<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

================================================================================


                          LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT


                                 by and among


                       SYSTEM SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES, INC.
                        AND CERTAIN OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES


                               as the Obligors,

                                      and

             THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED HEREIN

                                as the Lenders,

                                      and

                         FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION

                                   as Agent


                          Dated as of August 11, 1999

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
1.     DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION...................................................................       1
       1.1  Definitions...............................................................................       1
       1.2  Accounting Terms..........................................................................      31
       1.3  Code......................................................................................      32
       1.4  Construction..............................................................................      32
       1.5  Schedules and Exhibits....................................................................      32

2.     LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT......................................................................      32
       2.1  Revolver Advances.........................................................................      32
       2.2  Term Loans................................................................................      34
       2.3  Borrowing Procedures and Settlements......................................................      36
       2.4  Payments..................................................................................      44
       2.5  Overadvances..............................................................................      46
       2.6  Interest and Letter of Credit Fees:  Rates, Payments, and Calculations....................      46
       2.7  Collection of Accounts....................................................................      49
       2.8  Crediting Payments; Float Charge..........................................................      50
       2.9  Designated Account........................................................................      50
       2.10 Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations....................................      50
       2.11 Fees......................................................................................      51
       2.12 Letters of Credit.........................................................................      51

3.     CONDITIONS; TERM OF AGREEMENT..................................................................      54
       3.1  Conditions Precedent to the Initial Extension of Credit...................................      54
       3.2  Conditions Subsequent to the Initial Extension of Credit..................................      59
       3.3  Conditions Precedent to all Extensions of Credit..........................................      60
       3.4  Term......................................................................................      61
       3.5  Effect of Termination.....................................................................      61
       3.6  Early Termination by Borrower.............................................................      61

4.     CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST..................................................................      62
       4.1  Grants of Security Interests..............................................................      62
       4.2  Negotiable Collateral.....................................................................      63
       4.3  Collection of Accounts, General Intangibles, and Negotiable Collateral....................      63
       4.4  Delivery of Additional Documentation Required.............................................      64
       4.5  Power of Attorney.........................................................................      64
       4.6  Right to Inspect..........................................................................      65
       4.7  Control Agreements........................................................................      65

5.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.................................................................      66
       5.1  No Encumbrances...........................................................................      66
       5.2  Eligible Accounts.........................................................................      66
       5.3  [Intentionally Omitted]...................................................................      67
</TABLE>

                                      -i-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
       5.4  Equipment.................................................................................     67
       5.5  Location of Inventory and Equipment.......................................................     67
       5.6  Inventory Records.........................................................................     67
       5.7  Location of Chief Executive Office; FEIN..................................................     67
       5.8  Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries..........................................     67
       5.9  Due Authorization; No Conflict............................................................     68
       5.10 Litigation................................................................................     69
       5.11 No Material Adverse Change................................................................     70
       5.12 Fraudulent Transfer.......................................................................     70
       5.13 Employee Benefits.........................................................................     70
       5.14 Environmental Condition...................................................................     70
       5.15 Brokerage Fees............................................................................     70
       5.16 Year 2000 Compliance......................................................................     70
       5.17 Intellectual Property.....................................................................     71
       5.18 Leases....................................................................................     71
       5.19 Software License Agreement................................................................     71
       5.20 Maintenance Agreement.....................................................................     71
       5.21 Issuance of Securities....................................................................     71
       5.22 No General Solicitation...................................................................     72
       5.23 No Integrated Offering....................................................................     72
       5.24 S-3 Registration..........................................................................     72
       5.25 Disclosure................................................................................     72
       5.26 Investment Company Status.................................................................     72
       5.27 Immaterial Subsidiary.....................................................................     72
       5.28 Required Library..........................................................................     72

6.     AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS..........................................................................     73
       6.1  Accounting System.........................................................................     73
       6.2  Collateral Reporting......................................................................     73
       6.3  Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates...............................................     74
       6.4  Guarantor Reports.........................................................................     75
       6.5  Return....................................................................................     75
       6.6  Title to Equipment........................................................................     75
       6.7  Maintenance of Equipment..................................................................     75
       6.8  Taxes.....................................................................................     76
       6.9  Insurance.................................................................................     76
       6.10 No Setoffs or Counterclaims...............................................................     77
       6.11 Location of Inventory and Equipment.......................................................     77
       6.12 Compliance with Laws......................................................................     77
       6.13 [Intentionally Omitted]...................................................................     77
       6.14 Leases....................................................................................     77
       6.15 Brokerage Commissions.....................................................................     77
       6.16 Year 2000 Compliance......................................................................     78
       6.17 Projections...............................................................................     78
       6.18 Corporate Existence, etc..................................................................     78
</TABLE>

                                      ii
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
       6.19 Disclosure Updates........................................................................     78
       6.20 Copyright Registrations...................................................................     78

7.     NEGATIVE COVENANTS..............................................................................    79
       7.1  Indebtedness..............................................................................     79
       7.2  Liens.....................................................................................     79
       7.3  Restrictions on Fundamental Changes.......................................................     79
       7.4  Disposal of Assets........................................................................     80
       7.5  Change Name...............................................................................     80
       7.6  Guarantee.................................................................................     80
       7.7  Nature of Business........................................................................     80
       7.8  Prepayments and Amendments................................................................     80
       7.9  Change of Control.........................................................................     80
       7.10 Consignments..............................................................................     80
       7.11 Distributions.............................................................................     80
       7.12 Accounting Methods........................................................................     81
       7.13 Investments...............................................................................     81
       7.14 Transactions with Affiliates..............................................................     81
       7.15 Suspension................................................................................     81
       7.16 Compensation..............................................................................     81
       7.17 Use of Proceeds...........................................................................     81
       7.18 Change in Location of Chief Executive Office; Inventory and Equipment with Bailees........     81
       7.19 Defined Benefit Plan......................................................................     81
       7.20 Financial Covenants.......................................................................     82
       7.21 Capital Expenditures......................................................................     82
       7.22 Securities Accounts.......................................................................     82
       7.23 Preferred Stock...........................................................................     82
       7.24 Software License Agreement................................................................     82
       7.25 Maintenance Agreement.....................................................................     83
       7.26 Immaterial Subsidiary.....................................................................     83
       7.27 Amendment to Certain Documents............................................................     83

8.     EVENTS OF DEFAULT..............................................................................     83

9.     THE LENDER GROUP'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.........................................................     85
       9.1  Rights and Remedies.......................................................................     85
       9.2  Remedies Cumulative.......................................................................     87

10.    TAXES AND EXPENSES.............................................................................     88

11.    WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION.......................................................................     88
       11.1 Demand; Protest; etc......................................................................     88
       11.2 The Lender Group's Liability for Collateral...............................................     88
       11.3 Indemnification...........................................................................     88
</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
12.    NOTICES.........................................................................................     89

13.    CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER......................................................     90

14.    ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS; SUCCESSORS......................................................     91
       14.1  Assignments and Participations............................................................     91
       14.2  Successors................................................................................     94

15.    AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS.............................................................................     94
       15.1  Amendments and Waivers....................................................................     94
       15.2  No Waivers; Cumulative Remedies...........................................................     95

16.    AGENT; LENDER GROUP.............................................................................     96
       16.1  Appointment and Authorization of Agent....................................................     96
       16.2  Delegation of Duties......................................................................     97
       16.3  Liability of Agent - Related Persons......................................................     97
       16.4  Reliance by Agent.........................................................................     97
       16.5  Notice of Default or Event of Default.....................................................     98
       16.6  Credit Decision...........................................................................     98
       16.7  Costs and Expenses; Indemnification.......................................................     99
       16.8  Agent in Individual Capacity..............................................................     99
       16.9  Successor Agent...........................................................................    100
       16.10 Lender in Individual Capacity.............................................................    100
       16.11 Withholding Tax...........................................................................    101
       16.12 Collateral Matters........................................................................    102
       16.13 Restrictions on Actions by Lenders; Sharing of Payments...................................    103
       16.14 Agency for Perfection.....................................................................    104
       16.15 Payments by Agent to the Lenders..........................................................    104
       16.16 Concerning the Collateral and Related Loan Documents......................................    104
       16.17 Field Audits and Examination Reports; Confidentiality; Disclaimers by Lenders; Other
             Reports and Information...................................................................    104
       16.18 Several Obligations; No Liability.........................................................    106
       16.19 [Intentionally Omitted]...................................................................    106

17.    GENERAL PROVISIONS..............................................................................    106
       17.1  Effectiveness.............................................................................    106
       17.2  Successors and Assigns....................................................................    106
       17.3  Section Headings..........................................................................    106
       17.4  Interpretation............................................................................    106
       17.5  Severability of Provisions................................................................    107
       17.6  Amendments in Writing.....................................................................    107
       17.7  Counterparts; Telefacsimile Execution.....................................................    107
       17.8  Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations..................................................    107
       17.9  Integration...............................................................................    107
       17.10 Appointment of Swing Lender...............................................................    107
</TABLE>

                                      iv
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
       17.11 Time of the Essence.......................................................................    108

18.    Conversion......................................................................................    108
       18.1  Privilege.................................................................................    108
       18.2  Procedure.................................................................................    108
       18.3  Fractional Shares.........................................................................    108
       18.4  Taxes on Conversion.......................................................................    109
       18.5  SSA to Provide Stock......................................................................    109
       18.6  Adjustment of Conversion Price............................................................    109
       18.7  Notice of Adjustment......................................................................    113
       18.8  Notice of Certain Transactions............................................................    113
       18.9  Effect of Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale on Conversion Privilege.........    113
       18.10 Listing...................................................................................    114
       18.11 Dilutive Effect...........................................................................    114
       18.12 No Integration............................................................................    114

19.    Confidentiality.................................................................................    115
</TABLE>

                                       v
<PAGE>

                          LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
                          ---------------------------


          THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is entered into
as of August 11, 1999, by and among SYSTEM SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("SSA"), SSA CANADA CORPORATION, a corporation organized under the
laws of Canada ("Canadian Sub"), SYSTEM SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES LIMITED, a
corporation organized under the laws of England and Wales and registered with
company number 4824635 ("SSA Limited"), certain of the Subsidiaries of SSA
identified on the signature pages hereof, the financial institutions identified
on the signature pages hereof (such financial institutions, together with their
respective successors and assigns, are referred to hereinafter each individually
as a "Lender" and collectively as the "Lenders"), and FOOTHILL CAPITAL
CORPORATION, a California corporation, as agent for the Lenders.

     The parties agree as follows:

1.  DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.

     1.1 Definitions.
         -----------

          As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following definitions:

          "Acclaim" means SSA-Acclaim Limited, a corporation organized under the
           -------
laws of England and Wales and registered with company number 2215311.

          "Account Debtor" means any Person who is or who may become obligated
           --------------
under, with respect to, or on account of, an Account, a UK Sub Account, or a
Canadian Sub Account, a General Intangible, a UK Sub General Intangible, or a
Canadian Sub General Intangible, Investment Property, UK Sub Investment
Property, or Canadian Sub Investment Property, or Negotiable Collateral, UK Sub
Negotiable Collateral, or Canadian Sub Negotiable Collateral.

          "Accounts" means all currently existing and hereafter arising
           --------
accounts, contract rights, and all other forms of obligations owing to Borrower
arising out of the sale or lease of goods or software or the rendition of
services by Borrower, irrespective of whether earned by performance, and any and
all credit insurance, guaranties, or security therefor.

          "Advances" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
           --------                               -----------

          "Affiliate" means, as applied to any Person, any other Person who,
           ---------
directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with, such Person.  For purposes of this definition, "control" means the
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and
policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Stock, by contract, or
otherwise.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

          "Agent" means Foothill Capital Corporation, a California corporation,
           -----
solely in its capacity as agent for the Lenders, and shall include any successor
agent.

          "Agent's Account" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.
           ---------------                               -----------

          "Agent Advances" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(e)(i).
           --------------                               -----------------

          "Agent's Liens" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
           -------------                               --------------

          "Agent's Term Loan Liens" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b).
           -----------------------                               --------------

          "Agent-Related Persons" means Agent together with its Affiliates,
           ---------------------
officers, directors, employees, and agents.

          "Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
           ---------

          "Applicable Prepayment Premium" means, as of any date of
           -----------------------------
determination, an amount equal to (a) during the period of time from and after
the date of the execution and delivery of this Agreement up to the first
anniversary of the Closing Date, 3.0% times the Maximum Revolver Amount, (b)
during the period of time from and including the first anniversary of the
Closing Date up to the second anniversary of the Closing Date, 2.0% times the
Maximum Revolver Amount, and (c) during the period of time from and including
the second anniversary of the Closing Date up to the Maturity Date, 1.0% times
the Maximum Revolver Amount.

          "Assignee" has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1.
           --------                               ------------

          "Assignment and Acceptance" means an Assignment and Acceptance in the
           -------------------------
form of Exhibit A-1 attached hereto.
        -----------

          "Authorized Person" means any officer or other employee of Borrower.
           -----------------

          "Availability" means, as of any date of determination, determined at
           ------------
the close of business on such date, if such date is a Business Day, and
determined at the close of business on the immediately preceding Business Day,
if such date of determination is not a Business Day, the amount that Borrower is
entitled to borrow as Advances under Section 2.1 (after giving effect to all
                                     ------------
then outstanding Obligations and all limits, sublimits, and Reserves applicable
hereunder).

          "Bankruptcy Code" means the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended,
           ---------------
any successor statute, and any equivalent foreign legislation.

          "Base Rate" means, the rate of interest announced within Wells Fargo
           ---------
Bank, N.A. at its principal office in San Francisco as its "prime rate", with
the understanding that the "prime rate" is one of Wells Fargo's base rates (not
necessarily the lowest of such rates) and serves as the basis upon which
effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

making reference thereto and is evidenced by the recording thereof after its
announcement in such internal publication or publications as Wells Fargo may
designate.

          "Benefit Plan" means a "defined benefit plan" (as defined in Section
           ------------
3(35) of ERISA for which Borrower or any Subsidiary or ERISA Affiliate of
Borrower has been an "employer" (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA) within the
past six years.

          "Books" means all of Borrower's books and records (including all of
           -----
its records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing its assets (including the
Collateral) or liabilities, all of its information relating to its business
operations or financial condition, and all of its computer programs, disks,
files, printouts, runs, or other computer prepared information).

          "Borrower" means SSA.
           --------

          "Borrowing" means a borrowing hereunder consisting of Advances made to
           ---------
Borrower on the same day by the Lenders, or Agent on behalf thereof, or by Swing
Lender in the case of a Swing Loan, or by Agent in the case of an Agent Advance.

          "Borrowing Base" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
           --------------                               -----------

          "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other
           ------------
day on which national banks are authorized or required to close in California,
Illinois, or New York.

          "Business Valuation" means a going concern valuation of Borrower and
           ------------------
Borrower's business, as determined by a qualified appraisal company selected by
the Lenders and reasonably acceptable to Borrower.

          "Canadian Liens" means those Liens of (a) the Province of Ontario with
           --------------
respect to approximately $150,000 of unpaid sales tax obligations, (b) Comdisco
Canada Ltd reflected by the Personal Property Security Act filing with
registration number 19971110143315303132, (c) IBM Canada Limited reflected by
the Personal Property Security Act filings with registration numbers
19960808191415291290, 19960806190215297012, and 19960503194715299781, and (d)
Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd. reflected by the Personal Property Security Act
filing with registration number 19980210180915310426.

          "Canadian Sub" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
           ------------
Agreement.

          "Canadian Sub Accounts" means all currently existing and hereafter
           ---------------------
arising accounts, contract rights, and all other forms of obligations owing to
Canadian Sub arising out of the sale or lease of goods or the rendition of
services by Canadian Sub, irrespective of whether earned by performance, and any
and all credit insurance, guaranties, or security therefor.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

          "Canadian Sub Books" means all of Canadian Sub's books and records
           ------------------
(including all of its records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing its assets
(including the Canadian Sub Collateral) or liabilities, all of its information
relating to its business operations or financial condition, and all of its
computer programs, disks, files, printouts, runs, or other computer prepared
information).

          "Canadian Sub Closing Date" means the date of the satisfaction, in
           -------------------------
full, of each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.1B hereof.
                                                       ------------

          "Canadian Sub Collateral" means the Canadian Sub Accounts, the
           -----------------------
Canadian Sub Books, the Canadian Sub Equipment, the Canadian Sub General
Intangibles, the Canadian Sub Inventory, the Canadian Sub Negotiable Collateral,
and all of the other items of collateral in which a Lien is granted by Canadian
Sub to Agent pursuant to the Canadian Sub Security Documents.

          "Canadian Sub Dilution" means, as of any date of determination, a
           ---------------------
percentage, based upon the experience of the immediately prior 365 days, that is
the result of dividing the Dollar amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts
(other than those reflected on the face of the relevant invoice), advertising
allowances, returns, credits, or other dilutive items with respect to the
Canadian Sub Accounts, by (b) Canadian Sub's Collections with respect to
Canadian Sub Accounts (excluding extraordinary items) plus the Dollar amount of
clause (a).

          "Canadian Sub Dilution Reserve" means, as of any date of
           -----------------------------
determination, an amount sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible
Canadian Sub Accounts by one percentage point for each percentage point by which
Canadian Sub Dilution is in excess of 4.0%.

          "Canadian Sub Equipment" means all of Canadian Sub's present and
           ----------------------
hereafter acquired machinery, machine tools, motors, equipment, furniture,
furnishings, fixtures, vehicles (including motor vehicles and trailers), tools,
parts, goods (other than consumer goods, farm products, or Canadian Sub
Inventory), wherever located, including all attachments, accessories,
accessions, replacements, substitutions, additions, and improvements to any of
the foregoing.

          "Canadian Sub General Intangibles" means all of Canadian Sub's present
           --------------------------------
and future general intangibles and other personal property (including contract
rights, rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or
things in action, goodwill, patents, trade names, trademarks, servicemarks,
copyrights, blueprints, drawings, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or
recoverable from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights
under any royalty or licensing agreements, infringement claims, computer
programs, information contained on computer disks or tapes, literature, reports,
catalogs, deposit accounts, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and tax
refund claims), other than goods, Canadian Sub Accounts, and Canadian Sub
Negotiable Collateral.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

          "Canadian Sub Inventory" means all present and future inventory in
           ----------------------
which Canadian Sub has any interest, including goods held for sale or lease or
to be furnished under a contract of service and all of Canadian Sub's present
and future raw materials, work in process, finished goods, and packing and
shipping materials, wherever located.

          "Canadian Sub Negotiable Collateral" means all of Canadian Sub's
           ----------------------------------
present and future letters of credit, notes, drafts, instruments, Investment
Property, documents, personal property leases, and chattel paper.

          "Canadian Sub Security Documents" means certain security and guaranty
           -------------------------------
documents that by their respective terms provide that they are governed by the
laws of Canada, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Agent.

          "Capital Expenditures" means expenditures that must be capitalized on
           --------------------
a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, but excluding capitalized software.

          "Capital Lease" means a lease that is required to be capitalized for
           -------------
financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

          "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means any Indebtedness represented by
           ----------------------------
obligations under Capital Lease.

          "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as:
           -----------------
(a) a "person" or "group" (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act), other than Permitted Holders, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more
than 30% of the total voting power of all classes of Stock then outstanding of
SSA entitled to vote in the election of directors; (b) less than 100% of the
issued and outstanding Stock of each Subsidiary that is a Guarantor shall fail
to be owned and controlled, beneficially and of record, by SSA or one of the
Guarantors; (c) a majority of members of the board of directors of SSA are not
Continuing Directors; (d) a "Change in Control" (as such term is defined in the
Indenture) occurs; or (e) a "Change of Control Event" (as such term is defined
in the Stock Purchase Agreement) occurs.

          "Closing Date" means the date of the making of the initial Advance (or
           ------------
other extension of credit) hereunder.

          "Closing Date Assignments" means those Assignment and Acceptance
           ------------------------
Agreements to be executed and delivered on or about the Closing Date between
Foothill, on the one hand, and one or more of Ableco Finance LLC or its
Affiliates, on the other hand, relative to the Term Loan B Amount, and the Term
Loan C Amount.

          "Closing Date Business Plan" means the set of Projections of Borrower
           --------------------------
for the 2 year period following the Closing Date and ending on October 31, 2001
(on a year by year

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

basis, and for the 1 year period following the Closing Date, on a quarterly
basis), in form and substance (including as to scope and underlying assumptions)
satisfactory to the Lenders.

          "Code" means the New York Uniform Commercial Code.
           ----

          "Collateral" means all of Borrower's right, title, and interest in and
           ----------
to each of the following:

               (a) the Accounts,
               (b) the Books,
               (c) the Equipment,
               (d) the General Intangibles,
               (e) the Inventory,
               (f) the Investment Property,
               (g) the Negotiable Collateral,

               (h) any money, or other assets of Borrower that now or hereafter
come into the possession, custody, or control of any member of the Lender Group,
and

               (i) the proceeds and products, whether tangible or intangible, of
any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance covering any or all of the
foregoing, and any and all Accounts, Books, Equipment, General Intangibles,
Inventory, Investment Property, Negotiable Collateral, Real Property, money,
deposit accounts, or other tangible or intangible property resulting from the
sale, exchange, collection, or other disposition of any of the foregoing, or any
portion thereof or interest therein, and the proceeds thereof.

          "Collateral Access Agreement" means a landlord waiver, bailee letter,
           ---------------------------
or acknowledgement agreement of any lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee,
or other Person in possession of, having a Lien upon, or having rights or
interests in the Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral, or the Canadian Sub
Collateral, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Agent.

          "Collections" means all cash, checks, notes, instruments, and other
           -----------
items of payment (including insurance proceeds, proceeds of cash sales, rental
proceeds, and tax refunds) of the Specified Obligors.

          "Commitment" means, with respect to each Lender, its Revolving Credit
           ----------
Commitment, Term Loan A Sub-Commitment, Letter of Credit Sub-Commitment, Term
Loan B Commitment, Term Loan C Commitment, or Total Commitment, as the context
requires and, with respect to all Lenders, their Revolving Credit Commitments,
Term Loan A Sub-Commitments, Letter of Credit Sub-Commitments, Term Loan B
Commitments, Term

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

Loan C Commitments, or Total Commitments, as the context requires, in each case
as such Dollar amounts are set forth beside such Lender's name under the
applicable heading on Schedule C-1 attached hereto or on the signature page of
                      ------------
the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a Lender
hereunder in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.1.
                                               ------------

          "Common Share Limit" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 18.1.
           ------------------                                      ------------

          "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $0.0033 per
           ------------
share, of SSA.

          "Compliance Certificate"  means a certificate substantially in the
           ----------------------
form of Exhibit C-2 delivered by the chief financial officer of Borrower to
        -----------
Agent.

          "Contingent Surviving Obligations" means all contingent Obligations of
           --------------------------------
Borrower to indemnify Lender Group under this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents.

          "Continuing Director" means, as of any date of determination, a member
           -------------------
of the board of directors of SSA who (a) was a member of the board of directors
of SSA on the Closing Date, or (b) was nominated to be a member of the board of
directors of SSA by a majority of the Continuing Directors (or subsequent
nominees thereof) then in office to fill a vacancy left by the death, expiration
of term, permanent disability, or resignation of a Continuing Director.

          "Control Agreement" means a control agreement, in form and substance
           -----------------
reasonably satisfactory to Agent, among Borrower, Agent, and the applicable
securities intermediary with respect to the applicable Securities Account and
related Investment Property.

          "Conversion Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 18.2.
           -----------------                               ------------

          "Conversion Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 18.2.
           ---------------                               ------------

          "Conversion Price" means the lower of: (a) 80% of the average of the
           ----------------
daily closing bid prices for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately prior
to the Conversion Date (the "Variable Conversion Price"), or (b) the closing bid
price per share of Common Stock of SSA on the trading day immediately preceding
the Closing Date (the "Fixed Conversion Price"), in each case, subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 18.
                          ----------

          "Conversion Shares" means the shares of Common Stock issued upon
           -----------------
conversion of the Term Loan C Amount.

          "copyright" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the United
           ---------
States Copyright Act of 1976 (as amended), and includes unregistered copyrights.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

          "Copyright Security Agreement" means that certain Copyright Security
           ----------------------------
Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, between Borrower and Agent, in form
and substance satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

          "Daily Balance" means, with respect to each day during the term of
           -------------
this Agreement, the amount of an Obligation owed at the end of such day.

          "Default" means an event, condition, or default that, with the giving
           -------
of notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

          "Defaulting Lender" means any Lender that fails to make any Advance
           -----------------
that it is required to make hereunder on any Funding Date and that has not cured
such failure by making such Advance within 1 Business Day after written demand
upon it by Agent to do so.

          "Defaulting Lender Rate" means the Base Rate for the first 3 days from
           ----------------------
and after the date the relevant payment is due and, thereafter, at that interest
rate equal to the greater of (a) the interest rate then applicable to Advances,
and (b) the Base Rate.

          "Designated Account" means account number 4232046 of Borrower
           ------------------
maintained with Borrower's Designated Account Bank, or such other deposit
account of Borrower (located within the United States) that has been designated
as such, in writing, by Borrower to Agent.

          "Designated Account Bank" means American National Bank and Trust
           -----------------------
Company of Chicago, whose office is located at 120 South LaSalle Street, Chicago
Illinois, 60606 and whose ABA number is 071-000-770.

          "Dilution" means, as of any date of determination, a percentage, based
           --------
upon the experience of the immediately prior 365 days, that is the result of
dividing the Dollar amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts (other than
those reflected on the face of the relevant invoice), advertising allowances,
returns, credits, or other dilutive items with respect to the Accounts, by (b)
Borrower's Collections with respect to Accounts (excluding extraordinary items)
plus the Dollar amount of clause (a).

          "Dilution Reserve" means, as of any date of determination, an amount
           ----------------
sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible Accounts by one
percentage point for each percentage point by which Dilution is in excess of
4.0%.

          "Disbursement Letter" means an instructional letter executed and
           -------------------
delivered by Borrower to Agent regarding the extensions of credit to be made on
the Closing Date, the form and substance of which shall be reasonably
satisfactory to Agent.

          "Dollars" or "$" means United States dollars.
           -------      -

          "EBITDA" means, with respect to any fiscal period, Borrower's
           ------
consolidated earnings (excluding extraordinary gains) before all interest
expense, taxes, and depreciation

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

and amortization expense for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided, however, for purposes of determining compliance with Section 7.20(a),
--------  -------                                              ---------------
for the fiscal quarter ending October 31, 1999, EBITDA shall not include any
charges resulting from the conversion option granted in connection with Term
Loan C.

          "Eligible Accounts" means Eligible Borrower Accounts, Eligible UK Sub
           -----------------
Accounts, or Eligible Canadian Accounts, as the case may be.

          "Eligible Borrower Accounts" means those Accounts created by Borrower
           --------------------------
in the ordinary course of business, that arise out of Borrower's sale, license,
or lease of goods or software or rendition of services, that comply with each
and all of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Accounts made
in the Loan Documents, and that are not excluded as ineligible by virtue of the
one or more of the criteria set forth below.  Except as otherwise determined by
Agent in its Permitted Discretion, Eligible Accounts shall not include the
following:

          (a) Accounts that the Account Debtor has failed to pay within 120 days
of original invoice date or Accounts that are more than 90 days past due;

          (b) (i) Accounts derived from service sales with respect to which the
payment terms are in excess of 30 days, and (ii) Accounts derived from software
license or maintenance sales with respect to which the payment terms are in
excess of 30 days; provided however, any portion of an Account that is deemed
                   -------- -------
ineligible under clause (ii) may become an Eligible Borrower Account 30 days
prior to the date on which such portion of such Account is due and payable (but
shall not be eligible if Borrower does not send an invoice to the Account Debtor
on or about the 30th day prior to the due date for such portion) and so long as
the applicable Account Debtor has paid in full previously due and payable
portions of such Account;

          (c) Accounts owed by an Account Debtor or its Affiliates where 50% or
more of all Accounts owed by that Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) are deemed
ineligible under clause (a) above;

          (d) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an employee,
Affiliate, or agent of Borrower;

          (e) Accounts with respect to which goods or software are placed on
consignment, guaranteed sale, sale or return, sale on approval, bill and hold,
or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be
conditional;

          (f) Accounts that are not payable in Dollars or with respect to which
the Account Debtor: (i) does not maintain its chief executive office in the
United States or Canada, or (ii) is not organized under the laws of the United
States or any State thereof or under the laws of Canada or any Province thereof,
or (iii) is the government of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any
state, province, municipality, or other political

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

subdivision thereof, or of any department, agency, public corporation, or other
instrumentality thereof;

          (g) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is either (i)
the United States or any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United
States (exclusive, however, of Accounts with respect to which Borrower has
complied, to the reasonable satisfaction of Agent, with the Assignment of Claims
Act, 31 U.S.C. (S) 3727), or (ii) any State of the United States (exclusive,
however, of Accounts owed by any State that does not have a statutory
counterpart to the Assignment of Claims Act);

          (h) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a creditor of
Borrower, UK Sub, or Canadian Sub, has or has asserted a right of setoff, has
disputed its liability, or has made any claim with respect to the Account, in
each case, to the extent of such claim, right of offset, assertion, or dispute;

          (i) Accounts with respect to an Account Debtor whose total obligations
owing to Borrower exceed 10% (or such higher percentage for specific Account
Debtors as Borrower may request and Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, may
approve from time to time; provided, however, that, Agent shall not increase the
                           --------  -------
foregoing percentage above 25% without the consent of those Lenders party to
this Agreement after giving effect to the Closing Date Assignments) of the sum
of all Eligible Accounts, to the extent of the obligations owing by such Account
Debtor in excess of such percentage;

          (j) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is subject to
any Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out of business;

          (k) Accounts the collection of which Agent, in its Permitted
Discretion, believes to be doubtful by reason of the Account Debtor's financial
condition and, as to which, Agent has endeavored to notify (verbally or
otherwise) Borrower;

          (l) Accounts with respect to which the goods or software giving rise
to such Account have not been shipped and billed to the Account Debtor, the
services giving rise to such Account have not been performed and accepted by the
Account Debtor, or the Account otherwise does not represent a final sale;

          (m) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is located in
the states of New Jersey, Minnesota, Indiana, or West Virginia (or any other
state that requires a creditor to file a Business Activity Report or similar
document in order to bring suit or otherwise enforce its remedies against such
Account Debtor in the courts or through any judicial process of such state),
unless Borrower has qualified to do business in New Jersey, Minnesota, Indiana,
West Virginia, or such other states, or has filed a Notice of Business
Activities Report with the applicable division of taxation, the department of
revenue, or with such other state offices, as appropriate, for the then-current
year, or is exempt from such filing requirement; and

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

          (n)  Accounts that represent progress payments or other advance
billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by Borrower of the
subject contract for goods, software, or services.

          (o)  Accounts with respect to which Borrower received from the Account
Debtor a customer deposit, to the extent of such customer deposit;

          (p)  Accounts with respect to which any commissions are owed to any
Person, to the extent of such commissions; and

          (q)  Accounts that have been transferred to Borrower's legal or
collection department.

          "Eligible Canadian Sub Accounts" means those Canadian Sub Accounts
           ------------------------------
created by Canadian Sub in the ordinary course of business, that arise out of
Canadian Sub's sale, license or lease of goods or software or rendition of
services, that comply with each and all of the representations and warranties
respecting Eligible Accounts made in the Loan Documents, and that are not
excluded as ineligible by virtue of the one or more of the criteria set forth
below. Eligible Canadian Sub Accounts shall not include the following:

          (a)  Canadian Sub Accounts that the Account Debtor has failed to pay
within 120 days of original invoice date or Canadian Sub Accounts that are more
than 90 days past due;

          (b)  Canadian Sub Accounts derived from service sales with respect to
which the payment terms are in excess of 30 days, and (ii) Canadian Sub Accounts
derived from software license, or maintenance sales with respect to which the
payment terms are in excess of 30 days; provided however, any portion of a
                                        -------- -------
Canadian Sub Account that is deemed ineligible under clause (ii) may become an
Eligible Canadian Sub Account 30 days prior to the date on which such portion of
such Canadian Sub Account is due and payable (but shall not be eligible if
Canadian Sub does not send an invoice to the Account Debtor on or about the 30th
day prior to the due date for such portion) and so long as the applicable
Account Debtor has paid in full previously due and payable portions of such
Canadian Sub Account;

          (c)  Canadian Sub Accounts owed by an Account Debtor or its Affiliates
where 50% or more of all accounts and Canadian Sub Accounts owed by that account
debtor (or its Affiliates) are deemed ineligible under clause (a) above or
clause (a) of the definition of Eligible Borrower Accounts;

          (d)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is
an employee, Affiliate, or agent of Canadian Sub;

          (e)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which goods or software are
placed on consignment, guaranteed sale, sale or return, sale on approval, bill
and hold, or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor
may be conditional;

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

          (f)  Canadian Sub Accounts that are not payable in Dollars or in
Canadian dollars or with respect to which the Account Debtor: (i) does not
maintain its chief executive office in the United States or Canada, or (ii) is
not organized under the laws of the Untied States or Canada, or any State or
Province thereof, or (iii) is the government of any country or sovereign state,
or of any state, province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof,
or of any department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality
thereof;

          (g)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is
a creditor of Borrower or Canadian Sub, has or has asserted a right of setoff,
has disputed its liability, or has made any claim with respect to the Canadian
Sub Account, in each case, to the extent of such claim, right of offset,
assertion, or dispute;

          (h)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to an Account Debtor whose
total obligations owing to Canadian Sub exceed 10% (or such higher percentage
for specific account debtors as Borrower may request and Agent, in its Permitted
Discretion, may approve from time to time; provided, however, that, Agent shall
                                           --------  -------
not increase the foregoing percentage above 25% without the consent of those
Lenders party to this Agreement after giving effect to the Closing Date
Assignments) of the Eligible Accounts, to the extent of the obligations owing by
such Account Debtor in excess of such percentage;

          (i)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is
subject to any Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out of
business;

          (j)  Canadian Sub Accounts the collection of which Agent, in its
Permitted Discretion, believes to be doubtful by reason of the Account Debtor's
financial condition and, as to which, Agent has endeavored to notify (verbally
or otherwise) Borrower;

          (k)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which the goods or software
giving rise to such Canadian Sub Account have not been shipped and billed to the
Account Debtor, the services giving rise to such Canadian Sub Account have not
been performed and accepted by the Account Debtor, or the Canadian Sub Account
otherwise does not represent a final sale;

          (l)  Canadian Sub Accounts that represent progress payments or other
advance billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by Canadian
Sub of the subject contract for goods, software or services;

          (m)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which Canadian Sub received
from the Account Debtor a customer deposit, to the extent of such customer
deposit;

          (n)  Canadian Sub Accounts with respect to which any commissions are
owed to any Persons, to the extent of such commissions; and

          (o)  Canadian Sub Accounts that have been transferred to Canadian
Sub's legal or collection department.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

          "Eligible Foreign Accounts" means, as of any date of determination, an
           -------------------------
Account that (i) qualifies as an Eligible Borrower Account except for the fact
that it is a Foreign Account, and (ii) Agent, in its Permitted Discretion,
believes is owed by an Account Debtor of acceptable credit quality (including
foreign exchange exposure and country risk).

          "Eligible Transferee" means (a) a commercial bank organized under the
           -------------------
laws of the United States, or any state thereof, and having total assets in
excess of $250,000,000, (b) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any
other country which is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development or a political subdivision of any such country and which has total
assets in excess of $250,000,000, provided that such bank is acting through a
branch or agency located in the United States, (c) a finance company, insurance
company, or other financial institution or fund that is engaged in making,
purchasing, or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of
its business and having (together with its Affiliates) total assets in excess of
$250,000,000, (d) any Affiliate (other than individuals) of a Lender (including
any funds or investment accounts managed by such Lender), (e) so long as no
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other Person approved by
Agent and Borrower, and (f) during the continuation of an Event of Default, any
other Person approved by Agent.

          "Eligible UK Sub Accounts" means those UK Sub Accounts created by UK
           ------------------------
Sub in the ordinary course of business, that arise out of UK Sub's sale, license
or lease of goods or software or rendition of services, that comply with each
and all of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Accounts made
in the Loan Documents, and that are not excluded as ineligible by virtue of the
one or more of the criteria set forth below. Eligible UK Sub Accounts shall not
include the following:

          (a)  UK Sub Accounts that the Account Debtor has failed to pay within
120 days of original invoice date or UK Sub Accounts that are more than 90 days
past due;

          (b)  UK Sub Accounts derived from service sales with respect to which
the payment terms are in excess of 30 days, and (ii) UK Sub Accounts derived
from software license or maintenance sales with respect to which the payment
terms are in excess of 30 days; provided, however, any portion of a UK Sub
                                --------  -------
Account that is deemed ineligible under clause (ii) may become an Eligible UK
Sub Account 30 days prior to the date on which such portion of such UK Sub
Account is due and payable (but shall not be eligible if UK Sub does not send an
invoice to the Account Debtor on or about the 30th day prior to the due date for
such portion) and so long as the applicable Account Debtor has paid in full
previously due and payable portions of such UK Sub Account;

          (c)  UK Sub Accounts owed by an Account Debtor or its Affiliates where
50% or more of all Accounts and UK Sub Accounts owed by that Account Debtor (or
its Affiliates) are deemed ineligible under clause (a) above or clause (a) of
the definition of Eligible Borrower Accounts;

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

          (d)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an
employee, Affiliate, or agent of UK Sub;

          (e)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which goods or software are
placed on consignment, guaranteed sale, sale or return, sale on approval, bill
and hold, or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor
may be conditional;

          (f)  UK Sub Accounts that are not payable in Dollars or in the
official currency of a Specified State (or in european currency units) or with
respect to which the Account Debtor: (i) does not maintain its chief executive
office in a Specified State, or (ii) is not organized under the laws of a
Specified State, or (iii) is the government of any country or sovereign state,
or of any state, province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof,
or of any department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality
thereof;

          (g)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a
creditor of Borrower or UK Sub, has or has asserted a right of setoff, has
disputed its liability, or has made any claim with respect to the UK Sub
Account, in each case, to the extent of such claim, right of offset, assertion,
or dispute;

          (h)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to an Account Debtor whose total
obligations owing to UK Sub exceed 10% (or such higher percentage for specific
Account Debtors as Borrower may request and Agent, in its Permitted Discretion,
may approve from time to time; provided, however, that, Agent shall not increase
                               --------  -------
the foregoing percentage above 25% without the consent of those Lenders party to
this Agreement after giving effect to the Closing Date Assignments) of the
Eligible Accounts, to the extent of the obligations owing by such Account Debtor
in excess of such percentage;

          (i)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is
subject to any Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out of
business;

          (j)  UK Sub Accounts the collection of which Agent, in its Permitted
Discretion, believes to be doubtful by reason of the Account Debtor's financial
condition and, as to which, Agent has endeavored to notify (verbally or
otherwise) Borrower;

          (k)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which the goods giving rise to
such UK Sub Account have not been shipped and billed to the Account Debtor, the
services giving rise to such UK Sub Account have not been performed and accepted
by the Account Debtor, or the UK Sub Account otherwise does not represent a
final sale;

          (l)  UK Sub Accounts that represent progress payments or other advance
billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by UK Sub of the
subject contract for goods or services;

          (m)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which UK Sub received from the
Account Debtor a customer deposit, to the extent of such customer deposit;

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

          (n)  UK Sub Accounts with respect to which any commissions are owed to
any Persons, to the extent of such commissions; and

          (o)  UK Sub Accounts that have been transferred to UK Sub's legal or
collection department.

          "Equipment" means all of Borrower's present and hereafter acquired
           ---------
machinery, machine tools, motors, equipment, furniture, furnishings, fixtures,
vehicles (including motor vehicles and trailers), tools, parts, goods (other
than consumer goods, farm products, or Inventory), wherever located, including
all attachments, accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions,
additions, and improvements to any of the foregoing.

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
           -----
amended, and any successor statute thereto.

          "ERISA Affiliate" means (a) any corporation subject to ERISA whose
           ---------------
employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of
Borrower under IRC Section 414(b), (b) any trade or business subject to ERISA
whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of
Borrower under IRC Section 414(c), (c) solely for purposes of Section 302 of
ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any organization subject to ERISA that is a
member of an affiliated service group of which Borrower is a member under IRC
Section 414(m), or (d) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section
412 of the IRC, any party subject to ERISA that is a party to an arrangement
with Borrower and whose employees are aggregated with the employees of Borrower
under IRC Section 414(o).

          "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.
           ----------------                               ---------

          "Excess Availability" means the amount, as of the date any
           -------------------
determination thereof is to be made, equal to Availability minus the aggregate
amount, if any, of all trade payables of Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub aged
in excess of 75 days with respect thereto and all book overdrafts in excess of
their historical practices with respect thereto, in each case as determined by
Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
           ------------
and any successor statute.

          "Exchange Rate" means and refers to the nominal rate of exchange
           -------------
(vis-a-vis Dollars) for a currency other than Dollars published in the Wall
Street Journal (Western Edition) on the date of determination (which shall be a
Business Day on which the Wall Street Journal (Western Edition) is published),
expressed as the number of units of such other currency per one Dollar.

          "Existing Lender" means American National Bank and Trust Company of
           ---------------
Chicago.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

          "Family Member" means, with respect to any individual, any other
           -------------
individual having a relationship by blood (to the second degree of
consanguinity), by marriage, or adoption to such individual.

          "Family Trusts" means, with respect to any individual, trusts or other
           -------------
estate planning vehicles established for the benefit of Family Members of such
individual and in respect of which such individual serves as trustee or in a
similar capacity.

          "Fee Letter" means that certain fee letter, dated as of even date
           ----------
herewith, between Borrower and Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to
Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

          "FEIN" means Federal Employer Identification Number.
           ----

          "Foothill" means Foothill Capital Corporation, a California
           --------
corporation.

          "Foreign Accounts" means Accounts with respect to which any one or
           ----------------
more of the following is true: (i) the Account Debtor does not maintain its
chief executive office in the United States or Canada, or (ii) the Account
Debtor is not organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof
or under the laws of Canada or any Province thereof, or (iii) the Account Debtor
is the government of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any state,
province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, or of any
department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality thereof.

          "Foreign Concentration Account" has the meaning set forth in
           -----------------------------
Section 2.7(b).
-------------

          "Foreign Concentration Account Agreements" means, individually and
           ----------------------------------------
collectively, those certain concentration account agreements, each in form and
substance (including with respect to blocked account arrangements (if any))
reasonably satisfactory to Agent, among Agent, UK Sub, or Canadian Sub (as
applicable), and the Foreign Concentration Account Bank.

          "Foreign Concentration Account Bank" means, in the case of UK Sub,
           ----------------------------------
Royal Bank of Scotland, and in the case of Canadian Sub, Bank of Nova Scotia.

          "Foreign Exchange Reserve" means, as of any date of determination, an
           ------------------------
amount to be determined by Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

          "Funding Date" means the date on which a Borrowing occurs.
           ------------

          "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect
           ----
from time to time in the United States, consistently applied.

          "General Intangibles" means all of Borrower's present and future
           -------------------
general intangibles and other personal property (including contract rights,
rights arising under

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill,
patents, trade names, trademarks, servicemarks, copyrights, blueprints,
drawings, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from
pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty
or licensing agreements, infringement claims, computer programs, information
contained on computer disks or tapes, literature, reports, catalogs, money,
deposit accounts, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and tax refund
claims), other than goods, Accounts, Investment Property, and Negotiable
Collateral.

          "Governing Documents" means, with respect to any Person, the
           -------------------
certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws, or other organizational
documents of such Person.

          Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, parliament or
          ----------------------
legislature or any state, province or other political subdivision thereof and
any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, taxation or
administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

          "Guarantors" means, individually and collectively, jointly and
           ----------
severally, Canadian Sub, UK Sub, SSA Japan Corporation, a Delaware corporation,
SSA Pacific Rim Corporation, a Delaware corporation, System Software Associates
(Japan) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, System Software Associates,
(JapanAcclaim, Softwright, System Software Associates Iberica S.A., a
corporation organized under the laws of Spain, SSA System Software Associates
GmbH, a corporation organized under the laws of Germany, SSA Italia SpA, a
corporation organized under the laws of Italy, SSA Benelux BV, a corporation
organized under the laws of the Netherlands, System Software Associates Asia
Pacific Pte Ltd., a corporation organized under the laws of Singapore, SSA
Pacific Pty Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of Australia, SSA
Pacific (NZ) Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of New Zealand,
System Software Associates do Brasil Ltda, a corporation organized under the
laws of Brazil, and System Software Associates de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a
corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Mexico.

          "Guaranty" means that certain General Continuing Guaranty, dated as of
           --------
even date herewith, executed and delivered by each Guarantor, in favor of Agent
for the benefit of the Lender Group, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Agent.

          "Hazardous Materials" means (a) substances that are defined or listed
           -------------------
in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable laws or regulations as
"hazardous substances," "hazardous materials," "hazardous wastes," "toxic
substances," or any other formulation intended to define, list, or classify
substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability,
corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or "EP
toxicity", (b) oil, petroleum, or petroleum derived substances, natural gas,
natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, drilling fluids, produced waters, and other
wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil,
natural gas, or geothermal resources, (c) any flammable substances or explosives
or any radioactive materials, and (d) asbestos in

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

any form or electrical equipment that contains any oil or dielectric fluid
containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per
million.

          "Immaterial Subsidiary" means, collectively, Astral International
           ---------------------
Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation, SSA Caribbean, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, System Software Associates (FSC), Inc., a corporation organized
under the laws of the Virgin Islands, Computer Options, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, Astral International Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation,
Noftek N.W., Inc., an Oregon corporation, Priority Systems, Inc., a Texas
corporation, Knight Enterprises, Inc., a Texas corporation, SSA Acclaim Resource
Management Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of England and Wales,
Acclaim Computer Systems Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of
England and Wales, and Kiosk Company Limited, a corporation organized under the
laws of England and Wales.

          "Indebtedness" means (a) all obligations of Borrower for borrowed
           ------------
money, (b) all obligations of Borrower evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or
other similar instruments and all reimbursement or other obligations of Borrower
in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, interest rate swaps, or
other financial products, (c) all obligations of Borrower under Capital Leases
in an amount equal to the principal balance of such Capital Leases calculated in
accordance with GAAP, (d) all obligations or liabilities of others secured by a
Lien on any property or asset of Borrower, irrespective of whether such
obligation or liability is assumed, and (e) any obligation of Borrower
guaranteeing or intended to guarantee (whether guaranteed, endorsed, co-made,
discounted, or sold with recourse to Borrower) any obligation of any other
Person.

          "Indemnified Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3.
           -----------------------                               ------------

          "Indemnified Person" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3.
           ------------------                               ------------

          "Indenture" means that certain Indenture, dated as of September 12,
           ---------
1997, between SSA and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee, as amended,
supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.

          "Insolvency Proceeding" means any proceeding commenced by or against
           ---------------------
any Person under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or under any other
bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal
or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions generally with creditors, or
proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

          "Intercompany Subordination Agreement" means an Intercompany
           ------------------------------------
Subordination Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its
Permitted Discretion, executed and delivered by each of the Obligors in favor of
the Agent.

          "Inventory" means all present and future inventory in which Borrower
           ---------
has any interest, including goods held for sale or lease or to be furnished
under a contract of service

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

and all of Borrower's present and future raw materials, work in process,
finished goods, and packing and shipping materials, wherever located.

          "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, any investment by such
           ----------
Person in any other Person (including Affiliates) in the form of loans,
guarantees, advances, or capital contributions (excluding (a) commission,
travel, and similar advances to officers and employees of such Person made in
the ordinary course of business, and (b) bona fide accounts receivable arising
from the sale of goods or services in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of
Indebtedness or Stock, and any other items that are or would be classified as
investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

          "Investment Property" means "investment property" as that term is
           -------------------
defined in of the Code, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the Obligors.

          "IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any
           ---
successor statute.

          "L/C" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a).
           ---                               ---------------

          "L/C Undertaking" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a).
           ---------------                               ---------------

          "Legal Requirements" means all applicable international, foreign,
           ------------------
federal, state, and local laws, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes,
ordinances, rules, or regulations.

          "Lender" and "Lenders" have the respective meanings set forth in the
           ------       -------
preamble to this Agreement, and shall include any other Person made a party to
this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.1 hereof.
                                                    ------------

          "Lender Group" means, individually and collectively, each of the
           ------------
Lenders, and Agent.

          "Lender Group Expenses" means all (a)  costs or expenses (including
           ---------------------
taxes, and insurance premiums) required to be paid by the Obligors under any of
the Loan Documents that are paid or incurred by the Lender Group, (b) fees or
charges paid or incurred by any member of the Lender Group in connection with
any member of the Lender Group's transactions with the Obligors, including, fees
or charges for photocopying, notarization, couriers and messengers,
telecommunication, public record searches (including tax lien, litigation, and
UCC searches and including searches with the patent and trademark office, the
copyright office, or the department of motor vehicles), filing, recording,
publication, appraisal (including periodic appraisals of the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral), (c) costs and expenses incurred by any
member of the Lender Group in the disbursement of funds to Borrower (by wire
transfer or otherwise), (d) charges paid or incurred by any member of the Lender
Group resulting from the dishonor of checks, (e) reasonable costs and expenses
paid or incurred by any member of the Lender Group to

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

correct any default or enforce any provision of the Loan Documents, or in
gaining possession of, maintaining, handling, preserving, storing, shipping,
selling, preparing for sale, or advertising to sell the Collateral, the UK Sub
Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral, or any portion thereof, irrespective of
whether a sale is consummated, (f) reasonable costs and expenses paid or
incurred by any member of the Lender Group in examining the Books or books and
records of any other Obligor, (g) reasonable costs and expenses of third party
claims or any other suit paid or incurred by any member of the Lender Group in
enforcing or defending the Loan Documents or in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the Loan Documents or any member of the Lender Group's
relationship with the Obligors, (h) reasonable fees and expenses (including
attorneys fees and expenses, and expenses of third party consultants, advisors,
or independent contractors) incurred by any member of the Lender Group in
advising, structuring, drafting, reviewing, administering, amending,
terminating, enforcing (including attorneys fees and expenses, and expenses of
third party consultants, advisors, or independent contractors, incurred in
connection with a "workout," a "restructuring," or an Insolvency Proceeding any
of the Obligors), defending, or concerning the Loan Documents, irrespective of
whether suit is brought, and (i) each of the Lenders' reasonable fees and
expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred in terminating, enforcing
(including attorneys fees and expenses incurred in connection with a "workout,"
a "restructuring," or an Insolvency Proceeding concerning any of the Obligors),
or defending the Loan Documents.

          "Lender-Related Person" means, with respect to any Lender, such
           ---------------------
Lender, together with such Lender's Affiliates, and the officers, directors,
employees, and agents of such Lender.

          "Letter of Credit" means an L/C or an L/C Undertaking, as the context
           ----------------
requires.

          "Letter of Credit Sub-Commitment" means, for each Lender, the Dollar
           -------------------------------
amount of the obligation of such Lender to participate in any Letters of Credit,
as such amount is set forth opposite the name of such Lender under the caption
Letter of Credit Sub-Commitment on Schedule C-1.
                                   ------------

          "Letter of Credit Usage" means, as of any date of determination, the
           ----------------------
aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

          "Lien" means any interest in property securing an obligation owed to,
           ----
or a claim by, any Person other than the owner of the property, whether such
interest shall be based on the common law, statute, or contract, whether such
interest shall be recorded or perfected, and whether such interest shall be
contingent upon the occurrence of some future event or events or the existence
of some future circumstance or circumstances, including the lien or security
interest arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge,
hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security agreement, conditional
sale or trust receipt, or from a lease, consignment, or bailment for security
purposes and also including

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants,
conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances
affecting Real Property.

          "Loan Account" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10.
           ------------                               ------------

          "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Disbursement Letter, the
           --------------
Fee Letter, the Lockbox Agreements, the Letters of Credit, the Guaranty, the
Pledge Agreement, the Copyright Security Agreement, the Trademark Security
Agreement, the Control Agreement, the Suretyship Agreement, the Intercompany
Subordination Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Canadian Sub
Security Documents, the UK Sub Security Documents, any note or notes executed by
any of the Obligors in connection with this Agreement and payable to a member of
the Lender Group, and any other agreement entered into, now or in the future, by
any of the Obligors and any member of the Lender Group in connection with this
Agreement.

          "Lockbox Account" shall mean a depositary account established pursuant
           ---------------
to one of the Lockbox Agreements.

          "Lockbox Agreements" means those certain lockbox agreements and those
           ------------------
certain depository agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Agent, each of which is among Borrower, Agent, and one of the Lockbox Banks.

          "Lockbox Banks" means American National Bank and Trust Company of
           -------------
Chicago (or such other banks as may be agreed to by Agent and Borrower, from
time to time).

          "Lockboxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.
           ---------                               -----------

          "Maintenance Agreement" means the Obligors' standard form of
           ---------------------
maintenance agreement entered into between an Obligor and its customer in order
to memorialize such Obligor's ongoing customer service, consulting, repair, and
maintenance obligations with respect to such customer.

          "Material Adverse Change" means (a) a material adverse change in the
           -----------------------
business, prospects, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Specified Obligors, taken as a whole,
(b) the material impairment of the Specified Obligors' ability, taken as a
whole, to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a
party or of the Lender Group to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the
Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral, or the Canadian Sub Collateral or (c) a
material impairment of the priority of the Agent's Liens or Agent's Term Loan
Liens with respect to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of any
Obligor.

          "Maturity Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
           -------------                               -----------

          "Maximum Revolver Amount" means $30,000,000.
           -----------------------

                                      -21-
<PAGE>

          "Negotiable Collateral" means all of Borrower's now owned and
           ---------------------
hereafter acquired letters of credit, notes, drafts, instruments, security
certificates, documents, and chattel paper.

          "Obligations" means all loans (including the Term Loan A, the Term
           -----------
Loan B, and the Term Loan C), Advances, debts, principal, interest (including
the Term Loan A PIK Amount, the Term Loan B PIK Amount, the Term Loan C PIK
Amount, and any interest that, but for the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code,
would have accrued), contingent reimbursement obligations under any outstanding
Letters of Credit, premiums, liabilities (including all amounts charged to
Borrower's Loan Account pursuant hereto), obligations, fees (including the fees
provided for in the Fee Letter), charges, costs, or Lender Group Expenses
(including any fees or expenses that, but for the provisions of the Bankruptcy
Code, would have accrued), lease payments, guaranties, covenants, and duties
owing by Borrower to the Lender Group of any kind and description pursuant to or
evidenced by the Loan Documents, whether direct or indirect, absolute or
contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, and
including all interest not paid when due and all Lender Group Expenses that
Borrower is required to pay or reimburse by the Loan Documents, by law, or
otherwise.

          "Obligors" means, individually and collectively, Borrower and the
           --------
Specified Guarantors.

          "Operating Amount" means, as of any date of determination, an amount
           ----------------
equal to the UK Sub's or Canadian Sub's, as applicable, anticipated expenditures
(forecasted for the next 30 days) that are to be made in the ordinary course of
business, including, without limitation, taxes, payroll expenses, or lease
payments.

          "Overadvance" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.
           -----------                               -----------

          "Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(e).
           -----------                               ---------------

          "Pay-Off Letter" means a letter, in form and substance reasonably
           --------------
satisfactory to Agent, from Existing Lender to Agent respecting the amount
necessary to repay in full all of the obligations of Borrower owing to Existing
Lender and obtain a release of all of the Liens existing in favor of Existing
Lender in and to the assets of Borrower.

          "Permitted Discretion", with respect to any determination by a member
           --------------------
of the Lender Group, means a determination made in good faith and in the
exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender)
business judgment.

          "Permitted Dispositions" means (a) sales, exchanges, trade-ins or
           ----------------------
other dispositions of Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, or Canadian Sub Equipment
that is substantially worn, damaged, or obsolete in the ordinary course of
Borrower's, UK Sub's, or Canadian Sub's, as applicable, business, (b) sales of
Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, or Canadian Sub's Inventory to buyers in the
ordinary course of Borrower's, UK Sub's, or Canadian Sub's, as applicable,
business, (c) the use or transfer of money, or cash

                                      -22-
<PAGE>

equivalents by an Obligor in a manner that is not prohibited by the terms of
this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and (d) the licensing by the
Obligors, on a non-exclusive basis, of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and
other intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of the Obligors'
business.

          "Permitted Holder" means Roger E. Covey, and his Family Members, and
           ----------------
his Family Trusts.

          "Permitted Investments" means, collectively: (a) direct obligations
           ---------------------
of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally
guaranteed by, the United States of America with a maturity not exceeding one
year; (b) certificates of deposit, time deposits, banker's acceptances or other
instruments of a bank having a combined capital and surplus of not less than
$500,000,000 with a maturity not exceeding one year, (c) investments in
commercial paper rated at least A-1 or P-1 maturing within one year after the
date of acquisition thereof; (d) money market accounts maintained at a bank
having combined capital and surplus of no less than $500,000,000 or at any other
financial institution reasonably satisfactory to Agent; (e) loans and advances
to officers and employees of the Obligors in the ordinary course of business in
an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $500,000; (f)
investments in negotiable instruments for collection; (g) advances made in
connection with purchases of goods or services in the ordinary course of
business; (h) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
would result therefrom and so long as Borrower has Excess Availability after
giving effect thereto of at least $5,000,000, Borrower may make Investments in
each of its Subsidiaries (other than the Obligors) during any calendar month of
not more than $1,000,000; (i) so long as each of the conditions set forth in
Section 3.1A have been satisfied, or waived in accordance with the provisions of
------------
this Agreement, Borrower may make Investments in UK Sub, Acclaim, and
Softwright, and (j) so long as each of the conditions set forth in Section 3.1B
                                                                   ------------
have been satisfied, or waived in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement, Borrower may make Investments in Canadian Sub.

          "Permitted Liens" means (a) Liens held by Agent for the benefit of the
           ---------------
Lender Group, (b) Liens for unpaid taxes that either (i) are not yet due and
payable or (ii) do not constitute an Event of Default hereunder and are the
subject of Permitted Protests, (c) Liens set forth on Schedule P-1, (d) the
                                                      ------------
interests of lessors under operating leases, (e) purchase money Liens or the
interests of lessors under Capital Leases to the extent that such Liens or
interests secure Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and so long as the Lien
attaches only to the asset purchased or acquired and the proceeds thereof, (f)
Liens arising by operation of law in favor of warehousemen, landlords, carriers,
mechanics, materialmen, laborers, or suppliers, incurred in the ordinary course
of business of Borrower and not in connection with the borrowing of money, and
which Liens either (i) are for sums not yet due and payable, or (ii) are the
subject of Permitted Protests, (g) Liens arising from deposits made in
connection with obtaining worker's compensation or other unemployment insurance,
(h) Liens or deposits to secure performance of bids, tenders, leases, or other
agreements incurred in the ordinary course of business of Borrower and not in
connection

                                      -23-
<PAGE>

with the borrowing of money, (i) Liens arising by reason of security for surety
or appeal bonds in the ordinary course of business of Borrower, (j) Liens
resulting from any judgment or award that is not an Event of Default hereunder,
and (k) with respect to any Real Property, easements, rights of way, zoning and
similar covenants and restrictions, and similar encumbrances that customarily
exist on properties of Persons engaged in similar activities and similarly
situated and that in any event do not materially interfere with or impair the
use or operation of the Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral by Borrower or the value of any of the Agent's Liens or Agent's Term
Loan Liens thereon or therein for the benefit of the Lender Group, or materially
interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of Borrower.

          "Permitted Preferred Stock" means 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred
           -------------------------
Stock, par value $.01, of SSA.

          "Permitted Protest" means the right of an Obligor to protest any Lien
           -----------------
(other than any such Lien that secures the Obligations), tax (other than payroll
taxes or taxes that are the subject of a United States federal tax lien), or
rental or license payment, provided that (a) a Reserve with respect to such
obligation is established on the Books, UK Sub Books, or Canadian Sub Books, as
applicable, in such amount as is required under GAAP, (b) any such protest is
instituted and diligently prosecuted by the applicable Obligor in good faith,
and (c) Agent is reasonably satisfied that, while any such protest is pending,
there will be no material impairment of the enforceability, validity, or
priority of any of the Liens of Agent on behalf of the Lender Group in and to
the Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral, or the Canadian Sub Collateral.

          "Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness" means, as of any date of
           -------------------------------------
determination, Purchase Money Indebtedness incurred after the Closing Date in an
aggregate amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed $3,000,000.

          "Permitted Subordinated Debt" means those certain 7% Convertible
           ---------------------------
Subordinated Notes, due September 15, 2002, in the original principal amount of
$138,000,000.00 issued pursuant to the Indenture.

          "Person" means natural persons, corporations, limited liability
           ------
companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability
partnerships, joint ventures, trusts, land trusts, business trusts, or other
organizations, irrespective of whether they are legal entities, and governments
and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

          "Pledge Agreement" means a pledge agreement, in form and substance
           ----------------
satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion, executed and delivered by
Borrower and certain Subsidiaries of Borrower to Agent with respect to the
pledge of the Stock of each of each Borrower's direct and indirect Subsidiaries.

          "Projections" means Borrower's forecasted (a) balance sheets, (b)
           -----------
income statements, and (c) cash flow statements, all prepared on a consistent
basis with Borrower's

                                      -24-
<PAGE>

historical financial statements, together with appropriate supporting details
and a statement of underlying assumptions.

          "Pro Rata Share" means:
           --------------

          (a)  with respect to a Lender's obligation to make Advances and
receive payments of interest, fees, and principal with respect thereto, the
percentage obtained by dividing (i) such Lender's Revolving Credit Commitment,
by (ii) the aggregate amount of all Lenders' Revolving Credit Commitments,

          (b)  with respect to a Lender's obligation to participate in Letters
of Credit, and receive payments with respect thereto, the percentage obtained by
dividing (i) such Lender's Letters of Credit Sub-Commitment, by (ii) the
aggregate amount of all Lenders' Letters of Credit Sub-Commitments,

          (c)  with respect to a Lender's obligation to make the Term Loan A and
receive payments of interest (including the Term Loan A PIK Amount), fees, and
principal with respect thereto, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) such
Lender's Term Loan A Sub-Commitment, by (ii) the aggregate amount of all
Lenders' Term Loan A Sub-Commitments,

          (d)  with respect to a Lender's obligation to make the Term Loan B and
receive payments of interest (including the Term Loan B PIK Amount), fees, and
principal with respect thereto, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) such
Lender's Term Loan B Commitment, by (ii) the aggregate amount of all Lender's
Term Loan B Commitments,

          (e)  with respect to a Lender's obligation to make the Term Loan C and
receive payments of interest (including the Term Loan C PIK Amount), fees, and
principal with respect thereto, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) such
Lender's Term Loan C Commitment, by (ii) the aggregate amount of all Lender's
Term Loan C Commitments, and

          (f)  with respect to all other matters (including the indemnification
obligations arising under Section 16.7), the percentage obtained by dividing (i)
                          ------------
such Lender's Total Commitment, by (ii) the aggregate amount of all Lenders'
Total Commitments.

          "Purchase Money Indebtedness" means Indebtedness (other than the
           ---------------------------
Obligations, but including Capitalized Lease Obligations), incurred at the time
of, or within 20 days after, the acquisition of any fixed assets for the purpose
of financing all or any part of the acquisition cost thereof.

          "Real Property" means any estates or interests in real property now
           -------------
owned or hereafter acquired by one or more of the Obligors.

                                      -25-
<PAGE>

          "Recurring Service and Maintenance Revenues" means, with respect to
           ------------------------------------------
any period, the total revenues of Borrower, determined on a consolidated basis,
for such period that are derived from services and ongoing support as reflected
in Borrower's financial statements in accordance with its historical practices.

          "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights
           -----------------------------
Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Term Loan C Lender, by and
between Borrower and the Term Loan C Lender, with respect to the shares of
Common Stock that Term Loan C Lender may acquire and certain rights associated
with such shares.

          "Required Lenders" means, at any time, Lenders whose Pro Rata Shares
           ----------------
aggregate 51% of the Total Commitments, or if the Commitments have been
terminated irrevocably, 51% of the Obligations then outstanding.

          "Required Library" means, as of any date of determination, the set or
           ----------------
collection of existing copyrights of the Obligors relating to software of the
Obligors that generated not less than 85% of the aggregate amount of current
revenues arising from software sales and licensing of the Obligors (as
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP).

          "Reserves" means the Foreign Exchange Reserve and any other reserves
           --------
that may be established in accordance with the express provisions of this
Agreement.

          "Revolving Credit Commitment" means, for each Lender, the Dollar
           ---------------------------
amount of the obligation of such Lender to make Advances, as such amount is set
forth opposite the name of such Lender under the caption Revolving Credit
Commitment on Schedule C-1.
              ------------

          "Revolver Usage" means, as of any date of determination, the sum of
           --------------
(a) the aggregate amount of Advances outstanding, plus (b) the amount of the
Letter of Credit Usage.

          "Risk Participation Liability" means, as to each Letter of Credit, all
           ----------------------------
reimbursement obligations of Borrower to the issuer of an L/C or to the issuer
of a letter of credit with respect to the transaction for which an L/C
Undertaking was executed and delivered (to the extent such reimbursement
obligations are subject to such L/C Undertaking), consisting of (a) the amount
available to be drawn or which may become available to be drawn, (b) all amounts
that have been paid and made available by the issuing bank to the extent not
reimbursed by Borrower, whether by the making of an Advance or otherwise, and
(c) all accrued and unpaid interest, fees, and expenses payable with respect
thereto.

          "SSA" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
           ---

          "SSA Limited" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
           -----------
Agreement.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>

          "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and
           ---
any successor thereto.

          "Securities Account" means a "securities account" as that term is
           ------------------
defined in Section 8-501 of the Code.

          "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
           --------------
all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "Security Agreement" means a Security Agreement, in form and substance
           ------------------
satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion, executed and delivered by
certain of the Guarantors in favor of the Agent.

          "Settlement" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(f)(i).
           ----------                               -----------------

          "Settlement Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(f)(i).
           ---------------                               -----------------

          "Software License Agreement" means the Obligors' standard form of
           --------------------------
software license agreement entered into between an Obligor and its customer in
order to consummate the license of software and sale of related services.

          "Softwright" means SSA Softwright Limited, a corporation organized
           ----------
under the laws of England and Wales and registered with company number 1467614.

          "Solvent" means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that
           -------
on such date (a) at fair valuations, all of the properties and assets of such
Person are greater than the sum of the debts, including contingent liabilities,
of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the properties and assets
of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the
probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and
matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its properties and assets and
pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and other
commitments as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person
does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts beyond such
Person's ability to pay as such debts mature, and (e) such Person has capital
sufficient to carry on its business and transactions and all business and
transactions in which it is about to engage, after giving due consideration to
the prevailing practices in the industry in which such Person is engaged. In
computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that
such liabilities will be computed at the amount that, in light of all the facts
and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that reasonably
can be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

          "Special Reserve" means, from and after the Closing Date up to the
           ---------------
date on which Agent receives evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent that the
Obligors' collateral and financial reporting systems have been upgraded such
that such systems are capable of producing collateral and financial reports at
such intervals and with such specificity as is deemed acceptable by Agent in its
sole discretion, an amount equal to $2,000,000.

                                      -27-
<PAGE>

          "Specified Guarantors" means UK Sub, Canadian Sub, Acclaim, and
           --------------------
Softwright.

          "Specified Obligors" means Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub.
           ------------------

          "Specified State" means England, Scotland, Wales, or any other
           ---------------
jurisdiction approved by Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

          "Stock" means all shares, options, warrants, interests,
           -----
participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a
Person, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock, or
any other "equity security" (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the
General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

          "Stock Purchase Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated
           ------------------------
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 8, 1997, as amended by that
certain Amendment Number One to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of even
date herewith, between SSA and H&Q SSA Investors, L.P. relative to the sale by
SSA of the Permitted Preferred Stock.

          "Subsidiary" of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited
           ----------
liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly or indirectly
owns or controls the shares of Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a
majority of the board of directors (or appoint other comparable managers) of
such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

          "Suretyship Agreement"  means a Suretyship Agreement, in form and
           --------------------
substance satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion, executed and
delivered by each Obligor to Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group.

          "Swing Lender" means any Lender appointed as such by the Agent in
           ------------
writing, which appointment has been accepted by such Lender in writing.

          "Swing Loan" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(d)(i).
           ----------                               -----------------

          "Term Loan A" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
           -----------                               --------------

          "Term Loan A Amount" means, as of any date of determination, the
           ------------------
outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan A, plus the then extant Term Loan
A PIK Amount.

          "Term Loan A PIK Amount" means as of any date of determination, the
           ----------------------
amount of all interest accrued with respect to the Term Loan A Amount that has
been paid-in-kind by being added to the balance thereof in accordance with
Section 2.6(a)(ii).
------------------

                                      -28-
<PAGE>

          "Term Loan A Sub-Commitment" means, for each Lender, (a) prior to the
           --------------------------
funding of Term Loan A, the Dollar amount of the obligation of such Lender to
make its portion of Term Loan A, as such amount is set forth opposite the name
of such Lender under the caption Term Loan A Sub-Commitment on Schedule C-1, and
                                                               ------------
(b) thereafter, such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the then outstanding Term Loan A
Amount.

          "Term Loan B" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
           -----------                               --------------

          "Term Loan B Amount" means, as of any date of determination, the
           ------------------
outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan B, plus the then extant Term Loan
B PIK Amount.

          "Term Loan B PIK Amount" means as of any date of determination, the
           ----------------------
amount of all interest accrued with respect to the Term Loan B that has been
paid-in-kind by being added to the balance thereof in accordance with
Section2.6(a)(iii).
------------------

          "Term Loan B Commitment" means, for each Lender, (a) prior to the
           ----------------------
funding of Term Loan B, the Dollar amount of the obligation of such Lender to
make its portion of Term Loan B, as such amount is set forth opposite the name
of such Lender under the caption Term Loan B Commitment on Schedule C-1, and (b)
                                                           ------------
thereafter, such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the then outstanding Term Loan B
Amount.

          "Term Loan C" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c).
           -----------                               --------------

          "Term Loan C Amount" means, as of any date of determination, the
           ------------------
outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan C, plus the then extant Term Loan
C PIK Amount.

          "Term Loan C Lender"  has the meaning set forth in Section 18.1.
           ------------------                                ------------

          "Term Loan C PIK Amount" means as of any date of determination, the
           ----------------------
amount of all interest accrued with respect to the Term Loan C that has been
paid-in-kind by being added to the balance thereof in accordance with
Section2.6(a)(iv).
-----------------

          "Term Loan C Commitment" means, for each Lender, (a) prior to the
           ----------------------
funding of Term Loan C, the Dollar amount of the obligation of such Lender to
make its portion of Term Loan C, as such amount is set forth opposite the name
of such Lender under the caption Term Loan C Commitment on Schedule C-1, and (b)
                                                           ------------
thereafter, such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the then outstanding Term Loan C
Amount.

          "Total Commitment" means, for each Lender, the sum of such Lender's
           ----------------
Revolving Credit Commitment, such Lender's Term Loan B Commitment, and such
Lender's Term Loan C Commitment, as such amount is set forth opposite the name
of such Lender under the caption Total Commitment on Schedule C-1.
                                                     ------------

                                      -29-
<PAGE>

          "Trademark Security Agreement" means that certain Trademark Security
           ----------------------------
Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, between the Borrower and Agent, in
form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

          "UK Liens" means (i) a Lien granted in favor of Lloyds Bank by Acclaim
           --------
securing Indebtedness in the approximate principal amount of 40,000 English
pounds, (ii) a Lien granted in favor of Royal Bank of Scotland by Acclaim, (iii)
a Lien granted in favor of Close Brothers Limited by Acclaim securing
Indebtedness in the approximate principal amount of 60,000 English pounds, (iv)
a Lien granted in favor of Royal Bank of Scotland by UK Sub in respect of a cash
deposit in the approximate principal amount of 55,000 English pounds, (v) a Lien
granted in favor of Royal Bank of Scotland by UK Sub in respect of a cash
deposit in the approximate principal amount of $500,000, and (vi) a Lien granted
in favor of National Westminster Bank by Softwright.

          "UK Sub" means SSA Limited.
           ------

          "UK Sub Accounts" means all currently existing and hereafter arising
           ---------------
accounts, contract rights, and all other forms of obligations owing to UK Sub
arising out of the sale or lease of goods or the rendition of services by UK
Sub, irrespective of whether earned by performance, and any and all credit
insurance, guaranties, or security therefor.

          "UK Sub Books" means all of UK Sub's books and records (including all
           ------------
of its records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing its assets (including the
UK Sub Collateral) or liabilities, all of its information relating to its
business operations or financial condition, and all of its computer programs,
disks, files, printouts, runs, or other computer prepared information).

          "UK Sub Closing Date" means the date of the satisfaction, in full, of
           -------------------
each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.1A hereof.
                                              ------------

          "UK Sub Collateral" means the UK Sub Accounts, the UK Sub Books, the
           -----------------
UK Sub Equipment, the UK Sub General Intangibles, the UK Sub Inventory, the UK
Sub Negotiable Collateral, and all of the other items of collateral in which a
Lien is granted by UK Sub to Agent pursuant to the UK Sub Security Documents.

          "UK Sub Dilution" means, as of any date of determination, a
           ---------------
percentage, based upon the experience of the immediately prior 365 days, that is
the result of dividing the Dollar amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts
(other than those reflected on the face of the relevant invoice), advertising
allowances, returns, credits, or other dilutive items with respect to the UK Sub
Accounts, by (b) UK Sub's Collections with respect to UK Sub Accounts (excluding
extraordinary items) plus the Dollar amount of clause (a).

          "UK Sub Dilution Reserve" means, as of any date of determination, an
           -----------------------
amount sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible UK Sub Accounts by
one percentage point for each percentage point by which UK Sub Dilution is in
excess of 4.0%.

                                      -30-
<PAGE>

          "UK Sub Equipment" means all of UK Sub's present and hereafter
           ----------------
acquired machinery, machine tools, motors, equipment, furniture, furnishings,
fixtures, vehicles (including motor vehicles and trailers), tools, parts, goods
(other than consumer goods, farm products, or UK Sub Inventory), wherever
located, including all attachments, accessories, accessions, replacements,
substitutions, additions, and improvements to any of the foregoing.

          "UK Sub General Intangibles" means all of UK Sub's present and future
           --------------------------
general intangibles and other personal property (including contract rights,
rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in
action, goodwill, patents, trade names, trademarks, servicemarks, copyrights,
blueprints, drawings, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable
from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any
royalty or licensing agreements, infringement claims, computer programs,
information contained on computer disks or tapes, literature, reports, catalogs,
deposit accounts, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and tax refund
claims), other than goods, UK Sub Accounts, and UK Sub Negotiable Collateral.

          "UK Sub Inventory" means all present and future inventory in which UK
           ----------------
Sub has any interest, including goods held for sale or lease or to be furnished
under a contract of service and all of UK Sub's present and future raw
materials, work in process, finished goods, and packing and shipping materials,
wherever located.

          "UK Sub Negotiable Collateral" means all of UK Sub's present and
           ----------------------------
future letters of credit, notes, drafts, instruments, Investment Property,
documents, personal property leases, and chattel paper.

          "UK Sub Security Documents" means certain security and guaranty
           -------------------------
documents that by their respective terms provide that they are governed by the
laws of England, including a Debenture between UK Sub and Agent, in each case in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

          "Voidable Transfer" has the meaning set forth in Section 17.7.
           -----------------                               ------------

          "Year 2000 Compliant" means, with regard to any Person, that all
           -------------------
software in goods produced or sold by, or utilized by and material to the
business operations or financial condition of, such Person are able to interpret
and manipulate data on and involving all calendar dates correctly and without
causing any abnormal ending scenario, including in relation to dates on and
after the year 2000.

     1.2  Accounting Terms. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein
          ----------------
shall be construed in accordance with GAAP. When used herein, the term
"financial statements" shall include the notes and schedules thereto. Whenever
the term "SSA" or "Borrower" is used in respect of a financial covenant or a
related definition, it shall be understood to mean SSA and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

                                      -31-
<PAGE>

     1.3  Code. Any terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code
          ----
shall be construed and defined as set forth in the Code unless otherwise defined
herein.

     1.4  Construction. Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan
          ------------
Document clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the
singular, references to the singular include the plural, the term "including" is
not limiting, and the term "or" has, except where otherwise indicated, the
inclusive meaning represented by the phrase "and/or." The words "hereof,"
"herein," "hereby," "hereunder," and similar terms in this Agreement or any
other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the
case may be, as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or
such other Loan Document, as the case may be. Section, subsection, clause,
schedule, and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise
specified. Any reference in this Agreement or in the Loan Documents to this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents shall include all alterations,
amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements,
substitutions, joinders, and supplements, thereto and thereof, as applicable.

     1.5  Schedules and Exhibits. All of the schedules and exhibits attached to
          ----------------------
this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

2.   LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT.

     2.1  Revolver Advances.
          -----------------

               (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and
during the term of this Agreement, each Lender with a Revolving Credit
Commitment agrees to make advances ("Advances") to Borrower in an amount at any
                                     --------
one time outstanding not to exceed such Lender's Pro Rata Share of an amount
equal to the lesser of (i) the Maximum Revolver Amount less the Term Loan A
Amount, and the Letter of Credit Usage, or (ii) the Borrowing Base less the
Letter of Credit Usage. For purposes of this Agreement, "Borrowing Base," as of
                                                         --------------
any date of determination, shall mean the least of:

                    (w)  the lesser of

                              (i)  the result of

                                   (A)  85% of the amount of Eligible Borrower
                         Accounts, plus 75% of the amount of Eligible Foreign
                         Accounts, minus the amount, if any, of the Dilution
                         Reserve, plus

                                   (B)  on and after the UK Sub Closing Date,
                         75% of the amount of Eligible UK Sub Accounts, minus
                         the amount, if any, of the UK Sub Dilution Reserve,
                         plus

                                   (C)  on and after the Canadian Sub Closing
                         Date, 85% of the amount of Eligible Canadian Sub

                                      -32-
<PAGE>

                         Accounts, minus the amount, if any, of the Canadian Sub
                         Dilution Reserve, minus

                                   (D)  the sum of (1) the aggregate amount of
                         Reserves, if any, established by Agent under Section
                                                                      -------
                         2.1(b), plus (2) the amount, if any, of the Foreign
                         ------
                         Exchange Reserve, plus (3) the amount, if any, of the
                         Special Reserve, and

                              (ii) an amount equal to the sum of

                                   (A)  50% of Borrower's Collections with
                         respect to Accounts for the immediately preceding 90
                         days, plus (B) on and after the UK Sub Closing Date,
                         50% of UK Sub's Collections with respect to UK Sub
                         Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, plus
                         (C) on and after the Canadian Sub Closing Date, 50% of
                         Canadian Sub's Collections with respect to Canadian Sub
                         Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, and

                    (x)  an amount equal to the result of

                              (i)  the sum of

                                   (A)  83.33% of Borrower's Collections with
                         respect to Accounts for the immediately preceding 90
                         days, plus (B) on and after the UK Sub Closing Date,
                         83.33% of UK Sub's Collections with respect to UK Sub
                         Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, plus
                         (C) on and after the Canadian Sub Closing Date, 83.33%
                         of Canadian Sub's Collections with respect to Canadian
                         Sub Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days,
                         minus

                              (ii) the result of

                                   (A)  an amount equal to the Term Loan A
                         Amount, minus (B) the amount, if any, of cash
                         collateral delivered in pledge by Borrower and held by
                         Agent, and

                    (y)  an amount equal to the result of

                              (i)  the sum of

                                      -33-
<PAGE>

                                   (A)  116.66% of Borrower's Collections with
                         respect to Accounts for the immediately preceding 90
                         days, plus (B) on and after the UK Sub Closing Date,
                         116.66% of UK Sub's Collections with respect to UK Sub
                         Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, plus
                         (C) on and after the Canadian Sub Closing Date, 116.66%
                         of Canadian Sub's Collections with respect Canadian Sub
                         Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, minus

                              (ii) the result of

                                   (A)  an amount equal to the Term Loan A
                         Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, and the Term Loan C
                         Amount, minus (B) the amount, if any, of cash
                         collateral delivered in pledge by Borrower and held by
                         Agent.

               (b)  Anything to the contrary in this Section 2.1
                                                     -----------
notwithstanding, Agent shall have the right to establish reserves (without
duplication) in such amounts, and with respect to such matters, as Agent in its
Permitted Discretion shall deem necessary or appropriate, against the Borrowing
Base, including reserves with respect to (i) variances in Borrower's Accounts
with respect to Borrower's general ledger, (ii) sums that Borrower is required
to pay (such as taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, or, in the case of
leased assets, rents or other amounts payable under such leases) and have failed
to pay under any Section of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (iii)
amounts owing by Borrower to any Person to the extent secured by a Lien on, or
trust over, any of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral, which Lien or trust, in the Permitted Discretion of Agent, would be
likely to have a priority superior to the Liens of Agent, for the benefit of the
Lender Group (such as landlord liens, ad valorem taxes, or sales or excise taxes
where given priority under applicable law) in and to such item of the
Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral.

               (c)  The Lenders shall have no obligation to make further
Advances hereunder to the extent such further Advances would cause the Revolver
Usage to exceed the Maximum Revolver Amount less the Term Loan A Amount, and the
Letter of Credit Usage.

               (d)  Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section may be repaid and,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, reborrowed at any time
during the term of this Agreement.

     2.2  Term Loans. (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this
          ----------
Agreement, each Lender with a Term Loan A Sub-Commitment agrees, severally and
not jointly, to make a term loan on the Closing Date (collectively, the "Term
Loan A") to Borrower in

                                      -34-
<PAGE>

the original principal amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of $15,000,000. Term
Loan A shall be repaid on the following dates and in the following amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================
                Date                                  Installment Amount
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>
 October 1, 1999 and on the first of each                 $416,667.00
 month thereafter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maturity Date                                         Balance then owing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

          The outstanding unpaid principal balance and all accrued and unpaid
interest under the Term Loan A Amount shall be due and payable upon the earliest
of (a) the Maturity Date, or (b) the termination of this Agreement, whether by
its terms, by prepayment, by acceleration, or by mutual agreement.  The unpaid
principal balance of the Term Loan A Amount may be prepaid, in whole or in part
at any time during the term of this Agreement upon 30 days prior written notice
by Borrower to Agent without premium or penalty, except as expressly set forth
in Section 3.6, all such prepaid amounts to be applied to the installments due
   -----------
on the Term Loan A Amount in the inverse order of their maturity.  All amounts
outstanding under Term Loan A and the Term Loan A PIK Amount shall constitute
Obligations.

          (b)   (i) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each
Lender with a Term Loan B Commitment agrees, severally and not jointly, to make
a term loan on the Closing Date (collectively, the "Term Loan B") to Borrower in
the original principal amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of $8,500,000. The
outstanding unpaid principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest under
the Term Loan B Amount shall be due and payable upon the earliest of (a) the
Maturity Date, or (b) the termination of this Agreement, whether by its terms,
by prepayment, by acceleration, or by mutual agreement.

          (ii)  So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
would result therefrom, the unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan B Amount
may be prepaid, without payment of any premium or penalty, in whole or in part
at any time during the term of this Agreement upon 30 days prior written notice
by Borrower to Agent (a copy of which notice Agent shall provide promptly upon
its receipt to each Lender with a Term Loan B Commitment); provided, however,
that, without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, no such
prepayment of the Term Loan B Amount shall be made unless, immediately after
giving effect thereto, Excess Availability is not less than $7,500,000.

          (iii) In the event that 116.66% of Borrower's Collections with
respect to Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, and, on and after the
UK Sub Closing Date, 116.66% of UK Sub's Collections with respect to UK Sub
Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, and, on and after the Canadian
Sub Closing Date, 116.66% of Canadian Sub's Collections with respect Canadian
Sub Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, are less than the aggregate
amount of the Term Loan A Amount, Term Loan B Amount, and

                                      -35-
<PAGE>

Term Loan C Amount and, in the event that the Revolver Usage is zero (-0-), and
the Term Loan A Amount has been repaid in full in cash, then Borrower shall
either (a) deliver to Agent in pledge cash collateral in an amount equal to any
such deficiency, or (b) make a prepayment in respect of the Term Loan B Amount
and the Term Loan C Amount (such prepayment to be applied, first, to the Term
Loan B Amount and, after the Term Loan B Amount has been paid in full, to the
Term Loan C Amount) in an amount equal to any such deficiency. All amounts
outstanding under Term Loan B and the Term Loan B PIK Amount shall constitute
Obligations.

          (c)   (i) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each
Lender with a Term Loan C Commitment agrees, severally and not jointly, to make
a term loan on the Closing Date (collectively, the "Term Loan C") to Borrower in
the original principal amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of $2,500,000. The
outstanding unpaid principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest under
the Term Loan C Amount shall be due and payable upon the earliest of (a) the
Maturity Date, or (b) the termination of this Agreement, whether by its terms,
by prepayment, by acceleration, or by mutual agreement.

          (ii)  So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
would result therefrom, the unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan C Amount
may be prepaid, without payment of any premium or penalty, in whole or in part
at any time during the term of this Agreement upon 30 days prior written notice
by Borrower to Agent (a copy of which notice Agent shall provide promptly upon
its receipt to each Lender with a Term Loan C Commitment); provided, however,
                                                           --------  -------
that, without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, no such
prepayment of the Term Loan C Amount shall be made unless, immediately after
giving effect thereto, Excess Availability is not less than $7,500,000.

          (iii) In the event that 116.66% of Borrower's Collections with
respect to Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, and, on and after the
UK Sub Closing Date, 116.66% of UK Sub's Collections with respect to UK Sub
Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, and, on and after the Canadian
Sub Closing Date, 116.66% of Canadian Sub's Collections with respect Canadian
Sub Accounts for the immediately preceding 90 days, are less than the aggregate
amount of the Term Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, and the Term Loan C
Amount and, in the event that the Revolver Usage is zero (-0-), and the Term
Loan A Amount has been repaid in full in cash, then Borrower shall either (a)
deliver to Agent in pledge cash collateral in an amount equal to any such
deficiency, or (b) make a prepayment in respect of the Term Loan B Amount and
the Term Loan C Amount (such prepayment to be applied, first, to the Term Loan B
Amount and, after the Term Loan B Amount has been paid in full, to the Term Loan
C Amount) in an amount equal to any such deficiency.  The provisions of this
Section 2.2(c) shall not be deemed to restrict the ability of the Term Loan C
--------------
Lender to convert the Term Loan C Amount at any time prior to the date of any
such prepayment.  All amounts outstanding under Term Loan C and the Term Loan C
PIK Amount shall constitute Obligations.

     2.3  Borrowing Procedures and Settlements
          ------------------------------------

                    (a)  Procedure for Borrowing. Each Borrowing shall be made
by an irrevocable written request by an Authorized Person delivered to Agent
(which notice must be received by Agent no later than 10:00 a.m. (California
time) on the Business Day

                                      -36-
<PAGE>

immediately preceding the requested Funding Date) specifying (i) the amount of
such Borrowing, and (ii) the requested Funding Date, which shall be a Business
Day; provided, however, that in the case of a request for Swing Loan in an
     --------  -------
amount of $5,000,000, or less, such notice will be timely received if it is
received by Agent no later than 10:00 a.m. (California time) on the Business Day
that is the requested Funding Date) specifying (i) the amount of such Borrowing,
and (ii) the requested Funding Date, which shall be a Business Day. At Agent's
election, in lieu of delivering the above-described written request, any
Authorized Person may give Agent telephonic notice of such request by the
required time, with such telephonic notice to be confirmed in writing within 24
hours of the giving of such notice.

                    (b)  Agent's Election. Promptly after receipt of a request
for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3(a), Agent shall elect, in its
                            --------------
discretion, (i) to have the terms of Section 2.3(c) apply to such requested
                                     --------------
Borrowing, or (ii) to request Swing Lender to make a Swing Loan pursuant to the
terms of Section 2.3(d) in the amount of the requested Borrowing; provided,
         --------------                                           --------
however, that if Swing Lender declines in its sole discretion to make a Swing
-------
Loan pursuant to Section 2.3(d), Agent shall elect to have the terms of Section
                 --------------                                         -------
2.3(c) apply to such requested Borrowing.
------

                    (c)  Making of Advances.

                    (i)    In the event that Agent shall elect to have the terms
               of this Section 2.3(c) apply to a requested Borrowing as
                       --------------
               described in Section 2.3(b), then promptly after receipt of a
                            --------------
               request for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3(a), Agent shall
                                                   --------------
               notify the Lenders, not later than 1:00 p.m. (California time) on
               the Business Day immediately preceding the Funding Date
               applicable thereto, by telecopy, telephone, or other similar form
               of transmission, of the requested Borrowing. Each Lender shall
               make the amount of such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the requested
               Borrowing available to Agent in immediately available funds, to
               such account of Agent as Agent may designate, not later than
               10:00 a.m. (California time) on the Funding Date applicable
               thereto. After Agent's receipt of the proceeds of such Advances,
               upon the satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent set
               forth in Section 3 hereof, Agent shall make the proceeds of such
               Advances available to Borrower on the applicable Funding Date by
               transferring same day funds equal to the proceeds of such
               Advances received by Agent to Borrower's Designated Account;
               provided, however, that, subject to the provisions of Section
               --------  -------                                     -------
               2.3(i), Agent shall not request any Lender to make, and no Lender
               ------
               shall make, any Advance if Agent shall have received written
               notice from any Lender, or otherwise has actual knowledge, that
               (1) one or more of the applicable conditions precedent set forth
               in Section 3 will not be satisfied on the requested Funding Date
                  ---------
               for the applicable Borrowing (unless such condition has been
               waived in accordance herewith), or (2) the requested Borrowing
               would exceed the Availability of Borrower on such Funding Date.

                                      -37-
<PAGE>

                    (ii)   Unless Agent receives notice from a Lender on or
               prior to the Closing Date or, with respect to any Borrowing after
               the Closing Date, on the date of the proposed Borrowing but
               before the funding of such Borrowing that such Lender will not
               make available (as and when required hereunder to Agent for the
               account of Borrower) the amount of that Lender's Pro Rata Share
               of the Borrowing, Agent may assume that each Lender has made or
               will make such amount available to Agent in immediately available
               funds on the Funding Date and Agent may (but shall not be so
               required), in reliance upon such assumption, make available to
               Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the
               extent any Lender shall not have made its full amount available
               to Agent in immediately available funds and Agent in such
               circumstances has made available to Borrower such amount, that
               Lender shall on the Business Day following such Funding Date make
               such amount available to Agent, together with interest at the
               Defaulting Lender Rate for each day during such period. A notice
               submitted by Agent to any Lender with respect to amounts owing
               under this subsection shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
               If such amount is so made available, such payment to Agent shall
               constitute such Lender's Advance on the date of Borrowing for all
               purposes of this Agreement. If such amount is not made available
               to Agent on the Business Day following the Funding Date, Agent
               will notify Borrower of such failure to fund and, upon demand by
               Agent, Borrower shall pay such amount to Agent for Agent's
               account, together with interest thereon for each day elapsed
               since the date of such Borrowing, at a rate per annum equal to
               the interest rate applicable at the time to the Advances
               composing such Borrowing. The failure of any Lender to make any
               Advance on any Funding Date shall not relieve any other Lender of
               any obligation hereunder to make an Advance on such Funding Date,
               but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other
               Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on any
               Funding Date.

                    (iii)  Agent shall not be obligated to transfer to a
               Defaulting Lender any payments made by Borrower to Agent for the
               Defaulting Lender's benefit; nor shall a Defaulting Lender be
               entitled to the sharing of any payments hereunder. Amounts
               payable to a Defaulting Lender shall instead be paid to or
               retained by Agent as permitted herein. Subject to the foregoing,
               Agent may hold and, in its Permitted Discretion, re-lend to
               Borrower for the account of such Defaulting Lender the amount of
               all such payments received or retained by it for the account of
               such Defaulting Lender. Solely for the purposes of voting or
               consenting to matters with respect to the Loan Documents and
               determining Pro Rata Shares, such Defaulting Lender shall be
               deemed not to be a "Lender" and such Lender's Commitment shall be
               deemed to be zero (-0-). This section shall remain effective with
               respect to such Lender until (x) the Obligations under this
               Agreement shall have been declared or shall have become
               immediately due and payable, (y) the requisite non-Defaulting
               Lenders and Agent shall have waived such Lender's default in
               writing, or (z)

                                      -38-
<PAGE>

               the Defaulting Lender makes its Pro Rata Share of the Advance and
               pays to Agent all amounts owing by Defaulting Lender in respect
               thereof. The operation of this section shall not be construed to
               increase or otherwise affect the Commitment of any Lender, to
               relieve or excuse the performance by such Defaulting Lender or
               any other Lender of its duties and obligations hereunder.

                    (d)  Making of Swing Loans.

                    (i)    In the event Agent shall elect, with the consent of
               Swing Lender, as a Lender, to have the terms of this Section
                                                                    -------
               2.3(d) apply to a requested Borrowing as described in Section
               ------                                                -------
               2.3(b), Swing Lender as a Lender shall make an Advance in the
               ------
               amount of such Borrowing (any such Advance made solely by Swing
               Lender as a Lender pursuant to this Section 2.3(d) being referred
                                                   --------------
               to as a "Swing Loan" and such Advances being referred to
               collectively as "Swing Loans") available to Borrower on the
               Funding Date applicable thereto by transferring same day funds to
               Borrower's Designated Account. Each Swing Loan is an Advance
               hereunder and shall be subject to all the terms and conditions
               applicable to other Advances, except that all payments thereon
               shall be payable to Swing Lender as a Lender solely for its own
               account (and for the account of the holder of any participation
               interest with respect to such Advance). Subject to the provisions
               of Section 2.3(i), Agent shall not request Swing Lender as a
                  --------------
               Lender to make, and Swing Lender as a Lender shall not make, any
               Swing Loan if Agent shall have received written notice from any
               Lender, or otherwise has actual knowledge, that (i) one or more
               of the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 3
                                                                   ---------
               will not be satisfied on the requested Funding Date for the
               applicable Borrowing (unless such condition has been waived in
               accordance herewith), or (ii) the requested Borrowing would
               exceed the Availability of Borrower on such Funding Date. Swing
               Lender as a Lender shall not otherwise be required to determine
               whether the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section
                                                                        -------
               3 have been satisfied on the Funding Date applicable thereto
               -
               prior to making, in its sole discretion, any Swing Loan.

                    (ii)   The Swing Loans shall be secured by the Agent's Liens
               on the Collateral, shall constitute Advances and Obligations
               hereunder, and shall bear interest at the rate applicable from
               time to time to Advances pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof.
                                                    -----------

                    (e)  Agent Advances.

                    (i)    Subject to the limitations set forth in the proviso
               contained in this Section 2.3(e), Agent hereby is authorized by
                                 --------------
               Borrower and the Lenders, from time to time in Agent's sole
               discretion, (1) after the occurrence and during the continuance
               of a Default or an Event of Default, or (2) at any time that any
               of the other applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section
                                                                         -------
               3
               -

                                      -39-
<PAGE>

               have not been satisfied, to make Advances to Borrower on behalf
               of the Lenders that Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems
               necessary or desirable (A) to preserve or protect the Collateral,
               the UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral, or any portion
               thereof, (B) to enhance the likelihood of repayment of the
               Obligations, or (C) to pay any other amount chargeable to
               Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including
               Lender Group Expenses and the costs, fees, and expenses described
               in Section 10 (any of the Advances described in this Section
                  ----------                                        -------
               2.3(e) being hereinafter referred to as "Agent Advances");
               ------
               provided, however, that the Required Lenders may at any time
               --------  -------
               revoke Agent's authorization contained in this Section 2.3(e) to
                                                              --------------
               make Agent Advances, any such revocation to be in writing and to
               become effective from and after Agent's receipt thereof.

                    (ii)   Agent Advances shall be repayable on demand, shall be
               secured by the Agent's Liens on the Collateral, shall constitute
               Advances and Obligations hereunder, and shall bear interest at
               the rate applicable from time to time to the Advances pursuant to
               Section 2.6 hereof.
               -----------

                    (f)  Settlement. It is agreed that each Lender's funded
portion of the Advances is intended by the Lenders to equal, at all times, such
Lender's Pro Rata Share of the outstanding Advances. Such agreement
notwithstanding, Agent, Swing Lender, and the other Lenders agree (which
agreement shall not be for the benefit of, or enforceable by, Borrower) that, in
order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, settlement among them as to the Advances, the Swing Loans, and the
Agent Advances shall take place on a periodic basis in accordance with the
following provisions:

                    (i)    Agent shall request settlement ("Settlement") with
               the Lenders on a weekly basis, or on a more frequent basis if so
               determined by Agent, (1) on behalf of Swing Lender, with respect
               to each outstanding Swing Loan, (2) for itself, with respect to
               each Agent Advance, and (3) with respect to Collections received,
               as to each by notifying the Lenders by telecopy, telephone, or
               other similar form of transmission, of such requested Settlement,
               no later than 2:00 p.m. (California time) on the Business Day
               immediately prior to the date of such requested Settlement (the
               date of such requested Settlement being the "Settlement Date").
               Such notice of a Settlement Date shall include a summary
               statement of the amount of outstanding Advances, Swing Loans, and
               Agent Advances for the period since the prior Settlement Date,
               the amount of repayments received in such period, and the amounts
               allocated to each Lender of the interest, fees, and other charges
               for such period. Subject to the terms and conditions contained
               herein (including Section 2.3(c)(iii)): (y) if a Lender's
                                 -------------------
               outstanding balance of the Advances, Swing Loans, and Agent
               Advances exceeds such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Advances,
               Swing Loans, and Agent Advances as of a Settlement Date, then
               Agent shall by no later than 12:00 p.m. (California time) on the
               Settlement Date transfer in immediately available funds to the
               account of such

                                      -40-
<PAGE>

               Lender as such Lender may designate, an amount such that such
               Lender shall, upon its receipt of such amount, have as of the
               Settlement Date, its Pro Rata Share of the Advances, Swing Loans,
               and Agent Advances; and (z) if a Lender's balance of the
               Advances, Swing Loans, and Agent Advances is less than such
               Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Advances, Swing Loans, and Agent
               Advances as of a Settlement Date, such Lender shall no later than
               12:00 p.m. (California time) on the Settlement Date transfer in
               immediately available funds to such account of Agent as Agent may
               designate, an amount such that such Lender shall, upon Agent's
               receipt of such amount, have as of the Settlement Date, its Pro
               Rata Share of the Advances, Swing Loans, and Agent Advances. Such
               amounts made available to Agent under clause (z) of the
               immediately preceding sentence shall be applied against the
               amounts of the applicable Swing Loan or Agent Advance and,
               together with the portion of such Swing Loan or Agent Advance
               representing Swing Lender's Pro Rata Share thereof, shall
               constitute Advances of such Lenders. If any such amount is not
               made available to Agent by any Lender on the Settlement Date
               applicable thereto to the extent required by the terms hereof,
               Agent shall be entitled to recover for its account such amount on
               demand from such Lender together with interest thereon at the
               Defaulting Lender Rate.

                    (ii)   In determining whether a Lender's outstanding balance
               of the Advances, Swing Loans, and Agent Advances is less than,
               equal to, or greater than such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the
               Advances, Swing Loans, and Agent Advances as of a Settlement
               Date, Agent shall, as part of the relevant Settlement, apply to
               such balance the portion of payments actually received in good
               funds by Agent or Swing Lender with respect to principal,
               interest, fees payable by Borrower and allocable to the Lenders
               hereunder, and proceeds of Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and
               Canadian Sub Collateral. To the extent that a net amount is owed
               to any Lender after such application, such net amount shall be
               distributed by Agent or Swing Lender to that Lender as part of
               such Settlement.

                    (iii)  Between Settlement Dates, Agent, to the extent no
               Agent Advances or Swing Loans are outstanding, may pay over to
               Swing Lender any payments received by Agent, that in accordance
               with the terms of this Agreement would be applied to the
               reduction of the Advances, for application to Swing Lender's Pro
               Rata Share of the Advances. If, as of any Settlement Date,
               Collections received since the then immediately preceding
               Settlement Date have been applied to Swing Lender's Pro Rata
               Share of the Advances other than to Swing Loans or Agent
               Advances, as provided for in the previous sentence, Swing Lender
               shall pay to Agent for the accounts of the Lenders, and Agent
               shall pay to the Lenders, to be applied to the outstanding
               Advances of such Lenders, an amount such that each Lender shall,
               upon receipt of such amount, have, as of such Settlement Date,
               its Pro Rata Share of the Advances. During the period between
               Settlement Dates, Swing Lender with respect to

                                      -41-
<PAGE>

               Swing Loans, Agent with respect to Agent Advances, and each
               Lender with respect to the Advances other than Swing Loans and
               Agent Advances, shall be entitled to interest at the applicable
               rate or rates payable under this Agreement on the daily amount of
               funds employed by Swing Lender, Agent, or the Lenders, as
               applicable.

                    (g)  Notation. Agent shall record on its books the principal
amount of the Advances owing to each Lender, including the Swing Loans owing to
Swing Lender, and Agent Advances owing to Agent, and the interests therein of
each Lender, from time to time. In addition, each Lender is authorized, at such
Lender's option, to note the date and amount of each payment or prepayment of
principal of such Lender's Advances in its books and records, including computer
records, such books and records constituting rebuttably presumptive evidence,
absent manifest error, of the accuracy of the information contained therein.

                    (h)  Lenders' Failure to Perform. All Advances (other than
Swing Loans and Agent Advances) shall be deemed made by the Lenders
simultaneously and in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares. It is understood
that (i) no Lender shall be responsible for any failure by any other Lender to
perform its obligation to make any Advances hereunder, nor shall any Commitment
of any Lender be increased or decreased as a result of any failure by any other
Lender to perform its obligation to make any Advances hereunder, and (ii) no
failure by any Lender to perform its obligation to make any Advances hereunder
shall excuse any other Lender from its obligation to make any Advances
hereunder.

                    (i)  Optional Overadvances.

                              (i)   Any contrary provision of this Agreement
                    notwithstanding, if the condition precedent set forth in
                    Section 3.3(d) will not be satisfied in respect to a
                    --------------
                    particular Borrowing, the Lenders nonetheless hereby
                    authorize Agent or Swing Lender, as applicable, and Agent or
                    Swing Lender, as applicable, may, but is not obligated to,
                    knowingly and intentionally continue to make Advances
                    (including Swing Loans) to Borrower such failure of
                    condition notwithstanding, so long as, at any time, (y) the
                    outstanding Revolver Usage does not exceed the Borrowing
                    Base by more than $1,500,000, and (z) the outstanding
                    Revolver Usage (except for and excluding amounts charged to
                    the Loan Account for interest, fees, or Lender Group
                    Expenses) does not exceed the Maximum Revolver Amount less
                    the Term Loan A Amount. The foregoing provisions are for the
                    sole and exclusive benefit of Agent, Swing Lender, and the
                    Lenders and are not intended to benefit the Obligors in any
                    way. The Advances and Swing Loans, as applicable, that are
                    made pursuant to this Section 2.3(i) shall be subject to the
                                          --------------
                    same terms and conditions as any other

                                      -42-
<PAGE>

                    Advance or Swing Loan, as applicable, except that the rate
                    of interest applicable thereto shall be the rates set forth
                    in Section 2.6(c) hereof without regard to the presence or
                       --------------
                    absence of a Default or Event of Default; provided, however,
                                                              --------  -------
                    that the Required Lenders may, at any time during the
                    continuance of an Event of Default, revoke Agent's
                    authorization contained in this Section 2.3(i) to make
                                                    --------------
                    Overadvances (except for and excluding amounts charged to
                    the Loan Account for interest, fees, or Lender Group
                    Expenses), any such revocation to be in writing and to
                    become effective from and after Agent's receipt thereof.

                           (ii)   In the event Agent obtains actual knowledge
                    that the Revolver Usage exceeds the amounts permitted by the
                    preceding paragraph, regardless of the amount of or reason
                    for such excess, Agent shall notify Lenders as soon as
                    practicable (and prior to making any (or any further)
                    intentional Overadvances (except for and excluding amounts
                    charged to the Loan Account for interest, fees, or Lender
                    Group Expenses) unless Agent determines that prior notice
                    would result in imminent harm to the Collateral, UK Sub
                    Collateral, Canadian Sub Collateral or its value), and the
                    Lenders thereupon shall, together with Agent, jointly
                    determine the terms of arrangements that shall be
                    implemented with Borrower intended to reduce, within a
                    reasonable time, the outstanding principal amount of the
                    Advances to an amount permitted by the preceding paragraph.
                    In the event any Lender disagrees over the terms of
                    reduction or repayment of any Overadvance, the terms of
                    reduction or repayment thereof shall be implemented
                    according to the determination of the Required Lenders.

                           (iii)  Each Lender shall be obligated to settle with
                    Agent as provided in Section 2.3(f) for the amount of such
                                         --------------
                    Lender's Pro Rata Share of any unintentional Overadvances by
                    Agent reported to such Lender, any intentional Overadvances
                    made as permitted under this Section 2.3(i), and any
                                                 --------------
                    Overadvances resulting from the charging to the Loan Account
                    of interest, fees, or Lender Group Expenses.

                    (j)  Effect of Bankruptcy. If a case is commenced by or
against Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code, or other statute providing for
debtor relief, then, unless otherwise agreed by all Lenders, the Lender Group
shall not make additional loans or provide additional financial accommodations
under the Loan Documents to Borrower as debtor or debtor-in-possession, or to
any trustee for Borrower, nor consent to the use of cash collateral (provided
that the Loan Account shall continue to be charged, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, for accruing interest, fees, and Lender Group Expenses.

                                      -43-
<PAGE>

     2.4  Payments.
          --------

                    (a)  Payments by Borrower.

                           (i)    All payments to be made by Borrower shall be
               made without set-off, recoupment, deduction, or counterclaim,
               except as otherwise required by law. Except as otherwise
               expressly provided herein, all payments by Borrower shall be made
               to Agent for the account of the Lender Group at an account
               identified by Agent to Borrower, and shall be made in immediately
               available funds, no later than 11:00 a.m. (California time) on
               the relevant payment date. Any payment received by Agent later
               than 11:00 a.m. (California time), at the option of Agent, shall
               be deemed to have been received on the following Business Day and
               any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue until
               such following Business Day.

                           (ii)   Whenever any payment is due on a day other
               than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the following
               Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be
               included in the computation of interest or fees, as the case may
               be.

                           (iii)  Unless Agent receives notice from Borrower
               prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders that
               Borrower will not make such payment in full as and when required,
               Agent may assume that Borrower has made (or will make) such
               payment in full to Agent on such date in immediately available
               funds and Agent may (but shall not be so required), in reliance
               upon such assumption, distribute to each Lender on such due date
               an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the
               extent Borrower does not make such payment in full to Agent on
               the date when due, each Lender severally shall repay to Agent on
               demand such amount distributed to such Lender, together with
               interest thereon at the Base Rate for each day from the date such
               amount is distributed to such Lender until the date repaid.

                    (b)  Apportionment, Application, and Reversal of Payments.
(i) Except as otherwise provided with respect to Defaulting Lenders, aggregate
principal and interest payments shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders
(according to the unpaid principal balance of the Obligations to which such
payments relate held by each individual Lender) and payments of fees (other than
fees designated for Agent's sole and separate account) shall, as applicable, be
apportioned ratably among the Lenders (in accordance with their applicable Pro
Rata Shares). All payments shall be remitted to Agent and all such payments not
relating to principal or interest of specific Obligations (other than payments
constituting payment of specific fees), and all proceeds of Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral received by Agent, shall be applied:

               first, to pay any fees or Lender Group Expenses then due to Agent
               under the Loan Documents until paid in full,

                                      -44-
<PAGE>

               second, to pay any fees or Lender Group Expenses then due under
               the Loan Documents to Lenders, in respect of their Pro Rata Share
               thereof,

               third, to pay interest due in respect of all Swing Loans and
               Agent Advances until paid in full,

               fourth, ratably to pay cash interest due in respect of all
               Advances and the Term Loan A Amount (other than the Term Loan A
               PIK Amount, Swing Loans, and Agent Advances) until paid in full,

               fifth, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is
               continuing or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is
               continuing and Agent agrees in its sole discretion, ratably to
               pay cash interest due in respect of the Term Loan B and the Term
               Loan C until paid in full (if an Event of Default has occurred
               and is continuing and Agent has not so agreed, the priority of
               such amounts is deferred to item "tenth" below),

               sixth, to pay principal of Swing Loans and Agent Advances until
               paid in full,

               seventh, to pay principal of the Advances (other than Swing Loans
               and Agent Advances) until paid in full,

               eighth, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to
               pay the installments due under the Term Loan A (including the
               Term Loan A PIK Amount) in the inverse order of their maturity
               until paid in full,

               ninth, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to
               be held by Agent, for the ratable benefit of Agent and those
               Lenders having a Letter of Credit Sub-Commitment, as cash
               collateral in an amount equal to 105% of the maximum amount of
               the Lender Group's obligations with respect to outstanding
               Letters of Credit until paid in full,

               tenth, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to
               pay cash interest due in respect of Term Loan B (other than the
               Term Loan B PIK Amount) and Term Loan C (other than the Term Loan
               C PIK Amount), on a ratable basis, until paid in full,

               eleventh, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
               to pay in cash the Term Loan B PIK Amount and the Term Loan C PIK
               Amount, on a ratable basis, until paid in full, and then to pay
               the principal of Term Loan B and Term Loan C, on a ratable basis,
               until paid in full,

               twelfth, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
               to pay any other Obligations due to Agent or any Lender, in
               respect of their Pro Rata Share thereof, and

                                      -45-
<PAGE>

               thirteenth, to Borrower and wired to its Designated Account.

               Agent shall promptly distribute to each Lender, pursuant to the
applicable wire transfer instructions received from each Lender in writing, such
funds as it may be entitled to receive, subject to a Settlement delay as
provided in Section 2.3(f).
            --------------

                              (ii)   In each instance, so long as no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, Section 2.4(b)(i) shall not be deemed to
                                        -----------------
apply to any payment by Borrower specified by Borrower to Agent to be for the
payment of Obligations relating to the Term Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B
Amount, or the Term Loan C Amount then due and payable under any provision of
this Agreement or the prepayment of all or part of the principal of Term Loan A
Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, or the Term Loan C Amount in accordance with the
terms and conditions of to Section 2.2.
                           -----------

                              (iii)  For purposes of the foregoing, "paid in
full" with respect to interest shall include interest accrued after the
commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding irrespective of whether a claim for
such interest is allowable in such Insolvency Proceeding.

                              (iv)   In the event of a direct conflict between
the priority provisions of this Section 2.4(b) and other provisions contained in
                                --------------
any other Loan Document, it is the intention of the parties hereto that both
such priority provisions in such documents shall be read together and construed,
to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with each other. In the event
of any actual, irreconcilable conflict that cannot be resolved as aforesaid, the
terms and provisions of this Section 2.4(b) shall control and govern .
                             --------------

     2.5  Overadvances. If, at any time or for any reason, the amount of
          ------------
Obligations owed by Borrower to the Lender Group pursuant to Sections 2.1, or
                                                             ----------------
2.12 is greater than the Dollar or percentage limitations set forth in Section
----                                                                   -------
2.1, or 2.12, (an "Overadvance"), and unless such Overadvance was made by Agent
------------       -----------
pursuant to Section 2.3(i) (in which case they shall be payable as agreed at the
            --------------
time of the making of such Overadvance), Borrower immediately shall pay to
Agent, in cash, the amount of such excess, which amount shall be used by Agent
to reduce the Obligations in accordance with the priority set forth in Section
                                                                       -------
2.4(b)(i). In addition, Borrower hereby promises to pay the Obligations
---------
(including principal, interest, fees, costs, and expenses) in Dollars in full to
the Lender Group as and when due and payable under the terms of this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents.

     2.6  Interest and Letter of Credit Fees: Rates, Payments, and Calculations.
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                    (a)  Interest Rates. Except as provided in clause (c) below,

                              (i)  all Obligations (except for undrawn Letters
                              of Credit, the Term Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B
                              Amount, and the Term Loan C Amount) that have been
                              charged to the Loan Account

                                      -46-
<PAGE>

                              pursuant to the terms hereof shall bear interest
                              on the Daily Balance thereof at a per annum rate
                              of the greater of (A) 1.00 percentage point above
                              the Base Rate, and (B) 7.0%,

                              (ii)  the Term Loan A Amount (inclusive of any
                              Term Loan A PIK Amount) shall bear interest on the
                              amount thereof outstanding from time to time at a
                              per annum rate of 15 percentage points; provided,
                                                                      --------
                              however, that, so long as no Event of Default has
                              -------
                              occurred and is continuing, that portion of such
                              interest equal to 2.50% per annum (i.e., all
                              interest under this clause (ii) in excess of
                              12.50% per annum) shall, in the absence of an
                              election by Borrower to pay such interest in cash,
                              be paid-in-kind by being added to the principal
                              balance of the Term Loan A Amount (inclusive of
                              any Term Loan A PIK Amount theretofore so added);
                              provided, further, however, that Borrower may, on
                              --------  -------  -------
                              or prior to the date that is 5 Business Days prior
                              to the due date thereof, elect to pay all accrued
                              and unpaid interest under this Section 2.6(a)(ii)
                                                             ------------------
                              in cash,

                              (iii) the Term Loan B Amount (inclusive of any
                              Term Loan B PIK Amount) shall bear interest on the
                              amount thereof outstanding from time to time at a
                              per annum rate of 15 percentage points; provided,
                                                                      --------
                              however, that, so long as no Event of Default has
                              -------
                              occurred and is continuing, that portion of such
                              interest equal to 2.50% per annum (i.e., all
                              interest under this clause (iii) in excess of
                              12.50% per annum) shall, in the absence of an
                              election by Borrower to pay such interest in cash,
                              be paid-in-kind by being added to the principal
                              balance of the Term Loan B Amount (inclusive of
                              any Term Loan B PIK Amount theretofore so added);
                              provided, further, however, that Borrower may, on
                              --------  -------  -------
                              or prior to the date that is 5 Business Days prior
                              to the due date thereof, elect to pay all accrued
                              and unpaid interest under this Section 2.6(a)(iii)
                                                             -------------------
                              in cash, and


                              (iv)  the Term Loan C Amount (inclusive of any
                              Term Loan C PIK Amount) shall bear interest on the
                              amount thereof outstanding from time to time at a
                              per annum rate of 15 percentage points; provided,
                                                                      --------
                              however, that, so long as no Event of Default has
                              -------
                              occurred and is continuing, that portion of such
                              interest equal to 2.50% per annum (i.e., all
                              interest under this clause (iv) in excess of
                              12.50% per annum) shall, in the absence of an
                              election by Borrower to pay such interest in cash,
                              be paid-in-kind by being added to the principal
                              balance of the Term Loan C Amount (inclusive of
                              any Term Loan C PIK Amount theretofore so added);
                              provided, further, however, that Borrower
                              --------  -------  -------

                                      -47-
<PAGE>

                              may, on or prior to the date that is 5 Business
                              Days prior to the due date thereof, elect to pay
                              all accrued and unpaid interest under this Section
                                                                         -------
                              2.6(a)(iv) in cash.
                              ----------

                    (b)  Letter of Credit Fee. Borrower shall pay Agent a fee
(in addition to the charges, commissions, fees, and costs set forth in Section
                                                                       -------
2.12(e)) equal to 1.5% per annum times the aggregate undrawn amount of all
--------
issued and outstanding Letters of Credit.

                    (c)  Default Rates. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuation of an Event of Default,

                              (i)  all Obligations (except for undrawn Letters
                              of Credit) that have been charged to the Loan
                              Account pursuant to the terms hereof shall bear
                              interest on the Daily Balance thereof at a per
                              annum rate equal to 4 percentage points above the
                              per annum rate otherwise applicable hereunder, and

                              (ii) the Letter of Credit fee provided for above
                              shall be increased to 4 percentage points above
                              the per annum rate otherwise applicable hereunder.

                    (d)  Payments. Interest and Letter of Credit fees payable
hereunder shall be due and payable, in arrears, on the first day of each month
during the term hereof. Borrower hereby authorizes Agent, without prior notice
to Borrower, to charge such interest, Letter of Credit fees, all Lender Group
Expenses (as and when incurred), the charges, commissions, fees, and costs
provided for in Section 2.12(e) (as and when accrued or incurred), the fees,
                ---------------
premiums and charges provided for in Section 2.11 (as and when accrued or
                                     ------------
incurred), and all installments or other payments due in respect of the Term
Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, the Term Loan C Amount, or under any Loan
Document to Borrower's Loan Account, which amounts from and after their due date
shall accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Advances hereunder (or, in
the case of the Term Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, or the Term Loan C
Amount, at the rate then applicable thereto). Any interest not paid when due
shall be compounded and shall thereafter accrue interest at the rate then
applicable to Advances hereunder (or, in the case of interest in respect of the
Term Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, or the Term Loan C Amount, at the
rate then applicable thereto).

                    (e)  Computation. All interest and fees chargeable under the
Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year for the actual
number of days elapsed. In the event the Base Rate is changed from time to time
hereafter, the applicable rates of interest hereunder automatically and
immediately shall be increased or decreased by an amount equal to such change in
the Base Rate.

                    (f)  Intent to Limit Charges to Maximum Lawful Rate. In no
event shall the interest rate or rates payable under this Agreement, plus any
other amounts paid in connection herewith, exceed the highest rate permissible
under any law that a court of

                                      -48-
<PAGE>

competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable.
Borrower and the Lender Group, in executing and delivering this Agreement,
intend legally to agree upon the rate or rates of interest and manner of payment
stated within it; provided, however, that, anything contained herein to the
contrary notwithstanding, if said rate or rates of interest or manner of payment
exceeds the maximum allowable under applicable law, then, ipso facto as of the
date of this Agreement, Borrower is and shall be liable only for the payment of
such maximum as allowed by law, and payment received from Borrower in excess of
such legal maximum, whenever received, shall be applied to reduce the principal
balance of the Obligations to the extent of such excess.

     2.7  Collection of Accounts (a) Borrower shall at all times maintain one or
          ----------------------
more lockboxes (the "Lockboxes") and, immediately after the Closing Date, shall
instruct all Account Debtors to remit all amounts owed by them to one of such
Lockboxes. Borrower, Agent, and the Lockbox Banks shall enter into the Lockbox
Agreements, which among other things shall provide for the opening of a Lockbox
Account for the deposit of Borrower's Collections at the applicable Lockbox
Bank. Borrower agrees that all Collections received by Borrower from any Account
Debtor or any other source immediately upon receipt shall be deposited into a
Lockbox Account. No Lockbox Agreement or other arrangement contemplated hereby
shall be modified by Borrower without the prior written consent of Agent. All
amounts received in the Lockbox Account shall be wired each Business Day into an
account (the "Agent's Account") maintained by Agent at a depository selected by
Agent.

                    (b)  On or before the UK Sub Closing Date or the Canadian
Sub Closing Date, as applicable, and at all times thereafter, each of UK Sub and
Canadian Sub shall maintain with a Foreign Concentration Account Bank a Dollar-
denominated concentration account (the "Foreign Concentration Account") and each
of UK Sub and Canadian Sub promptly shall deposit or cause to be deposited into
their respective Foreign Concentration Account all Collections immediately upon
receipt thereof. On or prior to the UK Sub Closing Date or Canadian Sub Closing
Date, as applicable, Agent, UK Sub or Canadian Sub, and the Foreign
Concentration Account Bank shall enter into the Foreign Concentration Account
Agreements. Once established, neither the Foreign Concentration Account
Agreements nor the arrangements contemplated thereby shall be modified by either
UK Sub or Canadian Sub without the prior written consent of Agent. Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Foreign Concentration
Account Agreements, all amounts received in each such Foreign Concentration
Account shall be wired each Business Day into either (i) an account controlled
and established by UK Sub or Canadian Sub, as applicable, with a depository
institution reasonably acceptable to Agent, or, (ii) upon the occurrence and
during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Agent's Account. The
arrangements contemplated in this Section 2.7(b) shall not be modified by either
                                  --------------
UK Sub or Canadian Sub without the prior written consent of Agent. At the end of
each week, to the extent that the aggregate amount of UK Sub's Collections or
Canadian Sub's Collections, as applicable, that have been deposited into the
account established pursuant to clause (i) above exceeds the UK Sub's or
Canadian Sub's, as applicable, Operating Amount, the UK Sub or Canadian Sub, as
applicable, shall wire all amounts in excess of the applicable Operating Amount
to the Lockbox Account. Each Business Day, (i) so long as no Event of Default
has occurred and

                                      -49-
<PAGE>

is continuing, (ii) the Revolver Usage equals zero (-0-), and (iii) subject to
the deposit requirements described in Section 2.8, Agent shall wire to
Borrower's Designated Account any credit balance reflected in Borrower's Loan
Account (excluding amounts outstanding in respect of Term Loan A, Term Loan B
and Term Loan C).

     2.8  Crediting Payments; Float Charge. The receipt by Agent of any payment
          --------------------------------
(whether from transfers to Agent by the Lockbox Banks pursuant to the Lockbox
Agreements or otherwise) immediately shall be applied provisionally to the
Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(b), but shall not be considered a
                               --------------
payment on account unless such payment item is a wire transfer of immediately
available federal funds made to the Agent Account or unless and until such
payment item is honored when presented for payment. Should any payment item not
be honored when presented for payment, then the Specified Obligors shall be
deemed not to have made such payment and interest shall be calculated
accordingly. Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, any
payment item shall be deemed received by Agent only if it is received into the
Agent's Account on a Business Day on or before 11:00 a.m. (California time). If
any Collection item is received into the Agent Account on a non-Business Day or
after 11:00 a.m. (California time) on a Business Day, it shall be deemed to have
been received by Agent as of the opening of business on the immediately
following Business Day. From and after the Closing Date, Agent shall be entitled
to charge Borrower for 2 Business Days of `clearance' or `float' at the rate
applicable to Advances set forth in Section 2.6(a)(i) or Section 2.6(c)(i), as
                                    -----------------    -----------------
applicable, on all Collections that are received by the Obligors (regardless of
whether forwarded by the Lockbox Banks to Agent). This across-the-board 2
Business Day clearance or float charge on all Collections is acknowledged by the
parties to constitute an integral aspect of the pricing of the financing of
Borrower and shall apply irrespective of whether or not there are any
outstanding monetary Obligations; the effect of such clearance or float charge
being the equivalent of charging 2 Business Days of interest on such
Collections. The parties further acknowledge and agree that the economic benefit
of the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.8 shall accrue to the sole and
                                    -----------
exclusive benefit of Agent.

     2.9  Designated Account  Agent is authorized to make the Advances, the Term
          ------------------
Loan A, the Term Loan B, the Term Loan C, and issue Letters of Credit under this
Agreement based upon telephonic or other instructions received from anyone
purporting to be an Authorized Person, or without instructions if pursuant to
Section 2.6(d). Borrower agrees to establish and maintain the Designated Account
--------------
with the Designated Account Bank for the purpose of receiving the proceeds of
the Advances requested by Borrower and made by Agent or the Lenders hereunder.
Unless otherwise agreed by Agent and Borrower, any Advance, Agent Advance, or
Swing Loan requested by Borrower and made by Agent, Swing Lender, or the Lenders
hereunder shall be made to the Designated Account.

     2.10 Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations. Agent shall
          ------------------------------------------------------
maintain an account on its books in the name of Borrower (the "Loan Account") on
which Borrower will be charged with the Term Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B
Amount, the Term Loan C Amount, and all Advances made by Agent, Swing Lender, or
the Lenders to Borrower or for Borrower's account, including, accrued interest,
Lender Group Expenses,

                                      -50-
<PAGE>

and any other payment Obligations. In accordance with Section 2.8, the Loan
                                                      -----------
Account will be credited with all payments received by Agent from Borrower or
for Borrower's account, including all amounts received in the Agent's Account
from any Lockbox Bank. Agent shall render monthly statements regarding the Loan
Account to Borrower (with copies to the Lenders), including principal, interest,
fees, and including an itemization of all charges and expenses constituting
Lender Group Expenses owing, and such statements shall be conclusively presumed
to be correct and accurate and constitute an account stated between Borrower and
the Lender Group unless, within 60 days after receipt thereof by Borrower and
the Lenders, Borrower or any Lender shall deliver to Agent written objection
thereto describing the error or errors contained in any such statements.

     2.11  Fees  Borrower shall pay to Agent the fees provided in the Fee
           ----
Letter. In addition, Borrower shall pay to Agent the following fees, which fees
shall be non-refundable when paid:

               (a)  Financial Examination, Valuation, and Appraisal Fees. For
the sole and separate account of Agent, a separate fee of $750 per day, per
examiner, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for each financial analysis and
examination (i.e., audits) of the Obligors performed by personnel employed by
Agent; for the sole and separate account of Agent, a separate fee of $750 per
day, per Person, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for the establishment of
electronic collateral and financial reporting systems; and, in addition, for the
sole and separate accounts of Agent and each Lender that exercises its rights
under Section 4.6, the actual charges paid or incurred by Agent or any Lender if
      -----------
it elects to employ the services of one or more third Persons to perform such
audits of the Obligors or the Books, UK Sub Books, or Canadian Sub Books
thereof, to appraise the Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral, the Canadian Sub
Collateral, or to assess the Obligors' business valuation; provided, however,
                                                           --------  -------
that, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower
shall not be obligated to reimburse to Agent the fees and costs of more than 1
audit in any three month period.

     2.12  Letters of Credit.
           -----------------

               (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Agent
agrees, on behalf of the Lenders with a Letter of Credit Sub-Commitment, to
issue letters of credit for the account of Borrower (each, an "L/C") or to
                                                               ---
purchase participations, or execute indemnities or reimbursement obligations
(each such undertaking, an "L/C Undertaking") with respect to letters of credit
                            ---------------
issued by an issuing bank for the account of Borrower. Agent shall have no
obligation to issue an L/C or L/C Undertaking if any of the following would
result:

                    (i)  the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed the Borrowing
               Base less the result of (A) the amount of outstanding Advances,
               plus (B) the Term Loan A Amount,

                    (ii) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed $5,000,000, or

                                      -51-
<PAGE>

                    (iii)  the Revolver Usage would exceed the Maximum Revolver
               Amount less the Term Loan A Amount.

Each of Borrower and the Lender Group acknowledge and agree that certain of the
letters of credit that are to be the subject of L/C Undertakings may be
outstanding on the Closing Date.  Each Letter of Credit shall have an expiry
date no later than 30 days prior to the Maturity Date (without regard to any
potential renewal term) and all such Letters of Credit shall be in form and
substance acceptable to Agent (in the exercise of its Permitted Discretion).  If
Agent is obligated to advance funds under a Letter of Credit, Borrower
immediately shall reimburse such amount to Agent and, in the absence of such
reimbursement, the amount so advanced immediately and automatically shall be
deemed to be an Advance hereunder and, thereafter, shall bear interest at the
rate then applicable to Advances under Section 2.6.  Anything herein to the
                                       -----------
contrary notwithstanding, Agent shall not issue a Letter of Credit if Agent
shall have received written notice from any Lender, or otherwise has actual
knowledge, that (1) one or more of the applicable conditions precedent set forth
in Section 3 will not be satisfied on the requested Funding Date for the
   ---------
applicable Letter of Credit (unless such condition has been waived in accordance
herewith), or (2) the requested Letter of Credit would exceed the Availability
of Borrower on such Funding Date.

               (b)  Each Lender agrees to fund its Pro Rata Share of any Advance
deemed made pursuant to the foregoing subsection. Each Lender with a Pro Rata
Share of the Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have purchased a participation
in each Letter of Credit, in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of the Risk
Participation Liability of such Letter of Credit, and each Lender agrees to pay
to Agent such Lender's Pro Rata Share of any payments made by Agent under such
Letter of Credit. The obligation of each Lender to deliver to Agent an amount
equal to its respective Pro Rata Share pursuant to the preceding two sentences
shall be absolute and unconditional and such remittance shall be made
notwithstanding the occurrence or continuation of an Event of Default or Default
or the failure to satisfy any condition set forth in Section 3 hereof. If any
                                                     ---------
Lender fails to make available to Agent the amount of such Lender's Pro Rata
Share of any payments made by Agent in respect of such Letter of Credit as
provided in this Section, Agent shall be entitled to recover such amount on
demand from such Lender together with interest thereon at the Base Rate until
paid in full.

               (c)  Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, save, defend, and hold
the Lender Group harmless from any loss, cost, expense, or liability, expenses,
and reasonable attorneys fees incurred by the Lender Group arising out of or in
connection with any Letter of Credit. Borrower agrees to be bound by the issuing
bank's regulations and interpretations of any letter of credit that is the
subject of an L/C Undertaking and opened to or for Borrower's account or by
Agent's interpretations of any L/C issued by Agent to or for Borrower's account,
even though this interpretation may be different from Borrower's own, and
Borrower understands and agrees that the Lender Group shall not be liable for
any error, negligence, or mistake, whether of omission or commission, in
following Borrower's instructions or those contained in the Letter of Credit or
any modifications, amendments, or supplements thereto (except for any action
that results from the Lender Group's gross

                                      -52-
<PAGE>

negligence or willful misconduct). Borrower understands that the L/C
Undertakings may require Agent to indemnify the issuing bank for certain costs
or liabilities arising out of claims by Borrower against such issuing bank.
Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, save, defend, and hold the Lender Group
harmless with respect to any loss, cost, expense (including reasonable attorneys
fees), or liability incurred by the Lender Group under any L/C Undertaking as a
result of the Lender Group's indemnification of any such issuing bank.

               (d)  Borrower hereby authorizes and directs any bank that issues
a letter of credit that is the subject of an L/C Undertaking to deliver to Agent
all instruments, documents, and other writings and property received by the
issuing bank pursuant to such letter of credit, and to accept and rely upon
Agent's instructions with respect to all matters arising in connection with such
letter of credit and the related application.

               (e)  Any and all charges, commissions, fees, and costs incurred
by Agent or Lender Group relating to the letters of credit that are the subject
of an L/C Undertaking shall be considered Lender Group Expenses for purposes of
this Agreement and immediately shall be reimbursable by Borrower to Agent.

               (f)  If by reason of (i) any change in any applicable law,
treaty, rule, or regulation or any change in the interpretation or application
thereof by any Governmental Authority, or (ii) compliance by Agent, the issuing
bank, or the Lender Group with any direction, request, or requirement
(irrespective of whether having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority
or monetary authority including, Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board as
from time to time in effect (and any successor thereto):

          (y)  any reserve, deposit, or similar requirement is or shall be
          imposed or modified in respect of any Letters of Credit issued
          hereunder, or

          (z)  there shall be imposed on the issuing bank or the Lender Group
          any other condition regarding any L/C or L/C Undertaking issued
          pursuant hereto;

and the result of the foregoing is to increase, directly or indirectly, the cost
to the Agent, issuing bank, or Lender Group of issuing, making, guaranteeing, or
maintaining any L/C or L/C Undertaking or to reduce the amount receivable in
respect thereof by the Agent, issuing bank, or Lender Group, then, and in any
such case, Agent may, at any time within a reasonable period after the
additional cost is incurred or the amount received is reduced, notify Borrower,
and Borrower shall pay on demand such amounts Agent may specify to be necessary
to compensate the Lender Group for such additional cost or reduced receipt,
together with interest on such amount from the date of such demand until payment
in full thereof at the rate then applicable to Advances hereunder.  The
determination by Agent of any amount due pursuant to this Section, as set forth
in a certificate setting forth the calculation thereof in reasonable detail,
shall, in the absence of manifest or demonstrable error, be final and conclusive
and binding on all of the parties hereto.  In determining such amount, Agent may
use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

                                      -53-
<PAGE>

3.   CONDITIONS; TERM OF AGREEMENT.

     3.1  Conditions Precedent to the Initial Extension of Credit. The
          -------------------------------------------------------
obligation of the Lender Group (or any member thereof) to make the initial
Advance, the Term Loan A, the Term Loan B, or issue the initial Letters of
Credit (or otherwise to extend any credit provided for hereunder), is subject to
the fulfillment, to the reasonable satisfaction of Agent and the Lenders, of
each of conditions precedent set forth below:

               (a)  the Closing Date shall occur on or before August 31, 1999;

               (b)  Agent shall have received all financing statements required
by Agent, duly executed by the Obligors, and Agent shall have received searches
reflecting the filing of all such financing statements;

               (c)  Agent shall have received each of the following documents,
in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, duly executed, and each such
document shall be in full force and effect:

               (i)    this Agreement;

               (ii)   the Fee Letter;

               (iii)  the Lockbox Agreements;

               (iv)   the Disbursement Letter;

               (v)    the Copyright Security Agreement;

               (vi)   the Trademark Security Agreement;

               (vii)  the Guaranty;

               (viii) the Security Agreement;

               (ix)   the Suretyship Agreement;

               (x)    the Pledge Agreement, together with all originals of
          certificates or other instruments (if any) evidencing the Stock
          pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, as well as Stock powers with
          respect thereto endorsed in blank;

               (xi)   the Intercompany Subordination Agreement;

               (xii)  the Pay-Off Letters; together with (y) UCC termination
          statements and other documentation evidencing the termination by each
          Existing Lender of its Liens in and to the properties and assets of
          the Obligors, and (z) such other documentation evidencing the
          termination of Liens

                                      -54-
<PAGE>

          (including the UK Lien in respect of Lloyds Bank but excluding
          Permitted Liens) in and to the properties and assets of the Obligors
          outside the United States;

               (xiii)  the Closing Date Assignments;

               (xiv)   the Registration Rights Agreement; and

               (xv)    the Control Agreement.

               (d)  Agent shall have received a certificate from the Secretary
of each Obligor attesting to the resolutions of such Obligor's Board of
Directors authorizing its execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents to which such Obligor is a party and authorizing
specific officers of such Obligor to execute the same;

               (e)  Agent shall have received copies of each Obligor's Governing
Documents, as amended, modified, or supplemented to the Closing Date, certified
by the Secretary of the applicable Obligor;

               (f)  Agent shall have received a certificate of status with
respect to each Obligor, dated within 10 days of the Closing Date, such
certificate to be issued by the appropriate officer of the jurisdiction of
organization of such Obligor, which certificate shall indicate that such Obligor
is in good standing in such jurisdiction;

               (g)  Agent shall have received certificates of status with
respect to each Obligor, each dated within 15 days of the Closing Date, such
certificates to be issued by the appropriate officer of the jurisdictions in
which its failure to be duly qualified or licensed would constitute a Material
Adverse Change, which certificates shall indicate that such Obligor is in good
standing in such jurisdictions;

               (h)  Agent shall have received such Collateral Access Agreements
respecting those locations identified on Schedule 3.1(h);
                                         ---------------

               (i)  Agent shall have received satisfactory evidence that not
less than the Required Library of all existing copyrights of Borrower required
to be registered under Section 6(a) of the Copyright Security Agreement have
been registered with the United States Copyright Office (or are the subject of a
diligently prosecuted application therefor), and that all such copyrights and
any proceeds thereof are specifically encumbered by the Copyright Security
Agreement which has been filed with the United States Copyright Office;

               (j)  Agent shall have received a certificate of insurance,
together with the endorsements thereto, in each case, as are required by
Section 6.9, the form and substance of which shall be satisfactory to Agent and
-----------
its counsel;

                                      -55-
<PAGE>

               (k)  Agent shall have received evidence that the Stock Purchase
Agreement has been amended, the form and substance of such amendment to be
satisfactory to Agent and its counsel;

               (l)  Agent shall have received opinions of the Specified
Obligors' counsel in form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted
Discretion;

               (m)  Agent shall have received evidence that the Permitted
Subordinated Debt has been subordinated, on terms and conditions satisfactory to
Agent in its sole discretion, to the payment of the Obligations;

               (n)  Agent and Agent's counsel shall have conducted an inquiry of
the ongoing investigation of the Borrower by the SEC and the results of such
inquiry shall be satisfactory to Agent and its counsel in their sole discretion;

               (o)  Agent shall have received a certificate from the chief
financial officer of Borrower, certifying that all tax returns or extensions to
file such tax returns that are required to be filed by each Obligor have been
timely filed and all taxes upon such Obligor or its properties, assets, income,
and franchises (including real property taxes and payroll taxes) have been paid
prior to delinquency, except such taxes that are the subject of a Permitted
Protest;

               (p)  Borrower shall have unrestricted cash and cash equivalents
after giving effect to Term Loan A, Term Loan B, and Term Loan C of at least
$15,000,000;

               (q)  Agent and each Lender shall have completed its business,
legal, and collateral due diligence, including, but not limited to, a collateral
audit and review of the Obligors' books and records and verification of the
Obligors' representations and warranties to the Lender Group, the results of
which shall be reasonably satisfactory to each Lender;

               (r)  Agent shall have completed reference checks with respect to
the Obligors' senior management, the results of which are satisfactory to Agent
and each Lender in their sole discretion;

               (s)  Agent shall have received Borrower's Closing Date Business
Plan;

               (t)  Borrower shall pay all Lender Group Expenses, if and to the
extent invoiced as of the Closing Date, incurred by Agent or any other Lender in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

               (u)  Agent shall have received a Business Valuation, the results
of which are satisfactory to each of the Lenders in their sole discretion;

               (v)  The Common Stock shall be listed and authorized for trading
on the Nasdaq National Market, trading in the Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the

                                      -56-
<PAGE>

Term Loan C Amount to be traded on the Nasdaq National Market shall not have
been suspended by the SEC or Nasdaq;

               (w)  SSA shall have reserved out of its authorized and unissued
Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Term
Loan C Amount, 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock to provide for the issuance of
the Conversion Shares in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

               (x)  all other documents and legal matters in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been delivered, executed,
or recorded and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and each
Lender in their Permitted Discretion.

     3.1A  Conditions Precedent to inclusion of the UK Sub Accounts in the
Borrowing Base.  The following shall be conditions precedent to the inclusion of
the UK Sub Accounts in the Borrowing Base:

               (a)  Agent shall have received a copy, certified as being a true,
complete, and up-to-date copy by a director or the Secretary of each UK Sub, of
the minutes of UK Sub's Board of Directors and the resolutions of UK Sub's
shareholders authorizing its execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which UK Sub is a party and
authorizing specific directors of UK Sub to execute the same, and amending UK
Sub's articles of association to disapply any rights of lien, pre-emption
rights, or director's veto on the transfer of any shares which are the subject
of any security comprised in the Loan Documents or enforcement of such security
or where the transfer is made at the direction of the Agent or a receiver;

               (b)  Agent shall have received copies, certified as being a true,
complete, and up-to-date copy by a director or the Secretary of each UK Sub, of
the  Governing Documents, as amended, modified, or supplemented to the UK Sub
Closing Date;

               (c)  Agent shall have received a certificate of good standing
with respect to UK Sub, dated within 10 days of the UK Sub Closing Date, such
certificate to be issued by the Registrar of Companies;

               (d)  Agent shall have received opinions of counsel to UK Sub (or,
in Agent's sole discretion, opinions of Agent's foreign counsel in lieu of or in
addition to the opinions of UK Sub's counsel) relative to the enforceability of
this Agreement, the other Loan Documents to which UK Sub is a party, and the UK
Sub Security Documents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

               (e)  Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence
that UK Sub has instructed in writing all of its Account Debtors to remit all UK
Sub's Collections into the Foreign Concentration Account;

                                      -57-
<PAGE>

               (f)  UK Sub shall have executed and delivered each of the UK Sub
Security Documents and such agreements, where appropriate, shall have been filed
or recorded with the registrar of companies at Companies House;

               (g)  Agent and each Lender shall have completed its business,
legal, and collateral due diligence, including, but not limited to, a collateral
audit (including a roll-forward audit to be conducted immediately prior to the
inclusion of the UK Sub's Accounts into the Borrowing Base for the purpose of
evaluating and, if reasonably necessary, adjusting the applicable Collections
percentages set forth in Section 2.1 with respect to UK Sub) and review of UK
                         -----------
Sub's Books and verification of UK Sub's representations and warranties to the
Lender Group, the results of which shall be reasonably satisfactory to each
Lender; and

               (h)  Agent, the UK Sub, and each of the UK Sub's depositary banks
shall have entered into such lockbox agreements or blocked account agreements
(including agreements in respect of the Foreign Concentration Account) as shall
be required by Section 2 hereof, the form and substance thereof to be reasonably
               ---------
satisfactory to Agent.

               (i)  Agent shall have received such documentation evidencing the
termination of Liens (including, without limitation, the UK Liens, but excluding
any Permitted Liens) in and to the properties and assets of UK Sub as Agent
requires in its Permitted Discretion.

     3.1B  Conditions Precedent to inclusion of the Canadian Sub Accounts in the
Borrowing Base.  The following shall be conditions precedent to the inclusion of
the Canadian Sub Accounts in the Borrowing Base:

               (a)  Agent shall have received a certificate from the Secretary
of Canadian Sub attesting to the minutes of Canadian Sub's Board of Directors
and the resolutions of Canadian Sub's shareholders authorizing its execution,
delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to
which Canadian Sub is a party and authorizing specific officers of Canadian Sub
to execute the same;

               (b)  Agent shall have received copies of Canadian Sub's Governing
Documents, as amended, modified, or supplemented to the Canadian Sub Closing
Date, certified by the Secretary of Canadian Sub;

               (c)  Agent shall have received a certificate of status (or
comparable document) with respect to Canadian Sub, dated within 10 days of the
Canadian Sub Closing Date, such certificate to be issued by the appropriate
officer of the jurisdiction of organization of Canadian Sub, which certificate
shall indicate that Canadian Sub is in good standing (or the equivalent) in such
jurisdiction;

                                      -58-
<PAGE>

               (d)  Agent shall have received opinions of counsel to Canadian
Sub (or, in Agent's sole discretion, opinions of Agent's foreign counsel in lieu
of or in addition to the opinions of Canadian Sub's counsel) relative to the
enforceability of this Agreement and the Canadian Sub Security Documents, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

               (e)  Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence
that Canadian Sub has instructed in writing all of its Account Debtors to remit
all Canadian Sub's Collections payable in Dollars into the Foreign Concentration
Account;

               (f)  Canadian Sub shall have executed and delivered each of the
Canadian Sub Security Documents;

               (g)  Agent and each Lender shall have completed its business,
legal, and collateral due diligence, including, but not limited to, a collateral
audit (including a roll-forward audit to be conducted immediately prior to the
inclusion of the Canadian Sub's Accounts into the Borrowing Base for the purpose
of evaluating and, if reasonably necessary, adjusting the applicable Collections
percentages set forth in Section 2.1 with respect to Canadian Sub) and review of
Canadian Sub's Books and verification of Canadian Sub's representations and
warranties to the Lender Group, the results of which shall be reasonably
satisfactory to each Lender;

               (h)  Agent, the Canadian Sub, and each of the Canadian Sub's
depositary banks shall have entered into such lockbox agreements or blocked
account agreements (including agreements in respect of the Foreign Concentration
Account) as shall be required by Section 2 hereof, the form and substance
                                 ---------
thereof to be reasonably satisfactory to Agent; and

               (i)  Agent shall have received such documentation evidencing the
termination, or partial release, of Liens (including, without limitation, the
Canadian Liens, but excluding any Permitted Liens), in and to the properties and
assets of Canadian Sub as Agent requires in its Permitted Discretion.

     3.2  Conditions Subsequent to the Initial Extension of Credit. The
          --------------------------------------------------------
obligation of the Lender Group (or any member thereof) to continue to make
Advances or to issue Letters of Credit is subject to the fulfillment, on or
before the date applicable thereto, of each of the conditions subsequent set
forth below (the failure by the Obligors to so perform or cause to be performed
constituting an Event of Default):

               (a)  within 40 days of the Closing Date (60 days in jurisdictions
outside the United States), deliver to Agent the certified copies of the
policies of insurance, together with the endorsements thereto, as are required
by Section 6.9, the form and substance of which shall be satisfactory to Agent
   -----------
and its counsel; and

                                      -59-
<PAGE>

               (b)  within 90 days of the Closing Date, Borrower, UK Sub, and
Canadian Sub shall have implemented such internal collateral and financial
reporting systems and procedures, satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted
Discretion, such that Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub can submit to Agent
such collateral and financial reports at such intervals and with such
specificity as is deemed satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

               (c)  on or before September 10, 1999, Agent shall have received a
certificate of insurance in respect of UK Sub, together with the endorsements
thereto, in each case, as are required by Section 6.9, the form and substance of
                                          -----------
which shall be satisfactory to Agent and its counsel; and

               (d)  on or before September 10, 1999, Agent shall have received
all original share certificates or other instruments (if any) evidencing the
Stock of the Subsidiaries of Borrower organized or incorporated under the laws
of a jurisdiction other than the United States, or a political subdivision
thereof, and pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, as well as Stock powers
with respect thereto endorsed in blank.

     3.3  Conditions Precedent to all Extensions of Credit. The obligation of
          ------------------------------------------------
the Lender Group (or any member thereof) to make all Advances, Swing Loans, or
to issue Letters of Credit (and to make any other extensions of credit provided
for hereunder) shall be subject to the following conditions precedent:

               (a)  the representations and warranties of each Obligor contained
in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the date of such extension of credit, as though
made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties relate solely to an earlier date),

               (b)  no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing on the date of such extension of credit, nor shall any Default or
Event of Default result from the making thereof,

               (c)  no injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of
any nature prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the extending of such credit
shall have been issued and remain in force by any Governmental Authority against
Borrower, Agent, any Lender, or any of their Affiliates,

               (d)  after giving effect to any proposed Borrowing, the amount
the Availability is greater than zero (0), and

               (e)  as a further condition precedent to the initial Advances or
Letters of Credit (other than an initial $200,000 Letter of Credit), Agent shall
have (i) completed a roll-forward audit of the Borrower's Accounts and the
results of such roll-forward audit shall be satisfactory to Agent in its sole
discretion, (ii) received a duly executed and delivered Lockbox Agreement by
American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, and (iii)

                                      -60-
<PAGE>

completed its due diligence in respect of the Governing Documents of the
Obligors, the results of which shall be satisfactory to Agent in its sole
discretion.

          The foregoing conditions precedent are not conditions to each Lender
(i) with a Letter of Credit Sub-Commitment participating in or reimbursing Agent
for such Lenders' Pro Rata Share of any drawings under the Letters of Credit as
provided herein, (ii) with a Revolving Credit Commitment participating in or
reimbursing Swing Lender or the Agent for such Lenders' Pro Rata Share of any
Swing Loan or Agent Advance as provided herein.

     3.4  Term.  This Agreement shall become effective in accordance with
          ----
Section 17.1 and shall continue in full force and effect for a term ending
------------
August 31, 2002 (the "Maturity Date"). The foregoing notwithstanding, the Lender
Group shall have the right to terminate its obligations under this Agreement
immediately and without notice upon the occurrence and during the continuation
of an Event of Default.

     3.5  Effect of Termination.  On the date of termination of this Agreement,
          ---------------------
all Obligations (including all contingent reimbursement obligations of Borrower
with respect to any outstanding Letters of Credit, but excluding any Contingent
Surviving Obligations) immediately shall become due and payable without notice
or demand. No termination of this Agreement, however, shall relieve or discharge
the Obligors of their duties, Obligations, or covenants hereunder. Continuing
security interests in the Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral or the Canadian Sub
Collateral, for the benefit of the Lender Group, shall remain in effect until
all Obligations (other than Contingent Surviving Obligations) have been fully
and finally discharged and the Lender Group's obligations to provide additional
credit hereunder have been terminated. Upon termination of this Agreement and
after all Obligations (other than Contingent Surviving Obligations) have been
fully and finally discharged and the Lender Group's obligations to provide
additional credit under the Loan Documents have been terminated irrevocably,
Agent will, at Borrower's sole expense, execute and deliver any Uniform
Commercial Code termination statements, lien releases, mortgage releases, re-
assignments of trademarks, discharges of security interests, and other similar
discharge or release documents (and, if applicable, in recordable form) as are
necessary or reasonably requested to release, as of record, the security
interests, financing statements, and all other notices of security interests and
liens previously filed by Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group with respect
to the Obligations.

     3.6  Early Termination by Borrower.  Borrower has the option, at any time
          -----------------------------
upon 90 days prior written notice to Agent, to terminate this Agreement by
paying to Agent (a) for the benefit of the Lender Group, in cash, the
Obligations (including either (i) providing cash collateral to be held by Agent
for the benefit of the Lender Group in an amount equal to 105% of the maximum
amount of the Lender Group's obligations under outstanding Letters of Credit, or
(ii) causing the original Letters of Credit to be returned to Agent), in full,
and (b) for the benefit of those Lenders that had a Revolving Credit Commitment
immediately prior to such termination the Applicable Prepayment Premium. If the
obligations of the Lender Group to extend credit hereunder are terminated as a
result of the occurrence of an

                                      -61-
<PAGE>

Event of Default, then, in view of the impracticality and extreme difficulty of
ascertaining actual damages and by mutual agreement of the parties as to a
reasonable calculation of the Lender Group's lost profits as a result thereof,
Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the ratable benefit of those Lenders that
had a Revolving Credit Commitment immediately prior to such termination, upon
the effective date of such termination, an early termination premium in an
amount equal to the Applicable Prepayment Premium. The Applicable Prepayment
Premium shall be presumed to be the amount of damages sustained by the Lender
Group as a result of the early termination hereof and each Obligor agrees that
it is a reasonable estimation thereof under the circumstances existing as of the
Closing Date. The Applicable Prepayment Premium provided for in this Section 3.6
                                                                     -----------
shall be deemed included in the Obligations in the event of a termination
covered by this Section 3.6.
                -----------

4. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST.

     4.1  Grants of Security Interests.
          ----------------------------

             (a)  Each of Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub hereby grants to
Agent, for the benefit of the Lender Group continuing security interests in all
currently existing and hereafter acquired or arising Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral, as applicable, in order to secure
prompt repayment of any and all of its Obligations (other than in respect of the
Term Loan B Amount and the Term Loan C Amount) and in order to secure prompt
performance by such Obligor of each of its covenants and duties under the Loan
Documents (the "Agent's Liens"). The Agent's Liens in and to the Collateral, UK
Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral shall attach to all Collateral, UK
Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral without further act on the part of
the Lender Group or any Obligor. Anything contained in this Agreement or any
other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding, except for Permitted
Dispositions, no Obligor has authority, express or implied, to dispose of any
item or portion of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral. Subject to Section 2.4(b), the secured claims of the Lender Group
                       --------------
with respect to the Obligations (other than in respect of the Term Loan B Amount
and the Term Loan C Amount) secured by the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and
Canadian Sub Collateral shall be of equal priority, and ratable according to the
respective Obligations (other than in respect of the Term Loan B Amount and the
Term Loan C Amount) due each member of the Lender Group.

             (b)  Each of Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub hereby grants to
Agent, for the benefit of the Lender Group continuing security interests in all
currently existing and hereafter acquired or arising Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral in order to secure prompt repayment of
any and all of its Obligations in respect of the Term Loan B Amount and the Term
Loan C Amount (the "Agent's Term Loan Liens"). The Agent's Term Loan Liens in
and to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral shall
attach to all Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral without
further act on the part of the Lender Group or any Obligor. Anything contained
in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding,
except for

                                      -62-
<PAGE>

Permitted Dispositions, no Obligor has authority, express or implied, to dispose
of any item or portion of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral. Subject to Section 2.4(b), the secured claims of the Lender Group
                       --------------
with respect to the Obligations in respect of the Term Loan B Amount and the
Term Loan C Amount secured by the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian
Sub Collateral shall be of equal priority, and ratable according to the
respective Obligations in respect of the Term Loan B Amount and the Term Loan C
Amount due each member of the Lender Group.

             (c)  The Agent's Liens shall have priority over the Agent's Term
Loan Liens.

     4.2  Negotiable Collateral.  In the event that any Collateral, UK Sub
          ---------------------
Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral, including proceeds, is evidenced by or
consists of Negotiable Collateral, UK Sub Negotiable Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Negotiable Collateral, and if and to the extent that perfection or priority of
Agent's security interests is dependent on possession, the applicable Obligor,
immediately upon the request of Agent, shall endorse and deliver physical
possession of such Negotiable Collateral, UK Sub Negotiable Collateral, and
Canadian Sub Negotiable Collateral to Agent.

     4.3  Collection of Accounts, General Intangibles, and Negotiable
          -----------------------------------------------------------
Collateral. (a)  At any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of
----------
an Event of Default, Agent or Agent's designee may (i) notify customers or
Account Debtors of Borrower that the Accounts, General Intangibles, or
Negotiable Collateral have been assigned to Agent for the benefit of the Lender
Group or that Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group has security interests
therein, or (ii) collect the Accounts, General Intangibles, and Negotiable
Collateral directly and charge the collection costs and expenses to the Loan
Account.  Each Obligor hereby agrees that it will hold in trust for the Lender
Group, as the Lender Group's trustee, any Collections that it receives and
immediately will deliver said Collections to Agent in their original form as
received by such Obligor.

             (b)  At any time after the occurrence and during the continuation
of an Event of Default, Agent or Agent's designee may (i) notify customers or
Account Debtors of UK Sub that the UK Sub Accounts, UK Sub General Intangibles,
or UK Sub Negotiable Collateral have been assigned to Agent for the benefit of
the Lender Group or that Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group has security
interests therein, or (ii) collect the UK Sub Accounts, UK Sub General
Intangibles, and UK Sub Negotiable Collateral directly and charge the collection
costs and expenses to the Loan Account.

             (c)  At any time after the occurrence and during the continuation
of an Event of Default, Agent or Agent's designee may (i) notify customers or
Account Debtors of Canadian Sub that the Canadian Sub Accounts, Canadian Sub
General Intangibles, or Canadian Sub Negotiable Collateral have been assigned to
Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group or that Agent for the benefit of the
Lender Group has security interests therein, or (ii) collect the Canadian Sub
Accounts, Canadian Sub General Intangibles, and Canadian

                                      -63-
<PAGE>

Sub Negotiable Collateral directly and charge the collection costs and expenses
to the Loan Account.

     4.4  Delivery of Additional Documentation Required.
          ---------------------------------------------

             (a)  At any time upon the request of Agent, each Obligor shall
execute and deliver to Agent, all financing statements, fixture filings,
security agreements, pledges, assignments, endorsements of certificates of
title, and all other documents that Agent reasonably may request, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, to perfect and continue perfected
Agent's Liens and Agent's Term Loan Liens in the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral,
and Canadian Sub Collateral (whether now owned or hereafter arising or
acquired), and in order to fully consummate all of the transactions contemplated
hereby and under the other Loan Documents.

             (b)  At any time on or after the Closing Date that any Person
becomes a Subsidiary of one or more Obligors, at the election of Agent, in its
Permitted Discretion, the Obligors shall cause each of the following to be
satisfied as promptly as possible and in any event within 5 Business Days
following the date such Person becomes such a Subsidiary: (i) cause such
Subsidiary to execute and deliver all appropriate joinder documents to make it a
Guarantor (or, with the prior written consent of Agent and the Required Lenders,
to make it a Borrower) under the Loan Documents and all appropriate UCC-1
financing statements, fixture filings, and other Loan Documents or supplements
thereto or amendments thereof; (ii) cause the execution and delivery by the
applicable Obligors of appropriate supplements to the Pledge Agreement, and the
delivery to Agent of possession of the original certificates, respecting all of
the issued and outstanding Stock of such Subsidiary, together with stock powers
with respect thereto endorsed in blank; and (iii) cause the applicable Obligors
and such Subsidiary to deliver to Agent an opinion of their counsel in form and
substance satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

     4.5  Power of Attorney. Each Obligor hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes,
          -----------------
and appoints Agent (and any of Agent's officers, employees, or agents designated
by Agent) as such Obligor's true and lawful attorney, with power to (a) if the
applicable Obligor refuses to, or fails timely to execute and deliver any of the
documents described in Section 4.4, sign the name of such Obligor on any of the
                       -----------
documents described in Section 4.4, (b) at any time that an Event of Default has
                       -----------
occurred and is continuing, sign such Obligor's name on any invoice or bill of
lading relating to any Account, drafts against Account Debtors, and notices to
Account Debtors, (c) send requests for verification of Accounts, (d) endorse
such Obligor's name on any Collection item that may come into the Lender Group's
possession, (e) at any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, notify the post office authorities to change the address for
delivery of such Obligor's mail to an address designated by Agent, to receive
and open all mail addressed to such Obligor, and to retain all mail relating to
the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral and forward all
other mail to such Obligor, (f) at any time that an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, make, settle, and adjust all claims under such
Obligor's policies of insurance and make all determinations and decisions with
respect to such policies of insurance, and (g) at

                                      -64-
<PAGE>

any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, settle and
adjust disputes and claims respecting the Accounts directly with Account
Debtors, for amounts and upon terms that Agent determines to be reasonable, and
Agent may cause to be executed and delivered any documents and releases that
Agent determines to be necessary. The appointment of Agent as the Obligors'
attorney, and each and every one of its rights and powers, being coupled with an
interest, is irrevocable until all of the Obligations have been fully and
finally repaid and performed and the Lender Group's obligations to extend credit
hereunder are terminated.

     4.6  Right to Inspect. Agent and each Lender (through any of their
          ----------------
respective officers, employees, or agents) shall have the right, from time to
time to inspect the Books, the UK Sub Books, the Canadian Sub Books and to
check, test, and appraise the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub
Collateral in order to verify each Obligor's financial condition or the amount,
quality, value, condition of, or any other matter relating to, the Collateral,
UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral. So long as no Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, Agent shall exercise its rights under this
Section 4.6 upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours;
-----------
provided, however, the foregoing limitation shall not apply to any audits
--------  -------
undertaken by Agent or any Lender.

     4.7  Control Agreements.  Borrower hereby agrees that it will not transfer
          ------------------
assets out of any Securities Accounts other than as permitted under Section 7.22
                                                                    ------------
and, if to another securities intermediary, unless Borrower, Agent, and the
substitute securities intermediary have entered into a Control Agreement. No
arrangement contemplated hereby or by any Control Agreement in respect of any
Securities Accounts or other investment property shall be modified by Borrower
without the prior written consent of Agent. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of a Default or Event of Default, Agent may notify any securities
intermediary to liquidate or transfer the applicable Securities Account or any
related investment property maintained or held thereby and remit the proceeds
thereof to the Agent's Account.

                                      -65-
<PAGE>

5.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. In order to induce the Lender Group to enter
into this Agreement, each Obligor makes the following representations and
warranties to the Lender Group which shall be true, correct, and complete, in
all material respects, as of the date hereof, and shall be true, correct, and
complete in all respects as of the Closing Date and as of the UK Sub Closing
Date and as of the Canadian Sub Closing Date, and at and as of the date of the
making of each Advance (or other extension of credit) made thereafter, as though
made on and as of the date of such Advance (or other extension of credit)
(except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to
an earlier date) and such representations and warranties shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement:

     5.1  No Encumbrances. Each of Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub has good
          ---------------
and indefeasible title to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral, as applicable, free and clear of Liens except for Permitted Liens.

     5.2  Eligible Accounts. The Eligible Accounts of Borrower, UK Sub, and
          -----------------
Canadian Sub are bona fide existing payment obligations created by the license,
sale, and delivery of Inventory or software or the rendition of services to
Account Debtors in the ordinary course of business of Borrower, UK Sub, or
Canadian Sub, unconditionally owed to Borrower, UK Sub, or Canadian Sub without
defenses, disputes, offsets, counterclaims, or rights of return or cancellation.
Any goods or software giving rise to such Eligible Accounts have been delivered
to the Account Debtor, or to the Account Debtor's agent for immediate shipment
to and unconditional acceptance by the Account Debtor. No Obligor has received
any notice of actual or imminent bankruptcy, insolvency, or material impairment
of the financial condition of any Account Debtor regarding any Eligible Account.
As to each Eligible Account, such Account, UK Sub Account or Canadian Sub
Account is (a) subject to a valid and perfected first priority security interest
in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group, and (b) not:

               (a)  owed by an employee, Affiliate, or agent of Borrower, UK
Sub, or Canadian Sub;

               (b)  on account of a transaction wherein goods or software were
placed on consignment or were sold pursuant to a guaranteed sale, a sale or
return, a sale on approval, a bill and hold, or on any other terms by reason of
which the payment by the Account Debtor may be conditional;

               (c)  payable in a currency other than Dollars, Canadian dollars,
or the official currency of a Specified State (or in european currency units);

               (d)  owed by an Account Debtor that has asserted a right of
setoff, has disputed its liability, or has made a claim with respect to its
obligation to pay the Account, UK Sub Account, or Canadian Sub Account;

                                      -66-
<PAGE>

               (e)  owed by an Account Debtor that is subject to any Insolvency
Proceeding or is not Solvent and no Obligor has received notice of an imminent
Insolvency Proceeding involving the Account Debtor or a material impairment of
the financial condition of the applicable Account Debtor;

               (f)  on account of a transaction as to which the goods giving
rise to such Account, UK Sub Account, or Canadian Sub Account have not been
shipped and billed to the Account Debtor or the services giving rise to such
Account, UK Sub Account, or Canadian Sub Account have not been performed and
accepted by the applicable Account Debtor;

               (g)  a right to receive progress payments or other advance
billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by Borrower, UK
Sub, or Canadian Sub of the subject contract for goods, software, or services;
and

               (h)  an Account, UK Sub Account, or Canadian Sub Account that has
been transferred to Borrower's, UK Sub's, or Canadian Sub's legal or collection
department.

     5.3  [Intentionally Omitted]

     5.4  Equipment.  All of the Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, and Canadian Sub
          ---------
Equipment is used or held for use in the applicable Obligor's business, is fit
for such purposes, and is personal property.

     5.5  Location of Inventory and Equipment.  The Inventory, UK Sub Inventory,
          -----------------------------------
Canadian Sub Inventory, Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, and Canadian Sub Equipment
are not stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party and are located
only at the locations identified on Schedule 6.11 permitted by Section 6.11.
                                    -------------              ------------

     5.6  Inventory Records.  Each of Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub keeps,
          -----------------
in all material respects, correct and accurate records itemizing and describing
the type, quality, and quantity of the Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, and Canadian
Sub Inventory and its cost therefor.

     5.7  Location of Chief Executive Office; FEIN.  The chief executive office
          ----------------------------------------
of each Obligor is located at the address indicated in Schedule 5.7 and each
                                                       ------------
such Obligor's FEIN (or, if applicable, any foreign equivalent) is identified in
Schedule 5.7.
------------

     5.8  Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
          ------------------------------------------------

               (a)  Each Obligor is duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and qualified to
do business in each state where the failure to be so qualified reasonably could
be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

                                      -67-
<PAGE>

               (b)  Set forth on Schedule 5.8, is a complete and accurate
                                 ------------
description of the authorized capital Stock of Borrower, by class, and, as of
the Closing Date, a description of the number of shares of each such class that
are issued and outstanding. All such shares have been validly issued and, as of
the Closing Date, are fully paid, non-assessable shares free of preemptive
rights or other similar rights suffered or permitted by the Borrower. Other than
as described on Schedule 5.8, (i) there are no subscriptions, options, warrants,
                ------------
rights to subscribe for, or calls or commitments relating to any shares of
Borrower's capital Stock, including any right of conversion or exchange under
any outstanding security or other instrument, (ii) Borrower is not subject to
any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise acquire or
retire any shares of its capital Stock or any security convertible into or
exchangeable for any of its capital Stock, and (iii) there are no agreements or
arrangements under which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to
register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act. Except as
disclosed on Schedule 5.8, there are no securities or instruments containing
             ------------
anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by Term Loan C or the
issuance of the Conversion Shares as described in this Agreement.

               (c)  Set forth on Schedule 5.8, is a complete and accurate list
                                 ------------
of each Obligor's direct and indirect Subsidiaries, showing: (i) the
jurisdiction of their incorporation; (ii) the number of shares of each class of
common and preferred Stock authorized for each of such Subsidiaries; and (iii)
the number and the percentage of the outstanding shares of each such class owned
directly or indirectly by such Obligor. All of the issued and outstanding
capital Stock of each such Subsidiary has been validly issued and is fully paid
and non-assessable.

               (d)  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.8, no capital Stock (or
                                           ------------
any securities, instruments, warrants, options, purchase rights, conversion or
exchange rights, calls, commitments or claims of any character convertible into
or exercisable for Stock) of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of any Obligor is
subject to the issuance of any security, instrument, warrant, option, purchase
right, conversion or exchange right, call, commitment or claim of any right,
title, or interest therein or thereto.

     5.9  Due Authorization; No Conflict.
          ------------------------------

               (a)  The execution, delivery, and performance by each Obligor of
this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate or limited liability company action on the
part of such Obligor.

               (b)  The execution, delivery, and performance by each Obligor of
this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party do not and will not
(i) violate any provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation
applicable to such Obligor (including U.S. federal and state securities laws and
regulations and the rules and regulations of the principal market or exchange on
which the Common Stock is listed), the Governing Documents (including the
certificate of designations of any outstanding series of preferred Stock) of
such Obligor, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or other

                                      -68-
<PAGE>

Governmental Authority binding on such Obligor, (ii) conflict with, result in a
breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default
under any material contractual obligation of such Obligor (including, without
limitation, the Indenture, or any document or agreement in respect of the
Permitted Preferred Stock, after giving effect to any amendments executed and
delivered on the Closing Date), (iii) result in or require the creation or
imposition of any Lien of any nature whatsoever upon any properties or assets of
such Obligor, other than Permitted Liens, or (iv) require any approval of
stockholders or any approval or consent of any Person under any material
contractual obligation of such Obligor.

               (c)  Other than the filing of financing statements, fixture
filings, the Trademark Security Agreement, and the Copyright Security Agreement,
the execution, delivery, and performance by each Obligor of this Agreement and
the Loan Documents to which such Obligor is a party do not and will not require
any registration with, consent, or approval of, or notice to, or other action
with or by, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

               (d)  As to each Obligor, this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents to which each such Obligor is a party, and all other documents
contemplated hereby and thereby, when executed and delivered by such Obligor
will be the legally valid and binding obligations of such Obligor, enforceable
against such Obligor in accordance with their respective terms, except as
enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors'
rights generally.

               (e)  The Agent's Liens and the Agent's Term Loan Liens granted by
Borrower, UK Sub, and Canadian Sub to Agent, for the benefit of the Lender
Group, in and to its assets pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents are validly created, perfected, and first priority Liens, subject only
to Permitted Liens.

               (f)  Except as required under the Securities Act, Borrower is not
required to obtain any consent, authorization, or order of, or make any filing
or registration with any Governmental Authority in order for it to execute,
deliver, or perform any of its obligations under or contemplated by this
Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement in accordance with the terms
hereof or thereof which consents, authorizations, orders, filings, and
registrations have been obtained or effected on or prior to the date hereof. To
the Borrower's knowledge, the Borrower is not in violation of the listing
requirements of the Nasdaq National Market, other than any relating to
Borrower's stock price.

     5.10  Litigation. Other than those matters disclosed on Schedule 5.10,
           ----------                                        -------------
there are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of any
Obligor, threatened against Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable,
except for matters arising after the Closing Date that, if decided adversely to
any Obligor, or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, reasonably could not be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

                                      -69-
<PAGE>

     5.11  No Material Adverse Change.  All financial statements relating to the
           --------------------------
Specified Obligors that have been delivered by the Specified Obligors to the
Lender Group have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of
unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being subject to
year-end audit adjustments) and fairly present in all material respects, the
Specified Obligors' financial condition on a consolidated basis as of the date
thereof and results of operations for the period then ended. There has not been
a Material Adverse Change with respect to any Specified Obligor since the date
of the latest financial statements submitted to the Lender Group on or before
the Closing Date.

     5.12  Fraudulent Transfer.
           -------------------

               (a)  Each Obligor is Solvent.

               (b)  No transfer of property is being made by any Obligor and no
obligation is being incurred by any Obligor in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to
hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of any Obligor.

     5.13  Employee Benefits.  None of the Obligors, any of its Subsidiaries, or
           -----------------
any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains or contributes to any Benefit Plan.

     5.14  Environmental Condition.  None of the Obligors' properties or assets
           -----------------------
has ever been used by any Obligor or, to the Obligors' knowledge, by previous
owners or operators, in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat,
release, or transport, any Hazardous Materials. None of Obligors' properties or
assets has ever been designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any
environmental protection statute as a Hazardous Materials disposal site, or a
candidate for closure pursuant to any environmental protection statute. No Lien
arising under any environmental protection statute has attached to any revenues
or to any real or personal property owned or operated by any Obligor. No Obligor
has received a written summons, citation, notice, or directive from the
Environmental Protection Agency or any other similar federal or state
governmental agency concerning any action or omission by any Obligor resulting
in the releasing or disposing of Hazardous Materials into the environment.

     5.15  Brokerage Fees.  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.15, no Obligor has
           --------------                          -------------
utilized the services of any broker or finder in connection with Borrower's
obtaining financing from the Lender Group under this Agreement and no brokerage
commission or finders fee is payable in connection herewith.

     5.16  Year 2000 Compliance.  On the basis of a comprehensive inventory,
           --------------------
review, and assessment currently being undertaken by the Obligors of the
Obligors' computer applications utilized by the Obligors or contained in
products produced or sold by the Obligors, and upon inquiry made of the
Obligors' material suppliers and vendors, the Obligors' management is of the
considered view that each Obligor, its products, and all

                                      -70-
<PAGE>

such suppliers and vendors will be Year 2000 Compliant before November 30, 1999
for all internal mission critical systems. The Obligors (a) have undertaken a
detailed inventory, review, and assessment of all areas within its business and
operations that could be adversely affected by the failure of the Obligors or
its products to be Year 2000 Compliant on a timely basis, (b) is developing a
detailed plan and timeline for becoming Year 2000 Compliant on a timely basis,
and (c) to date, is implementing that plan in accordance with that timetable in
all material respects. The Obligors reasonably anticipate that the Obligors will
be Year 2000 Compliant on a timely basis.

     5.17  Intellectual Property. Each Obligor owns, or holds licenses in, all
           ---------------------
trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, and licenses that
are necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted.

     5.18  Leases. Each Obligor enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession under
           ------
all leases material to the business of such Obligor and to which it is a party
or under which it is operating. All of such leases are valid and subsisting and
no material default by any Obligor exists under any of them.

     5.19  Software License Agreement.  Attached hereto as Schedule 5.19 is a
           --------------------------                      -------------
true and correct copy of the Obligors' form of Software License Agreement. Each
of the Software License Agreements entered into with the Obligors' material
customers is, with respect to the substantive provisions outlined on Schedule
                                                                     --------
5.19, consistent in all material respects with the form of the Software License
----
Agreement attached hereto as Schedule 5.19 except for such deviations therefrom
                             -------------
that are not materially adverse to the Specified Obligors, or materially adverse
to the value of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or the Canadian Sub
Collateral.

     5.20  Maintenance Agreement. Attached hereto as Schedule 5.20 is a true and
           ---------------------                     -------------
correct copy of the Obligors' form of Maintenance Agreement. Each of the
Maintenance Agreements entered into with the Obligors' material customers is,
with respect to the substantive provisions outlined on Schedule 5.20, consistent
                                                       -------------
in all material respects with the form of the Maintenance Agreement attached
hereto as Schedule 5.20 except for such deviations therefrom that are not
          -------------
materially adverse to the Specified Obligors, or materially adverse to the value
of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or the Canadian Sub Collateral.

     5.21  Issuance of Securities. Upon issuance in accordance with the terms
           ----------------------
hereof, the Conversion Shares shall be (a) validly issued, fully paid, and non-
assessable, (b) free from all taxes, liens, and charges with respect to the
issue thereof and shall not be subject to preemptive rights or similar rights of
stockholders of the Borrower, and (c) entitled to the rights and preferences set
forth herein. Not less than 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock have been duly
authorized and reserved for issuance upon the conversion of the Term Loan C
Amount. Upon conversion in accordance with this Agreement, the Conversion Shares
will be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable and free from all

                                      -71-
<PAGE>

taxes, liens, and charges with respect to the issue thereof, with the holders
being entitled to all rights accorded to a holder of Common Stock.

     5.22  No General Solicitation. Neither the Borrower, nor any of its
           -----------------------
Affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged in any
form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of
Regulation D under the Securities Act) in connection with Term Loan C or the
Conversion Shares offered hereby.

     5.23  No Integrated Offering. Neither the Borrower, nor any of its
           ----------------------
Affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or
indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to
buy any security, under circumstances that would require registration of the
Conversion Shares under the Securities Act or cause the offering of the
Conversion Shares to be integrated with prior offerings by the Borrower for
purposes of the Securities Act or any applicable shareholder approval
provisions, including, without limitation, under the rules and regulations of
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.

     5.24  S-3 Registration. The Borrower is currently eligible to register
           ----------------
securities, including the resale of the Conversion Shares, on a registration
statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act.

     5.25  Disclosure. All information relating to or concerning the Borrower or
           ----------
any of its Subsidiaries provided to the Agent or any Lender in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby is, to the best of Borrower's knowledge,
true and correct in all material respects and the Borrower to the best of its
knowledge has not omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make
the statements made herein or therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading.

     5.26  Investment Company Status. The Borrower is not and upon the
           -------------------------
consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the issuance
of the Conversion Shares will not be an "investment company", a company
controlled by an "investment company" or an "affiliated person" of, or
"promoter" or "principal underwriter" for, an "investment company" as such terms
are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

     5.27  Immaterial Subsidiary.   Each Immaterial Subsidiary, whether
           ---------------------
individually or in the aggregate, do not own any material assets and do not
engage in any business activity whatsoever.

     5.28  Required Library. The Specified Obligors have registered (or an
           ----------------
application therefor diligently prosecuted) with the United States Copyright
Office all copyrights constituting the Required Library.

                                      -72-
<PAGE>

6.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

Each Specified Obligor, jointly and severally, covenants and agrees that, so
long as any credit hereunder shall be available and until full and final payment
of the Obligations, each such Specified Obligor shall do all of the following:

     6.1   Accounting System.  Maintain a system of accounting that enables each
           -----------------
Specified Obligor to produce financial statements in accordance with GAAP and
maintain records pertaining to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian
Sub Collateral, as applicable, that contain information as from time to time
reasonably may be requested by Agent.

     6.2   Collateral Reporting.  From and after the date of the making of the
           --------------------
initial Advance under Section 2.1, provide Agent, with copies to each Lender,
                      -----------
with the following documents at the following times in form reasonably
satisfactory to Agent :

<TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
Weekly                    (a) a sales journal, a journal reflecting Collections of Borrower, UK
                          Sub, and Canadian Sub, and a credit register since the last such
                          schedule and a calculation of the Borrowing Base as of such date,

                          (b) notice of all returns, disputes, or claims.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly (not later        (c) a detailed calculation of the Borrowing Base,
than the 15th day
of each month)            (d) a detailed aging, by total, of the Accounts, UK Sub Accounts, and
                          Canadian Sub Accounts, together with a reconciliation to the detailed
                          calculation of the Borrowing Base previously provided to Agent,

                          (e) a summary aging, by vendor, of the Specified Obligors' accounts
                          payable  and any book overdraft, and

                          (f) a calculation of Dilution, UK Sub Dilution, and Canadian Sub
                          Dilution for the prior month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon request by           (g) a detailed list of the Specified Obligors' customers.
Lender
                          (h) copies of invoices in connection with the Accounts, UK Sub
                          Accounts, Canadian Sub Accounts, credit memos, remittance advices,
                          deposit slips, shipping and delivery documents in connection with the
                          Accounts, UK Sub Accounts, Canadian Sub Accounts and, for Equipment, UK
                          Sub Equipment, and Canadian Sub Equipment acquired by Borrower, UK Sub
                          or Canadian Sub, purchase orders and invoices, and

                          (i) such other reports as to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral,
                          Canadian Sub Collateral or the financial condition of the Obligors as
                          Agent reasonably may request.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -73-
<PAGE>

     6.3   Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Deliver to Agent, with
           -------------------------------------------
copies to each Lender, at the following times:

<TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
Within 30 days            (a) a company prepared balance sheet, income statement, and statement
after the end of          of cash flow covering the Borrower and its Subsidiaries' operations
each month                during such period on a consolidated basis,

                          (b) a certificate signed by Borrower's chief financial officer, in such
                          a capacity and not his individual capacity, to the effect that (i) the
                          financial statements being delivered or caused to be delivered to Agent
                          hereunder have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for the
                          lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and
                          fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its
                          Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, (ii) the representations and
                          warranties of the Obligors contained in this Agreement and the other
                          Loan Documents are true and correct, in all material respects, on and
                          as of the date of such certificate, as though made on and as of such
                          date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties
                          relate solely to an earlier date), and (iii) on the date of delivery of
                          such certificate there does not exist any condition or event that
                          constitutes a Default or Event of Default (or, to the extent of any
                          non-compliance, describing such non compliance as to which he or she
                          may have knowledge and what action the applicable Obligor has taken, is
                          taking, or proposes to take with respect thereto), and

                          (c) for each month that also is the date on which a financial covenant
                          in Section 7.20 is to be tested, a Compliance Certificate
                             ------------
                          demonstrating, in reasonable detail, compliance at the end of such
                          period with the applicable financial covenants contained in Section
                                                                                      -------
                          7.20 (subject only to year-end audit adjustments).
                          ----
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within 90 days            (d) financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for each
after the end of          such fiscal year, audited by independent certified public accountants
each fiscal year of       reasonably acceptable to Agent and certified, without any
the Obligors              qualifications, by such accountants to have been prepared in accordance
                          with GAAP (such audited financial statements to include a balance
                          sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow and, if prepared,
                          such accountants' letter to management),  and

                          (e) a certificate of such accountants addressed to Agent stating that
                          such accountants do not have knowledge of the existence of any  Default
                          or Event of Default under Section 7.20.
                                                    ------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If and when filed         (f) Form 10-Q quarterly reports, Form 10-K annual reports, and Form 8-K
by Borrower               current reports, and any other filings made with the SEC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon request by           (g) any other report reasonably requested by Agent relating to the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -74-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
Lender                    financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided any
                          such requested report can reasonably be produced by the Borrower.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


          The Specified Obligors agree to deliver financial statements prepared
on both a consolidated basis. The Specified Obligors agree that their
independent certified public accountants are authorized to communicate directly
with Agent and to release to Agent whatever financial information concerning the
Obligors that Agent reasonably may request.

     6.4   Guarantor Reports. Cause any guarantor of any of the Obligations to
           -----------------
deliver its annual financial statements at the time when Borrower provides its
audited financial statements to Agent and copies of all federal income tax
returns as soon as the same are available and in any event no later than 30 days
after the same are required to be filed by law or after any extension period has
expired.

     6.5   Return. Cause returns and allowances, if any, as between the
           ------
Specified Obligors and their Account Debtors to be on the same basis and in
accordance with the usual customary practices of the Specified Obligors, as they
exist at the time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement other than
changes in the ordinary course of business consistent with overall industry
practice. If, at a time when no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
any Account Debtor returns any Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, or Canadian Sub
Inventory to a Specified Obligor, such Specified Obligor promptly shall
determine the reason for such return and, if such Specified Obligor accepts such
return, issue a credit memorandum (with a copy to be sent to Agent) in the
appropriate amount to such Account Debtor. If, at a time when an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, any Account Debtor returns any
Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, or Canadian Sub Inventory to a Specified Obligor,
such Specified Obligor promptly shall determine the reason for such return and,
if Agent consents (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), issue a
credit memorandum (with a copy to be sent to Agent) in the appropriate amount to
such Account Debtor.

     6.6   Title to Equipment. Upon Agent's request, immediately deliver to
           ------------------
Agent, properly endorsed, any and all evidences of ownership of, certificates of
title, or applications for title to any items of Equipment, UK Sub Equipment,
and Canadian Sub Equipment.

     6.7   Maintenance of Equipment. Maintain the Equipment, UK Sub Equipment,
           ------------------------
and Canadian Sub Equipment in good operating condition and repair (ordinary wear
and tear excepted), and make all necessary replacements thereto so that the
value and operating efficiency thereof shall at all times be maintained and
preserved. Other than those items of Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, and Canadian
Sub Equipment that constitute fixtures on the Closing Date, the Specified
Obligors shall not permit any item of Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, or Canadian
Sub Equipment to become a fixture to real estate or an accession to other
property, and such Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, and Canadian Sub Equipment shall
at all times remain personal property.

                                      -75-
<PAGE>

     6.8   Taxes. Cause all assessments and taxes, whether real, personal, or
           -----
otherwise, due or payable by, or imposed, levied, or assessed against any
Obligor or any of its property to be paid in full, before delinquency or before
the expiration of any extension period, except to the extent that the validity
of such assessment or tax shall be the subject of a Permitted Protest. Each
Specified Obligor will make timely payment or deposit of all tax payments and
withholding taxes required of it by applicable laws, including those laws
concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., state disability, and local, state, federal and
foreign income taxes, and will, upon request, furnish Agent with proof
reasonably satisfactory to Agent indicating that such Specified Obligor has made
such payments or deposits. Each Specified Obligor shall, upon request, deliver
reasonably satisfactory evidence of payment of applicable excise taxes in each
jurisdictions in which (a) such Specified Obligor conducts business or is
required to pay any such excise tax, (b) such Specified Obligor's failure to pay
any such applicable excise tax would result in a Lien on the properties or
assets of such Specified Obligor, or (c) such Specified Obligor's failure to pay
any such applicable excise tax would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

     6.9   Insurance.
           ---------
                     (a) At the expense of the Specified Obligors, maintain
insurance respecting the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub
Collateral wherever located and with respect to the Specified Obligors'
business, covering loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, and all other
hazards and risks as ordinarily are insured against by other Persons engaged in
the same or similar businesses. Each Specified Obligor also shall maintain
business interruption, public liability, and product liability insurance, as
well as insurance against larceny, embezzlement, and criminal misappropriation
All such policies of insurance shall be in such amounts and with such insurance
companies as are reasonably satisfactory to Agent. The Specified Obligors shall
deliver originals of all such policies to Agent with 438 BFU lender's loss
payable endorsements or other reasonably satisfactory lender's loss payable
endorsements, naming Agent as sole loss payee or additional insured, as
appropriate. Each policy of insurance or endorsement shall contain a clause
requiring the insurer to give not less than 30 days prior written notice to
Agent in the event of cancellation of the policy for any reason whatsoever. If
any Specified Obligor fails to provide and pay for such insurance, Agent may, at
its option, but shall not be required to, procure the same and charge Borrower's
Loan Account therefor.

                     (b) Give Agent prompt notice of any loss covered by such
insurance. Agent shall have the exclusive right to adjust any losses payable
under any such insurance policies in excess of $500,000, without any liability
to any Specified Obligor whatsoever in respect of such adjustments. Any monies
received as payment for any loss under any insurance policy mentioned above
(other than liability insurance policies) or as payment of any award or
compensation for condemnation or taking by eminent domain, shall be paid over to
Agent to be applied at the option of the Required Lenders either to the
prepayment of the Obligations without premium, in such order or manner as the
Required Lenders may elect, or shall be disbursed to the applicable Specified
Obligor under staged payment terms

                                      -76-
<PAGE>

reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders for application to the cost of
repairs, replacements, or restorations.

     6.10  No Setoffs or Counterclaims. Make payments hereunder and under the
           ---------------------------
other Loan Documents by or on behalf of any Obligor without setoff or
counterclaim and free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or
on account of, any foreign, federal, state, or local taxes.

     6.11  Location of Inventory and Equipment. Keep the Inventory, UK Sub
           -----------------------------------
Inventory, Canadian Sub Inventory, Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, and Canadian Sub
Equipment only at the locations identified on Schedule 6.11; provided, however,
                                              -------------  --------  -------
that the Specified Obligors may amend Schedule 6.11 so long as such amendment
                                      -------------
occurs by written notice to Agent not less than 15 Business Days prior to the
date on which the Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, Canadian Sub Inventory,
Equipment, UK Sub Equipment, or Canadian Sub Equipment is moved to such new
location, so long as such new location is within the continental United States
(or, in the case of UK Sub, within England, or, in the case of Canadian Sub,
within Canada), and so long as, at the time of such written notification, the
applicable Specified Obligor provides any financing statements or fixture
filings necessary to perfect and continue perfected the Agent's Liens and the
Agent's Term Loan Liens on such assets and also provides to Agent a Collateral
Access Agreement.

     6.12  Compliance with Laws. Comply with the requirements of all applicable
           --------------------
laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, including
the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, other than laws, rules, regulations, and orders
the non-compliance with which, individually or in the aggregate, would not
result in and reasonably could not be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Change.

     6.13  [Intentionally Omitted]
           -----------------------

     6.14  Leases. Pay when due all rents and other amounts payable under any
           ------
leases to which a Specified Obligor is a party or by which a Specified Obligor's
properties and assets are bound, unless such payments are the subject of a
Permitted Protest. To the extent that a Specified Obligor fails timely to make
payment of such rents and other amounts payable when due under its leases, Agent
shall be entitled, in its discretion, to reserve an amount equal to such unpaid
amounts against the Borrowing Base.

     6.15  Brokerage Commissions. Pay any and all brokerage commission or
           ---------------------
finders fees incurred in connection with or as a result of Borrower's obtaining
financing from the Lender Group under this Agreement. Each Specified Obligor
agrees and acknowledges that payment of all such brokerage commissions or
finders fees shall be the sole responsibility of Borrower, and Borrower agrees
to indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and the Lender Group harmless from and
against any claim of any broker or finder arising out of Borrower's obtaining
financing from the Lender Group under this Agreement.

                                      -77-
<PAGE>

     6.16  Year 2000 Compliance. Be Year 2000 Compliant for all internal mission
           --------------------
critical systems by November 30, 1999.

     6.17  Projections. Not later than 30 days prior to the end of each fiscal
           -----------
year of Borrower, deliver to Agent Projections of Borrower, in form and
substance (including as to scope and underlying assumptions) satisfactory to
each Lender in its discretion for the forthcoming 3 years, year by year, and for
the forthcoming fiscal year, quarterly, certified by the chief financial officer
of Borrower as being such officer's good faith best estimate of the financial
performance of Borrower during the period covered thereby.

     6.18  Corporate Existence, etc. At all time preserve and keep in full force
           ------------------------
and effect each Obligors' valid corporate existence and good standing and any
rights and franchises material to the Obligors' businesses.

     6.19  Disclosure Updates. Promptly and in no event later than 5 Business
           ------------------
Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, (i) notify Agent if any written
information, exhibit, or report furnished to the Lender Group contained any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading in light of
the circumstances in which made, and (ii) correct any defect or error that may
be discovered therein or in any Loan Document or in the execution,
acknowledgement, filing, or recordation thereof.

     6.20  Copyright Registrations. Maintain, at all times, valid and
           -----------------------
uncontested registered copyrights with the United States Copyright Office
constituting the Required Library. At any time that less than the Required
Library is registered with the United States Copyright Office, unless Agent in
Agent's sole discretion agrees otherwise, the Specified Obligors shall
immediately supplement the Required Library and (a) cause such additional
copyrights generated by the Obligors that are not already the subject of a
registration with the United States Copyright Office (or an application therefor
diligently prosecuted) to be registered with the United States Copyright Office
in a manner sufficient to impart constructive notice of the Obligors' ownership
thereof, and (z) cause to be prepared, executed, and delivered to Agent, with
sufficient time to permit Agent to record no later than the last Business Day
within 10 days following the date that such copyrights have been registered or
an application for registration has been filed, a Copyright Security Agreement
or supplemental schedules to the Copyright Security Agreement reflecting the
security interest of Agent on behalf of the Lender Group in such new copyrights,
which supplemental schedules shall be in form and content suitable for
registration with the United States Copyright Office so as to give constructive
notice, when so registered, of the transfer by the Obligors to Agent on behalf
of the Lender Group of a security interest in such copyrights.

                                      -78-
<PAGE>

7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

Each Specified Obligor, jointly and severally, covenants and agrees that, so
long as any credit hereunder shall be available and until full and final payment
of the Obligations, no Specified Obligor will do any of the following:

     7.1   Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume, permit, guarantee, or otherwise
           ------------
become or remain, directly or indirectly, liable with respect to any
Indebtedness, except:

                     (a) Indebtedness evidenced by this Agreement or the other
Loan Documents, together with Indebtedness to issuers of letters of credit that
are the subject of L/C Undertakings ;

                     (b) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 7.1;
                                                   ------------

                     (c) Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness;

                     (d) Permitted Subordinated Debt;

                     (e) refinancings, renewals, or extensions of Indebtedness
permitted under clauses (b), (c), and (d) of this Section 7.1 (and continuance
                                                  -----------
or renewal of any Permitted Liens associated therewith) so long as: (i) the
terms and conditions of such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not
materially impair the prospects of repayment of the Obligations by Borrower,
(ii) the net cash proceeds of such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not
result in an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness so
refinanced, renewed, or extended, (iii) such refinancings, renewals, refundings,
or extensions do not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity of
the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, and (iv) to the extent
that Indebtedness that is refinanced was subordinated in right of payment to the
Obligations, then the subordination terms and conditions of the refinancing
Indebtedness must be at least as favorable to the Lender Group as those
applicable to the refinanced Indebtedness.

     7.2   Liens. Create, incur, assume, or permit to exist, directly or
           -----
indirectly, any Lien on or with respect to any of its property or assets, of any
kind, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits
therefrom, except for Permitted Liens (including Liens that are replacements of
Permitted Liens to the extent that the original Indebtedness is refinanced under
Section 7.1(e) and so long as the replacement Liens only encumber those assets
--------------
or property that secured the original Indebtedness).

     7.3   Restrictions on Fundamental Changes.
           -----------------------------------

                     (a) Enter into any merger, consolidation, reorganization,
or recapitalization, or reclassify its Stock; provided, however, Borrower may
                                              --------  -------
complete up to a reverse 4 for 1 stock split.

                                      -79-
<PAGE>

                     (b) Liquidate, wind up, or dissolve itself (or suffer any
liquidation or dissolution).

                     (c) Convey, sell, assign, lease, transfer, or otherwise
dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially
all of its property or assets .

     7.4   Disposal of Assets. Sell, lease, assign, transfer, or otherwise
           ------------------
dispose of any of the Specified Obligors' properties or assets, other than
pursuant to Permitted Dispositions .

     7.5   Change Name. Change any Obligor's name, FEIN (or, if applicable, the
           -----------
foreign equivalent thereof), corporate structure (within the meaning of Section
                                                                        -------
9-402(7) of the Code), or identity, or add any new fictitious name.
--------

     7.6   Guarantee. Guarantee or otherwise become in any way liable with
           ---------
respect to the obligations of any third Person except by endorsement of
instruments or items of payment for deposit to the account of the Obligors or
which are transmitted or turned over to Agent.

     7.7   Nature of Business. Make any change in the principal nature of the
           ------------------
Obligors' business, as currently conducted.

     7.8   Prepayments and Amendments.
           --------------------------

                     (a) Except in connection with a refinancing permitted by
Section 7.1(e), prepay, redeem, retire, defease, purchase, or otherwise acquire
--------------
any Indebtedness owing to any third Person prior to the stated maturities of
such Indebtedness, other than the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement,
and

                     (b) Directly or indirectly, amend, modify, alter, increase,
or change any of the terms or conditions of any agreement, instrument, document,
indenture, or other writing evidencing or concerning Indebtedness permitted
under Sections 7.1(b), (c), or (d).
               ------  ---     ---

     7.9   Change of Control. Cause, permit, or suffer, directly or indirectly,
           -----------------
any Change of Control.

     7.10  Consignments. Consign any Inventory or sell any Inventory on bill and
           ------------
hold, sale or return, sale on approval, or other conditional terms of sale.

     7.11  Distributions. Make any distribution or declare or pay any dividends
           -------------
(in cash or other property, other than Stock) on, or purchase, acquire, redeem,
or retire any Stock of any Obligor, of any class, whether now or hereafter
outstanding; provided, however, that, so long as no Event of Default has
             --------  -------
occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, Borrower may declare and
make payments of regularly scheduled dividends in respect of the Permitted
Preferred Stock provided that immediately after giving effect thereto Borrower
has Excess Availability of at least $3,000,000.

                                      -80-
<PAGE>

     7.12   Accounting Methods. Modify or change its method of accounting or
            ------------------
enter into, modify, or terminate any agreement currently existing, or at any
time hereafter entered into with any third party accounting firm or service
bureau for the preparation or storage of the Specified Obligors' accounting
records without said accounting firm or service bureau agreeing to provide Agent
information regarding the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, Canadian Sub Collateral
or the Specified Obligors' financial condition. Each Specified Obligor hereby
waives the right to assert a confidential relationship, if any, it may have with
any accounting firm or service bureau in connection with any information
requested by Agent pursuant to or in accordance with this Agreement, and agrees
that Agent may contact directly any such accounting firm or service bureau in
order to obtain such information.

     7.13   Investments. Except for Permitted Investments, directly or
            -----------
indirectly make, acquire, or incur any Investment.

     7.14   Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly enter into or
            ----------------------------
permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of the Specified
Obligors, except for transactions that are in the ordinary course of the
applicable Specified Obligor's business, that are upon fair and reasonable
terms, that are fully disclosed to Agent, and that are no less favorable to such
Specified Obligor than would be obtained in an arm's length transaction with a
non-Affiliate.

     7.15   Suspension. Suspend or go out of a substantial portion of its
            ----------
business.

     7.16   Compensation. Increase the annual fee or per-meeting fees paid to
            ------------
directors during any year by more than 15% over the prior year; pay or accrue
total cash compensation, during any year, to officers and senior management
employees in an aggregate amount in excess of 115% of that paid or accrued in
the prior year.

     7.17   Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Advances, Term Loan A, Term
            ---------------
Loan B, and Term Loan C for any purpose other than (a) on the Closing Date, (i)
to repay in full the outstanding principal, accrued interest, and accrued fees
and expenses owing to Existing Lender, and (ii) to pay transactional fees,
costs, and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, and (b)
thereafter, consistent with the terms and conditions hereof, for its lawful and
permitted corporate purposes.

     7.18   Change in Location of Chief Executive Office; Inventory and
            -----------------------------------------------------------
Equipment with Bailees. Relocate its chief executive office to a new location
----------------------
without providing at least 30 days prior written notification thereof to Agent
and so long as, at the time of such written notification, the applicable
Specified Obligor provides any financing statements or fixture filings necessary
to perfect and continue perfected the Agent's Liens and Agent's Term Loan Liens.
The Inventory, UK Sub Inventory Canadian Sub Inventory, Equipment, UK Sub
Equipment, and Canadian Sub Equipment shall not at any time now or hereafter be
stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party without Agent's prior
written consent.


     7.19   Defined Benefit Plan. Establish, or permit to exist, a Benefit Plan.
            --------------------

                                      -81-
<PAGE>

     7.20   Financial Covenants. Fail to maintain:
            -------------------
               (a)  EBITDA. EBITDA (for Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis) for each of the following periods of not less than the
amount shown below for the period corresponding thereto:

----------------------------------------------------------
     Quarterly Period                      EBITDA
----------------------------------------------------------
fiscal   quarter    ended                $ 3,500,000
10/31/1999
----------------------------------------------------------
fiscal   quarter    ended
1/31/2000                                $ 9,200,000
----------------------------------------------------------
fiscal   quarter    ended                $ 9,200,000
4/30/2000
----------------------------------------------------------
fiscal   quarter    ended                $ 9,200,000
7/31/2000
----------------------------------------------------------
fiscal   quarter    ended                $ 9,200,000
10/31/2000
----------------------------------------------------------
fiscal   quarter    ended                $11,500,000
1/31/2001 and each fiscal
quarter thereafter
----------------------------------------------------------

               (b)  Minimum Revenues. Minimum Recurring Service and Maintenance
Revenues (for Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) for each
fiscal quarter ending on or after October 31, 1999 of not less than $45,000,000.

     7.21   Capital Expenditures. Make Capital Expenditures (for Borrower and
            --------------------
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) in any fiscal year in excess of
$2,500,000.

     7.22   Securities Accounts. The Specified Obligors shall not establish or
            -------------------
maintain any Securities Account unless Agent shall have received a Control
Agreement, duly executed and in full force and effect, in respect of such
Securities Account. The Specified Obligors agree not to transfer assets out of
any Securities Accounts; provided, however, that, so long as no Event of Default
                         --------  -------
has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Specified Obligors
may use such assets to the extent permitted by this Agreement.

     7.23   Preferred Stock. Issue any preferred Stock other than Permitted
            ---------------
Preferred Stock.

     7.24   Software License Agreement. Amend, modify, supplement, or restate
            --------------------------
any material terms or conditions of the Software License Agreement in a manner
that is materially adverse to the Specified Obligors, or materially adverse to
the value of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral.

                                      -82-
<PAGE>

     7.25   Maintenance Agreement. Amend, modify, supplement, or restate any
            ---------------------
material terms or conditions of the Maintenance Agreement in a manner that is
materially adverse to the Specified Obligors, or materially adverse to the value
of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral.

     7.26   Immaterial Subsidiary. Permit any Immaterial Subsidiary, whether
            ---------------------
individually or in the aggregate, to (a) own any material assets, or (b) engage
in any business activity whatsoever.

     7.27   Amendment to Certain Documents. Enter into any amendment,
            ------------------------------
supplement, or modification of: (a) the Stock Purchase Agreement, or (b) the
Indenture.

8.     EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

     Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an event of
default (each, an "Event of Default") under this Agreement:
                   ----------------

     8.1  (a) If any Obligor fails to pay when due and payable or when declared
due and payable in accordance with this Agreement, any portion of the
Obligations consisting of principal, interest (including any interest which, but
for the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, would have accrued on such amounts)
or other amounts constituting Obligations (except for fees and charges due
Lenders and reimbursement of Lender Group Expenses), or (b) If any Obligor fails
to pay when due and payable or when declared due and payable in accordance with
this Agreement, any portion of the Obligations consisting of fees and charges
due Lenders or reimbursement of Lender Group Expenses (including any interest
which, but for the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, would have accrued on such
amounts), charged to Borrower's Loan Account by Agent in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement and such failure continues for a period of 5 days
after the date on which such failure first occurs;

     8.2  (a) If any Obligor fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe any
covenant or other provision contained in Sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, 6.6, 6.10,
                                         ----------------------------------
6.11, and 6.13 hereof and such failure or neglect continues for a period of 5
--------------
days after the date on which such failure or neglect first occurs, or (b) If
Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe any covenant or other
provision contained in any section of this Agreement (other than a section that
is expressly dealt with elsewhere in this Section 8) or the other Loan Documents
                                          ---------
(other than a Section of such other Loan Documents dealt with elsewhere in this
Section 8) and such failure or neglect is not cured within 15 days after the
date on which such failure or neglect first occurs, or (c) If Borrower fails or
neglects to perform, keep, or observe any covenant or other provision contained
in Sections 2, 6 (other than a subsection of Section 6 that is dealt with
   -------------                             ---------
elsewhere in this Section 8.2), 7, and 11.3 of this Agreement or any comparable
                  -----------   -      ----
provision contained in any of the other Loan Documents;

     8.3  If there is a Material Adverse Change;

                                      -83-
<PAGE>

     8.4  If any material portion of an Obligor's, or any of its Subsidiaries',
properties or assets is attached, seized, subjected to a writ or distress
warrant, or is levied upon, or comes into the possession of any third Person;

     8.5  If an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by any Obligor;

     8.6  If an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against any Obligor and any
of the following events occur:  (a) such Obligor consents to the institution of
the Insolvency Proceeding against it; (b) the petition commencing the Insolvency
Proceeding is not timely controverted; (c) the petition commencing the
Insolvency Proceeding is not dismissed within 60 calendar days of the date of
the filing thereof; provided, however, that, during the pendency of such period,
                    --------  -------
Agent (including any successor agent) and each other member of the Lender Group
shall be relieved of its obligation to extend credit hereunder; (d) an interim
trustee is appointed to take possession of all or a substantial portion of the
properties or assets of, or to operate all or any substantial portion of the
business of, such Obligor; or (e) an order for relief shall have been issued or
entered therein;

     8.7  If any Obligor is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by
court order from continuing to conduct all or any material part of its business
affairs;

     8.8  (a) If a notice of Lien, levy, or assessment is filed of record with
respect to any of any Obligor's properties or assets by the United States
Government, or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or if any
taxes or debts owing at any time hereafter to any one or more of such entities
becomes a Lien, whether choate or otherwise, upon any of any Obligor's
properties or assets and the same is not paid on the payment date thereof, or
(b) If notices of Lien, levy, or assessment in an aggregate amount in excess of
$500,000, are filed of record with respect to any of any Obligor's properties or
assets by any state, province, county, municipal, or governmental agency, or if
any taxes or debts owing at any time hereafter to any one or more of such
entities becomes a Lien exceeding the foregoing aggregate limitation, whether
choate or otherwise, upon any of any Obligor's properties or assets and the same
is not paid on the payment date thereof;

     8.9  If a final non-appealable judgment or other claim becomes a Lien or
encumbrance in excess of $1,000,000, as to any one action or claim or in excess
of $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time (exclusive of judgment amounts
fully covered by insurance where the insurer has admitted liability, in writing
and without qualification, in respect of such judgment or claim) upon any
material portion of an Obligor's, or any of its Subsidiaries' properties or
assets;

     8.10  If there is a default in any material agreement to which an Obligor
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with one or more third Persons and which
involves Indebtedness or other obligations in excess of $500,000, and such
default (a) occurs at the final maturity of the obligations thereunder, or (b)
results in a right by such third Person(s), irrespective of whether exercised,
to accelerate the maturity of such Obligor's or any of its

                                      -84-
<PAGE>

Subsidiaries' obligations thereunder to terminate such agreement, or to refuse
to renew such agreement pursuant to an automatic renewal right therein;

     8.11  If any Obligor makes any payment on account of Indebtedness that has
been contractually subordinated in right of payment to the payment of the
Obligations, except to the extent such payment is permitted by the terms of the
subordination provisions applicable to such Indebtedness;

     8.12  If any misstatement or misrepresentation exists now or hereafter in
any warranty, representation, statement, or report made to the Lender Group by
an Obligor, its Subsidiaries, or any officer, employee, agent, or director of an
Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries, or if any such warranty or representation is
withdrawn;

     8.13  If the obligation of any guarantor under its guaranty or other third
Person under any Loan Document is limited or terminated by operation of law or
by the guarantor or other third Person thereunder, or any such guarantor or
other third Person becomes the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding; or

     8.14  If there is an "Event of Default" as such term is defined in the
Stock Purchase Agreement.

9.  THE LENDER GROUP'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

     9.1  Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence, and during the continuation,
          -------------------
of an Event of Default, the Required Lenders (at their election but without
notice of their election and without demand) may, except to the extent otherwise
expressly provided or required below, authorize and instruct Agent to do any one
or more of the following on behalf of the Lender Group (and Agent, acting upon
the instructions of the Required Lenders, shall do the same on behalf of the
Lender Group), all of which are authorized by each of the Obligors:

                     (a)  Declare all Obligations, whether evidenced by this
Agreement, by any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise, immediately due and
payable;

                     (b)  Cease advancing money or extending credit to or for
the benefit of Borrower under this Agreement, under any of the Loan Documents,
or under any other agreement between an Obligor and the Lender Group;

                     (c)  Terminate this Agreement and any of the other Loan
Documents as to any future liability or obligation of the Lender Group, but
without affecting Agent's rights and security interests, for the benefit of the
Lender Group, in the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral
and without affecting the Obligations;

                     (d)  Settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with
Account Debtors for amounts and upon terms which Agent considers advisable, and
in such cases, Agent will credit Borrower's Loan Account with only the net
amounts received by Agent in payment of

                                      -85-
<PAGE>

such disputed Accounts after deducting all Lender Group Expenses incurred or
expended in connection therewith;

                     (e)  Cause the Obligors to hold all returned Inventory, UK
Sub Inventory, and Canadian Sub Inventory, if any, in trust for the Lender
Group, segregate all returned Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, and Canadian Sub
Inventory, if any, from all other property of the Obligors or in the Obligors'
possession and conspicuously label said returned Inventory, UK Sub Inventory, or
Canadian Sub Inventory, as applicable, as the property of the Lender Group;

                     (f)  Without notice to or demand upon any Obligor or any
guarantor, make such payments and do such acts as Agent considers necessary or
reasonable to protect its security interests in the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral. The Obligors agree to assemble the
Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral if Agent so requires,
and to make the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral
available to Agent as Agent may designate. The Obligors authorize Agent to enter
the premises where the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub
Collateral is located, to take and maintain possession of the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, Canadian Sub Collateral, or any part of it, and to pay, purchase,
contest, or compromise any encumbrance, charge, or Lien that in Agent's
determination appears to conflict with the Agent's Liens or the Agent's Term
Loan Liens and to pay all expenses incurred in connection therewith. With
respect to any of any Obligor's owned or leased premises, the applicable Obligor
hereby grants Agent a license to enter into possession of such premises and to
occupy the same, without charge, for up to 120 days in order to exercise any of
the Lender Group's rights or remedies provided herein, at law, in equity, or
otherwise;

                     (g)  Without notice to any Obligor (such notice being
expressly waived), and without constituting a retention of any collateral in
satisfaction of an obligation (within the meaning of Section 9-505 of the Code),
set off and apply to the Obligations any and all (i) balances and deposits of
the Obligors held by the Lender Group (including any amounts received in the
Lockbox Accounts), or (ii) indebtedness at any time owing to or for the credit
or the account of such Obligor held by the Lender Group;

                     (h)  Hold, as cash collateral, any and all balances and
deposits of any Obligor held by the Lender Group, and any amounts received in
the Lockbox Accounts, to secure the full and final repayment of all of the
Obligations;

                     (i)  Ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain,
repair, prepare for sale, advertise for sale, and sell (in the manner provided
for herein) the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral. Each
Obligor hereby grants to Agent a license or other right to use, without charge,
such Obligor's labels, patents, copyrights, rights of use of any name, trade
secrets, trade names, trademarks, service marks, and advertising matter, or any
property of a similar nature, as it pertains to the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral, in completing production of, advertising
for sale, and selling any

                                      -86-
<PAGE>

Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral and such Obligor's
rights under all licenses and all franchise agreements shall inure to the Lender
Group's benefit;

                     (j)  Sell the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian
Sub Collateral at either a public or private sale, or both, by way of one or
more contracts or transactions, for cash or on terms, in such manner and at such
places (including the Obligors' premises) as Agent determines is commercially
reasonable. It is not necessary that the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or
Canadian Sub Collateral be present at any such sale;

                     (k)  Agent shall give notice of the disposition of the
Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral as follows:

                     (i)  Agent shall give the applicable Specified Obligor with
           rights in the applicable Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, Canadian Sub
           Collateral and each holder of a security interest in the Collateral,
           UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral who has filed with
           Agent a written request for notice, a notice in writing of the time
           and place of public sale, or, if the sale is a private sale or some
           other disposition other than a public sale is to be made of the
           Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral, then the
           time on or after which the private sale or other disposition is to be
           made;

                     (ii) The notice shall be personally delivered or mailed,
           postage prepaid, to the applicable Specified Obligor with rights in
           the applicable Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub
           Collateral as provided in Section 12, at least 5 days before the date
                                     ----------
           fixed for the sale, or at least 5 days before the date on or after
           which the private sale or other disposition is to be made; no notice
           needs to be given prior to the disposition of any portion of the
           Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral that is
           perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or that is of a
           type customarily sold on a recognized market. Notice to Persons other
           than the applicable Specified Obligor claiming an interest in the
           Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral shall be
           sent to such addresses as they have furnished to Agent;

                     (l)  The Lender Group may credit bid and purchase at any
public sale;

                     (m)  The Lender Group shall have all other rights and
remedies available to it at law or in equity pursuant to any other Loan
Documents; and

                     (n)  Any deficiency that exists after disposition of the
Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral as provided above will
be paid immediately by Borrower. Any excess will be returned, without interest
and subject to the rights of third Persons, by Agent to Borrower.

     9.2   Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender Group
           -------------------
under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall
be cumulative. The Lender Group shall have all other rights and remedies not
inconsistent herewith as provided

                                      -87-
<PAGE>

under the Code, by law, or in equity. No exercise by the Lender Group of one
right or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by the Lender Group
of any Event of Default shall be deemed a waiver of any other Event of Default.
No delay by the Lender Group shall constitute a waiver, election, or
acquiescence by it.

10.   TAXES AND EXPENSES.

     If any Obligor fails to pay any monies (whether taxes, assessments,
insurance premiums, or, in the case of leased properties or assets, rents or
other amounts payable under such leases) due to third Persons, or fails to make
any deposits or furnish any required proof of payment or deposit, all as
required under the terms of this Agreement, then, to the extent that Agent
determines that such failure by such Obligor could result in a Material Adverse
Change, in its discretion and without prior notice to any Obligor, Agent for the
benefit of the Lender Group may do any or all of the following: (a) make payment
of the same or any part thereof; (b) set up such reserves in Borrower's Loan
Account as Agent deems necessary to protect the Lender Group from the exposure
created by such failure; or (c) obtain and maintain insurance policies of the
type described in Section 6.9 and take any action with respect to such policies
                  -----------
as Agent deems prudent. Any such amounts paid by Agent shall constitute Lender
Group Expenses. Any such payments made by Agent shall not constitute an
agreement by Lender Group to make similar payments in the future or a waiver by
Lender Group of any Event of Default under this Agreement. Agent need not
inquire as to, or contest the validity of, any such expense, tax, or Lien and
the receipt of the usual official notice for the payment thereof shall be
conclusive evidence that the same was validly due and owing.

11.  WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION.

     11.1   Demand; Protest; etc. Each Obligor hereby waives demand, protest,
            --------------------
notice of protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and
nonpayment, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension,
or renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees at
any time held by Lender Group on which any Obligor may in any way be liable.

     11.2   The Lender Group's Liability for Collateral. So long as Lender Group
            -------------------------------------------
complies with its obligations, if any, under Section 9-207 of the Code, Lender
Group shall not in any way or manner be liable or responsible for: (a) the
safekeeping of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral;
(b) any loss or damage thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion
from any cause; (c) any diminution in the value thereof; or (d) any act or
default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other
Person. All risk of loss, damage, or destruction of the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral shall be borne by the Obligors.

     11.3   Indemnification. Borrower shall pay, indemnify, defend, and hold the
            ---------------
Agent-Related Persons, the Lender-Related Persons with respect to each Lender,
each Participant, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees,
counsel, agents, and attorneys-in- fact (each, an "Indemnified Person") harmless
                                                   ------------------
(to the fullest extent permitted by law) from

                                      -88-
<PAGE>

and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, investigations,
proceedings, and damages, and all reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements
and other costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith (as and
when they are incurred and irrespective of whether suit is brought), at any time
asserted against, imposed upon, or incurred by any of them in connection with or
as a result of or related to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance,
and administration of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents or the
transactions contemplated herein, and with respect to any investigation,
litigation, or proceeding related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or
the use of the proceeds of the credit provided hereunder (irrespective of
whether any Indemnified Person is a party thereto), or any act, omission, event
or circumstance in any manner related thereto (all the foregoing, collectively,
the "Indemnified Liabilities"). The Obligors shall not have any obligation to
     -----------------------
any Indemnified Person under this Section 11.3 with respect to any Indemnified
                                  ------------
Liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have
resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified
Person. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the
repayment of the Obligations. If any Indemnified Person makes any payment to any
other Indemnified Person with respect to an Indemnified Liability for which
Borrower was required to indemnify the Indemnified Person receiving such
payment, the Indemnified Person making such payment is entitled to be
indemnified and reimbursed by Borrower with respect thereto.

12.    NOTICES.

             Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands
by any party relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be in
writing and (except for financial statements and other informational documents
which may be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid) shall be personally
delivered or sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return
receipt requested), overnight courier, or telefacsimile to Borrower, or the
Agent, as the case may be, at its address set forth below:

             If to an Obligor:         c/o SYSTEM SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES, INC.
                                       500 West Madison, 32rd Floor
                                       Chicago, Illinois 60661
                                       Attn:  Mr. Joseph J. Skadra
                                       Fax No. 312.474.7451

             with copies to:           SACHNOFF & WEAVER, LTD
                                       30 South Wacker Drive
                                       Chicago, Illinois  60606
                                       Attn:  William N. Weaver, Jr., Esq.
                                       Fax No. 312.207.6400

             If to Agent:              FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                       11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1500
                                       Los Angeles, California  90025-3333
                                       Attn: Business Finance Division Manager

                                      -89-
<PAGE>

                                       Fax No. 310.478.9788

             with copies to:           BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
                                       550 South Hope Street
                                       Los Angeles, California 90071
                                       Attn:  John Francis Hilson, Esq.
                                       Fax No. 213.745.3345

             The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to
receive notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to
the other. All notices or demands sent in accordance with this Section 12, other
                                                               ----------
than notices by the Agent in connection with Sections 9-504 or 9-505 of the
Code, shall be deemed received on the earlier of the date of actual receipt or 3
days after the deposit thereof in the mail, and one Business Day after deposit
with a nationally recognized overnight courier. Each Obligor acknowledges and
agrees that notices sent by the Agent in connection with Sections 9-504 or 9-505
of the Code shall be deemed sent when deposited in the mail or personally
delivered, or, where permitted by law, transmitted by telefacsimile or other
similar method set forth above.

13.  CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER.

             THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (UNLESS
AND TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY PROVIDED TO THE CONTRARY IN ANOTHER LOAN DOCUMENT),
THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF AND THEREOF, AND THE
RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS ARISING
HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO OR THERETO SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER,
GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

             THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE TRIED AND
LITIGATED ONLY IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW
YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT
                         --------  -------
AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT AGENT'S OPTION, IN
THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE REQUIRED LENDERS ELECT TO BRING SUCH
ACTION OR WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH OBLIGOR
AND THE LENDER GROUP WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY
RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT
                                              ----- --- ----------
TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION
                                                                         -------
13.
--

                                      -90-
<PAGE>

          EACH OBLIGOR, AGENT, AND EACH LENDER HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE
RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT
OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN,
INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER
COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS.  EACH OBLIGOR, AGENT, AND EACH LENDER REPRESENTS
THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS
JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF
LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A
TRIAL BY THE COURT.

14.  ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS; SUCCESSORS.

     14.1  Assignments and Participations.
           ------------------------------

               (a) Any Lender may, with the prior written consent of Agent,
assign and delegate to one or more assignees (provided that no written consent
of Agent shall be required in connection with any assignment and delegation by a
Lender to an Eligible Transferee or in connection with the Closing Date
Assignments) (each an "Assignee") all, or any ratable part of all, of the
                       --------
Obligations, the Commitments and the other rights and obligations of such Lender
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, in a minimum amount of $5,000,000
(provided that no such minimum amount shall be required in the case of an
Eligible Transferee that qualifies as an "Eligible Transferee" under clause (d)
of the definition of Eligible Transferee); provided, however, that, except with
                                           --------  -------
respect to the Closing Date Assignments, Borrower and Agent may continue to deal
solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the interest so assigned
to an Assignee until (i) written notice of such assignment, together with
payment instructions, addresses and related information with respect to the
Assignee, shall have been given to Borrower (for the benefit of the Obligors)
and Agent by such Lender and the Assignee; (ii) such Lender and its Assignee
shall have delivered to Borrower and Agent an Assignment and Acceptance in the
form of Exhibit A-1; and (iii) other than with respect to the Closing Date
        -----------
Assignments or an assignment by an existing Lender to any Affiliate of such
Lender, the assignor Lender or Assignee has paid to Agent for Agent's sole and
separate account a processing fee in the amount of $5,000. Anything contained
herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the consent of Agent shall not be
required (and payment of any fees shall not be required) if such assignment is
in connection with any merger, consolidation, sale, transfer, or other
disposition of all or any substantial portion of the business or loan portfolio
of such Lender.

               (b) From and after the date that Agent notifies the assignor
Lender that it has received a fully executed Assignment and Acceptance and
payment (if applicable) of the above-referenced processing fee, (i) the Assignee
thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and
obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance, shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender under the Loan
Documents, and (ii) the assignor Lender shall, to the extent that rights and
obligations

                                      -91-
<PAGE>

hereunder and under the other Loan Documents have been assigned by it pursuant
to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights (except with respect to
Section 11.3 hereof) and be released from its obligations under this Agreement
(and in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining
portion of an assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto and
thereto), and such assignment shall effect a novation among the Obligors, the
assignor Lender, and the Assignee.

               (c) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the
assignor Lender thereunder and the Assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with
each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (1) other than as provided
in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assignor Lender makes no representation
or warranty whatsoever and assumes no responsibility with respect to any
statements, warranties, or representations made in or in connection with this
Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness,
sufficiency, or value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished
pursuant hereto; (2) such assignor Lender makes no representation or warranty
and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any
Obligor or the performance or observance by any Obligor of any of its
obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant
hereto; (3) such Assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this
Agreement, together with such other documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such
Assignment and Acceptance; (4) such Assignee will, independently and without
reliance upon Agent, such assignor Lender or any other Lender, and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to
make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this
Agreement; (5) such Assignee appoints and authorizes Agent to take such action
as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are
delegated to Agent, by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto; and (6) such Assignee agrees that it will perform
in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this
Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

               (d) Immediately upon each Assignee's making its processing fee
payment under the Assignment and Acceptance (if applicable) and receipt and
acknowledgment by Agent of such fully executed Assignment and Acceptance, this
Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to the extent, but only to the extent,
necessary to reflect the addition of the Assignee and the resulting adjustment
of the Commitments of the assignor Lender and Assignee arising therefrom. The
Commitment allocated to each Assignee shall reduce such Commitments of the
assignor Lender pro tanto.

               (e) Any Lender may at any time, with the written consent of
Agent, sell to one or more commercial banks, financial institutions, or other
Persons (a "Participant") participating interests in the Obligations owing to
            -----------
such Lender, such Lender's Commitment, and the other rights and interests of
that Lender (the "Originating Lender") hereunder and under the other Loan
                  ------------------
Documents (provided that no written consent of Agent shall be required in
connection with any sale of such participating interests by a Lender to an
Eligible

                                      -92-
<PAGE>

Transferee); provided, however, that (i) the Originating Lender's obligations
under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) the Originating Lender shall
remain solely responsible for the performance of such obligations, (iii)
Borrower and Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with the
Originating Lender in connection with the Originating Lender's rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iv) no Lender
shall transfer or grant any participating interest under which the Participant
has the right to approve any amendment to, or any consent or waiver with respect
to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except to the extent such
amendment to, or consent or waiver with respect to this Agreement or of any
other Loan Document would (A) extend the final maturity date of the Obligations
hereunder in which such Participant is participating; (B) reduce the interest
rate applicable to the Obligations hereunder in which such Participant is
participating; (C) release all or a material portion of the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, and Canadian Sub Collateral or the guaranties (except to the extent
expressly provided herein or in any of the Loan Documents) supporting the
Obligations hereunder in which such Participant is participating; (D) postpone
the payment of, or reduce the amount of, the interest or fees hereunder in which
such Participant is participating; or (E) change the amount or due dates of
scheduled principal repayments or prepayments or premiums in respect of the
Obligations hereunder in which such Participant is participating; or (F)
subordinate the Liens of Agent for the benefit of the Lender Group to the Liens
of any other creditor of any Obligor; and (v) all amounts payable by Borrower
hereunder shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participation;
except that, if amounts outstanding under this Agreement are due and unpaid, or
shall have been declared or shall have become due and payable upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default, each Participant shall be deemed to have the
right of set-off in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under
this Agreement to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest
were owing directly to it as a Lender under this Agreement. The rights of any
Participant shall only be derivative through the Originating Lender with whom
such Participant participates and no Participant shall have any direct rights as
to the other Lenders, Agent, Borrower, the Collections, the Collateral, the UK
Sub Collateral, the Canadian Sub Collateral, or otherwise in respect of the
Obligations. No Participant shall have the right to participate directly in the
making of decisions by Lenders among themselves. The provisions of this Section
                                                                        -------
14.1(e) are solely for the benefit of Lender Group, and no Obligor shall have
-------
any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

               (f) In connection with any such assignment or participation or
proposed assignment or participation, subject to Section 16.17(d), a Lender may
                                                 ----------------
disclose to a third party all documents and information which it now or
hereafter may have relating to any Borrower's business.

               (g) Any other provision in this Agreement notwithstanding, any
Lender may at any time create a security interest in, or pledge, all or any
portion of its rights under and interest in this Agreement in favor of any
Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with Regulation A of the Federal Reserve Bank
or U.S. Treasury Regulation 31 CFR (S)203.14, and such Federal Reserve Bank may
enforce such pledge or security interest in any manner permitted under
applicable law.

                                      -93-
<PAGE>

               (h) Agent and Foothill, in its capacity as a Lender, on the one
hand, and one or more of Ableco Finance LLC or its Affiliates, as an Assignee,
on the other hand, have executed and delivered the Closing Date Assignments as
of the Closing Date, pursuant to which Agent, Foothill, in its capacity as a
Lender, and such Assignees have agreed, among other things, to certain voting
arrangements relative to matters requiring the approval of the Lender Group. The
rights and duties of Agent, of Foothill as a Lender, and of any other Assignee
of Foothill as a Lender, are subject to the Closing Date Assignments.

     14.2  Successors. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the
           ----------
respective successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto; provided,
                                                                 --------
however, that no Obligor may assign this Agreement or any other Loan Document or
-------
any rights or duties hereunder or thereunder without the Lenders' prior written
consent and any prohibited assignment shall be absolutely void ab initio. No
consent to assignment by Lenders shall release any Borrower from the
Obligations. A Lender may assign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and
its rights and duties hereunder and thereunder pursuant to Section 14.1 and,
                                                           ------------
except as expressly required pursuant to Section 14.1, no consent or approval by
                                         ------------
any Borrower is required in connection with any such assignment.

15.    AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS.

     15.1  Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of
           ----------------------
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent with respect to any
departure by Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in
writing and signed by the Required Lenders (or by Agent at the written request
of the Required Lenders) and each Borrower and then any such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given; provided, however, that no such waiver, amendment, or consent
                 --------  -------
shall, unless in writing and signed by all Lenders and each Borrower, and
acknowledged by Agent, do any of the following:

               (a)  increase or extend the Commitment of any Lender;

               (b)  postpone or delay any date fixed by this Agreement or any
other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other
amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan
Document;

               (c)  reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified
herein on any Advance, Term Loan A Amount, Term Loan B Amount, Term Loan C
Amount, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan
Document;

               (d)  change the percentage of the Commitments or the percentage
of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Obligations, as the case may be,
which is required for Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder;

               (e)  increase the advance rate with respect to Advances (except
for the restoration of an advance rate after the prior reduction thereof),
change the definition of

                                      -94-
<PAGE>

Eligible Accounts, Eligible Borrower Accounts, Eligible Foreign Accounts,
Eligible Canadian Sub Accounts, Eligible UK Sub Accounts, or change Section
                                                                    -------
2.1(b);
------

               (f)  amend this Section 15.1 or any provision of this Agreement
                               ------------
providing for consent or other action by all Lenders;

               (g)  release its Liens upon Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or
Canadian Sub Collateral other than as permitted by Section 16.12;
                                                   -------------

               (h)  increase the percentage or extend the number of days with
respect to Borrower's, UK Sub's, and Canadian Sub's Collections for purposes of
determining credit availability (currently contained in Sections 2.1(a)(w)(ii),
                                                        -----------------------
2.1(a)(x) and 2.1(a)(y));
---------     ----------

               (i)  change the definition of "Required Lenders", "Pro Rata
Share", or "Collections";

               (j)  release a Borrower or a Guarantor from any Obligation for
the payment of money;

               (k)  amend or waive any of the provisions of Sections 2.2(b),
                                                            ---------------
2.2(c), 2.4(b), 15.1, 16, or 18; or
------  ------  ----  --     --

               (l)  subordinate the Liens of Agent for the benefit of the Lender
Group to the Liens of any other creditor of an Obligor.

and, provided further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in
writing and signed by Agent, affect the rights or duties of Agent under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document.  The limitation contained in clause (e)
above shall not be deemed to limit the ability of Agent to make Advances or
Agent Advances (or elect to have Swing Lender make Swing Loans) in accordance
with the provisions of Sections 2.3(b), (c), (d), (e), or (i) in accordance with
                       -----------------------------      ---
the terms initially contained herein.  The foregoing notwithstanding, any
amendment, modification, waiver, consent, termination, or release of or with
respect to any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that
relates only to the relationship of the Lender Group among themselves, and that
does not affect the rights or obligations of Borrower, shall not require consent
by or the agreement of Borrower.  By Agent's execution and delivery of any
amendment, waiver, or consent in respect of this Agreement, Agent will be deemed
to have represented that it has received all necessary consents and approvals
from the requisite percentage of Lenders.

     15.2  No Waivers; Cumulative Remedies. No failure by Agent or any Lender to
           -------------------------------
exercise any right, remedy, or option under this Agreement, any other Loan
Document, or any present or future supplement hereto or thereto, or in any other
agreement between or among Borrower and Agent or any Lender, or delay by Agent
or any Lender in exercising the same, will operate as a waiver thereof. No
waiver by Agent or any Lender will be effective unless it is in writing, and
then only to the extent specifically stated. No waiver by Agent or the Lenders
on any occasion shall affect or diminish Agent's and each Lender's

                                      -95-
<PAGE>

rights thereafter to require strict performance by Borrower of any provision of
this Agreement. Agent's and each Lender's rights under this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents will be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or
remedy which Agent or any Lender may have.

16.  AGENT; LENDER GROUP.

     16.1  Appointment and Authorization of Agent. Each Lender hereby designates
           --------------------------------------
and appoints Foothill as its Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents. Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes the Agent to take such
action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan
Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly
delegated to Agent by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Agent agrees to
act as such on the express conditions contained in this Section 16. The
                                                        ----------
provisions of this Section 16 are solely for the benefit of Agent and Lenders,
                   ----------
and, accordingly, the Obligors shall not have any rights as a third party
beneficiary of any of the provisions contained herein; provided, however, that
the provisions of Sections 16.11, 16.12, and 16.17(d) hereof also shall be for
                  -----------------------------------
the benefit of Obligors. Any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in
this Agreement or in any other Loan Document notwithstanding, Agent shall not
have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein,
nor shall Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any
Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties,
obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or otherwise exist against Agent; it being expressly understood and
agreed that the use of the word "Agent" is for convenience only, that Foothill
is merely the representatives of the Lenders, and has only the contractual
duties set forth herein. Except as expressly otherwise provided in this
Agreement, Agent shall have and may use its sole discretion with respect to
exercising or refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking or
refraining from taking any actions which Agent is expressly entitled to take or
assert under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
including making the determinations contemplated by Section 2.1(b). Without
                                                    --------------
limiting the generality of the foregoing, or of any other provision of the Loan
Documents that provides rights or powers to Agent, Lenders agree that Agent
shall have the right to exercise, and to delegate the exercise of any such
powers to any subagent of Agent, the following powers as long as this Agreement
remains in effect: (a) maintain, in accordance with its customary business
practices, ledgers and records reflecting the status of the Advances, the Term
Loan A Amount, the Term Loan B Amount, the Term Loan C Amount, the other
Obligations, the Collateral, the UK Sub Collateral, the Canadian Sub Collateral,
Collections, and related matters; (b) execute and/or file any and all financing
or similar statements or notices, amendments, renewals, supplements, documents,
instruments, proofs of claim for Lenders, notices and other written agreements
with respect to the Loan Documents; (c) make Advances, the Term Loan A, the Term
Loan B, and the Term Loan C, for itself or on behalf of Lenders as provided in
the Loan Documents; (d) receive, apply, and distribute the Collections as
provided in the Loan Documents; (e) open and maintain such bank accounts and
lock boxes as Agent deems necessary and appropriate in accordance with the Loan
Documents for the foregoing purposes with respect to the Collateral, UK Sub

                                      -96-
<PAGE>

Collateral, Canadian Sub Collateral, and the Collections; (f) perform,
exercise,any and all other rights and remedies of Lender Group with respect ors,
the Advances, the Term Loan A, the Term Loan B, the other the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, Canadian Sub Collateral, the Collections, or otherwise related to
any of same as provided in the Loan Documents; and (g) incur and pay such Lender
Group Expenses as Agent may deem necessary or appropriate for the performance
and fulfillment of its functions and powers pursuant to the Loan Documents.

     16.2  Delegation of Duties. Except as otherwise provided in this Section
           --------------------                                       -------
16.2, Agent may execute of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan
----
Document by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be
entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.
Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or
attorney-in-fact that it selects as long as such selection was made in
compliance with this Section 16.2 and without gross negligence or willful
misconduct.

     16.3  Liability of Agent - Related Persons. None of the Agent-Related
           ------------------------------------
Persons shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any
of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or
the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or
willful misconduct), or, (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of Lenders for
any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Obligor, or any
Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Obligor, or any officer or director thereof,
contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, or in any
certificate, report, statement, or other document referred to or provided for
in, or received by any Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability
or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for any failure
of an Obligor or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations
hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation
to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of
any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, or to inspect the Books or properties of an Obligor, or the
books or records or properties of an Obligor's Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

     16.4  Reliance by Agent. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be
           -----------------
fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex, or telephone
message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be
genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person
or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel
to the Obligors or counsel to any Lender), independent accountants, and other
experts selected by Agent. Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing
to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless Agent
shall first receive such advice or concurrence of Required Lenders, or all
Lenders, as applicable, as is required by this Agreement and, absent such a
requirement, and until such instructions are received, Agent shall act, or
refrain from acting, as it deems advisable. If Agent so requests, it shall first
be indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction by Lenders against any and all
liability and

                                      -97-
<PAGE>

expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any
such action. Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in
accordance with a request or consent of Required Lenders or all Lenders, as
applicable, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant
thereto shall be binding upon all Lenders.

     16.5  Notice of Default or Event of Default. Agent shall not be deemed to
           -------------------------------------
have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default,
except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest, fees, and
expenses required to be paid to Agent for the account of Agent or Lenders,
except in the case of the Agent with respect to actual knowledge of the
existence of an Overadvance, and except with respect to Defaults and Events of
Default of which Agent has actual knowledge, unless Agent shall have received
written notice from a Lender or Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing
such Default or Event of Default, and stating that such notice is a "notice of
default." Agent promptly will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such
notice or of any Event of Default of which Agent has actual knowledge. If any
Lender obtains actual knowledge of any Event of Default, such Lender promptly
shall notify the other Lenders and Agent of such Event of Default. Each Lender
shall be solely responsible for giving any notices to its Participants, if any.
Subject to Section 16.4, Agent shall such action with respect to such Default or
           ------------
Event of Default as may be requested by the Required Lenders in accordance with
Section 9; provided, that unless and until Agent has received any such request,
---------
Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from
taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall
deem advisable.

     16.6  Credit Decision. Each Lender acknowledges that none of the Agent-
           ---------------
Related Persons has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act
by Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of each Obligor
and its respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates, shall be deemed to constitute any
representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender. Each
Lender represents to Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon
any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has
deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the
business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition, and
creditworthiness of any Obligor and any other Person (other than Lender Group)
party to a Loan Document, and all applicable bank regulatory laws relating to
the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into
this Agreement and to extend credit to Borrower. Each Lender also represents
that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person
and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the
time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals, and decisions in
taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the
business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition, and
creditworthiness of any Obligor, and any other Person (other than Lender Group)
party to a Loan Document. Except for notices, reports, and other documents
expressly herein required to be furnished to Lenders by Agent, Agent shall not
have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender

                                      -98-
<PAGE>

with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects,
operations, property, financial and other condition, or creditworthiness of any
Obligor, and any other Person party to a Loan Document that may come into the
possession of any of Agent-Related Persons.

     16.7  Costs and Expenses; Indemnification. Agent may incur and pay Lender
           -----------------------------------
Group Expenses to the extent Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate for
the performance and fulfillment of its functions, powers, and obligations
pursuant to the Loan Documents, including without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, but subject to any requirements of the Loan Documents that it obtain
any applicable consents or engage in any required consultation, court costs,
reasonable attorneys fees and expenses, costs of collection by outside
collection agencies and auctioneer fees and costs of security guards or
insurance premiums paid to maintain the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and
Canadian Sub Collateral, whether or not the Obligors are obligated to reimburse
Agent or Lenders for such expenses pursuant to the Loan Agreement or otherwise.
Agent is authorized and directed to deduct and retain sufficient amounts from
Collections to reimburse Agent for such out-of-pocket costs and expenses prior
to the distribution of any amounts to Lenders. In the event Agent is not
reimbursed for such costs and expenses from Collections, each Lender hereby
agrees that it is and shall be obligated to pay to or reimburse such Agent for
the amount of such Lender's Pro Rata Share thereof. Whether or not the
transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, Lenders shall indemnify upon
demand the Agent-Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf
of the Obligors and without limiting the obligation of the Obligors to do so),
according to their Pro Rata Shares, from and against any and all Indemnified
Liabilities; provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment
to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities
resulting solely from such Person's gross negligence, or willful misconduct.
Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse Agent upon
demand for such Lender's ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses
(including attorneys fees and expenses) incurred by Agent in connection with the
preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment, or
enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of,
or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement,
any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein,
to the extent that Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of
the Obligors. The undertaking in this Section 16.7 shall survive the payment of
                                      ------------
all Obligations hereunder and resignation or replacement of
Agent.

     16.8 Agent in Individual Capacity. Foothill and its Affiliates may make
          ----------------------------
loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from,
acquire equity interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking,
lending, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with any
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and any other Person party to any
Loan Documents as though Foothill were not Agent hereunder, and, in each case,
without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that,
pursuant to such activities, Foothill or its Affiliates may receive information
regarding an Obligor and its Affiliates and any other Person (other than the
Lender Group) party to any Loan Documents that is subject to confidentiality
obligations in favor of such Obligor or such other Person and that prohibit the
disclosure of such information to Lenders, and Lenders acknowledge that, in

                                      -99-
<PAGE>

such circumstances (and in the absence of a waiver of such confidentiality
obligations, which waiver Agent will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain),
Agent shall not be under any obligation to provide such information to them. The
terms "Lender" and "Lenders" include Foothill in its individual capacity. With
respect to Swing Loans, Agent, in its individual capacity, shall, if it is a
Lender hereunder, have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any
other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not Agent, and the
terms "Lender" and "Lenders" shall, in each case, include Agent in its
individual capacity.

     16.9  Successor Agent. Agent may resign as Agent upon 45 days notice to the
           ---------------
Lenders. If Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall
appoint a successor Agent for the Lenders. If no successor Agent is appointed
prior to the effective date of the resignation of Agent, Agent may appoint,
after consulting with the Lenders, a successor Agent. If Agent has materially
breached or failed to perform any material provision of this Agreement or of
applicable law, the Required Lenders may agree in writing to remove and replace
Agent with a successor Agent from among the Lenders. In any such event, upon the
acceptance of its appointment as successor Agent hereunder, such successor Agent
shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Agent and the
term "Agent" shall mean such successor Agent and the retiring Agent's
appointment, powers, and duties as Agent shall be terminated. After any retiring
Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Section 16 shall
                                                               ----------
inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while
it was Agent under this Agreement. If no successor Agent has accepted
appointment as Agent by the date which is 45 days following a retiring Agent's
notice of resignation, the retiring Agent's resignation shall nevertheless
thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of
Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Lenders appoint a successor
Agent as provided for above.

     16.10 Lender in Individual Capacity. Any Lender and its respective
           -----------------------------
Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept
deposits from, acquire equity interests in and generally engage in any kind of
banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with Borrower
and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and any other Person (other than the Lender
Group) party to any Loan Documents as though such Lender were not the agent of
Agent hereunder without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders
acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, such Lender and its respective
Affiliates may receive information regarding Borrower or its Affiliates and any
other Person (other than the Lender Group) party to any Loan Documents that is
subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Borrower or such other Person
and that prohibit the disclosure of such information to the Lenders, and the
Lenders acknowledge that, in such circumstances (and in the absence of a waiver
of such confidentiality obligations, which waiver such Lender will use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain), such Lender not shall be under any
obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to the Swing Loans
and Agent Advances, Swing Lender shall have the same rights and powers under

                                     -100-
<PAGE>

this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were
not the sub-agent of the Agent.

     16.11  Withholding Tax.
            ---------------

                    (a)  If any Lender is a "foreign corporation, partnership or
trust" within the meaning of the IRC and such Lender claims exemption from, or a
reduction of, U.S. withholding tax under Sections 1441 or 1442 of the IRC, such
Lender agrees with and in favor of Agent and Borrower, to deliver to Agent and
Borrower:

                    (i)   if such Lender claims an exemption from, or a
          reduction of, withholding tax under a United States tax treaty,
          properly completed IRS Forms 1001 and W-8 before the payment of any
          interest in the first calendar year and before the payment of any
          interest in each third succeeding calendar year during which interest
          may be paid under this Agreement;

                    (ii)  if such Lender claims that interest paid under this
          Agreement is exempt from United States withholding tax because it is
          effectively connected with a United States trade or business of such
          Lender, two properly completed and executed copies of IRS Form 4224
          before the payment of any interest is due in the first taxable year of
          such Lender and in each succeeding taxable year of such Lender during
          which interest may be paid under this Agreement, and IRS Form W-9; and

                    (iii) such other form or forms as may be required under the
          IRC or other laws of the United States as a condition to exemption
          from, or reduction of, United States withholding tax.

Such Lender agrees promptly to notify Agent and Borrower of any change in
circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or
reduction.

                    (b)  If any Lender claims exemption from, or reduction of,
withholding tax under a United States tax treaty by providing IRS Form 1001 and
such Lender sells, assigns, grants a participation in, or otherwise transfers
all or part of the Obligations, such Lender agrees to notify Agent and Borrower
of the percentage amount in which it is no longer the beneficial owner of
Obligations to such Lender. To the extent of such percentage amount, Agent and
Borrower will treat such Lender's IRS Form 1001 as no longer valid.

                    (c)  If any Lender claiming exemption from United States
withholding tax by filing IRS Form 4224 with Agent sells, assigns, grants a
participation in, or otherwise transfers all or part of the Obligations to such
Lender, such Lender agrees to undertake sole responsibility for complying with
the withholding tax requirements imposed by Sections 1441 and 1442 of the IRC.

                    (d)  If any Lender is entitled to a reduction in the
applicable withholding tax, Agent or Borrower, as the case may be, may withhold
from any interest payment to such

                                     -101-
<PAGE>

Lender an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax after taking into
account such reduction. If the forms or other documentation required by
subsection (a) of this Section 16.11 are not delivered to Agent, then Agent or
                       -------------
Borrower, as the case may be, may withhold from any interest payment to such
Lender not providing such forms or other documentation an amount equivalent to
the applicable withholding tax.

                    (e)  If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority of the
United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that Agent or a Borrower did
not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender
(because the appropriate form was not delivered, was not properly executed, or
because such Lender failed to notify Agent and such Borrower of a change in
circumstances which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding
tax ineffective, or for any other reason) such Lender shall indemnify Agent and
Borrower fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by Agent or
Borrower as tax or otherwise, including penalties and interest, and including
any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to Agent or a
Borrower under this Section 16.11, together with all costs and expenses
                    -------------
(including attorneys fees and expenses). The obligation of Lenders under this
subsection shall survive the payment of all Obligations and the resignation or
replacement of Agent.

     16.12  Collateral Matters.
            ------------------

                    (a)  Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize Agent to release
any Lien on any Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral (i)
upon the termination of the Commitments and payment and satisfaction in full by
or on behalf of the Obligors of all Obligations; and upon such termination and
payment Agent shall deliver to Borrower, at Borrower's sole cost and expense,
all UCC termination statements and any other documents necessary to terminate
the Loan Documents and release the Liens with respect to the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral. or Canadian Sub Collateral; (ii) constituting property being sold or
disposed of if a release is required or desirable in connection therewith and if
Borrower certifies to Agent that the sale or disposition is permitted under
Section 7.4 of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (and Agent may rely
-----------
conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry); (iii)
constituting property in which the Obligors do not own an interest at the time
the Lien was granted or at any time thereafter; or (iv) constituting property
leased to an Obligor under a lease that has expired or been terminated in a
transaction permitted under this Agreement. Except as provided above, Agent will
not release any Lien on any Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub
Collateral without the prior written authorization of (y) if the release is of
all or a material portion of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub
Collateral, all Lenders or (z) otherwise, of the Required Lenders. Upon request
by Agent or Borrower at any time, the Lenders will confirm in writing Agent's
authority to release any such Liens on particular types or items of Collateral,
UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral pursuant to this Section 16.12;
                                                              -------------
provided, however, that (i) the Agent shall not be required to execute any
document necessary to evidence such release on terms that, in Agent's opinion,
would expose Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any
consequence other than the release of such Lien without recourse,
representation, or warranty, and (ii) such release shall not in any

                                     -102-
<PAGE>

manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than
those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Obligors in respect
of) all interests retained by the Obligors, including, the proceeds of any sale,
all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral, as applicable.

                    (b)  Agent shall not have any obligation whatsoever to any
Lender to assure that the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub
Collateral exists or is owned by an Obligor, is cared for, protected, or insured
or has been encumbered, or that the Liens of Agent (for the benefit of the
Lender Group) have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected,
protected, or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to
exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care,
disclosure, or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights,
authorities and powers granted or available to the Agent pursuant to any of the
Loan Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the
Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral, or any act, omission
or event related thereto, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein,
the Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, absent the Agent's
gross negligence or willful misconduct, in its sole discretion given the Agent's
own interest in the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral in
their capacity as Lenders and that the Agent shall have no other duty or
liability whatsoever to any Lender as to any of the foregoing, except as
otherwise provided herein.

     16.13  Restrictions on Actions by Lenders; Sharing of Payments.
            -------------------------------------------------------

                    (a)  Each of the Lenders agrees that it shall not, without
the express consent of Agent, and that it shall, to the extent it is lawfully
entitled to do so, upon the request of Agent, set off against the Obligations,
any amounts owing by such Lender to an Obligor or any accounts of an Obligor now
or hereafter maintained with such Lender. Each of Lenders further agrees that it
shall not, unless specifically requested to do so by Agent, take or cause to be
taken any action, including the commencement of any legal or equitable
proceedings, to foreclose any Lien on, or otherwise enforce any security
interest in, any of the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub
Collateral the purpose of which is, or could be, to give such Lender any
preference or priority against the other Lenders with respect to the Collateral,
UK Sub Collateral, or Canadian Sub Collateral.

                    (b)  If, at any time or times any Lender shall receive (i)
by payment, foreclosure, setoff or otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral, Canadian Sub Collateral or any payments with respect to the
Obligations arising under, or relating to, this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents, except for any such proceeds or payments received by such Lender from
Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or (ii) payments from Agent in
excess of such Lender's Pro Rata Share of all such distributions by Agent, such
Lender shall promptly (1) turn the same over to Agent, in kind, and with such
endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to Agent, or in same day
funds, as applicable, for the account of all of Lenders and for application to
the Obligations in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement,
or (2) purchase, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and
participation in the Obligations owed to the

                                     -103-
<PAGE>

other Lenders so that such excess payment received shall be applied ratably as
among Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares; provided, however, that
if all or part of such excess payment received by the purchasing party is
thereafter recovered from it, those purchases of participations shall be
rescinded in whole or in part, as applicable, and the applicable portion of the
purchase price paid therefor shall be returned to such purchasing party, but
without interest except to the extent that such purchasing party is required to
pay interest in connection with the recovery of the excess payment.

     16.14  Agency for Perfection. Agent and each Lender hereby appoints each
            ---------------------
other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting the Liens of Lender Group in
assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the Code can be perfected only by
possession. Should any Lender obtain possession of any such Collateral, UK Sub
Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral, such Lender shall notify Agent thereof,
and, promptly upon Agent's request therefor shall deliver such Collateral, UK
Sub Collateral or Canadian Sub Collateral to Agent or in accordance with Agent's
instructions.

     16.15  Payments by Agent to the Lenders. All payments to be made by Agent
            --------------------------------
to the Lenders shall be made by bank wire transfer or internal transfer of
immediately available funds pursuant to the instructions set forth on Schedule
                                                                      --------
16.15, or pursuant to such other wire transfer instructions as each party may
-----
designate for itself by written notice to Agent. Concurrently with each such
payment, Agent shall identify whether such payment (or any portion thereof)
represents principal, premium or interest on Advances or the Term Loan Amount or
otherwise.

     16.16  Concerning the Collateral and Related Loan Documents. Each member of
            ----------------------------------------------------
Lender Group authorizes and directs Agent to enter into this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents relating to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian
Sub Collateral, for the ratable benefit of Lender Group. Each member of Lender
Group agrees that any action taken by Agent, Required Lenders, or all Lenders,
as applicable, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents relating to the Collateral, UK Sub Collateral, and Canadian Sub
Collateral and the exercise by Agent, Required Lenders, or all Lenders, as
applicable, of their respective powers set forth therein or herein, together
with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding
upon all of Lenders.

     16.17  Field Audits and Examination Reports; Confidentiality; Disclaimers
            ------------------------------------------------------------------
by Lenders; Other Reports and Information.
-----------------------------------------

            By signing this Agreement, each Lender:

               (a)  is deemed to have requested that Agent furnish such Lender,
promptly after it becomes available, a copy of each field audit or examination
report (each a "Report" and collectively, "Reports") prepared by or at the
                ------                     -------
request of Agent, and Agent shall so furnish each Lender with such Reports;

                                     -104-
<PAGE>

               (b)  and Agent expressly agrees and acknowledges that neither
Agent nor any other Lender (i) makes any representation or warranty as to the
accuracy of any Report, and (ii) shall not be liable for any information
contained in any Report;

               (c)  expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Reports are not
comprehensive audits or examinations, that Agent or other party performing any
audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding the
Obligors and will rely significantly upon the Books, as well as on
representations of the Obligors' personnel;

               (d)  agrees to keep all Reports, material, non-public
information, and all other material information reasonably designated as
confidential by the Obligors and their Subsidiaries respecting the Obligors,
their Subsidiaries, and their operations, assets, and existing and contemplated
business plans in a confidential manner; it being understood and agreed by the
Obligors that in any event such Lender may make disclosures (i) to counsel for
and other advisors, accountants, and auditors to such Lender, (ii) reasonably
required by any bona fide potential or actual Assignee, transferee, or
Participant in connection with any contemplated or actual assignment or transfer
by such Lender of an interest herein or any participation interest in such
Lender's rights hereunder, provided that such potential or actual Assignee,
transferee or Participant agrees to comply with this Section 16.17(d) as if it
                                                     ----------------
were a Lender hereunder, (iii) of information that has become public by
disclosures made by Persons other than such Lender, its Affiliates, assignees,
transferees, or participants, or (iv) as required or requested by any court,
governmental or administrative agency, pursuant to any subpoena or other legal
process, or by any law, statute, regulation, or court order; provided, however,
that, unless prohibited by applicable law, statute, regulation, or court order,
such Lender shall notify Borrower for the benefit of the applicable Obligors of
any request by any court, governmental or administrative agency, or pursuant to
any subpoena or other legal process for disclosure of any such non-public
material information concurrent with, or where practicable, prior to the
disclosure thereof; and

               (e)  without limiting the generality of any other indemnification
provision contained in this Agreement, agrees: (i) to hold Agent or any other
Lender preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may
take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in
connection with any loans or other credit accommodations that the indemnifying
Lender has made or may make to the Obligors, or the indemnifying Lender's
participation in, or the indemnifying Lender's purchase of, a loan or loans of
to Borrower; and (ii) to pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold any
Agent, or such other Lender preparing a Report harmless from and against, the
claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses and other amounts
(including, attorney costs) incurred by Agent or such other Lender preparing a
Report as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain
all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

In addition to the foregoing:  (x) any Lender may from time to time request of
Agent in writing that Agent provide to such Lender a copy of any report or
document provided by any Obligor to Agent, and, upon receipt of such request,
Agent shall provide a copy of same to

                                     -105-
<PAGE>

such Lender promptly upon receipt thereof; (y) to the extent that Agent is
entitled, under any provision of the Loan Documents, to request additional
reports or information from the Obligors, any Lender may, from time to time,
reasonably request Agent to exercise such right as specified in such Lender's
notice to Agent, whereupon Agent promptly shall request of the Obligors the
additional reports or information specified by such Lender, and, upon receipt
thereof, Agent promptly shall provide a copy of same to such Lender; and (z) any
time that Agent renders to Borrower a statement regarding the Loan Account,
Agent shall send a copy of such statement to each Lender.

     16.18  Several Obligations; No Liability. Notwithstanding that certain of
            ---------------------------------
the Loan Documents now or hereafter may have been or will be executed only by or
in favor of Agent in its capacity as such, and not by or in favor of Lenders,
any and all obligations on the part of Agent (if any) to make any credit
available hereunder shall constitute the several (and not joint) obligations of
the respective Lenders on a ratable basis, according to their respective
Commitments, to make an amount of such credit not to exceed, in principal
amount, at any one time outstanding, the amount of their respective Commitments.
Nothing contained herein shall confer upon any Lender any interest in, or
subject any Lender to any liability for, or in respect of, the business, assets,
profits, losses, or liabilities of any other Lender. Each Lender shall be solely
responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters relating to the Loan
Documents to the extent any such notice may be required, and no Lender shall
have any obligation, duty, or liability to any Participant of any other Lender.
Except as provided in Section 16.7, no member of the Lender Group shall have any
                      ------------
liability for the acts or any other member of the Lender Group. No Lender shall
be responsible to Borrower or any other Person for any failure by any other
Lender to fulfill its obligations to make credit available hereunder, nor to
advance for it or on its behalf in connection with its Commitment, nor to take
any other action on its behalf hereunder or in connection with the financing
contemplated herein.

     16.19  [Intentionally Omitted].
            -----------------------

17. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

     17.1   Effectiveness. This Agreement shall be binding and deemed effective
            -------------
when executed by each Obligor, the Agent, and each of the Lenders identified on
the signature pages hereof.

     17.2   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
            ----------------------
of, and be binding upon, the parties hereto and their successors and permitted
assigns to the extent set forth in Section 14.
                                   ----------

     17.3   Section Headings. Headings and numbers have been set forth herein
            ----------------
for convenience only. Unless the contrary is compelled by the context,
everything contained in each section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

     17.4   Interpretation. Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or
            --------------
ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against the Lender Group or any
member thereof or any

                                     -106-
<PAGE>

Obligor, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. On the contrary,
this Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and
interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to fairly
accomplish the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

     17.5   Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement shall
            --------------------------
be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of
determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

     17.6   Amendments in Writing. This Agreement can only be amended by a
            ---------------------
writing signed in accordance with Section 15.

     17.7   Counterparts; Telefacsimile Execution. This Agreement may be
            -------------------------------------
executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate
counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be
an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and
the same Agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by
telefacsimile shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed
counterpart of this Agreement. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of
this Agreement by telefacsimile also shall deliver an original executed
counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed
counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of
this Agreement. The foregoing shall apply to each other Loan Document mutatis
mutandis.

     17.8   Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations. If the incurrence or
            ----------------------------------------
payment of the Obligations by any Obligor or any guarantor of the Obligations or
the transfer by either or both of such parties to the Lender Group of any
property of either or both of such parties should for any reason subsequently be
declared to be void or voidable under any state or federal law relating to
creditors' rights, including provisions of the Bankruptcy Code (including any
foreign equivalents thereof) relating to fraudulent conveyances, preferences,
and other voidable or recoverable payments of money or transfers of property
(collectively, a "Voidable Transfer"), and if the Lender Group is required to
                  -----------------
repay or restore, in whole or in part, any such Voidable Transfer, or elects to
do so upon the reasonable advice of its counsel, then, as to any such Voidable
Transfer, or the amount thereof that the Lender Group is required or elects to
repay or restore, and as to all reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys fees
of the Lender Group related thereto, the liability of the Obligors or such
guarantor automatically shall be revived, reinstated, and restored and shall
exist as though such Voidable Transfer had never been made.

     17.9   Integration. This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents,
            -----------
reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by
any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

     17.10  Appointment of Swing Lender. Agent hereby appoints Foothill as the
            ---------------------------
Swing Lender, and Foothill hereby accepts such appointment.

                                     -107-
<PAGE>

     17.11  Time of the Essence. Time is of the essence under this Agreement and
            -------------------
the other Loan Documents.

18. Conversion.

     18.1   Privilege. Subject to the further provisions of this Section 18.1,
            ---------                                            ------------
the holder of Term Loan C (the "Term Loan C Lender") may make one or more
elections to convert up to an aggregate of $2,500,000 of the Term Loan C Amount,
at any time or from time-to-time outstanding, into fully paid, validly issued,
and non-assessable shares of Common Stock at a price equal to the then
Conversion Price. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of the Term Loan C Amount shall be determined by dividing the amount of the Term
Loan C Amount elected to be converted by the Term Loan C Lender by the then
Conversion Price. The Term Loan C Lender shall be entitled to the rights of a
holder of Common Stock only to the extent that the Term Loan C Lender has
exercised its privilege to convert the Term Loan C Amount into Common Stock.
Anything contained in this Section 18 to the contrary notwithstanding, the
                           ----------
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable by SSA pursuant to this
Section 18 shall not exceed 2,500,000 shares (the "Common Share Limit");
----------
provided, however, the foregoing limitation shall be subject to adjustment in
--------  -------
conformity with any adjustments to the Conversion Price as set forth in Section
                                                                        -------
18.5.
----

     18.2   Procedure. To convert all or a portion of the Term Loan C Amount,
            ---------
the Term Loan C Lender shall (a) furnish a written notice of its election to
convert such portion of the Term Loan C Amount as it may designate in such
written notice (the "Conversion Amount") to SSA and (b) surrender the note (if
any) evidencing the Term Loan C Amount to SSA in exchange for a new note in an
amount equal to the difference between (i) the then outstanding principal amount
of the Term Loan C Amount and (ii) the Conversion Amount to be converted on such
Conversion Date. The date or dates on which the Term Loan C Lender satisfies
such requirements is the "Conversion Date." Within three Business Days after the
Conversion Date, SSA shall deliver to the Term Loan C Lender (a) a certificate
for the number of whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion, and
(b) the new note (if any) referenced in the prior sentence. The person in whose
name the certificate is registered shall be deemed to be a shareholder of record
on the Conversion Date. In case of a dispute as to the determination of the
Conversion Price, SSA shall otherwise deliver the number of shares not disputed
and shall then notify the Term Loan C Lender of the disputed amount. If SSA and
the Term Loan C Lender are unable to resolve such dispute within 5 Business
Days, SSA, at its expense shall submit such dispute to an independent reputable
accounting firm of national standing acceptable to SSA and the Term Loan C
Lender, which firm shall notify the parties of its results within 48 hours. Such
firm's determination shall be binding on all parties absent manifest error. If
any additional shares are required to be issued SSA shall deliver certificates
for such shares to the Term Loan C Lender or the immediately following Business
Day.

     18.3   Fractional Shares. SSA will not issue fractional shares of Common
            -----------------
Stock upon conversion of the Term Loan C Amount. The number of shares of Common
Stock to be issued shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number in which
event the Conversion

                                     -108-
<PAGE>

Amount shall be reduced as appropriate for purposes of determining the principal
amount of the new note (if any) to be issued by SSA.

     18.4   Taxes on Conversion. If the Term Loan C Lender converts the Term
            -------------------
Loan C Amount, SSA shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer
tax due on the issue of shares of Common Stock upon such conversion.

     18.5   SSA to Provide Stock. SSA shall from and after the date hereof
            --------------------
reserve, out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, a sufficient number of
shares of Common Stock to permit the conversion of up to $2,500,000 of the Term
Loan C Amount into shares of Common Stock which shall initially be 2,500,000,
subject to adjustment as provided herein.

                    (b)  All shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of
the Term Loan C Amount shall be newly issued shares or treasury shares, shall be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and shall be free
from preemptive rights and free of any lien or adverse claim.

                    (c)  SSA will endeavor promptly to comply with all federal
and state securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of shares of Common
Stock upon conversion of the Term Loan C Amount, if any, and will comply with
the terms and provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement.

     18.6   Adjustment of Conversion Price. The Conversion Price shall be
            ------------------------------
adjusted from time to time by SSA as follows:

                    (a)  In case SSA shall (i) pay a dividend in shares of
Common Stock to all holders of Common Stock, (ii) make a distribution in shares
of Common Stock to all holders of Common Stock, (iii) subdivide its outstanding
Common Stock into a greater number of shares, or (iv) combine its outstanding
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Fixed Conversion Price and the
adjusting closing bid prices in effect immediately prior thereto shall be
adjusted so that the Term Loan C Lender shall be entitled to receive that number
of shares of Common Stock which it would have owned had the Term Loan C Amount
been converted immediately prior to the happening of such event. An adjustment
made pursuant to this subsection (a) shall become effective immediately after
the record date in the case of a dividend in shares or distribution and shall
become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of subdivision
or combination.

                    (b)  In case SSA shall issue rights, warrants, options, or
convertible securities to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock (or
securities convertible into Common Stock) at a price per share less than the
then current market price per share of Common Stock (as determined in accordance
with subsection (e) of this Section 18.6) at the record date for the
                            -------------
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights, warrants,
options, or convertible securities (but only if the then current market price is
below the Fixed Conversion Price), the Fixed Conversion Price in effect
immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the
price determined by multiplying the Fixed

                                     -109-
<PAGE>

Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such record date by a fraction
of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
on such record date, plus the number of shares which the aggregate offering
price of the total number of shares of Common Stock so offered (or the aggregate
Conversion Price of the convertible securities so offered) would purchase at
such current market price, and of which the denominator shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of
additional shares of Common Stock offered (or into which the convertible
securities so offered are convertible). Such adjustment shall be made
successively whenever any such rights, warrants, options, or convertible
securities are issued, and shall become effective immediately after such record
date and no subsequent adjustment will be made upon exercise of such rights,
warrants, options or convertible securities. If at the end of the period during
which such rights, warrants, options, or convertible securities are exercisable
not all rights, warrants, options, or convertible securities shall have been
exercised, the adjusted Fixed Conversion Price shall be immediately readjusted
to what it would have been based upon the number of additional shares of Common
Stock actually issued (or the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of convertible securities actually issued).

                    (c)  In case SSA shall distribute to all or substantially
all holders of its Common Stock any shares of capital stock of SSA (other than
Common Stock), evidences of indebtedness or other non-cash assets (including
securities of any company other than SSA), or shall distribute to all or
substantially all holders of its Common Stock rights, options, convertible
securities, or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities
(excluding those referred to in subsection (b) of this Section 18.6) ("Rights"),
                                                       ------------
then in each such case the Fixed Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the
same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in
effect immediately prior to the date of such distribution by a fraction of which
the numerator shall be the current market price per share (as defined in
subsection (e) of this Section 18.6) of the Common Stock on the record date
                       ------------
mentioned below less the fair market value on such record date (as determined by
the Board of Directors of SSA, whose determination shall be conclusive evidence
of such fair market value) of the portion of the capital stock or assets or
evidences of indebtedness so distributed or of such rights or warrants
applicable to one share of Common Stock (determined on the basis of the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the record date), and of which the
denominator shall be the current market price per share (as defined in
subsection (e) of this Section 18.6) of the Common Stock on such record date.
                       ------------
Such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution. The
foregoing notwithstanding, in the event that SSA shall distribute Rights (other
than those referred to in subsection (b) of this Section 18.6) pro rata to
                                                 ------------
holders of Common Stock, SSA may, in lieu of making any adjustment pursuant to
this Section 18.6, make proper provision so that the Term Loan C Lender upon
     ------------
conversion of the Term Loan C Amount after the record date for such distribution
and prior to the expiration or redemption of the Rights shall be entitled to
receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon such conversion, a number of Rights to be determined as follows: (i) if
such conversion occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the
holders of Rights of separate certificates evidencing such Rights (the
"Distribution Date"), the same number of Rights to which a number of shares of
Common Stock equal to

                                     -110-
<PAGE>

the number of Conversion Shares is entitled at the time of such conversion in
accordance with the terms and provisions of and applicable to the Rights and
(ii) if such conversion occurs after the Distribution Date, the same number of
Rights to which the number of shares of Common Stock into which the outstanding
principal amount of the Term Loan C Amount together with all accrued and unpaid
interest thereon so converted was convertible immediately prior to the
Distribution Date would have been entitled on the Distribution Date in
accordance with the terms and provisions of and applicable to the Rights. If the
purchase price provided for in any Rights, the additional consideration, if any,
payable upon the issue, conversion, or exchange of such Rights, or the rate at
which any of such Rights are convertible into or exchangeable for any class of
Common Stock change at any time, the Fixed Conversion Price at the time of such
change shall be readjusted, effective on and after the date of such change, to
the Fixed Conversion Price which would have been in effect on the date of such
change had such Rights still outstanding provided for such changed purchase
price, additional consideration or changed conversion rate, as the case may be,
at the time initially granted, issued, or sold; provided that no adjustment
shall be made if such adjustment would result in an increase of the Fixed
Conversion Price then in effect. In case SSA at any time or from time to time
after the date hereof shall issue or sell additional shares of Common Stock
without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the current
market price in effect immediately prior to such issue or sale, then, and in
each such case (but only if the then current market price is below the fixed
Conversion Price), the Fixed Conversion Price shall be reduced, to a price
determined by multiplying such Fixed Conversion Price by a fraction of which the
numerator shall be the sum of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to such issue or sale and (ii) the number of
shares of Common Stock which the aggregate consideration received by SSA for the
total number of such additional shares of Common Stock so issued or sold would
purchase at the current market price, and of which the denominator shall be the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such issue or
sale, provided, that, for the purposes of this Section 18.6(c), immediately
                                               ---------------
after any additional shares of Common Stock are deemed to have been issued
pursuant to Sections 18(a), (b), and (c) such additional shares of Common Stock
            -------------------      ---
shall be deemed to be outstanding, and treasury shares of Common Stock shall not
be deemed to be outstanding.

               (d)  In case SSA shall, by dividend or otherwise, at any time
distribute (a "Triggering Distribution") to all or substantially all holders of
its Common Stock cash in an aggregate amount that, together with the aggregate
amount of any other cash distributions to all or substantially all holders of
its Common Stock made within the 12 months preceding the date of payment of the
Triggering Distribution and in respect of which no Conversion Price adjustment
pursuant to this Section 18.6 has been made, exceeds 10% of the product of the
                 ------------
current market price per share of Common Stock (as determined in accordance with
subsection (e) of this Section 18.6) on the Business Day (the "Determination
                       ------------
Date") immediately preceding the day on which such Triggering Distribution is
declared by SSA multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
on such date (excluding shares held in the treasury of SSA), the Fixed
Conversion Price shall be reduced so that the same shall equal the price
determined by multiplying such Fixed Conversion Price in effect immediately
prior to the Determination Date by a fraction of which the numerator shall be

                                     -111-
<PAGE>

the current market price per share of the Common Stock (as determined in
accordance with subsection (e) of this Section 18.6) on the Determination Date
                                       ------------
less the amount of cash so distributed within such 12 months (including, without
limitation, the Triggering Distribution) applicable to one share of Common Stock
(determined on the basis of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on
the Determination Date) and the denominator shall be such current market price
per share of the Common Stock (as determined in accordance with subsection (e)
of this Section 18.6) on the Determination Date, such reduction to become
        ------------
effective immediately after the close of business on the on which the Triggering
Distribution is paid.

               (e)  For the purpose of any computation under subsections (b),
(c) and (d) of this Section 18.6, the current market price per share of Common
                    ------------
Stock on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily closing bid
prices for the 30 consecutive trading days commencing 35 trading days before (i)
the Determination Date with respect to distributions under subsection (d) of
this Section 18.6 or (ii) the record date with respect to distributions,
     ------------
issuances or other events requiring such computation under subsection (b) or (c)
of this Section 18.6. The closing bid price for each day shall mean the last
        ------------
closing bid price on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") as reported by
Bloomberg, L.P. ("Bloomberg"), or, if the NYSE is not the principal securities
exchange for such security, the last closing bid price of such security on the
principal securities exchange or trading market where such security is listed or
traded as reported by Bloomberg, or if the foregoing do not apply, the last
closing bid price of such security on the Nasdaq National Market or in the over-
the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security as
reported by Bloomberg, of, if no closing bid price is reported for such security
by Bloomberg, the last closing trade price of such security as reported by
Bloomberg, or, if no last closing trade price is reported for such security by
Bloomberg, the average of the bid prices of any market makers for such security
as reported in the "pink sheets" by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. If the
closing bid price of such security cannot be calculated for such security on
such date, as set forth above, the closing bid price of such security shall be
the fair market value as determined in good faith by an investment banking firm
selected jointly by SSA and the Term Loan C Lender, with the fees and expenses
of such determination borne solely by SSA. For purposes of this Section 18,
                                                                ----------
"Adjusted Closing Bid Prices" shall mean the closing bid prices for any days
during a measuring period prior to any of the events described herein.

               (f)  In case any event shall occur as to which the provisions of
this Section 18.6 are not strictly applicable or if strictly applicable would
     ------------
not fairly protect the conversion rights of the Term Loan C Lender in accordance
with the essential intent and principles of this Section 18.6, then, in each
                                                 ------------
such case, the Board of Directors of SSA shall make an adjustment in the
application of such provisions, in accordance with such essential intent and
principles, so as to preserve, without dilution, the conversion rights
represented by Term Loan C

               (g)  Successive adjustments in the Conversion Price and the
Adjusted Closing Bid Prices shall be made whenever any event specified above
shall occur. All calculations under this Section 18.6 shall be made to the
                                         ------------
nearest cent. No adjustment in the

                                     -112-
<PAGE>

Common Share Limit or the Fixed Conversion Price or the Adjusted Closing Bid
Prices shall be made if the amount of such adjustment would be less than $0.01,
but any such amount shall be carried forward and an adjustment with respect
thereto shall be made at the time of and together with any subsequent adjustment
which, together with such amount and any other amount or amounts so carried
forward, shall aggregate $0.01 or more.

               (h)  Notwithstanding anything to the contract in this Article 18,
no adjustments to the Conversion Price will be made in respect of (i) shares
issuable upon exercise or conversion of options, warrants or securities of SSA
described in Schedule 5.8 of the disclosure schedules, (ii) shares issued by SSA
             ------------
in an underwritten public offering, (iii) securities issued pursuant to the
acquisition of another corporation by SSA by merger, purchase of substantially
all the assets or other reorganization, or in connection with strategic
alliances, joint ventures or license arrangements, or (iv) securities issued to
employees, consultants, advisors, officers or directors of SSA of any subsidiary
of SSA pursuant to any stock option plan or stock purchase or stock bonus
arrangement or employment letter, agreement or arrangement in effect on the date
hereof or hereafter approved by the Board of Directors of SSA.

     18.7  Notice of Adjustment. Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted, SSA
           --------------------
shall promptly mail to the Term Loan C Lender a notice of the adjustment briefly
stating the facts requiring the adjustment and the manner of computing it.

     18.8  Notice of Certain Transactions. In the event that:
           ------------------------------

               (i)   SSA proposes to take any action which would require an
           adjustment in the Conversion Price;

               (ii)  SSA enters into any agreement for its consolidation or
           merger with, or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets
           to, another corporation and shareholders of SSA must approve the
           transaction; or

               (iii) there is a proposal for the dissolution or liquidation of
           SSA, then, in each case, SSA shall at least ten days before such
           date, mail to the Term Loan C Lender a notice stating the proposed
           effective date.

     18.9  Effect of Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale on
           ------------------------------------------------------------
Conversion Privilege. If any of the following shall occur, namely: (a) any
--------------------
reclassification or change of shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par
value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or
as a result of a subdivision or combination, or any other change for which an
adjustment is specifically provided in Section 18.6); (b) any consolidation or
                                       -------------
merger to which SSA is a party other than a merger in which SSA is the
continuing corporation and which does not result in any reclassification of, or
change (other than a change in name, or in par value, or from par value to no
par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or
combination) in, outstanding shares of Common Stock; or (c) any sale or
conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of SSA as an entirety, then
SSA, or such successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be,

                                     -113-
<PAGE>

shall, as a condition precedent to such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, sale or conveyance, execute and deliver to the Term Loan C Lender an
agreement providing that the Term Loan C Lender shall have the right to convert
the Term Loan C Amount into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other
securities and property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification,
change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance by a holder of the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Term Loan C Amount
immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale
or conveyance. Such agreement shall provide for adjustments of the Conversion
Price which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the
adjustments of the Conversion Price provided for in this Section 18. If, in the
                                                         ----------
case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, the stock or other
securities and property (including cash) receivable thereupon by a holder of
Common Stock include shares of stock or other securities and property of a
corporation other than the successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may
be, in such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, then such agreement shall
also be executed by such other corporation and shall contain such additional
provisions to protect the interests of the Term Loan C Lender that are
comparable to the foregoing provisions set forth in Section 18. The provisions
                                                    ----------
of this Section 18.9 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations,
        ------------
mergers, sales or conveyances.

     18.10  Listing. SSA shall use best efforts to promptly secure the listing
            -------
of the Conversion Shares upon the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") (subject to
official notice of issuance) and shall maintain, so long as the Term Loan C
Amount remains outstanding or the Term Loan C Lender owns any of the Conversion
Shares, the listing of all Conversion Shares from time to time issuable under
this Agreement, on each national securities exchange and automated quotation
system (including the Nasdaq National Market System and Nasdaq Small Cap), if
any, upon which shares of Common Stock are then listed. SSA shall promptly
provide to the Term Loan C Lender copies of any notices it receives from Nasdaq
regarding the continued eligibility of the Common Stock for listing on Nasdaq or
other principal exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed
or traded. SSA shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its
obligations under this Section 18.10.
                       -------------

     18.11  Dilutive Effect. SSA understands and acknowledges that the number of
            ---------------
Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Term Loan C Amount will
increase in certain circumstances. SSA further acknowledges and agrees that its
obligation to issue Conversion Shares upon conversion of the Term Loan C Amount
in accordance with this Agreement is absolute and unconditional regardless of
the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership interests of
other stockholders of SSA.

     18.12  No Integration. SSA will not conduct any future offering that will
            --------------
be integrated with the issuance of any of the Conversion Shares for the purposes
of the rules promulgated by the SEC or Nasdaq.

                                     -114-
<PAGE>

19.  CONFIDENTIALITY. Each Lender agrees that material, non-public information
regarding Borrower and its Subsidiaries, their operations, assets, and existing
and contemplated business plans shall be treated by such Lender in a
confidential manner, and shall not be disclosed by it to Persons who are not
parties to this Agreement, except that each Lender may disclose such information
(a) to counsel for and other advisors, accountants, and auditors to such Lender,
(b) as may be required by statute, decision, or judicial or administrative
order, rule, or regulation, (c) as may be agreed to in advance by Borrower, (d)
as to any such information that is or becomes generally available to the public
(other than as a result of prohibited disclosure by a Lender), (e) to its
Affiliates, and (f) in connection with any assignment, prospective assignment,
sale, prospective sale, participation or prospective participation, or pledge or
prospective pledge of such Lender's interests under this Agreement; provided
that any such counsel, advisors, accountants, auditors and any such assignee,
prospective assignee, purchaser, prospective purchaser, participant, prospective
participant, pledgee, or prospective pledgee shall have agreed in writing to
treat such information as confidential in accordance with the terms hereof.

                          [Signature page to follow.]

                                     -115-
<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.


                                   SYSTEM SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES, INC.,
                                   a Delaware corporation


                                   By:    Joseph J. Skadra
                                         ------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President, Finance and
                                          Controller

                                   SYSTEM SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES LIMITED, a
                                   corporation organized under the laws of
                                   England and Wales


                                   By:    Joseph J. Skadra
                                         ------------------------------
                                   Title:

                                   SSA-ACCLAIM LIMITED, a corporation organized
                                   under the laws of England and Wales


                                   By:    Joseph J. Skadra
                                         ------------------------------
                                   Title:

                                   SSA SOFTWRIGHT LIMITED, a corporation
                                   organized under the laws of England and Wales


                                   By:    Joseph J. Skadra
                                         ------------------------------
                                   Title:

                                   SSA CANADA CORPORATION,
                                   a corporation organized under the laws of
                                   Canada

                                   By:    Joseph J. Skadra
                                         ------------------------------
                                   Title:

                                      S-1

<PAGE>

                                   FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                                   a California corporation, as Agent and as a
                                   Lender

                                   By:    /s/ Rhonda R. Foreman
                                         -----------------------------------
                                   Title: Senior Vice President

                                      S-2


                                     -117-
<PAGE>

                            SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

     Schedule C-1          Commitments
     Schedule P-1          Liens
     Schedule 3.1(h)       Collateral Access Agreement Locations
     Schedule 5.7          Chief Executive Offices; FEIN
     Schedule 5.8          Capitalization; Subsidiaries
     Schedule 5.10         Litigation
     Schedule 5.15         Brokerage Fees
     Schedule 5.19         Software License Agreement
     Schedule 5.20         Maintenance Agreement
     Schedule 6.11         Locations of Inventory and Equipment
     Schedule 7.1          Indebtedness
     Schedule 16.15        Lender Wiring Instructions

     Exhibit A-1           Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement
     Exhibit C-2           Form of Compliance Certificate

                                      vi

                                     -118-
<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE C-1
                                  ------------
                                  COMMITMENTS
               [AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO CLOSING DATE ASSIGNMENTS]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      LENDER          REVOLVING CREDIT    (LETTER OF CREDIT    (TERM LOAN A      TERM LOAN B       TERM LOAN C     TOTAL COMMITMENT
                         COMMITMENT        SUB-COMMITMENT)    SUB-COMMITMENT)    COMMITMENT        COMMITMENT

===================================================================================================================================
<S>                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>              <C>              <C>                <C>
Foothill Capital        $30,000,000         ($5,000,000)       ($15,000,000)         -0-                -0-            $30,000,000
Corporation
===================================================================================================================================
Ableco Finance LLC          -0-                  -0-                -0-           $8,500,000        $2,500,000          $11,000,000
===================================================================================================================================
                            -0-                  -0-                -0-              -0-                -0-                 -0-
===================================================================================================================================
All Lenders             $30,000,000         ($5,000,000)       ($15,000,000)      $8,500,000        $2,500,000          $41,000,000
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>