EXHIBIT 10.5 
                            POINTCAST INCORPORATED

                           1998 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN


     1.   Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this 1998 Director Option Plan
          --------------------                                                 
are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as Outside
Directors (as defined herein) of the Company, to provide additional incentive to
the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage
their continued service on the Board.

          All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock options.

     2.   Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
          -----------                                                         

          (a) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (b) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (c) "COMMON STOCK" means the common stock of the Company.

          (d) "COMPANY" means PointCast Incorporated, a Delaware corporation.

          (e) "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.

          (f) "DISABILITY" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

          (g) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  The payment
of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of itself to
constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (h) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (i) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

               (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the time of determination as reported in
The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;


               (ii)  If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock for the last market trading day prior to the time of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Board deems reliable; or

               (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Board.

          (j) "INSIDE DIRECTOR" means a Director who is an Employee.

          (k) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (l) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.

          (m) "OPTIONEE"  means a Director who holds an Option.

          (n) "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" means a Director who is not an Employee.

          (o) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (p) "PLAN" means this 1998 Director Option Plan.

          (q) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 10 of the Plan.

          (r) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.

     3.   Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of
          -------------------------                                             
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 200,000 Shares (the "POOL"), plus an annual increase to be
added on the first day of the Company's fiscal year (beginning in 1999) equal to
the lesser of (i) the number of Shares needed to restore the maximum aggregate
number of Shares available for sale under the Plan to 200,000 Shares, or (ii) a
lesser amount determined by the Board (the "Pool").  The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

                                      -2-

 
          If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall
become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated).  Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan.

     4.   Administration and Grants of Options under the Plan.  All grants of
          ---------------------------------------------------                
Options to Outside Directors under this Plan shall be automatic and
nondiscretionary and shall be made strictly in accordance with the following
provisions:

          (a)  No person shall have any discretion to select which Outside
Directors shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares to be
covered by Options.

          (b)  Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an Option to
purchase 20,000 Shares (the "First Option") on the date on which the later of
the following events occurs: (i) the date the Company's shareholders approve
the Plan, or (ii) the date on which such person first becomes an Outside
Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or
appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside
Director who ceases to be an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall
not receive a First Option.

          (c)  Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an Option to
purchase 5,000 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") on the date of the annual meeting
of the stockholders of each year provided he or she is then an Outside Director
and if as of such date, he or she shall have served on the Board for at least
the preceding six (6) months.

          (d)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) hereof,
any exercise of an Option granted before the Company has obtained stockholder
approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof shall be conditioned
upon obtaining such stockholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section
16 hereof.

          (e)  The terms of a First Option granted hereunder shall be as
follows:

               (i)   the term of the First Option shall be ten (10) years.

               (ii)  the First Option shall be exercisable only while the
Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

               (iii) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the First Option.

               (iv)  subject to Section 10 hereof, the First Option shall become
exercisable as to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the First
Option on the first anniversary of 

                                      -3-

 
its date of grant, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the First Option at the end
of each full month thereafter, provided that the Optionee continues to serve as
a Director on such dates.

          (f)  The terms of a Subsequent Option granted hereunder shall be as
follows:

               (i)   the term of the Subsequent Option shall be ten (10) years.

               (ii)  the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable only while the
Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

               (iii) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.

               (iv)  subject to Section 10 hereof, the Subsequent Option shall
become exercisable as to one hundred percent (100%) of the Shares subject to the
Subsequent Option on the fourth anniversary of its date of grant, provided that
the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such date.

          (g)  In the event that any Option granted under the Plan would cause
the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the number of Shares
previously purchased under Options to exceed the Pool, then the remaining Shares
available for Option grant shall be granted under Options to the Outside
Directors on a pro rata basis.  No further grants shall be made until such time,
if any, as additional Shares become available for grant under the Plan through
action of the Board or the stockholders to increase the number of Shares which
may be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration of Options
previously granted hereunder.

     5.   Eligibility.  Options may be granted only to Outside Directors.  All
          -----------                                                         
Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4 hereof.

          The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to
continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director, nor
shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the Company
may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the Company at any time.

     6.   Term of Plan.  The Plan shall become effective upon the approval by
          ------------                                                       
the stockholders of the Company.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten
(10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 11 hereof.

     7.   Form of Consideration.  The consideration to be paid for the Shares to
          ---------------------                                                 
be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall
consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which 

                                      -4-

 
said Option shall be exercised, (iv) consideration received by the Company under
a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the
Plan, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

     8.   Exercise of Option.
          ------------------ 

          (a)  Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option
               -----------------------------------------------            
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section
4 hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable until
stockholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof has been
obtained.

          An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

          An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such
exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company.  Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7 of the Plan.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 10 of
the Plan.

          Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the
number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the
Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.

          (b)  Termination of Continuous Status as a Director.  Subject to
               ----------------------------------------------             
Section 10 hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates
(other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability), the Optionee may exercise
his or her Option, but only within three (3) months following the date of such
termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
its ten (10) year term).  To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise an Option on the date of such termination, and to the extent that the
Optionee does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled)
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

          (c)  Disability of Optionee.  In the event Optionee's status as a
               ----------------------                                      
Director terminates as a result of Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or
her Option, but only within twelve (12) months following the date of such
termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
its ten (10) 

                                      -5-

 
year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an
Option on the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option
(to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the
Option shall terminate.

          (d)  Death of Optionee.  In the event of an Optionee's death, the
               -----------------                                           
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12)
months following the date of death, and only to the extent that the Optionee was
entitled to exercise it on the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration of its ten (10) year term).  To the extent that the Optionee was not
entitled to exercise an Option on the date of death, and to the extent that the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise such Option
does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

     9.   Non-Transferability of Options.  Unless provided otherwise by the
          ------------------------------                                   
Administrator, the Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the
Optionee, only by the Optionee.  If the Administrator makes an Option
transferable, such Option shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

     10.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
          ------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Sale.
- ---------- 

          (a)  Changes in Capitalization.  Subject to any required action by the
               -------------------------                                        
stockholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding
Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the
Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been
returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as
the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, and the number of
Shares issuable pursuant to the automatic grant provisions of Section 4 hereof
shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of
issued Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration."  Except as expressly provided herein, no
issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares
subject to an Option.

          (b)  Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed
               --------------------------                               
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not
been previously exercised, it shall terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

          (c)  Merger or Asset Sale.  In the event of a merger of the Company
               --------------------                                          
with or into another corporation or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, (i) outstanding Options shall have their vesting accelerated as
to an additional twenty-five percent (25%) of the 

                                      -6-

 
Shares subject to such Option effective immediately prior to the consummation of
such merger or asset sale, and (ii) outstanding Options may be assumed or
equivalent options may be substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent
or Subsidiary thereof (the "Successor Corporation"). If an Option is assumed or
substituted for, the Option or equivalent option shall continue to be
exercisable as provided in Section 4 hereof for so long as the Optionee serves
as a Director or a director of the Successor Corporation. If the Successor
Corporation does not assume an outstanding Option or substitute for it an
equivalent option, the Option shall terminate as of the date of the closing of
the merger or asset sale.

     For the purposes of this Section 10(c), an Option shall be considered
assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Option confers the right
to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether
stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of
assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of
the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type
of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares).
If such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may,
with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to
be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or
its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by
holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

     11.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
          ------------------------------------- 

          (a)  Amendment and Termination.  The Board may at any time amend,
               -------------------------                                   
alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration,
suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of
any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent.  In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable
law,  regulation or stock exchange rule, the Company shall obtain stockholder
approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as
required.

          (b)  Effect of Amendment or Termination.  Any such amendment or
               ----------------------------------                        
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated.

     12.  Time of Granting Options.  The date of grant of an Option shall, for
          ------------------------                                            
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

     13.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.  Shares shall not be issued
          ----------------------------------                             
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange
upon 

                                      -7-

 
which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

          As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require
the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of
the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

          Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body
having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such
Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

     14.  Reservation of Shares.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
          ---------------------                                             
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

     15.  Option Agreement.  Options shall be evidenced by written option
          ----------------                                               
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.

     16.  Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
          --------------------                                              
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted.  Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner
required under applicable state and federal law and any stock exchange rules.

                                      -8-

 
                                                              

                            POINTCAST INCORPORATED

                           1998 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

                           DIRECTOR OPTION AGREEMENT

                                [FIRST OPTION]


     1.   Grant of Option.  Effective as of today, _______________, 19__,
          ---------------                                                
PointCast Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby grants to
_______________________ (the "Optionee"), a nonstatutory stock option to
purchase a total of twenty thousand (20,000) shares of the Company's Common
Stock ("Common Stock"), at the price determined as provided herein, and in all
respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company's 1998
Director Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company which is incorporated
herein by reference.  The terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined
meanings herein.

     2.   Exercise Price.  The exercise price is $_______ for each share of
          --------------                                                   
Common Stock.

     3.   Exercise of Option.  This Option shall be exercisable during its term
          ------------------                                                   
in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan as follows:

          (a)  Right to Exercise.
               ----------------- 

               (i)  This Option shall become exercisable in installments
cumulatively with respect to twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares subject to
the Option on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and as to an
additional 1/48 of the shares subject to the Option at the end of each full
month thereafter, subject to Optionee continuing to provide services as a
Director, so that one hundred percent (100%) of the Optioned Stock shall be
exercisable four years after the date of grant; provided, however, that in no
event shall any Option be exercisable prior to the date the stockholders of the
Company approve the Plan.

               (ii)  This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

               (iii) In the event of Optionee's death, Disability or other
termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is
governed by Section 8 of the Plan.

          (b)  Method of Exercise.  This Option shall be exercisable by written
               ------------------                                              
notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised.  Such written notice,
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the
Company.  The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the exercise
price.

     4.   Method of Payment.  Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of
          -----------------                                                   
the following,

 
or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

          (a)  cash;

          (b)  check; or

          (c)  surrender of other shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as
to which said Option shall be exercised; or

          (d)  delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Company and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.

     5.   Restrictions on Exercise.  This Option may not be exercised if the
          ------------------------                                          
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance
would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the
Shares may then be listed. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the
Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the
Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

     6.   Non-Transferability of Option.  This Option may not be transferred in
          -----------------------------                                        
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms
of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of the Optionee.

     7.   Term of Option.  This Option may not be exercised more than ten (10)
          --------------                                                      
years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such
period only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

     8.   Taxation Upon Exercise of Option.  Optionee understands that, upon
          --------------------------------                                  
exercise of this

 
Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an amount equal to
the excess of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares purchased over the
exercise price paid for such Shares.  Since the Optionee is subject to Section
16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain limited
circumstances the measurement and timing of such income (and the commencement of
any capital gain holding period) may be deferred, and the Optionee is advised to
contact a tax advisor concerning the application of Section 83 in general and
the availability a Section 83(b) election in particular in connection with the
exercise of the Option.  Upon a resale of such Shares by the Optionee, any
difference between the sale price and the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the
date of exercise of the Option, to the extent not included in income as
described above, will be treated as capital gain or loss.

     Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and
provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms
and provisions thereof.  Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive
and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions
arising under the Plan.


OPTIONEE:                                POINTCAST INCORPORATED



___________________________________      ______________________________________
Signature                                By

___________________________________      ______________________________________
Print Name                               Title

____________________________________
Residence Address

____________________________________

                                      -3-

 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------
                                        
                           1998 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

                        DIRECTOR OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE


PointCast Incorporated
501 Macara Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA  94086


Attention:  Secretary


     1.   Exercise of Option.  The undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to
          ------------------                                                
exercise Optionee's option to purchase ______ shares of the Common Stock (the
"Shares") of PointCast Incorporated (the "Company") under and pursuant to the
Company's 1998 Director Option Plan and the Director Option Agreement dated
_______________ (the "Agreement").

     2.   Representations of Optionee.  Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
          ---------------------------                                          
received, read and understood the Agreement.

     3.   Tax Consequences.  Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
          ----------------                                                
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares.  Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax
consultant(s) Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

     4.   Delivery of Payment.  Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
          -------------------                                                
aggregate purchase price for the Shares that Optionee has elected to purchase
and has made provision for the payment of any federal or state withholding taxes
required to be paid or withheld by the Company.

     5.   Entire Agreement.  The Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.
          ----------------                                                      
This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter
hereof.  This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Agreement are governed by
California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

 
Submitted by:                           Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                              POINTCAST INCORPORATED


__________________________________      _____________________________________
Signature                               By

__________________________________      _____________________________________
Print Name                              Its


Address:                                Address:
- -------                                 ------- 

_________________________________       501 Macara Avenue
_________________________________       Sunnyvale, CA  94086

_________________________________
Date Received
                                      -2-

 
                            POINTCAST INCORPORATED

                           1998 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

                           DIRECTOR OPTION AGREEMENT

                              [SUBSEQUENT OPTION]


     1.   Grant of Option.  Effective as of today, _______________, 19__,
          ---------------                                                
PointCast Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby grants to
_______________________ (the "Optionee"), a nonstatutory stock option to
purchase a total of five thousand (5,000) shares of the Company's Common Stock
("Common Stock"), at the price deter  mined as provided herein, and in all
respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company's 1998
Director Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company which is incorporated
herein by reference.  The terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined
meanings herein.

     2.   Exercise Price.  The exercise price is $_______ for each share of
          --------------                                                   
Common Stock.

     3.   Exercise of Option.  This Option shall be exercisable during its term
          ------------------                                                   
in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan as follows:

          (a)  Right to Exercise.
               ----------------- 

               (i)   This Option shall become exercisable in installments
cumulatively with respect to one hundred percent (100%) of the shares subject to
the Option on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, subject to Optionee
continuing to provide services as a Director, so that one hundred percent (100%)
of the Optioned Stock shall be exercisable four years after the date of grant;
provided, however, that in no event shall any Option be exercisable prior to the
date the stockholders of the Company approve the Plan.

               (ii)  This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

               (iii) In the event of Optionee's death, Disability or other
termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is
governed by Section 8 of the Plan.

          (b)  Method of Exercise.  This Option shall be exercisable by written
               ------------------                                              
notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised.  Such written notice,
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the
Company.  The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the exercise
price.

     4.   Method of Payment.  Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of
          -----------------                                                   
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

 
          (a)  cash;

          (b)  check; or

          (c)  surrender of other shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as
to which said Option shall be exercised; or

          (d)  delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with
such other documentation as the Company and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.

     5.   Restrictions on Exercise.  This Option may not be exercised if the
          ------------------------                                          
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance
would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the
Shares may then be listed. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the
Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the
Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

     6.   Non-Transferability of Option.  This Option may not be transferred in
          -----------------------------                                        
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms
of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of the Optionee.

     7.   Term of Option.  This Option may not be exercised more than ten (10)
          --------------                                                      
years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such
period only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

     8.   Taxation Upon Exercise of Option.  Optionee understands that, upon
          --------------------------------                                  
exercise of this

 
Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an amount equal to
the excess of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares purchased over the
exercise price paid for such Shares. Since the Optionee is subject to Section
16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain limited
circumstances the measurement and timing of such income (and the commencement of
any capital gain holding period) may be deferred, and the Optionee is advised to
contact a tax advisor concerning the application of Section 83 in general and
the availability a Section 83(b) election in particular in connection with the
exercise of the Option. Upon a resale of such Shares by the Optionee, any
difference between the sale price and the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the
date of exercise of the Option, to the extent not included in income as
described above, will be treated as capital gain or loss.

     Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and
provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms
and provisions thereof.  Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive
and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions
arising under the Plan.


OPTIONEE:                                POINTCAST INCORPORATED

___________________________________      ___________________________________
Signature                                By

___________________________________      ___________________________________
Print Name                               Title

___________________________________
Residence Address

____________________________________

                                      -3-

 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------
                                        
                           1998 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

                        DIRECTOR OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE


PointCast Incorporated
501 Macara Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA  94086


Attention:  Secretary


     1.   Exercise of Option.  The undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to
          ------------------                                                
exercise Optionee's option to purchase ______ shares of the Common Stock (the
"Shares") of PointCast Incorporated (the "Company") under and pursuant to the
Company's 1998 Director Option Plan and the Director Option Agreement dated
_______________ (the "Agreement").

     2.   Representations of Optionee.  Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
          ---------------------------                                          
received, read and understood the Agreement.

     3.   Tax Consequences.  Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
          ----------------                                                
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares.  Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax
consultant(s) Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

     4.   Delivery of Payment.  Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
          -------------------                                                
aggregate purchase price for the Shares that Optionee has elected to purchase
and has made provision for the payment of any federal or state withholding taxes
required to be paid or withheld by the Company.

     5.   Entire Agreement.  The Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.
          ----------------                                                      
This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter
hereof.  This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Agreement are governed by
California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

 
Submitted by:                            Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                               POINTCAST INCORPORATED


___________________________________      ___________________________________
Signature                                By

___________________________________      ___________________________________
Print Name                               Its


Address:                                 Address:
- -------                                  ------- 

_________________________________        501 Macara Avenue
_________________________________        Sunnyvale, CA  94086

_________________________________
Date Received
                                      -2-