. Our contract manufacturers provide us with a range of operational and manufacturing services, including component procurement, final testing and assembly of our products. We work closely with our contract manufacturers to manage the cost of components, since our total manufacturing costs are directly tied to component costs. We regularly provide forecasts to our contract manufacturers, and we order products from our contract manufacturers based on our projected sales levels well in advance of receiving actual orders from our enterprise customers. We seek to maintain sufficient levels of finished goods inventory to meet our forecasted product sales and to compensate for unanticipated shifts in sales volume and product mix.
 
Although we have historically sold our systems primarily to small and medium sized enterprises, we expanded our sales and marketing activities to increase our focus on larger enterprise customers. Accordingly, we have a major accounts program whereby our sales personnel assist our channel partners to sell to large enterprise accounts, and we coordinate with our channel partners to enable them to better serve large multi-site enterprises. To the extent we are successful in penetrating larger enterprise customers; we expect that the sales cycle for our products will increase, and that the demands on our sales and support infrastructure will also increase.
 
We are headquartered in Sunnyvale, California and have a sales, customer support, general and administrative and engineering functions in Austin, Texas. The majority of our personnel work at these locations. Sales, engineering, and support personnel are located throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia . Most of our enterprise customers are located in the United States. Revenue from international sales was 11.5% and 11.4% of our total revenue for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and was less than 10% of total revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010. Although we intend to focus on increasing international sales, we expect that sales to enterprise customers in the United States will continue to comprise the significant majority of our sales.
 
 
16

 
Key Business Metrics
 
We monitor a number of key metrics to help forecast growth, establish budgets, measure the effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts and measure operational effectiveness.
 
Initial and repeat sales orders. Our goal is to attract a significant number of new enterprise customers and to encourage existing enterprise customers to purchase additional products and support. Many enterprise customers make an initial purchase and deploy additional sites at a later date, and also buy additional products and support as their businesses expand. As our installed enterprise customer base has grown we have experienced an increase in revenue attributable to existing enterprise customers, which currently represents a significant portion of our total revenue.
 
Deferred revenue . Deferred revenue relates to the timing of revenue recognition for specific transactions based on service, support, specific commitments and other factors. Deferred revenue primarily consists of billings or payments received in advance of revenue recognition from our transactions described above and are recognized as the revenue recognition criteria are met. Nearly all system sales include the purchase of post-contractual support contracts with terms of up to five years, and the rate of renewal on these contracts has been high historically. We recognize support revenue on a ratable basis over the term of the support contract. Since we receive payment for support in advance of our recognizing the related revenue, we carry a deferred revenue balance on our consolidated balance sheet. This deferred revenue helps provide predictability to our future support and services revenue. Accordingly, the level of purchases of post-contractual support with our product sales is an important metric for us along with the renewal rates for these services. Our deferred revenue balance at March 31, 2011 was $33.1 million, consisting of $1.5 million of deferred product revenue and $31.6 million of deferred support and services revenues, of which $22.5 million is expected to be recognized within one year.
 
Gross profit. Our gross profit for products is primarily affected by our ability to reduce hardware costs faster than the decline in average overall system prices. We have been able to maintain our product gross profit by reducing hardware costs through product redesign and volume discount pricing from our suppliers. We have also introduced new, lower cost hardware, which has continued to improve our product gross profit. In general, product gross profit on our switches is greater than product gross profit on our IP phones. As the prices and costs of our hardware components have decreased over time, our software components, which have lower costs than our hardware components, have represented a greater percentage of our overall system sales. We consider our ability to monitor and manage these factors to be a key aspect of maintaining product gross profit and increasing our profitability.
 
Gross profit for support and services is slightly lower than gross profit for products, and is impacted primarily by personnel costs and labor related expenses. The primary goal of our support and services function is to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and our investments in support personnel and infrastructure are made with this goal in mind. We expect that as our installed enterprise customer base grows, we will be able to improve gross profit for support and services through economies of scale. However, the timing of additional investments in our support and services infrastructure could materially affect our cost of support and services revenue, both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of support and services revenue and total revenue, in any particular period.
 
Operating expenses. Our operating expenses are comprised primarily of compensation and benefits for our employees and, therefore, the increase in operating expenses has been primarily related to increases in our headcount. We intend to expand our workforce to support our anticipated growth, and therefore our ability to forecast and increase revenue is critical to managing our operating expenses and profitability.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
Revenue. We derive our revenue from sales of our IP telecommunications systems and related support and services. Our typical system includes a combination of IP phones, switches and software applications. Channel partners buy our products directly from us. Prices to a given channel partner for hardware and software products depend on that channel partner’s volume and customer satisfaction metrics, as well as our own strategic considerations. In circumstances where we sell directly to the enterprise customer in transactions that have been assisted by channel partners, we report our revenue net of any associated payment to the channel partners that assisted in such sales. This results in recognized revenue from a direct sale approximating the revenue that would have been recognized from a sale of a comparable system through a channel partner.
 
Support and services revenue primarily consists of post-contractual support, and to a lesser extent revenue from training services, professional services and installations that we perform. Post-contractual support includes software updates which grant rights to unspecified software license upgrades and maintenance releases issued during the support period. Post-contractual support also includes both internet-based and phone-based technical support. Post-contractual support revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual service period.
 
 
17

 
Cost of revenue. Cost of product revenue consists primarily of hardware costs, royalties and license fees for third-party software included in our systems, salary and related overhead costs of operations personnel, freight, warranty costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets and provision for excess inventory. The majority of these costs vary with the unit volumes of product sold. Cost of support and services revenue consists of salary and related costs of personnel engaged in support and services, and are substantially fixed in the near term.
 
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses primarily include personnel costs, outside engineering costs, professional services, prototype costs, test equipment, software usage fees and facilities expenses. Research and development expenses are recognized when incurred. We are devoting substantial resources to the development of additional functionality for existing products and the development of new products and related software applications.
 
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses primarily include personnel costs, sales commissions, travel, marketing promotional and lead generation programs, advertising, trade shows, demo equipment, professional services fees and facilities expenses. We plan to continue to invest in development of our distribution channel by increasing the size of our field sales force and the number of our channel partners to enable us to expand into new geographies, including Europe and Asia Pacific, and further increase our sales to large enterprises. In conjunction with channel growth, we plan to increase the investment in our training and support of channel partners to enable them to more effectively sell our products. We also plan to continue investing in our domestic and international marketing activities to help build brand awareness and create sales leads for our channel partners. We expect that sales and marketing expenses will increase in absolute dollars and remain our largest operating expense category.
 
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses relate to our executive, finance, human resources, legal and information technology organizations. Expenses primarily include personnel costs, professional fees for legal, accounting, tax, compliance and information systems, travel, allowance for doubtful accounts, recruiting expense, software amortization costs, depreciation expense and facilities expenses. In addition, as we expand our business, we expect to increase our general and administrative expenses.
 
Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense) primarily consists of interest earned on cash and short-term investments and other miscellaneous income (expenses).
 
Income tax provision. Income tax provision includes federal, state and foreign tax on our income. Historically, we accumulated substantial net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We account for income taxes under an asset and liability approach. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for income tax reporting purposes, net operating loss carry-forwards and other tax credits measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. We consider our accounting policies related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, inventory valuation, impairment of goodwill and other long-term assets, and accounting for income tax to be critical accounting policies. A number of significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments are inherent in our determination of when to recognize revenue, how to estimate doubtful accounts, the calculation of stock-based compensation expense, and how we value inventory. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Other than the impairment assessment of goodwill and other long-term assets resulting from the acquisition of Agito Networks, Inc., in the second quarter and adoption of the new revenue recognition rules at the beginning of the fiscal year as discussed in Note 2 of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, management believes there have been no significant changes during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For a description of those accounting policies, please refer to our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
18

 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth selected condensed consolidated statements of operations data for three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) .
 
   
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
REVENUE:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Product
  $ 41,248     $ 28,945     $ 114,387     $ 83,685  
Support and services
    10,329       8,089       29,198       22,556  
Total revenue
    51,577       37,034       143,585       106,241  
COST OF REVENUE:
                               
Product (1)
    12,979       10,049       37,593       29,369  
Support and services (1)
    3,515       2,933       9,616       8,323  
Total cost of revenue
    16,494       12,982       47,209       37,692  
GROSS PROFIT
    35,083       24,052       96,376       68,549  
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Research and development (1)
    12,562       8,634       33,396       23,666  
Sales and marketing (1)
    18,920       14,726       54,437       39,653  
General and administrative (1)
    6,377       5,214       19,118       14,596  
Total operating expenses
    37,859       28,574       106,951       77,915  
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
    (2,776 )     (4,522 )     (10,575 )     (9,366 )
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest income
    105       100       447       296  
Other
    61       (220 )     333       (128 )
Total other income (expense)
    166       (120 )     780       168  
LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM  INCOME TAXES
    (2,610 )     (4,642 )     (9,795 )     (9,198 )
BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES
    228       153       77       87  
NET LOSS
  $ (2,382 )   $ (4,489 )   $ (9,718 )   $ (9,111 )
Net loss per share — basic and diluted  (2)
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.20 )
Shares used in computing net loss per share—basic and diluted  (2)
    46,249       44,941       45,862       44,731  
______________                                
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
                               
Cost of product revenue
  $ 32     $ 34     $ 94     $ 99  
Cost of support and services revenue
    111       207       472       553  
Research and development
    1,086       805       2,688       2,248  
Sales and marketing
    459       911       2,212       2,528  
General and administrative
    1,112       861       2,786       2,320  
Total stock-based compensation expense
  $ 2,800     $ 2,818     $ 8,252     $ 7,748  
(2) Potentially dilutive securities were not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.                                

 
19

          
            The following table sets forth selected condensed consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of total revenue for each of the periods indicated.
 
   
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
REVENUE:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Product
    80 %     78 %     80 %     79 %
Support and services
    20 %     22 %     20 %     21 %
Total revenue
    100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %
COST OF REVENUE:
                               
Product
    25 %     27 %     26 %     28 %
Support and services
    7 %     8 %     7 %     8 %
Total cost of revenue
    32 %     35 %     33 %     36 %
GROSS PROFIT
    68 %     65 %     67 %     64 %
Operating expenses:
                               
Research and development
    24 %     23 %     23 %     22 %
Sales and marketing
    37 %     40 %     38 %     37 %
General and administrative
    12 %     14 %     14 %     14 %
Total operating expenses
    73 %     77 %     75 %     73 %
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
    (5 )%     (12 )%     (8 )%     (9 )%
OTHER INCOME, net
    0 %     0% %     1 %     0 %
LOSS BEFORE BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES
    (5 )%     (12 )%     (7 )%     (9 )%
BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES
    0 %     0% %     0 %     0 %
NET LOSS
    (5 )%     (12 )%     (7 )%     (9 )%
 
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
We believe that evaluating our ongoing operating results may limit the reader’s understanding if limited to reviewing only generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) financial measures. Many investors and analysts have requested that, in addition to reporting financial information in accordance with GAAP we also disclose certain non-GAAP information because it is useful in understanding our performance as it excludes non-cash and other special charges or credits that many investors and management feel may obscure our true operating performance. Likewise, we use these non-GAAP financial measures to manage and assess the profitability of the business and determine a portion of our employee compensation. We do not consider stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and other special charges and related tax adjustments in managing the core operations. These measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Non-GAAP net income (loss) is calculated by adjusting GAAP net income (loss) for stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, restructuring benefit, executive severance expense and the related tax impacts. Basic and diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income (loss) by the weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding for the period. However, in case of a non-GAAP loss, potentially dilutive securities are not included in the computation of diluted non-GAAP net loss per share as including them would be anti-dilutive. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, and because these amounts are not determined in accordance with GAAP, they should not be used exclusively in evaluating our business and operations. We have provided a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the table below.
 
 
20

 
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
GAAP
   
Excludes
   
Non-GAAP
   
GAAP
   
Excludes
   
Non-GAAP
 
                                     
Revenue:
                                   
Product
  $ 41,248     $ -     $ 41,248     $ 114,387     $ -     $ 114,387  
Support and services
    10,329       -       10,329       29,198       -       29,198  
Total revenues
    51,577       -       51,577       143,585       -       143,585  
Cost of revenue
                                               
Product
    12,979       (207 )  (a),(c)     12,772       37,593       (410 ) (a),(c)     37,183  
Support and services
    3,515       (111 )  (a)     3,404       9,616       (472 ) (a)     9,144  
Total cost of revenue
    16,494       (318 )     16,176       47,209       (882 )     46,327  
Gross profit
    35,083       318       35,401       96,376       882       97,258  
Gross profit %
    68.0 %             68.6 %     67.1 %             67.7 %
                                                 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Research and development
    12,562       (1,086 )  (a)     11,476       33,396       (2,688 ) (a)     30,708  
Sales and marketing
    18,920       (469 )  (a),(c)     18,451       54,437       (2,231 ) (a),(c)     52,206  
General and administrative
    6,377       (1,112 )  (a)     5,265       19,118       (3,311 ) (a),(b)     15,807  
Total operating expenses
    37,859       (2,667 )     35,192       106,951       (8,230 )     98,721  
Income (Loss) from operations
    (2,776 )     2,985       209       (10,575 )     9,112       (1,463 )
Other income, net
    166       -       166       780       -       780  
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes
    (2,610 )     2,985       375       (9,795 )     9,112       (683 )
Benefit from income taxes
    228       (1 )  (d)     227       77       (1 ) (d)     76  
Net income (loss)
  $ (2,382 )   $ 2,984     $ 602     $ (9,718 )   $ 9,111     $ (607 )
Net income (loss) per share:
                                               
Basic
  $ (0.05 )   $ 0.06     $ 0.01     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.20     $ (0.01 )
Diluted (e)
  $ (0.05 )   $ 0.06     $ 0.01     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.20     $ (0.01 )
                                                 
Shares used in computing net loss per share:
                                               
Basic
    46,249               46,249       45,862               45,862  
Diluted (e)
    46,249               48,209       45,862               45,862  
                                                 
                                                 
(a)   Excludes stock-based compensation as follows:
                                               
Cost of product revenue
          $ 32                     $ 94          
Cost of support and services revenue
            111                       472          
Research and development
            1,086                       2,688          
Sales and marketing
            459                       2,212          
General and administrative
            1,112                       2,786          
            $ 2,800                     $ 8,252          
                                                 
(b)   Excludes severance for former Chief Executive Officer:
                                         
General and administration
          $ -                     $ 525          
            $ -                     $ 525          
                                                 
(c)   Excludes amortization of acquisition-related intangibles:
                                         
Cost of product revenue
          $ 175                     $ 316          
Sales and marketing
            10                       19          
            $ 185                     $ 335          
                                                 
(d)   Excludes the tax impact of the items which are excluded in (a) to (c) above.
                                 
                                                 
(e)    Diluted net income per share and share count reflect the weighted average number of common shares used in the basic net income per share calculation plus the effects of all potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the periods which had a net loss because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.
 
 
 
21

 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
GAAP
   
Excludes
   
Non-GAAP
   
GAAP
   
Excludes
   
Non-GAAP
 
                                     
Revenue:
                                   
Product
  $ 28,945     $ -     $ 28,945     $ 83,685     $ -     $ 83,685  
Support and services
    8,089       -       8,089       22,556       -       22,556  
Total revenues
    37,034       -       37,034       106,241       -       106,241  
Cost of revenue
                                               
Product
    10,049       (34 ) (a)     10,015       29,369       (99 ) (a)     29,270  
Support and services
    2,933       (207 ) (a)     2,726       8,323       (553 ) (a)     7,770  
Total cost of revenue
    12,982       (241 )     12,741       37,692       (652 )     37,040  
Gross profit
    24,052       241       24,293       68,549       652       69,201  
Gross profit %
    64.9 %             65.6 %     64.5 %             65.1 %
                                                 
Operating expenses:
                                               
Research and development
    8,634       (805 ) (a)     7,829       23,666       (2,248 ) (a)     21,418  
Sales and marketing
    14,726       (911 ) (a)     13,815       39,653       (2,501 ) (a),(b)     37,152  
General and administrative
    5,214       (861 ) (a)     4,353       14,596       (2,320 ) (a)     12,276  
Total operating expenses
    28,574       (2,577 )     25,997       77,915       (7,069 )     70,846  
Income (Loss) from operations
    (4,522 )     2,818       (1,704 )     (9,366 )     7,721       (1,645 )
Other income, net
    (120 )     -       (120 )     168       -       168  
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes
    (4,642 )     2,818       (1,824 )     (9,198 )     7,721       (1,477 )
Benefit from (Provision for) income taxes
    153       4 (c)     157       87       (28 ) (c)     59  
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,489 )   $ 2,822     $ (1,667 )   $ (9,111 )   $ 7,693     $ (1,418 )
Net income (loss) per share:
                                               
Basic
  $ (0.10 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.04 )   $ (0.20 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.03 )
Diluted (d)
  $ (0.10 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.04 )   $ (0.20 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.03 )
                                                 
Shares used in computing net loss per share:
                                               
Basic
    44,941               44,941       44,731               44,731  
Diluted (d)
    44,941               44,941       44,731               44,731  
                                                 
                                                 
(a)   Excludes stock-based compensation as follows:
                                         
Cost of product revenue
          $ 34                     $ 99          
Cost of support and services revenue
            207                       553          
Research and development
            805                       2,248          
Sales and marketing
            911                       2,528          
General and administrative
            861                       2,320          
            $ 2,818                     $ 7,748          
                                                 
(b)    Excludes restructuring benefit as follows:
                                               
Sales and marketing
          $ -                     $ (27 )        
            $ -                     $ (27 )        
                                                 
(c)   Excludes the tax impact of the items which are excluded in (a) and (b) above.
                                                 
(d)   Diluted net income per share and share count reflect the weighted average number of common shares used in the basic net income per share calculation plus the effects of all potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the periods which had a net loss because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.
 

 
22

 
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010
 
Total revenue.
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Total revenue
  $ 51,577     $ 37,034     $ 14,543       39 %
 
Total revenue increased by $14.5 million or 39% during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in both product and support and service revenues.  Product revenue increased $12.3 million or 43% during the comparable period and support and services revenue increased by $2.2 million, or 28%, during the comparable period.  The increase in product revenue was primarily attributable to obtaining new customers and reseller partners in domestic and international markets, as well as the continued growth and expansion in our installed customer base as we continue to grow our sales organization. The increase in support and service revenue is primarily due to overall growth in our installed customer base coupled with increased support renewals.
 
Cost of revenue and gross profit.
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Cost of revenue
  $ 16,494     $ 12,982     $ 3,512       27 %
Gross profit
    35,083       24,052       11,031       46 %
Gross margins
    68.0 %     64.9 %                
 
Cost of revenue . Gross margins increased from 65% during the three months ended March 31, 2010 to 68% during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Product gross margins during three months ended March 31, 2011 was 69% of product revenue as compared to 65% during the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in the product margin was mainly due to higher demand and lower production costs as we moved the production of certain products to overseas manufacturers. Service margins during the three months ended March 31, 2011 were 66% of service revenues as compared to 64% during the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in service margins is due to the growth in service revenues outpacing the increased cost of services and support and the reduction of the cost of third party support costs.
 
Operating expenses.
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Research and development
  $ 12,562     $ 8,634     $ 3,928       45 %
Sales and marketing
    18,920       14,726       4,194       28 %
General and administrative
    6,377       5,214       1,163       22 %
 
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased by $3.9 million or 45% during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase of $2.1 million in employee related expenses including salaries, fringe benefits and stock-based compensation, an increase of $0.9 million in incentive compensation, an increase of $0.3 million in consulting related expenses associated with various product development projects and an increase of $0.3 million in facility and office related expenses.
 
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $4.2 million or 28% during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $2.4 million in employee related expenses including payroll, fringe benefits and stock-based compensation, an increase of $0.8 million in sales commissions, an increase of $0.4 million in incentive compensation and an increase of $0.6 million in travel related expenses. These increases were partially offset by a slight decrease in consulting related expenses of $0.3 million.
 
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million or 22% during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $0.8 million in employee related expenses including salaries, fringe benefits and stock-based compensation and $0.4 million in incentive compensation.
 
 
23

 
Other income, net.
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Other income, net
  $ 166     $ (120 )   $ 286       238 %
 
Other income, net. Other income increased by $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was attributable to gain of $0.1 million on foreign exchange due to strengthening of the foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar for outstanding accounts receivable and an increase of $0.2 million in net interest income due to better yields on short-term investments.
 
Income tax benefit.
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Tax benefit
  $ 228     $ 153     $ 75       49 %
 
Income tax benefit. The income tax benefit increased by $0.1 million or 49% during the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2010. This increase in tax benefit resulted from the Company’s filing of a federal income tax refund claim this quarter for the carryback of 2010 tax losses to prior years.

Comparison of the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010
 
Total revenue.
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Total revenue
  $ 143,585     $ 106,241     $ 37,344       35 %
 
Total revenue increased by $37.3 million or 35% during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to increases in both product revenues which increased by $30.7 million or 37%, and support and service revenues which increased by $6.6 million or 29% as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The overall increase in revenue is primarily due to increased customer traction as a result of our expanded sales and marketing efforts to increase brand awareness and overall market acceptance of our suite of products.  The increase in product revenue is attributable to an increase in sales of phones and switches to new customers as well as a growing customer and reseller partner base.  The increase in support and service revenue is due to an increase in support renewals and increased demand for our services.
 
Cost of revenue and gross profit.
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Cost of revenue
  $ 47,209     $ 37,692     $ 9,517       25 %
Gross profit
    96,376       68,549       27,827       41 %
Gross margins
    67.1 %     64.5 %                
 
Cost of revenue . Gross margins increased from 65% during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 to 67% during the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Service margins during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 were 67% of service revenues as compared to 63% during the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in service margins was due to the growth in service revenues outpacing the increased cost of services and support and the reduction of third party support costs.
 
Product gross margins during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 were 67% as compared to 65% during the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The increase is mainly due to lower fixed costs and unit costs.

 
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Operating expenses.
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Research and development
  $ 33,396     $ 23,666     $ 9,730       41 %
Sales and marketing
    54,437       39,653       14,784       37 %
General and administrative
    19,118       14,596       4,522       31 %
 
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased by $9.7 million or 41% during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $5.2 million in employee related expenses such as payroll, fringe benefits and stock-based compensation, an increase of $1.4 million in consulting expenses to support various development projects, an increase of $1.2 million in incentive compensation, an increase of $0.9 million in office facilities related expenses and an increase of $0.6 million in equipment and software expenses used for development and testing purposes.
 
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $14.8 million or 37% in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $6.5 million in employee related expenses including payroll, fringe benefits and stock-based compensation, an increase of $2.6 million in advertising, branding and promotional activities, an increase of $2.0 million in sales commissions, an increase of $1.6 million in travel expenses associated with our expanded sales force, an increase of $1.0 million in facilities expenses and equipment costs and an increase of $0.6 million in incentive compensation.
 
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $4.5 million or 31% in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $1.7 million in employee payroll and benefits, $0.5 million of severance paid to CEO, an increase of $1.0 million in consulting and professional services and an increase of $1.1 million in equipment and software related expenses.
 
Other income, net.
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Other income, net
  $ 780     $ 168     $ 612       364 %
 
Other income, net. Other income increased by $0.6 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to nine months ended March 31, 2010. The increase was attributable to an increase in interest income of $0.3 million partly from the interest income received related to an income tax refund received in the current year and an increase of $0.3 million in foreign exchange gain due to strengthening of the foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
Income tax benefit.
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
Dollar Varianc e
   
Percent Variance
 
Tax benefit
  $ 77     $ 87     $ (10 )     (11 )%
 
Income tax benefit. The income tax benefit decreased by $10,000 or 11% during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to nine months ended March 31, 2010.

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Balance Sheet and Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (in thousands):
 
   
March 31,
2011
   
June 30,
2010
   
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 73,923     $ 68,426     $ 5,497  
Short-term investments
    28,708       47,375       (18,667 )
Total
  $ 102,631     $ 115,801     $ (13,170 )
 
As of March 31, 2011, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $102.6 million and accounts receivable, net, of $27.1 million.
 
Our principal uses of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments historically have consisted of the purchase of finished goods inventory from our contract manufacturers, payroll and other operating expenses related to the development of new products and purchases of property and equipment.
 
We believe that our $102.6 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2011 will be sufficient to fund our operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our rate of revenue growth, the expansion of our sales and marketing activities, the addition of new business initiatives, the timing and extent of our expansion into new territories, the timing of introductions of new products and enhancements to existing products, the continuing market acceptance of our products and acquisition and licensing activities. We may enter into agreements relating to potential investments in, or acquisitions of, complementary businesses or technologies in the future, which could also require us to seek additional equity or debt financing. Please refer to Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, regarding the acquisition of Agito Networks, Inc. by the Company in October 2010. If needed, additional funds may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all.
 
The following table shows our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities:
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
 
March 31,
2011
   
March 31,
2010
 
Net cash flow provided by (used in):
 
 
   
 
 
Operating activities
  $ 1,970     $ 10,233  
Investing activities
    776       (17,735 )
Financing activities
    2,751       1,386  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,497     $ (6,116 )
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
Our cash flows from operating activities are significantly influenced by our cash expenditures to support the growth of our business in operating expense areas such as research and development, sales and marketing and general and administration. Our operating cash flows are also influenced by our working capital needs to support growth and fluctuations in inventory, accounts receivable, vendor accounts payable and other current assets and liabilities. We procure finished goods inventory from our contract manufacturers and typically pay them in 30 days. We extend credit to our channel partners and typically collect in 40 to 60 days. In some cases we also prepay for license rights to third-party products in advance of sales.
 
Net loss during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 included non-cash charges of $8.3 million and $7.7 million in stock-based compensation expense, respectively, and $3.2 million and $2.0 million in depreciation and amortization, respectively.
 
Cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 also reflected net changes in operating assets and liabilities. The changes in cash consist of a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $4.1 million, a decrease in other assets of $0.6 million, an increase in deferred revenue of $4.3 million, an increase in accrued employee compensation liability of $1.4 million and an increase in accounts payable of $0.7 million offset by an increase in inventories of $6.4 million, an increase in accounts receivables of $2.3 million and a decrease of $2.6 million in accrued liabilities.
 
Cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 also reflected net changes in operating assets and liabilities, which provided $9.4 million consisting primarily of a decrease in accounts receivables of $1.9 million due to a decrease in days sales outstanding, an increase in accrued employee compensation of $1.3 million, an increase in deferred revenue of $4.1 million due to higher maintenance support contracts, an increase of $5.6 million in accrued liabilities, and a decrease in other assets of $1.0 million, partially offset by an increase in prepaid and other current assets of $3.7 million, an increase in inventories of $0.5 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $0.3 million.
 
 
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Cash flows from investing activities
 
We have classified our investment portfolio as “available for sale,” and our investments are made with a policy of capital preservation and liquidity as the primary objectives. We may hold investments in corporate bonds to maturity; however, we may sell an investment at any time if the quality rating of the investment declines, the yield on the investment is no longer attractive or we are in need of cash for operating or strategic purposes.
 
Net cash provided by investing activities was $0.8 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to net cash used of $17.7 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2010. Net cash provided by investing activities in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 related to proceeds from maturities of short-term investments of $21.2 million offset by purchase consideration of $11.4 million paid for the acquisition of Agito Networks, Inc. in October 2010, purchase of short-term investments of $3.1 million, purchase of property, plant and equipment of $5.1 million and purchase of a perpetual license and patent of $0.8 million. Net cash used in investing activities in the first nine months ended March 31, 2010 related to net purchase of short-term investments of $13.0 million, purchase of fixed assets of $3.5 million and purchase of a software license and other of $1.2 million.
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and $1.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010, respectively, primarily from the exercise of common stock options and issuance of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements nor do we have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which are established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
 
Contractual obligations and commitments
 
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2011 and the effect that such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
 
   
Payments Due By Period
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than 1 Year
   
1 - 3 Years
   
3 - 5 Years
   
5 years and after
   
Total
 
Operating leases
  $ 1,436     $ 5,410     $ 1,744     $ 908     $ 9,498  
Purchase obligations
    24,742       250       250       250       25,492  
Total
  $ 26,178     $ 5,660     $ 1,994     $ 1,158     $ 34,990  
 
ITEM 3.
 
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting ShoreTel, Inc., see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Item 7A of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010. Our exposure to market risk has not changed materially since June 30, 2010.
 
ITEM  4.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM  1.
 
The Company is not a party to any material litigation.
 
ITEM  1A.
 
Except as noted below, there are no material changes in our risk factors as described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
 
We recently made an acquisition and may acquire other companies or technologies, which could divert our management’s attention, result in additional dilution to our stockholders, increase expenses, and otherwise disrupt our operations and harm our operating results.
 
We recently acquired a company, and we may acquire or invest in other businesses, products or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities.  The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses in identifying, investigating, and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.  We cannot assure you that we will realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions.
 
There are inherent risks in integrating and managing corporate acquisitions, and we have limited experience with acquisitions.  If we acquire additional businesses, we may not be able to integrate the acquired personnel, operations and technologies successfully, or effectively manage the combined business following the acquisition. We also may not achieve the anticipated benefits from the acquired business due to a number of factors, including:

 
 
·
unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with the acquisition;
 
 
·
diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
 
 
·
harm to our existing business relationships with business partners and customers as a result of the acquisition;
 
 
·
the potential loss of key employees;
 
 
·
use of resources that are need in other parts of our business; and
 
 
·
use of substantial portions of our available cash to consummate the acquisition.
 
In addition, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. Also, contingent considerations related to the acquisitions will be remeasured to fair value at each reporting period, with any changes in the value recorded as income or expense. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our operating results based on this impairment assessment process, which could harm our results of operations
 
Future acquisitions could result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt, which could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, if an acquired business fails to meet our expectations, our operating results, business and financial condition may suffer.
 
We are embarking on a new distribution strategy, which could be disruptive to our business.
 
Substantially all of our total revenue is generated through indirect sales channels. These indirect sales channels primarily consist of third-party resellers that market and sell telecommunications systems and other products and services to customers. We have recently announced that we will now sell our products through distributors as well as resellers in the United States.  As a result, we have contracted with distributors who will purchase our products, add value such as other products and services, and then distribute our products through resellers.  This new strategy is intended to increase our distribution channel and enable our revenue growth, but it could also disrupt our existing established reseller channels.
 
We have no long-term contracts or minimum purchase commitments with our distributors, and our contracts with these distributors do not prohibit them from offering products or services that compete with ours. Our competitors may be effective in providing incentives to existing and potential distributors to favor their products or to prevent or reduce sales of our products. Our distributors may choose not to offer our products exclusively or at all. Our failure to establish and maintain successful relationships with our distributors could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
 
We have had significant executive management turnover, and may not be able to retain or attract the executives we need to succeed.
 
We have had significant turnover in our executive team. Our former Chief Executive Officer, John W. Combs, resigned as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors effective September 30, 2010. On December 13, 2010 we announced that Peter Blackmore joined the Company as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors.  In addition, our Vice President of Global Support, Walt Weisner, departed the Company in July 2010 and was replaced by Donald Joos in April 2011.
 
 
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We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain other key employees, including senior management and executive positions. If we cannot attract and retain these executives and key employees, our business would be harmed, particularly if the departure of any executive or key employee results in a business interruption, or if we are not successful in preserving material knowledge of our departing employees.
 
The recent natural disaster in Japan could negatively impact the supply of our products.
 
The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan have disrupted the global supply chain for components manufactured in Japan, some of which are incorporated in our products. While our immediate supply chain does not appear to have been materially impacted, due to cross dependencies, supply chain disruptions stemming from the occurrences in Japan could negatively impact our ability to supply products to our customers. We might not be able to obtain a second source of components on reasonable terms, or at all. If we are unable to supply products to our customers, our business and financial condition could suffer. While we have built up our inventory to minimize risk of supply chain disruption and believe our supply is relatively secure, we are currently working toward the expedited qualification of second source suppliers of any affected components. We continue to monitor the effect of the events in Japan on end demand patterns and inventory levels throughout the supply chain.
 
ITEM  2.
 
Use of Proceeds from Public Offering of Common Stock
 
The effective date of the registration statement for our initial public offering was July 2, 2007. As of March 31, 2011, the proceeds from our initial public offering have been invested in cash, cash equivalents and short term investments. None of the use of the proceeds was made, directly or indirectly, to our directors, officers, or persons owning 10% or more of our common stock.
 
ITEM  6.
 
See Index to Exhibits following the signature page to this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 
29

 
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: May 9, 2011    
 
ShoreTel, Inc.
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael E. Healy
 
 
Michael E. Healy
Chief Financial Officer

 
30

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
     
Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Title
     
 
Executive Employment Agreement with Peter Blackmore dated December 9, 2010
     
10.2+   Form of "Tier 2" Retention Incentive Agreement
     
10.3+   Form of "Tier 3" Retention Incentive Agreement
     
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
     
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

(1)
This certification accompanying this report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made before or after the date of the Report), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
+Management compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
 
31


EXHIBIT 10.1
 
EXECUTION COPY

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Executive Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of December 9, 2010 (“ Effective Date ”), by and between ShoreTel, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Peter Blackmore (the “ Executive ”).
 
1.              POSITION AND DUTIES
 
Executive will serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“ CEO ”) and will report to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”). Executive will have overall operating responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Company and will render such business and professional services in the performance of his duties, consistent with Executive’s position, as shall reasonably be assigned to him by the Board.
 
2.              MEMBERSHIP ON BOARD
 
As long as Executive serves as CEO, the Company will nominate Executive for election and/or reelection as a member of the Board whenever his term is scheduled to expire. Executive may be removed from the Board in accordance with applicable law and the Company’s Bylaws.
 
3.              EXCLUSIVE SERVICE
 
Executive will devote his full working time and attention to the business of the Company and will not directly or indirectly, engage or participate in any business that is competitive in any manner with the business of the Company. Executive will also be expected to comply with and be bound by the Company’s operating policies, procedures and practices that are from time to time in effect during the term of his employment. Executive’s service on the boards of directors of other companies will be subject to the same review and approval process that applies to other members of the Board. Executive will not render other services to any for-profit business other than the Company without the prior approval of the Board. It is understood that the Board may deny approval for any reason that it deems in the best interests of the Company including the desire to have Executive not take on additional time commitments.
 
4.             AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
 
Executive and the Company understand and acknowledge that Executive’s employment with the Company constitutes “at-will” employment, and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.  Executive agrees to resign from all positions that he holds with the Company, including, without limitation, his position as Chairman and a member of the Board immediately following the termination of his employment, if the Board so requests. Upon the Board’s request, Executive shall execute any and all documents reasonably required to give effect to any such terminations.
 
5.             COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
 
5.1              Base Salary .  While employed by the Company pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive an annual base salary of $400,000 (the “ Base Salary ”), payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, with such payroll deductions and withholdings as are required by law.  The Base Salary will be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board and may be increased (but not reduced; provided that such Base Salary may be reduced to the extent that it is less than the amount that would constitute Good Reason as defined in Section 9.6(b)).  Any changes thereto shall be determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.  Except as specifically set forth in this Section 6.1, the term “Base Salary” as used in this Agreement means the base salary of the Executive immediately preceding the Executive’s Termination Date.
 
 
 

 
 
5.2            Incentive Compensation Target Bonus .  Executive will be eligible to receive an annual objective-based incentive bonus (“ Target Bonus ”) based on criteria established by the Board.  For the fiscal year of Executive’s employment ending June 30, 2011 (the “ 2011 Target Bonus ”) and subsequent fiscal years, Executive’s Target Bonus will be equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-current Base Salary.  Such Target Bonus may be increased at the discretion of the Board to a maximum of one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the then current Base Salary based on achievement of performance objectives determined by the Board.  The bonus will be paid as soon as reasonably practicable after the fiscal-year end but no later than the Section 409A short-term deferral period under Treasury Regulation 1.409-1(b)(4).  The 2011 Target Bonus shall be prorated by the number of days between the Effective Date and June 30, 2011.  This prorated portion of the 2011 Target Bonus will be guaranteed at one hundred percent (100%).   Any earned bonus will be paid regardless of whether Executive is employed at the time the bonus is to be paid.
 
5.3             Employee Benefits .  Executive shall be eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans and arrangements, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision and long-term disability insurance benefits and arrangements, as are made available by the Company to its other senior executives, subject to the terms and conditions thereof.  Executive may at his option choose United Healthcare for his medical, dental, and vision coverage and be reimbursed (no later than 60 days after the costs are incurred by the Executive) by the Company or have the Company pay the provider directly .  The amount that will be reimbursed or paid directly will not exceed $2154.00 per month through January 1, 2012.  It may be increased by 10% per year thereafter but will not exceed the actual costs of the medical, dental, and vision coverage.
 
5.4             Vacation .  Executive will be entitled to paid vacation and holidays pursuant to the terms of the Company’s vacation policy as may exist from time to time.
 
5.5             Expenses .  The Company will, in accordance with applicable Company policies and guidelines, reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Executive in connection with his performance of services on behalf of the Company.
 
5.6             Annual Physical .  The Company will pay on Executive’s behalf the cost of one annual physical at TBD located in Northern California.
 
6.               EQUITY GRANTS
 
On December 13, 2010, which will be Executive’s first day of employment, Executive will be granted options under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ Options ”). 750,000 shares of such Option (the “ first option ”) will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and the remaining 250,000 shares of the Option (the “ second option ”) will have an exercise price equal to the higher of $11.00 per share or the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The first option and the second option will vest conditioned upon Executive’s continued employment with the Company, over four (4) years, with twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of shares subject to the first option and the second option vesting and becoming exercisable one year after the Effective Date, and 1/48 of the total number of shares subject to the first option and the second option vesting and becoming exercisable on each monthly anniversary of the Effective Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of certain separations from service from the Company, the vesting of the Options will be accelerated as set forth in Section 7.
 
 
2

 
 
7.               TERMINATION BENEFITS
 
7.1             Prior Obligations .  In the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits under this Section 7.1:
 
7.1.1   Accrued Salary and Vacation .  A lump sum payment of all salary and accrued vacation earned through the Termination Date.
 
7.1.2   Expense Reimbursement .  Upon submission of proper expense reports by the Executive, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all expenses incurred by the Executive, consistent with past practices, in connection with the business of the Company prior to the Executive’s Termination Date.
 
7.1.3   Employee Benefits .  Benefits, if any, under any 401(k) plan, nonqualified deferred compensation plan, employee stock purchase plan and other Company benefit plans under which the Executive may be entitled to benefits, subject to and payable pursuant to the terms of such plans.
 
7.2           Termination in Absence of a Change of Control .  Subject to Section 7.4 and provided that the Executive executes a binding Termination Release Agreement in a form specified by the Company substantially as attached as Exhibit A within twenty-one (21) days from his Termination Date as set forth therein, in the event of the Executive’s Termination in the Absence of a Change of Control, in addition to the benefits provided under Section 7.1 of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
 
7.2.1   Executive shall receive an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of Executive’s Base Salary, payable in one lump sum.
 
7.2.2   The Company will reimburse Executive for premiums paid for continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”) or for United Healthcare, at the option of Executive, for a period of eighteen (18) months after Executive’s Termination Date.
 
7.2.3   Executive shall receive an amount equal to Executive’s Target Bonus less any previously paid advances on such bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination in the Absence of a Change of Control occurs, prorated for the number of days of Executive’s service to the Company for such year, payable in one lump sum. If such termination were to occur in the second (2nd) half of the fiscal year, the first (1st) half incentive plan funded percentage would be used and a performance rating factor of 1.0 in calculating the amount owed would be used.
 
 
3

 
 
7.2.4   Executive will receive accelerated vesting of the Options as if executive had provided an additional 6 months of service measured from the Termination Date.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7.2.4, the Board may in its sole discretion provide for additional vesting of the Options or other future equity awards made to Executive upon termination under this Section 7.2.
 
7.3           Additional Benefits on Termination Upon Change of Control .  Subject to Section 7.4 and provided that the Executive executes a binding Termination Release Agreement in a form specified by the Company substantially as attached as Exhibit A within twenty-one (21) days from his Termination Date as set forth therein, in the event of the Executive’s Termination Upon a Change of Control, in addition to the benefits provided under Section 7.1 of this Agreement (and in place of the benefits provided under Section 7.2 of this Agreement), Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
 
7.3.1   Executive shall receive an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of Executive’s Base Salary, payable in one lump sum.
 
7.3.2   The Company will reimburse Executive for premiums paid for continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA or for United Healthcare, at the option of Executive, for a period of eighteen (18) months after Executive’s Termination Date.
 
7.3.3   Executive shall receive an amount equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Termination Upon Change of Control occurs, payable in one lump sum.
 
7.3.4   Executive will receive accelerated vesting of 100% of the unvested portion of the Options.
 
7.3.5   Transition Services for Termination Upon Change of Control .  As a condition to your receipt of the benefits provided pursuant to this Section 7.3, you agree that you will make yourself available to the Company (and any Successor) following your Termination Upon a Change of Control to provide reasonable transition services for a period of time not to exceed three (3) months, provided that such services shall not account for greater than twenty percent (20%) of the level of services you provided in your capacity as an employee prior to your Termination Upon Change of Control.
 
7.4             Timing of Payments .
 
7.4.1   In the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, all payments made under Section 7.1 of this Agreement shall be made within sixty (60) days of the Termination Date, provided that, for any payments where a release is required, such release has been executed and is effective.
 
 
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7.4.2   In the event of a Termination in Absence of a Change of Control, all payments (other than COBRA premium reimbursements) made under Section 7.2 of this Agreement shall be made within sixty (60) days of the Termination Date, provided that, for any payments where a release is required, such release has been executed and is effective.
 
7.4.3   In the event of a Termination Upon a Change of Control, all payments (other than COBRA premium reimbursements) made under Section 7.3 of this Agreement shall be made within sixty (60) days of the Termination Date, provided however that if Executive’s Termination Date is prior to the consummation of the Change of Control, all payments (other than COBRA premium reimbursements) made under Section 7.3 of this Agreement (less any payments previously made under Section 7.2 of this Agreement) shall be made within sixty (60) days of the consummation of the Change of Control, provided further that, for any payments where a release is required, such release has been executed and is effective.
 
8.               FEDERAL EXCISE TAX UNDER SECTION 280G
 
If (1) any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise are characterized as excess parachute payments pursuant to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and (2) the Executive thereby would be subject to any United States federal excise tax due to that characterization, then Executive’s termination benefits hereunder will be payable either in full or in a lesser amount, whichever would result, after taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, in Executive’s receipt on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of termination and other benefits. The determination of any reduction required pursuant to this section (including the determination as to which specific payments shall be reduced) shall be made by one of the seven largest accounting firms doing business in the U.S. which otherwise does not perform services for the Company (which will be chosen by the mutual agreement of Executive and Company), and such determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company or any related corporation for all purposes. If required, the payments and benefits under this Agreement shall be reduced in the following order: (A) a pro rata reduction of (i) cash payments that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) cash payments not subject to Section 409A; (B) a pro rata reduction of (i) employee benefits that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) employee benefits not subject to Section 409A; and (C) a pro rata cancellation of (i) accelerated vesting of stock and other equity-based awards that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) stock and other equity-based awards not subject to Section 409A. In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock and other equity-based award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s stock and other equity-based awards unless Executive elects in writing a different order for cancellation.
 
9.             DEFINITIONS
 
9.1            Capitalized Terms Defined .  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 10, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.
 
9.2           Cause ” means:
 
 
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(a)            material failure to perform Executive’s duties; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (a) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct such failure;
 
(b)            engagement in intentional misconduct or dishonesty by Executive in the performance of executive’s duties under this Agreement which is materially detrimental to the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (b) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct such dishonesty or misconduct if such dishonesty or misconduct is curable or correctable;
 
(c)            any material breach of this Agreement or material failure to follow any reasonable written policies of the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (c) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct such breach if such breach is curable or correctable;
 
(d)            Executive’s conviction of (or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to) any felony;
 
(e)            Executive’s willful refusal to follow reasonable direction from the Board of Directors of the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (e) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct such refusal if it is curable or correctable; or
 
(f)            Executive’s   exercise of   bad faith in the performance of his responsibilities that results in grossly unsatisfactory performance.
 
9.3           Change of Control ” means:
 
(a)            the consummation of   a merger, consolidation or reorganization approved by the Corporation's stockholders, unless securities representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of  the outstanding voting securities of the Company or its Successor are immediately thereafter beneficially owned, directly or indirectly and in substantially the same proportion, by the persons who beneficially owned the Corporation's outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such transaction; or
 
(b)            the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets (or consummation of any transaction, or series of transactions, having similar effect) other than such a sale, transfer or disposition to an entity, in which at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which is owned by the Corporation or by stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Corporation immediately prior thereto; or
 
(c)            any transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which any person or any group of persons comprising a "group" as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) (other than the Corporation or a person that, prior to such transaction or series of related transactions, directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Corporation)  becomes directly or indirectly the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of securities representing  more than fifty percent (50%) of (A) the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company, or (b) the total combined voting power of the Company's securities outstanding immediately after the consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions, whether such transaction involves a direct issuance from the Corporation or the acquisition of outstanding securities held by one or more of the Corporation's stockholders; or
 
 
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(d)            a change in the composition of the Board occurring within a twelve (12) month period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the Directors are “Incumbent Directors.” “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who are either (i) directors as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company).
 
9.4             Company ” or the “ Corporation ” shall mean ShoreTel, Inc. and any Successor.
 
9.5             Equity Award ” shall mean any option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, stock appreciation right or other equity award to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock granted or issued to the Executive.
 
9.6             Good Reason ” means a material negative change in the service relationship by the occurrence of any of the following conditions, without the Executive’s written consent:
 
(a)            a reduction of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities provided that all reductions occurring over the preceding consecutive twelve (12) month period in the aggregate are material; provided , however , that the following shall not , in and of themselves, constitute “Good Reason”: (i) absent a Change of Control, the termination of Executive’s position as “President”, if   Executive remains CEO; and (ii) absent a Change of Control, the termination of Executive’s position as “Chairman of the Board” if he was previously “Chairman of the Board”, or as a general member of the Board, if Executive remains CEO.
 
(b)            a ten percent (10%) or more reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary relative to the highest amount in effect since the Effective Date (other than an equivalent percentage reduction in annual base salaries prior to a Change of Control that applies to the majority of named executive officers);
 
(c)            the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location more than 50 miles from the Company’s headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA, which is where the Executive is based as of the Effective Date;
 
(d)            a failure by the Company to nominate or renominate you to the Board; provided that the failure of stockholders of the Company to elect you to the Board shall not constitute Good Reason;
 
 
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(e)            a material breach of this Agreement by the Company; provided that no Good Reason under this subsection (e) shall exist unless the Company: (i) has been provided with notice of the breach, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct the breach; or
 
(f)            a requirement that Executive report to anyone other than the Board.
 
9.7           “ Permanent Disability ” means “disability” as defined in Section 409A and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder:
 
9.8            Successor ” means the Company as defined above and any successor to or assignee of substantially all of its business and/or assets whether or not as part of a Change of Control.
 
9.9            Termination Date ” means the effective date of an Executive’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder).
 
9.10          Termination in Absence of Change of Control ” means:
 
9.10.1   any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause other than during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following a Change of Control; or
 
9.10.2   any resignation by the Executive for Good Reason where (i) such Good Reason occurs other than during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Change of Control, and (ii) notice is provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the existence of Good Reason with a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure.
 
9.10.3   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Termination in Absence of Change of Control” shall not include any termination of the Executive’s employment (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by the Company as a result of Executive’s Permanent Disability; (3) as a result of Executive’s death; or (4) as a result of the Executive voluntarily terminating Executive’s employment with the Company for other than Good Reason.
 
9.11        Termination Upon Change of Control ” means:
 
9.11.1   any termination of the employment of the Executive by the Company without Cause during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Change of Control; or
 
9.11.2   any resignation by the Executive for Good Reason where (i) such Good Reason occurs during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Change of Control, and (ii) notice is provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the existence of Good Reason with a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure.
 
 
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9.11.3   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Termination Upon Change of Control” shall not include any termination of Executive’s employment (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by the Company as a result of Executive’s Permanent Disability; (3) as a result of Executive’s death; or (4) as a result of Executive’s voluntary termination of Executive’s employment with the Company other than for Good Reason.
 
10.            RELEASE OF CLAIMS
 
Executive’s receipt of payments and benefits under this Agreement is conditioned upon the delivery by Executive of a signed and effective Termination Release Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, provided, however, that the Executive shall not be required to release any rights the Executive may have to be indemnified by the Company.
 
11.            NOT APPLICABLE
 
12.           CONFLICT IN BENEFITS; NONCUMULATION OF BENEFITS
 
12.1         No Limitation of Regular Benefit Plans .  Except as provided in Section 13.2 below, this Agreement is not intended to and shall not affect, limit or terminate any plans, programs or arrangements of the Company that are regularly made available to a significant number of employees or officers of the Company, including without limitation the Company’s equity incentive plans.
 
12.2          Noncumulation of Benefits .  The Executive may not cumulate cash severance payments, acceleration of Equity Award vesting or other termination benefits under both this Agreement, any other written agreement with the Company and/or another plan or policy of the Company. If the Executive has any other binding written agreement or other binding arrangement with the Company that provide that upon a change of control or termination of employment the Executive shall receive change of control, termination, severance or similar benefits, then Executive hereby expressly waives Executive’s rights to such other benefits and any agreement providing such benefits terminates and is superseded on the Effective Date of this Agreement.
 
13.           PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
 
Executive’s receipt of the payments and benefits described in this Agreement are conditioned upon the Executive’s acknowledgment of Executive’s continuing obligation under, and Executive’s agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of, the Company’s Confidentiality and/or Proprietary Rights Agreement between the Executive and the Company. Accordingly, during the term of this Agreement and following the Termination Date, Executive agrees to continue to abide by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Confidentiality and/or Proprietary Rights Agreement between the Executive and the Company.
 
14.            INDEMNIFICATION
 
The Company will provide indemnification pursuant to the Company’s standard form of Indemnification Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
 
 
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15.           NON-SOLICITATION
 
For a period of one (1) year after the Termination Date, the Executive will not solicit the services or business of any employee or consultant of the Company to discontinue that person’s or entity’s relationship with or to the Company without the written consent of the Company.
 
16.            ARBITRATION
 
16.1          Disputes Subject to Arbitration .  Any claim, dispute or controversy arising out of this Agreement, the interpretation, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the alleged breach thereof shall be submitted by the parties to binding arbitration by a sole arbitrator under the rules of the American Arbitration Association; provided, however, that (1) the arbitrator shall have no authority to make any ruling or judgment that would confer any rights with respect to the trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information or other intellectual property of the Company upon the Executive or any third party; and (2) this arbitration provision shall not preclude the Company from seeking injunctive relief from any court having jurisdiction with respect to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the misuse or misappropriation of the Company’s intellectual property. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrator in any court having jurisdiction.
 
16.2          Site of Arbitration . The site of the arbitration proceeding shall be in Santa Clara County, California.
 
17.            NOTICES
 
For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed return receipt requested as follows:
 
If to the Company:
 
960 Stewart Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Attn: Legal Department
 
and, if to the Executive, at the address indicated below or such other address specified by the Executive in writing to the Company, with a copy to Anna Jones, 5847 San Felipe, Suite 200, Houston, Texas, 77057. Either party may provide the other with notices of change of address, which shall be effective upon receipt.
 
18.           MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
18.1          Heirs and Representatives of the Executive; Successors and Assigns of the Company .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devises and legatees. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Company.
 
 
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18.2          No Assignment of Rights .  The interest of the Executive in this Agreement or in any distribution to be made under this Agreement may not be assigned, pledged, alienated, anticipated, or otherwise encumbered (either at law or in equity) and shall not be subject to attachment, bankruptcy, garnishment, levy, execution, or other legal or equitable process. Any act in violation of this Section 18.2 shall be void.
 
18.3          Amendment; Waiver .  No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, amended, waived or discharged unless the modification, amendment, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.
 
18.4          Entire Agreement .  This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) and expressly supersedes any existing agreement or understanding providing for any employment, change of control, severance, termination or similar benefits by and between the Executive and the Company.
 
18.5          Withholding Taxes; 409A .  All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect all federal, state, local and other taxes required to be withheld by applicable law. To the extent (a) any payments or benefits to which Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or under any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with Executive’s termination of employment with the Company constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code (“ Section 409A ”) and (b) Executive is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code, then such payments shall not be made or commence until the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is at the time defined in Treasury Regulations under Section 409A of the Code) from the Company; or (ii) the date of Executive’s death following such separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Executive, including (without limitation) the additional twenty percent (20%) tax for which Executive would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code in the absence of such deferral. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this paragraph shall be paid to Executive or Executive’s beneficiary in one lump sum (without interest). Any termination of Executive’s employment is intended to constitute a “separation from service” as such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1. It is intended that each installment of the payments provided hereunder constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). It is further intended that payments hereunder satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemption from the application of Code Section 409A (and any state law of similar effect) provided under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) (as a “short-term deferral”).
 
18.6          Severability .  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.
 
 
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18.7          Choice of Law .  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to where the Executive has his residence or principal office or where he performs his duties hereunder.
 
18.8          Reimbursement of Legal Fees .  The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable legal fees incurred in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement in an amount not to exceed $10,000. In the event of litigation between the parties to the Agreement, the prevailing party as determined by the court shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees.
 
18.9          Effective Date; Term of Agreement .  The term of this Agreement shall be three years (the “Initial Term”).  Either party may provide written notice at least nine (9) months prior to the end of the Initial Term that such party does not wish to continue the term of this Agreement beyond the Initial Term, in which case Executive’s employment under this Agreement will terminate.  If such written notice is not timely provided, the term of this Agreement shall renew and extend for another three years (the “Renewal Term”).  Either party may provide written notice at least nine (9) months prior to the end of the first, or any subsequent, Renewal Term that such party does not wish to continue the term of this Agreement beyond the Renewal Term in effect.  If such written notice is not timely provided, the term of this Agreement shall renew and extend for another three years after each such Renewal Term.
 
18.9.1   Termination Prior to End of Initial or Renewal Term Without Cause or for Good Reason .  If Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason, Executive shall receive the benefits pursuant to Sections 7.2 and 7.3 of this Agreement; provided that in any event no payments will be made under this Agreement solely because the Agreement is not renewed with respect to any Renewal Term ; and provided further that if Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason in less than one year after the Effective Date, in lieu of the vesting provided by the first sentence of Section 7.2.4, Executive will receive accelerated vesting of the Options as if Executive had provided a full year of service to the Company (as if he was employed continuously for one year after the Effective Date) but in no event less than six (6) months of accelerated vesting.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.
 
  EXECUTIVE
       
 
/s/ Peter Blackmore 
       
       
  Address:    
       
 
  SHORETEL, INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ Gary J. Daichendt   
     
  Title:   Chairman of the Board    
                                                                                                             
 
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EXHIBIT A
 
TERMINATION RELEASE AGREEMENT
 
In consideration of the severance benefits (the “ Severance Benefits ”) offered to me by ShoreTel, Inc. (the “ Employer ”) pursuant to my Employment Agreement with Employer dated ________________, 2010 (the “ Agreement ”) and in connection with the termination of my employment, I agree to the following general release (the “ Release ”).
 
1.              On behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, I hereby fully and forever generally release and discharge Employer, its current, former and future parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, related entities, employee benefit plans, and their fiduciaries, predecessors, successors, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees and assigns (collectively, the “Company”) from any and all claims, causes of action, and liabilities up through the date of my execution of the Release. The claims subject to this release include, but are not limited to, those relating to my employment with Employer and/or any predecessor or successor to Employer and the termination of such employment. All such claims (including related attorneys’ fees and costs) are barred without regard to whether those claims are based on any alleged breach of a duty arising in statute, contract, or tort. This expressly includes waiver and release of any rights and claims arising under any and all laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans With Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the National Labor Relations Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (if applicable); the provisions of the California Labor Code (if applicable); the Equal Pay Act of 1963; and any similar law of any other state or governmental entity. The parties agree to apply California law in interpreting the Release.
 
Accordingly, I further waive any rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California or any similar state statute. Section 1542 states: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which, if known to him or her, must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.”
 
2.     This Release does not extend to, and has no effect upon, any benefits that have accrued, and to which I have become vested, under the Executive Employment Agreement or any employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA sponsored by the Company.
 
a.  
In understanding the terms of the Release and my rights, I have been advised to consult with an attorney of my choice prior to executing the Release. I understand that nothing in this Release is intended to constitute an unlawful release or waiver of any of my rights under any laws and/or to prevent, impede, or interfere with my ability and/or rights, if any: (a) under applicable workers’ compensation laws; (b) to seek unemployment benefits; (c) to file a charge or complaint with a government agency such as but not limited to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or any applicable state agency; (d) provide truthful testimony if under subpoena to do so, (e) file a claim with any state or federal agency or to participate or cooperate in such a matter, and/or (f) to challenge the validity of this release. Furthermore, notwithstanding any provisions and covenants herein, the Release shall not waive (a) any rights to indemnification I may have as an officer or director of Employer or otherwise in connection with my employment with Employer, under applicable law or Employer’s bylaws or other governing instruments or any agreement addressing such subject matter between Employer and me (including any fiduciary insurance policy maintained by Employer under which I am covered) or under any merger or acquisition agreement addressing such subject matter, (b) any obligations owed to me pursuant to the Agreement, (c) my rights of insurance under any liability policy covering Employer’s officers (in addition to the rights under subsection (a) above), or (d) any accrued but unpaid wages; any reimbursement for business expenses pursuant to Employer’s policies for such reimbursements, any outstanding claims for benefits or payments under any benefit plans of Employer or subsidiaries, any accrued but unused vacation, any ongoing agreements evidencing outstanding equity awards granted to me, any obligations owed to me pursuant to the terms of outstanding written agreements between myself and Employer and any claims I may not release as a matter of law, including indemnification claims under applicable law. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any dispute regarding the scope of this general release shall be resolved through binding arbitration pursuant to Subsection i below, and the arbitration provision set forth in the Agreement.
 
 
 

 
 
b.  
I understand and agree that Employer will not provide me with the Severance Benefits unless I execute the Release. I also understand that I have received or will receive, regardless of the execution of the Release, all wages owed to me together with any accrued but unused vacation pay, less applicable withholdings and deductions, earned through my termination date.
 
c.  
As part of my existing and continuing obligations to Employer, I have returned to Employer all documents (and all copies thereof) and other property belonging to Employer that I have had in my possession at any time, including but not limited to files, notes, drawings, records, business plans and forecasts, financial information, specification, computer-recorded information, tangible property (including, but not limited to, computers, laptops, pagers, etc.), credit cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys; and any materials of any kind which contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of Employer (and all reproductions thereof). I understand that, even if I did not sign the Release, I am still bound by any and all confidential/proprietary/trade secret information, non-disclosure and inventions assignment agreement(s) signed by me in connection with my employment with Employer, or with a predecessor or successor of Employer, pursuant to the terms of such agreement(s).
 
d.  
I represent and warrant that I am the sole owner of all claims relating to my employment with Employer and/or with any predecessor of Employer, and that I have not assigned or transferred any claims relating to my employment to any other person or entity.
 
 
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e.  
I agree to keep the Severance Benefits and the provisions of this Release confidential and not to reveal their contents to anyone except my lawyer, my spouse or other immediate family member, and/or my financial consultant, or as required by legal process or applicable law.
 
f.  
I understand and agree that the Release shall not be construed at any time as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either the Company or me.
 
g.  
I understand and agree that the Release shall not be construed at any time as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either the Company or myself.
 
h.  
I agree that I will not make any negative or disparaging statements or comments, either as fact or as opinion, about the Company, its employees, officers, directors, shareholders, vendors, products or services, business, technologies, market position or performance. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit me from providing truthful information in response to a subpoena or other legal process.
 
i.  
Any controversy or any claim arising out of or relating to the interpretation, enforceability or breach of the Release shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration provision of the Agreement. If for any reason the arbitration procedure set forth in the Agreement is unavailable, I agree to arbitration under the employment arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association or any successor hereto. The parties further agree that the arbitrator shall not be empowered to add to, subtract from, or modify, alter or amend the terms of the Release. Any applicable arbitration rules or policies shall be interpreted in a manner so as to ensure their enforceability under applicable state or federal law.
 
j.  
I agree that I have had at least twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to consider whether to execute the Release, no one hurried me into executing the Release during that period, and no one coerced me into executing the Release. I understand that the offer of the Severance Benefits and the Release shall expire on the twenty-second (22nd) calendar day after my employment termination date if I have not accepted it by that time. I further understand that Employer’s obligations under the Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date I sign the Release provided that I have timely delivered it to Employer (the “Effective Date”) and that in the seven (7) day period following the date I deliver a signed copy of the Release to Employer I understand that I may revoke my acceptance of the Release. I understand that the Severance Benefits will become available to me after the Effective Date.
 
k.  
In executing the Release, I acknowledge that I have not relied upon any statement made by Employer, or any of its representatives or employees, with regard to the Release unless the representation is specifically included herein. Once effective and enforceable, this agreement can only be changed by another written agreement signed by me and an authorized representative of Employer.
 
 
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l.  
Should any provision of the Release be determined by an arbitrator, court of competent jurisdiction, or government agency to be wholly or partially invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining parts, terms, or provisions are intended to remain in full force and effect. Specifically, should a court, arbitrator, or agency conclude that a particular claim may not be released as a matter of law, it is the intention of the parties that the general release and the waiver of unknown claims above shall otherwise remain effective to release any and all other claims. I acknowledge that I have obtained sufficient information to intelligently exercise my own judgment regarding the terms of the Release before executing the Release.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT FOLLOWS]
 
 
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EXECUTIVE’S ACCEPTANCE OF RELEASE
 
BEFORE SIGNING MY NAME TO THE RELEASE, I STATE THE FOLLOWING: I HAVE READ THE RELEASE, I UNDERSTAND IT AND I KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS. I HAVE OBTAINED SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO INTELLIGENTLY EXERCISE MY OWN JUDGMENT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT I SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT, AND I HAVE SIGNED THE RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.
 
 
  Date delivered to employee _______________, _____. 
   
  Executed this _______ day of _______________, _____.
 
                                                                                   
 
  Signature
   
  Name (Please Print)
 
                
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT]
 
 
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EXHIBIT B
 
FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
 
 


Exhibit 10.2

Parties to Tier II Retention Incentive Agreements:

Don Girskis
Pedro Rump
Mike Healy

 
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RETENTION INCENTIVE AGREEMENT

This Retention Incentive Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of _________, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between ShoreTel, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ___________________ (the “ Executive ”).

RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Executive is a key employee of the Company who possesses valuable proprietary knowledge of the Company, its business and operations and the markets in which the Company competes;

WHEREAS, the Company draws upon the knowledge, experience, expertise and advice of the Executive to manage its business for the benefit of the Company’s stockholders;

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to provide Executive with security and encouragement to remain with the Company by providing certain benefits on termination of employment subject to specified conditions;

WHEREAS, the Company believes that the existence of this Agreement will serve as an incentive to Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and to be focused and motivated to work to maximize the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to encourage the Executive to continue to devote the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the success of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.              PURPOSE

The purpose of this Agreement is to provide specified compensation and benefits to the Executive in the event of a Termination Upon Change of Control or a Termination in Absence of a Change of Control as an incentive to the Executive to remain in the employment of the Company and to be focused and motivated to work to maximize the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders.  This Agreement does not affect the “at-will” nature of the Executive’s employment and either the Executive or Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time for any reason.

2.              TERMINATION BENEFITS

 
2.1
Prior Obligations .  In the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including voluntary resignation and termination for Cause, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits under this Section 2.1:

 
2.1.1
Accrued Salary and Vacation .  A lump sum payment of all salary and accrued vacation earned through the Termination Date.

 
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2.1.2
Expense Reimbursement .  Upon submission of proper expense reports by the Executive, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all expenses incurred by the Executive, consistent with past practices, in connection with the business of the Company prior to the Executive’s Termination Date.

 
2.1.3
Employee Benefits .  Benefits, if any, under any 401(k) plan, nonqualified deferred compensation plan, employee stock purchase plan and other Company benefit plans under which the Executive may be entitled to benefits, subject to and payable pursuant to the terms of such plans.

 
2.2
Termination in Absence of a Change of Control :  Subject to the Executive executing a binding Termination Release Agreement in a form specified by the Company substantially as attached as Exhibit A, in the event of the Executive’s Termination in the Absence of a Change of Control, in addition to the benefits provided under Section 2.1 of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 
2.2.1
Executive shall receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary, less applicable withholding, payable in one lump sum.

 
2.2.2
Provided that Executive timely elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company will reimburse Executive for premiums paid for such continuation coverage for a period of six (6) months after Executive’s Termination Date.

 
2.3
Additional Benefits on Termination Upon Change of Control .  Subject to the Executive executing a binding Termination Release Agreement in a form specified by the Company substantially as attached as Exhibit A, in the event of the Executive’s Termination Upon a Change of Control, in addition to the benefits provided under Section 2.1 of this Agreement (and in place of the benefits provided under Section 2.2 of this Agreement), Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 
2.3.1
Executive shall receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary, less applicable withholding.

 
2.3.2
Executive shall receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s annual target bonus, less applicable withholding.

 
2.3.3
Provided that Executive timely elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for premiums paid for such continuation coverage for a period of twelve (12) months after Executive’s

 
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2.3.4
Seventy five percent (75%) of Executive’s unvested, outstanding Equity Awards granted to Executive prior to the Change of Control shall have their vesting and exercisability accelerated in full.  The Executive shall be entitled to exercise any Equity Award within the period as specified by the Equity Award, but in no event later than the expiration date of the Equity Award; provided , however , to the extent permitted by Section 409A (as defined below), the regulations thereunder, and the terms of the Equity Awards, that if such Equity Awards are not assumed by the Successor in a Change of Control, they shall accelerate in full and must be exercised or cashed out in full prior to the consummation of the Change of Control regardless of whether there occurs a Termination Upon Change of Control.

 
2.4
Timing of Payments .  Other than COBRA premium reimbursements, all payments made under Section 2 of this Agreement shall be made as soon as practicable but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the Termination Date provided that, for any payments where a release is required, such release has been executed and is effective within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s Termination Date, and provided further that any payments owed under this Agreement in connection with a Change of Control will be paid within sixty (60) days following the consummation of such Change of Control if Executive’s Termination Date is prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.

3.              FEDERAL EXCISE TAX UNDER SECTION 280G

If (1) any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise are characterized as excess parachute payments pursuant to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and (2) the Executive thereby would be subject to any United States federal excise tax due to that characterization, then Executive’s termination benefits hereunder will be payable, at Executive’s election, either in full or in such lesser amount as would result, after taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, in Executive’s receipt on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of termination and other benefits.  The determination of any reduction required pursuant to this section (including the determination as to which specific payments shall be reduced) shall be made by a neutral party designated by the Company and such determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company or any related corporation for all purposes.  In the event Executive elects to receive such lesser amount of the payments and benefits under this Agreement the payments and benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (A) a pro rata reduction of (i) cash payments that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) cash payments not subject to Section 409A; (B) a pro rata reduction of (i) employee benefits that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) employee benefits not subject to Section 409A; and (C) a pro rata cancellation of (i) accelerated vesting of stock and other equity-based awards that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) stock and other equity-based awards not subject to Section 409A.  In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock and other equity-based award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s stock and other equity-based awards unless Executive elects in writing a different order for cancellation.

 
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4.              DEFINITIONS

 
4.1
Capitalized Terms Defined .  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 4, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.

 
4.2
Base Salary ” means the base salary of the Executive immediately preceding the Executive’s Termination Date.

4.3           “ Cause ” means:

 
(a)
material failure to perform Executive’s duties; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (a) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct Executive’s behavior; or

 
(b)
engagement in intentional misconduct which is materially detrimental to the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (b) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct his or her behavior; or

 
(c)
failure or refusal to comply in any material respect with the terms of the Company’s Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement, the Company’s insider trading policy, or any other reasonable policies of the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (c) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct his or her behavior;

 
(d)
an act or acts of material fraud or dishonesty undertaken by Executive and intended to result in Executive’s substantial gain or personal enrichment at the expense of the Company;

 
(e)
conviction of or plea of no contest to any felony; or

 
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(f)
a good faith determination by the Company Board of Directors (“ Board ”) that Executive has failed to cooperate with the Company in any investigation or formal proceeding.

4.4           “ Change of Control ” means:

 
(a)
any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities of the Company under an employee benefit plan of the Company, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty (50%) percent or more of (A) the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or (B) the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities;

 
(b)
the consummation of a merger or consolidation, or series of related transactions, which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto failing to continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), directly or indirectly, at least fifty (50%) percent of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 
(c)
the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (or consummation of any transaction, or series of related transactions, having similar effect); or

 
(d)
a change in the composition of the Board occurring within a twelve (12) month period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the Directors are “Incumbent Directors.”  “Incumbent  Directors shall mean Directors who either (i) are Directors as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company (other than those directors who are directors on the date when this Agreement is executed by Executive.

 
4.5
Company ” shall mean ShoreTel, Inc. and, following a Change of Control, any Successor.

 
4.6
Equity Award ” shall mean any option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, stock appreciation right or other equity award to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock granted or issued to the Executive.

 
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4.7
Good Reason ” means a material negative change in the service relationship by the occurrence of any of the following conditions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 
(a)
a material reduction of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the removal of Employee from such position, duties and responsibilities, unless Employee is provided with comparable authority, duties, and responsibilities; provided, however, that a reduction in authority, duties, or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (as, for example, when the Chief Financial Officer of the Company performs similar duties for the Company or its business operations following a Change of Control but is not made the Chief Financial Officer of the acquiring corporation) shall not, in and of itself, constitute a “Good Reason Event”;

 
(b)
a ten percent (10%) or more reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary (other than an equivalent percentage reduction in annual base salaries that applies to Executive’s entire business unit);

 
(c)
the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office where the Executive was based immediately preceding the Change of Control; or

 
(d)
The Company’s failure to obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor corporation to or acquirer of the Company.

 
4.8
Permanent Disability ” means “disability” as defined in Section 409A and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder:

 
4.9
Successor ” means the Company as defined above and any successor to or assignee of substantially all of its business and/or assets whether or not as part of a Change of Control.

 
4.10
Termination Date ” means the effective date of an Executive’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder).

 
4.11
Termination in Absence of Change of Control ” means:

 
4.11.1
any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause other than during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following a Change of Control.

 
4.11.2
any resignation by the Executive for Good Reason where (i) such Good Reason occurs other than during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Change of Control, (ii) notice is provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the existence of Good Reason with a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure and (iii) the Executive terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of such cure period.

 
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4.11.3
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Termination in Absence of Change of Control” shall not include any termination of the Executive’s employment (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by the Company as a result of Executive’s Permanent Disability; (3) as a result of Executive’s death; or (4) as a result of the Executive voluntarily terminating Executive’s employment with the Company voluntarily or for other than Good Reason.

4.12          Termination Upon Change of Control ” means:

 
4.12.1
any termination of the employment of the Executive by the Company without Cause during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Change of Control; or

 
4.12.2
any resignation by the Executive for Good Reason where (i) such Good Reason occurs during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Change of Control, (ii) notice is provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the existence of Good Reason with a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure and (iii) the Executive terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of such cure period.

 
4.12.3
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Termination Upon Change of Control” shall not include any termination of Executive’s employment (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by the Company as a result of Executive’s Permanent Disability; (3) as a result of Executive’s death; or (4) as a result of Executive’s voluntary termination of Executive’s employment with the Company other than for Good Reason.

5.              RELEASE OF CLAIMS

Executive’s receipt of payments and benefits under this Agreement is conditioned upon the delivery by Executive of a signed and effective Termination Release Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , provided, however, that the Executive shall not be required to release any rights the Executive may have to be indemnified by the Company.

 
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6.              EXCLUSIVE REMEDY

The Executive shall be entitled to no other termination, severance or change of control compensation, benefits, or other payments from the Company as a result of any Termination Upon a Change of Control with respect to which the payments and/or benefits described in Section 2 have been provided to the Executive, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

7.              CONFLICT IN BENEFITS; NONCUMULATION OF BENEFITS

 
7.1
No Limitation of Regular Benefit Plans .  Except as provided in Section 7.2   below, this Agreement is not intended to and shall not affect, limit or terminate any plans, programs or arrangements of the Company that are regularly made available to a significant number of employees or officers of the Company, including without limitation the Company’s equity incentive plans.

 
7.2
Noncumulation of Benefits .  The Executive may not cumulate cash severance payments, acceleration of Equity Award vesting or other termination benefits under both this Agreement, any other written agreement with the Company and/or another plan or policy of the Company.  If the Executive has any other binding written agreement or other binding arrangement with the Company that provide that upon a change of control or termination of employment the Executive shall receive change of control, termination, severance or similar benefits, then Executive hereby expressly waives Executive’s rights to such other benefits and any agreement providing such benefits terminates and is superseded on the Effective Date of this Agreement.

8.              PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Executive’s receipt of the payments and benefits described in this Agreement are conditioned upon the Executive’s acknowledgment of Executive’s continuing obligation under, and Executive’s agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of, the Company’s Confidentiality and/or Proprietary Rights Agreement between the Executive and the Company.  Accordingly, during the term of this Agreement and following any Termination Upon Change of Control, Executive agrees to continue to abide by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Confidentiality and/or Proprietary Rights Agreement between the Executive and the Company.

9.              NON-SOLICITATION

For a period of one (1) year after the Executive’s Termination Upon Change of Control, the Executive will not solicit the services or business of any employee or consultant of the Company to discontinue that person’s or entity’s relationship with or to the Company without the written consent of the Company.

 
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10.            ARBITRATION

 
10.1
Disputes Subject to Arbitration .  Any claim, dispute or controversy arising out of this Agreement, the interpretation, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the alleged breach thereof shall be submitted by the parties to binding arbitration by a sole arbitrator under the rules of the American Arbitration Association; provided, however, that (1) the arbitrator shall have no authority to make any ruling or judgment that would confer any rights with respect to the trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information or other intellectual property of the Company upon the Executive or any third party; and (2) this arbitration provision shall not preclude the Company from seeking legal and equitable relief from any court having jurisdiction with respect to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the misuse or misappropriation of the Company’s intellectual property. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrator in any court having jurisdiction.

 
10.2
Site of Arbitration .  The site of the arbitration proceeding shall be in Santa Clara County, California.

11.            NOTICES

For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed return receipt requested as follows:

If to the Company:

960 Stewart Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Attn: Legal Department

and , if to the Executive, at the address indicated below or such other address specified by the Executive in writing to the Company.  Either party may provide the other with notices of change of address, which shall be effective upon receipt.

12.            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 
12.1
Heirs and Representatives of the Executive; Successors and Assigns of the Company .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devises and legatees.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Company.

 
12.2
No Assignment of Rights .  The interest of the Executive in this Agreement or in any distribution to be made under this Agreement may not be assigned, pledged, alienated, anticipated, or otherwise encumbered (either at law or in equity) and shall not be subject to attachment, bankruptcy, garnishment, levy, execution, or other legal or equitable process. Any act in violation of this Section 13.2 shall be void.

 
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12.3
Amendment; Waiver .  No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, amended, waived or discharged unless the modification, amendment, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Executive).  No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

 
12.4
Entire Agreement .  This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) and expressly supersedes any existing agreement or understanding providing for any change control, severance, termination or similar benefits by and between the Executive and the Company.
 
 
12.5
Withholding Taxes; 409A .  All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect all federal, state, local and other taxes required to be withheld by applicable law.   For purposes of this Agreement, to the extent required, any termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this Agreement in connection with Executive’s termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and Executive is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 6-month period measured from Executive’s separation from service from the Company or (ii) the date of Executive’s death following such a separation from service; provided , however , that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Executive including, without limitation, the additional twenty-percent (20%) tax for which Executive would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral.  The first payment thereof will include a catch-up payment covering the amount that would have otherwise been paid during the period between Executive’s termination of employment and the first payment date but for the application of this provision (in a lump sum and without interest), and the balance of the installments (if any) will be payable in accordance with their original schedule.  All forms of compensation referred to in this Agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law.  It is intended that each installment of the payments provided hereunder constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i).  To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A.  To the extent any payment under this Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A (or any state law of similar effect), such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit under this Agreement is determined to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except for any lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses), in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expenses, and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 
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12.6
Severability .  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 
12.7
Choice of Law .  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to where the Executive has his residence or principal office or where he performs his duties hereunder.

 
12.8
Effective Date; Term of Agreement .

 
12.8.1
Term of Agreement .  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until the earlier of (a) [__________] , and (b) such time as all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The term of this Agreement may be renewed or extended by written agreement between Executive and the Company.


 
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In Witness Whereof , each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 
Executive
     
   
 
[NAME]
 
     
 
Address:
 
     
     
     
 
shoretel, inc.
     
 
By:
 
     
 
Title:
 

 
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EXHIBIT A

Termination Release Agreement

In consideration of the severance benefits (the “ Severance Benefits ”) offered to me by ShoreTel, Inc. (the “ Employer ”) pursuant to my Retention Incentive Agreement with Employer dated _________, 2008 (the “ Agreement ”) and in connection with the termination of my employment, I agree to the following general release (the “ Release ”).

1.       On behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, I hereby fully and forever generally release and discharge Employer, its current, former and future parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, related entities, employee benefit plans, and their fiduciaries, predecessors, successors, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees and assigns (collectively, the “ Company ”) from any and all claims, causes of action, and liabilities up through the date of my execution of the Release.  The claims subject to this release include, but are not limited to, those relating to my employment with Employer and/or any predecessor or successor to Employer and the termination of such employment.  All such claims (including related attorneys’ fees and costs) are barred without regard to whether those claims are based on any alleged breach of a duty arising in statute, contract, or tort.  This expressly includes waiver and release of any rights and claims arising under any and all laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans With Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the National Labor Relations Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (if applicable); the provisions of the California Labor Code (if applicable); the Equal Pay Act of 1963; and any similar law of any other state or governmental entity.  The parties agree to apply California law in interpreting the Release.  Accordingly, I further waive any rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California or any similar state statute.  Section 1542 states: “ A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which, if known to him, must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor .”  

2.      This Release does not extend to, and has no effect upon, any benefits that have accrued, and to which I have become vested, under any employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA sponsored by the Company.

3.      In understanding the terms of the Release and my rights, I have been advised to consult with an attorney of my choice prior to executing the Release.  I understand that nothing in this Release is intended to constitute an unlawful release or waiver of any of my rights under any laws and/or to prevent, impede, or interfere with my ability and/or rights, if any:  (a) under applicable workers’ compensation laws; (b) to seek unemployment benefits; (c) to file a charge or complaint with a government agency such as but not limited to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or any applicable state agency; (d) provide truthful testimony if under subpoena to do so, (e) file a claim with any state or federal agency or to participate or cooperate in such a matter, and/or (f) to challenge the validity of this release.  Furthermore, notwithstanding any provisions and covenants herein, the Release shall not waive (a) any rights to indemnification I may have as an officer of Employer or otherwise in connection with my employment with Employer, under Employer’s bylaws or other governing instruments or any agreement addressing such subject matter between Employer and me (including any fiduciary insurance policy maintained by Employer under which I am covered) or under any merger or acquisition agreement addressing such subject matter, (b) any obligations owed to me pursuant to the Agreement, (c) my rights of insurance under any liability policy covering Employer’s officers (in addition to the rights under subsection (a) above), or (d) any accrued but unpaid wages; any reimbursement for business expenses pursuant to Employer’s policies for such reimbursements, any outstanding claims for benefits or payments under any benefit plans of Employer or subsidiaries, any accrued but unused vacation, any ongoing agreements evidencing outstanding equity awards granted to me, any obligations owed to me pursuant to the terms of outstanding written agreements between myself and Employer and any claims I may not release as a matter of law, including indemnification claims under applicable law. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any dispute regarding the scope of this general release shall be resolved through binding arbitration pursuant to Section 11 below, and the arbitration provision set forth in the Agreement.

 
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4.      I understand and agree that Employer will not provide me with the Severance Benefits unless I execute the Release.  I also understand that I have received or will receive, regardless of the execution of the Release, all wages owed to me together with any accrued but unused vacation pay, less applicable withholdings and deductions, earned through my termination date.

5.      As part of my existing and continuing obligations to Employer, I have returned to Employer all documents (and all copies thereof) and other property belonging to Employer that I have had in my possession at any time, including but not limited to files, notes, drawings, records, business plans and forecasts, financial information, specification, computer-recorded information, tangible property (including, but not limited to, computers, laptops, pagers, etc.), credit cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys; and any materials of any kind which contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of Employer (and all reproductions thereof).  I understand that, even if I did not sign the Release, I am still bound by any and all confidential/proprietary/trade secret information, non-disclosure and inventions assignment agreement(s) signed by me in connection with my employment with Employer, or with a predecessor or successor of Employer, pursuant to the terms of such agreement(s).

6.      I represent and warrant that I am the sole owner of all claims relating to my employment with Employer and/or with any predecessor of Employer, and that I have not assigned or transferred any claims relating to my employment to any other person or entity.

7.      I agree to keep the Severance Benefits and the provisions of this Release confidential and not to reveal their contents to anyone except my lawyer, my spouse or other immediate family member, and/or my financial consultant, or as required by legal process or applicable law.

8.      I understand and agree that the Release shall not be construed at any time as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either the Company or me.

9.      I understand and agree that the Release shall not be construed at any time as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either the Company or myself.

 
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10.    I agree that I will not make any negative or disparaging statements or comments, either as fact or as opinion, about the Company, its employees, officers, directors, shareholders, vendors, products or services, business, technologies, market position or performance. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit me from providing truthful information in response to a subpoena or other legal process.

11.    Any controversy or any claim arising out of or relating to the interpretation, enforceability or breach of the Release shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration provision of the Agreement.  If for any reason the arbitration procedure set forth in the Agreement is unavailable, I agree to arbitration under the employment arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association or any successor hereto.  The parties further agree that the arbitrator shall not be empowered to add to, subtract from, or modify, alter or amend the terms of the Release.  Any applicable arbitration rules or policies shall be interpreted in a manner so as to ensure their enforceability under applicable state or federal law.

12.   I agree that I have had at least twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to consider whether to execute the Release, no one hurried me into executing the Release during that period, and no one coerced me into executing the Release.  I understand that the offer of the Severance Benefits and the Release shall expire on the twenty-second (22 nd ) calendar day after my employment termination date if I have not accepted it by that time.  I further understand that Employer’s obligations under the Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the eighth (8 th ) calendar day after the date I sign the Release provided that I have timely delivered it to Employer (the “ Effective Date ”) and that in the seven (7) day period following the date I deliver a signed copy of the Release to Employer I understand that I may revoke my acceptance of the Release.  I understand that the Severance Benefits will become available to me after the Effective Date.

13.    In executing the Release, I acknowledge that I have not relied upon any statement made by Employer, or any of its representatives or employees, with regard to the Release unless the representation is specifically included herein.  Furthermore, the Release and the Agreement contain our entire understanding regarding eligibility for and the payment of severance benefits and supersedes any or all prior representations and agreements regarding the subject matter.  Once effective and enforceable, this agreement can only be changed by another written agreement signed by me and an authorized representative of Employer.

14.    Should any provision of the Release be determined by an arbitrator, court of competent jurisdiction, or government agency to be wholly or partially invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining parts, terms, or provisions are intended to remain in full force and effect. Specifically, should a court, arbitrator, or agency conclude that a particular claim may not be released as a matter of law, it is the intention of the parties that the general release and the waiver of unknown claims above shall otherwise remain effective to release any and all other claims.  I acknowledge that I have obtained sufficient information to intelligently exercise my own judgment regarding the terms of the Release before executing the Release.


[Signature Page to General Release Agreement Follows]

 
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EXECUTIVE’S ACCEPTANCE OF RELEASE
 

BEFORE SIGNING MY NAME TO THE RELEASE, I STATE THE FOLLOWING:  I HAVE READ THE RELEASE, I UNDERSTAND IT AND I KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS.  I HAVE OBTAINED SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO INTELLIGENTLY EXERCISE MY OWN JUDGMENT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT I SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT, AND I HAVE SIGNED THE RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.



Date delivered to employee ___________, ______.

Executed this ___________ day of ___________, ______.




 
Signature
 
     
     
 
Name (Please Print)
 

 
[Signature Page to General Release Agreement]

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Exhibit 10.3

RETENTION INCENTIVE AGREEMENT

This Retention Incentive Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of _________, 2011, (the “ Effective Date ”)   by and between ShoreTel, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ___________________ (the “ Executive ”).

RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Executive is a key employee of the Company who possesses valuable proprietary knowledge of the Company, its business and operations and the markets in which the Company competes;

WHEREAS, the Company draws upon the knowledge, experience, expertise and advice of the Executive to manage its business for the benefit of the Company’s stockholders;

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to provide Executive with security and encouragement to remain with the Company by providing certain benefits on termination of employment subject to specified conditions;

WHEREAS, the Company believes that the existence of this Agreement will serve as an incentive to Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and to be focused and motivated to work to maximize the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to encourage the Executive to continue to devote the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the success of the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.              PURPOSE

The purpose of this Agreement is to provide specified compensation and benefits to the Executive in the event of a Termination Upon Change of Control or a Termination in Absence of a Change of Control as an incentive to the Executive to remain in the employment of the Company and to be focused and motivated to work to maximize the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders.  This Agreement does not affect the “at-will” nature of the Executive’s employment and either the Executive or Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time for any reason.

2.              TERMINATION BENEFITS

 
2.1
Prior Obligations .  In the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including voluntary resignation and termination for Cause, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits under this Section 2.1:

 
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2.1.1
Accrued Salary and Vacation .  A lump sum payment of all salary and accrued vacation earned through the Termination Date.

 
2.1.2
Expense Reimbursement .  Upon submission of proper expense reports by the Executive, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all expenses incurred by the Executive, consistent with past practices, in connection with the business of the Company prior to the Executive’s Termination Date.

 
2.1.3
Employee Benefits .  Benefits, if any, under any 401(k) plan, nonqualified deferred compensation plan, employee stock purchase plan and other Company benefit plans under which the Executive may be entitled to benefits, subject to and payable pursuant to the terms of such plans.

 
2.2
Termination in Absence of a Change of Control :  Subject to the Executive executing a binding Termination Release Agreement in a form specified by the Company substantially as attached as Exhibit A, in the event of the Executive’s Termination in the Absence of a Change of Control, in addition to the benefits provided under Section 2.1 of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 
2.2.1
Executive shall receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the sum of (x) two (2) months of Base Salary plus (y) one (1) additional month of Base Salary (each an “ Additional Month of Severance ”) for each full year of employment completed after the Executive’s first full year of employment (the “ Executive’s First Full Year ”); provided, however, each Additional Month of Severance will be prorated for each full month of employment completed during any year subsequent to the Executive’s First Full Year (not to exceed four (4) subsequent years), less applicable withholding, payable in one lump sum.

 
2.2.2
Provided that Executive timely elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company will reimburse Executive for premiums paid for such continuation coverage for a period of two (2) months after Executive’s Termination Date plus one (1) additional month of COBRA reimbursement (each an “ Additional Month of COBRA ”) for each full year of employment completed after the Executive’s First Full Year; provided, however, that each Additional Month of COBRA will be prorated for each full month of employment completed during any year subsequent to the Executive’s First Full Year (not to exceed four (4) subsequent years).

 
2.3
Additional Benefits on Termination Upon Change of Control .  Subject to the Executive executing a binding Termination Release Agreement in a form specified by the Company substantially as attached as Exhibit A, in the event of the Executive’s Termination Upon a Change of Control, in addition to the benefits provided under Section 2.1 of this Agreement (and in place of the benefits provided under Section 2.2 of this Agreement), Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 
2

 

 
2.3.1
Executive shall receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary, less applicable withholding.

 
2.3.2
Executive shall receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s annual target bonus, less applicable withholding.

 
2.3.3
Provided that Executive timely elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for premiums paid for such continuation coverage for a period of six (6) months after Executive’s Termination Date.

 
2.3.4
Fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s unvested, outstanding Equity Awards granted to Executive prior to the Change of Control shall have their vesting and exercisability accelerated in full.  The Executive shall be entitled to exercise any Equity Award within the period as specified by the Equity Award, but in no event later than the expiration date of the Equity Award; provided , however , to the extent permitted by Section 409A (as defined below), the regulations thereunder, and the terms of the Equity Awards, that if such Equity Awards are not assumed by the Successor in a Change of Control, they shall accelerate in full and must be exercised or cashed out in full prior to the consummation of the Change of Control regardless of whether there occurs a Termination Upon Change of Control.

 
2.4
Timing of Payments .  Other than COBRA premium reimbursements, all payments made under Section 2 of this Agreement shall be made as soon as practicable but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the Termination Date provided that, for any payments where a release is required, such release has been executed and is effective within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s Termination Date, and provided further that any payments owed under this Agreement in connection with a Change of Control will be paid within sixty (60) days following the consummation of such Change of Control if Executive’s Termination Date is prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.

3.             FEDERAL EXCISE TAX UNDER SECTION 280G

If (1) any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise are characterized as excess parachute payments pursuant to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and (2) the Executive thereby would be subject to any United States federal excise tax due to that characterization, then Executive’s termination benefits hereunder will be payable, at Executive’s election, either in full or in such lesser amount as would result, after taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, in Executive’s receipt on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of termination and other benefits.  The determination of any reduction required pursuant to this section (including the determination as to which specific payments shall be reduced) shall be made by a neutral party designated by the Company and such determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company or any related corporation for all purposes.  In the event Executive elects to receive such lesser amount of the payments and benefits under this Agreement the payments and benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (A) a pro rata reduction of (i) cash payments that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) cash payments not subject to Section 409A; (B) a pro rata reduction of (i) employee benefits that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) employee benefits not subject to Section 409A; and (C) a pro rata cancellation of (i) accelerated vesting of stock and other equity-based awards that are subject to Section 409A as deferred compensation and (ii) stock and other equity-based awards not subject to Section 409A.  In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock and other equity-based award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s stock and other equity-based awards unless Executive elects in writing a different order for cancellation.

 
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4.              DEFINITIONS

 
4.1
Capitalized Terms Defined .  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 4, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.

 
4.2
Base Salary ” means the base salary of the Executive immediately preceding the Executive’s Termination Date.

4.3           “ Cause ” means:

 
(a)
material failure to perform Executive’s duties; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (a) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct Executive’s behavior; or

 
(b)
engagement in intentional misconduct which is materially detrimental to the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (b) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct his or her behavior; or

 
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(c)
failure or refusal to comply in any material respect with the terms of the Company’s Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement, the Company’s insider trading policy, or any other reasonable policies of the Company; provided that no termination for Cause under this subsection (c) shall occur unless the Executive: (i) has been provided with notice of the Company’s intention to terminate the Executive for Cause, and (ii) has had at least 30 days to cure or correct his or her behavior;

 
(d)
an act or acts of material fraud or dishonesty undertaken by Executive and intended to result in Executive’s substantial gain or personal enrichment at the expense of the Company;

 
(e)
conviction of or plea of no contest to any felony; or

 
(f)
a good faith determination by the Company Board of Directors (“ Board ”) that Executive has failed to cooperate with the Company in any investigation or formal proceeding.

4.4           “ Change of Control ” means:

 
(a)
any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities of the Company under an employee benefit plan of the Company, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty (50%) percent or more of (A) the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or (B) the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities;

 
(b)
the consummation of a merger or consolidation, or series of related transactions, which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto failing to continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity), directly or indirectly, at least fifty (50%) percent of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 
(c)
the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (or consummation of any transaction, or series of related transactions, having similar effect); or

 
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(d)
a change in the composition of the Board occurring within a twelve (12) month period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the Directors are “Incumbent Directors.”  “Incumbent  Directors shall mean Directors who either (i) are Directors as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company (other than those directors who are directors on the date when this Agreement is executed by Executive.

 
4.5
Company ” shall mean ShoreTel, Inc. and, following a Change of Control, any Successor.

 
4.6
Equity Award ” shall mean any option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, stock appreciation right or other equity award to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock granted or issued to the Executive.

 
4.7
Good Reason ” means a material negative change in the service relationship by the occurrence of any of the following conditions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 
(a)
a material reduction of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities relative to Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the removal of Employee from such position, duties and responsibilities, unless Employee is provided with comparable authority, duties, and responsibilities; provided, however, that a reduction in authority, duties, or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a larger entity (as, for example, when the Chief Financial Officer of the Company performs similar duties for the Company or its business operations following a Change of Control but is not made the Chief Financial Officer of the acquiring corporation) shall not, in and of itself, constitute a “Good Reason Event”;

 
(b)
a ten percent (10%) or more reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary (other than an equivalent percentage reduction in annual base salaries that applies to Executive’s entire business unit);

 
(c)
the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office where the Executive was based immediately preceding the Change of Control; or

 
(d)
The Company’s failure to obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor corporation to or acquirer of the Company.

 
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4.8
Permanent Disability ” means “disability” as defined in Section 409A and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder:

 
4.9
Successor ” means the Company as defined above and any successor to or assignee of substantially all of its business and/or assets whether or not as part of a Change of Control.

 
4.10
Termination Date ” means the effective date of an Executive’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder).

 
4.11
Termination in Absence of Change of Control ” means:

 
4.11.1
any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause other than during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following a Change of Control.

 
4.11.2
any resignation by the Executive for Good Reason where (i) such Good Reason occurs other than during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Change of Control, (ii) notice is provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the existence of Good Reason with a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure and (iii) the Executive terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of such cure period.

 
4.11.3
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Termination in Absence of Change of Control” shall not include any termination of the Executive’s employment (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by the Company as a result of Executive’s Permanent Disability; (3) as a result of Executive’s death; or (4) as a result of the Executive voluntarily terminating Executive’s employment with the Company voluntarily or for other than Good Reason.

4.12            Termination Upon Change of Control ” means:

 
4.12.1
any termination of the employment of the Executive by the Company without Cause during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Change of Control; or

 
4.12.2
any resignation by the Executive for Good Reason where (i) such Good Reason occurs during the period commencing during the period beginning three (3) months prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Change of Control, (ii) notice is provided to the Company within ninety (90) days of the existence of Good Reason with a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure and (iii) the Executive terminates employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of such cure period.

 
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4.12.3
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Termination Upon Change of Control” shall not include any termination of Executive’s employment (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by the Company as a result of Executive’s Permanent Disability; (3) as a result of Executive’s death; or (4) as a result of Executive’s voluntary termination of Executive’s employment with the Company other than for Good Reason.

5.             RELEASE OF CLAIMS

Executive’s receipt of payments and benefits under this Agreement is conditioned upon the delivery by Executive of a signed and effective Termination Release Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , provided, however, that the Executive shall not be required to release any rights the Executive may have to be indemnified by the Company.

6.              EXCLUSIVE REMEDY

The Executive shall be entitled to no other termination, severance or change of control compensation, benefits, or other payments from the Company as a result of any Termination Upon a Change of Control with respect to which the payments and/or benefits described in Section 2 have been provided to the Executive, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

7.              CONFLICT IN BENEFITS; NONCUMULATION OF BENEFITS

 
7.1
No Limitation of Regular Benefit Plans .  Except as provided in Section 7.2   below, this Agreement is not intended to and shall not affect, limit or terminate any plans, programs or arrangements of the Company that are regularly made available to a significant number of employees or officers of the Company, including without limitation the Company’s equity incentive plans.

 
7.2
Noncumulation of Benefits .  The Executive may not cumulate cash severance payments, acceleration of Equity Award vesting or other termination benefits under both this Agreement, any other written agreement with the Company and/or another plan or policy of the Company.  If the Executive has any other binding written agreement or other binding arrangement with the Company that provide that upon a change of control or termination of employment the Executive shall receive change of control, termination, severance or similar benefits, then Executive hereby expressly waives Executive’s rights to such other benefits and any agreement providing such benefits terminates and is superseded on the Effective Date of this Agreement.

 
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8.              PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Executive’s receipt of the payments and benefits described in this Agreement are conditioned upon the Executive’s acknowledgment of Executive’s continuing obligation under, and Executive’s agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of, the Company’s Confidentiality and/or Proprietary Rights Agreement between the Executive and the Company.  Accordingly, during the term of this Agreement and following any Termination Upon Change of Control, Executive agrees to continue to abide by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Confidentiality and/or Proprietary Rights Agreement between the Executive and the Company.

9.              NON-SOLICITATION

For a period of one (1) year after the Executive’s Termination Upon Change of Control, the Executive will not solicit the services or business of any employee or consultant of the Company to discontinue that person’s or entity’s relationship with or to the Company without the written consent of the Company.

10.            ARBITRATION

 
10.1
Disputes Subject to Arbitration .  Any claim, dispute or controversy arising out of this Agreement, the interpretation, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the alleged breach thereof shall be submitted by the parties to binding arbitration by a sole arbitrator under the rules of the American Arbitration Association; provided, however, that (1) the arbitrator shall have no authority to make any ruling or judgment that would confer any rights with respect to the trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information or other intellectual property of the Company upon the Executive or any third party; and (2) this arbitration provision shall not preclude the Company from seeking legal and equitable relief from any court having jurisdiction with respect to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the misuse or misappropriation of the Company’s intellectual property. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrator in any court having jurisdiction.

 
10.2
Site of Arbitration .  The site of the arbitration proceeding shall be in Santa Clara County, California.

11.            NOTICES

For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed return receipt requested as follows:

If to the Company:

960 Stewart Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Attn: Legal Department

and, if to the Executive, at the address indicated below or such other address specified by the Executive in writing to the Company.  Either party may provide the other with notices of change of address, which shall be effective upon receipt.

 
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12.            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 
12.1
Heirs and Representatives of the Executive; Successors and Assigns of the Company .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devises and legatees.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Company.
 

 
12.2
No Assignment of Rights .  The interest of the Executive in this Agreement or in any distribution to be made under this Agreement may not be assigned, pledged, alienated, anticipated, or otherwise encumbered (either at law or in equity) and shall not be subject to attachment, bankruptcy, garnishment, levy, execution, or other legal or equitable process. Any act in violation of this Section 13.2 shall be void.

 
12.3
Amendment; Waiver .  No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, amended, waived or discharged unless the modification, amendment, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Executive).  No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

 
12.4
Entire Agreement .  This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) and expressly supersedes any existing agreement or understanding providing for any change control, severance, termination or similar benefits by and between the Executive and the Company.
 
 
12.5
Withholding Taxes; 409A .  All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect all federal, state, local and other taxes required to be withheld by applicable law.   For purposes of this Agreement, to the extent required, any termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this Agreement in connection with Executive’s termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and Executive is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 6-month period measured from Executive’s separation from service from the Company or (ii) the date of Executive’s death following such a separation from service; provided , however , that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Executive including, without limitation, the additional twenty-percent (20%) tax for which Executive would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral.  The first payment thereof will include a catch-up payment covering the amount that would have otherwise been paid during the period between Executive’s termination of employment and the first payment date but for the application of this provision (in a lump sum and without interest), and the balance of the installments (if any) will be payable in accordance with their original schedule.  All forms of compensation referred to in this Agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law.  It is intended that each installment of the payments provided hereunder constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i).  To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A.  To the extent any payment under this Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A (or any state law of similar effect), such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit under this Agreement is determined to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except for any lifetime or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses), in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expenses, and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 
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12.6
Severability .  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 
12.7
Choice of Law .  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to where the Executive has his residence or principal office or where he performs his duties hereunder.

 
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12.8
Effective Date; Term of Agreement .

 
12.8.1
Term of Agreement .  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until the earlier of (a) [________] , and (b) such time as all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. The term of this Agreement may be renewed or extended by written agreement between Executive and the Company.

 
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In Witness Whereof , each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 
Executive
     
   
 
[NAME]
 
     
 
Address:
 
     
     
     
 
shoretel, inc.
     
 
By:
 
     
 
Title:
 

 
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EXHIBIT A

Termination Release Agreement

In consideration of the severance benefits (the “ Severance Benefits ”) offered to me by ShoreTel, Inc. (the “ Employer ”) pursuant to my Retention Incentive Agreement with Employer dated _________, 2008 (the “ Agreement ”) and in connection with the termination of my employment, I agree to the following general release (the “ Release ”).

1.   On behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, I hereby fully and forever generally release and discharge Employer, its current, former and future parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, related entities, employee benefit plans, and their fiduciaries, predecessors, successors, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees and assigns (collectively, the “ Company ”) from any and all claims, causes of action, and liabilities up through the date of my execution of the Release.  The claims subject to this release include, but are not limited to, those relating to my employment with Employer and/or any predecessor or successor to Employer and the termination of such employment.  All such claims (including related attorneys’ fees and costs) are barred without regard to whether those claims are based on any alleged breach of a duty arising in statute, contract, or tort.  This expressly includes waiver and release of any rights and claims arising under any and all laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Americans With Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the National Labor Relations Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”); the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (if applicable); the provisions of the California Labor Code (if applicable); the Equal Pay Act of 1963; and any similar law of any other state or governmental entity.  The parties agree to apply California law in interpreting the Release.  Accordingly, I further waive any rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California or any similar state statute.  Section 1542 states: “ A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which, if known to him, must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor .”  

2.      This Release does not extend to, and has no effect upon, any benefits that have accrued, and to which I have become vested, under any employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA sponsored by the Company.

3.      In understanding the terms of the Release and my rights, I have been advised to consult with an attorney of my choice prior to executing the Release.  I understand that nothing in this Release is intended to constitute an unlawful release or waiver of any of my rights under any laws and/or to prevent, impede, or interfere with my ability and/or rights, if any:  (a) under applicable workers’ compensation laws; (b) to seek unemployment benefits; (c) to file a charge or complaint with a government agency such as but not limited to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or any applicable state agency; (d) provide truthful testimony if under subpoena to do so, (e) file a claim with any state or federal agency or to participate or cooperate in such a matter, and/or (f) to challenge the validity of this release.  Furthermore, notwithstanding any provisions and covenants herein, the Release shall not waive (a) any rights to indemnification I may have as an officer of Employer or otherwise in connection with my employment with Employer, under Employer’s bylaws or other governing instruments or any agreement addressing such subject matter between Employer and me (including any fiduciary insurance policy maintained by Employer under which I am covered) or under any merger or acquisition agreement addressing such subject matter, (b) any obligations owed to me pursuant to the Agreement, (c) my rights of insurance under any liability policy covering Employer’s officers (in addition to the rights under subsection (a) above), or (d) any accrued but unpaid wages; any reimbursement for business expenses pursuant to Employer’s policies for such reimbursements, any outstanding claims for benefits or payments under any benefit plans of Employer or subsidiaries, any accrued but unused vacation, any ongoing agreements evidencing outstanding equity awards granted to me, any obligations owed to me pursuant to the terms of outstanding written agreements between myself and Employer and any claims I may not release as a matter of law, including indemnification claims under applicable law. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any dispute regarding the scope of this general release shall be resolved through binding arbitration pursuant to Section 11 below, and the arbitration provision set forth in the Agreement.

 
 

 

4.      I understand and agree that Employer will not provide me with the Severance Benefits unless I execute the Release.  I also understand that I have received or will receive, regardless of the execution of the Release, all wages owed to me together with any accrued but unused vacation pay, less applicable withholdings and deductions, earned through my termination date.

5.      As part of my existing and continuing obligations to Employer, I have returned to Employer all documents (and all copies thereof) and other property belonging to Employer that I have had in my possession at any time, including but not limited to files, notes, drawings, records, business plans and forecasts, financial information, specification, computer-recorded information, tangible property (including, but not limited to, computers, laptops, pagers, etc.), credit cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys; and any materials of any kind which contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of Employer (and all reproductions thereof).  I understand that, even if I did not sign the Release, I am still bound by any and all confidential/proprietary/trade secret information, non-disclosure and inventions assignment agreement(s) signed by me in connection with my employment with Employer, or with a predecessor or successor of Employer, pursuant to the terms of such agreement(s).

6.      I represent and warrant that I am the sole owner of all claims relating to my employment with Employer and/or with any predecessor of Employer, and that I have not assigned or transferred any claims relating to my employment to any other person or entity.

7.      I agree to keep the Severance Benefits and the provisions of this Release confidential and not to reveal their contents to anyone except my lawyer, my spouse or other immediate family member, and/or my financial consultant, or as required by legal process or applicable law.

8.      I understand and agree that the Release shall not be construed at any time as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either the Company or me.

9.      I understand and agree that the Release shall not be construed at any time as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either the Company or myself.

 
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10.      I agree that I will not make any negative or disparaging statements or comments, either as fact or as opinion, about the Company, its employees, officers, directors, shareholders, vendors, products or services, business, technologies, market position or performance. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit me from providing truthful information in response to a subpoena or other legal process.

11.      Any controversy or any claim arising out of or relating to the interpretation, enforceability or breach of the Release shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration provision of the Agreement.  If for any reason the arbitration procedure set forth in the Agreement is unavailable, I agree to arbitration under the employment arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association or any successor hereto.  The parties further agree that the arbitrator shall not be empowered to add to, subtract from, or modify, alter or amend the terms of the Release.  Any applicable arbitration rules or policies shall be interpreted in a manner so as to ensure their enforceability under applicable state or federal law.

12.      I agree that I have had at least twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to consider whether to execute the Release, no one hurried me into executing the Release during that period, and no one coerced me into executing the Release.  I understand that the offer of the Severance Benefits and the Release shall expire on the twenty-second (22 nd ) calendar day after my employment termination date if I have not accepted it by that time.  I further understand that Employer’s obligations under the Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the eighth (8 th ) calendar day after the date I sign the Release provided that I have timely delivered it to Employer (the “ Effective Date ”) and that in the seven (7) day period following the date I deliver a signed copy of the Release to Employer I understand that I may revoke my acceptance of the Release.  I understand that the Severance Benefits will become available to me after the Effective Date.

13.      In executing the Release, I acknowledge that I have not relied upon any statement made by Employer, or any of its representatives or employees, with regard to the Release unless the representation is specifically included herein.  Furthermore, the Release and the Agreement contain our entire understanding regarding eligibility for and the payment of severance benefits and supersedes any or all prior representations and agreements regarding the subject matter.  Once effective and enforceable, this agreement can only be changed by another written agreement signed by me and an authorized representative of Employer.

14.      Should any provision of the Release be determined by an arbitrator, court of competent jurisdiction, or government agency to be wholly or partially invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining parts, terms, or provisions are intended to remain in full force and effect. Specifically, should a court, arbitrator, or agency conclude that a particular claim may not be released as a matter of law, it is the intention of the parties that the general release and the waiver of unknown claims above shall otherwise remain effective to release any and all other claims.  I acknowledge that I have obtained sufficient information to intelligently exercise my own judgment regarding the terms of the Release before executing the Release.


[Signature Page to General Release Agreement Follows]

 
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EXECUTIVE’S ACCEPTANCE OF RELEASE

 
BEFORE SIGNING MY NAME TO THE RELEASE, I STATE THE FOLLOWING:  I HAVE READ THE RELEASE, I UNDERSTAND IT AND I KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS.  I HAVE OBTAINED SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO INTELLIGENTLY EXERCISE MY OWN JUDGMENT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT I SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT, AND I HAVE SIGNED THE RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.

 
Date delivered to employee ___________, ______.

Executed this ___________ day of ___________, ______.



 
Signature
 
     
     
 
Name (Please Print)
 


[Signature Page to General Release Agreement]
 
 
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EXHIBIT 31.1
                                                                                                                                                                                                       
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15(d)-14(a), AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
                                                                                                           
I, Peter Blackmore, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ShoreTel, Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b.
Designed such internal control over financing reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
   
Date: May 9, 2011  
   
 
/s/ Peter Blackmore
 
Peter Blackmore
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 


EXHIBIT 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15(d)-14(a), AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Michael E. Healy, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ShoreTel, Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b.
Designed such internal control over financing reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: May 9, 2011  
 
/s/ Michael E. Healy
 
Michael E. Healy
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
 
 


EXHIBIT 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Peter Blackmore, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ShoreTel, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of ShoreTel, Inc.
 
Date: May 9, 2011    
     
 
By:
/s/ Peter Blackmore
 
Name:
Peter Blackmore
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
This certification accompanies this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by referenced into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made on or before or after the date of this Report), irrespective at any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
 
 


EXHIBIT 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Michael E. Healy, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ShoreTel, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of ShoreTel, Inc.
 
Date: May 9, 2011    
     
 
By:
/s/ Michael E. Healy
 
Name:
Michael E. Healy
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
 
This certification accompanies this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by referenced into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made on or before or after the date of this Report), irrespective at any general incorporation language contained in such filing.