The present invention provides compounds of formula I: ##STR00001## or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein A, B, Q, R.sup.1, and R.sup.2 are as described in the specification. These compounds are inhibitors of protein kinase, particularly inhibitors of AKT or PDK1 kinase, mammalian protein kinases involved in proliferative and neurodegenerative disorders. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, processes for preparing the compounds, and methods of utilizing those compositions in the treatment of various disorders.