Exhibit 10.21

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 21st day
of February, 1997, by and between Ultimate Technology Corporation, a New York
corporation with a mailing address of 100 Rawson Road, Victor, New York 14564
(the "Company"), and Dennis J. Lewis, an individual with a residence address of
1857 Route 88 North, Newark, New York 14513 ("Executive").

INTRODUCTION

1.   On January 20, 1993, Executive and Company entered into an Employment
     Agreement (the "January, 1993 Employment Agreement") in connection with the
     acquisition of all the issued and outstanding stock of the Company by
     Tridex Corporation, a Connecticut corporation ("Tridex"). Executive and
     Company wish to terminate the 1993 Employment Agreement and enter into a
     new employment agreement.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein below set forth, the
parties hereby agree as follows:

1.   Termination of 1993 Employment Agreement. Effective on the Effective Date
     of that certain Stock Incentive Compensation Agreement between Tridex and
     the Employee, among others, dated of even date herewith the 1993 Employment
     Agreement is terminated and neither party shall have any further obligation
     thereunder.

2.   Employment Period. The term of this Agreement (the "Employment Period")
     shall commence on the date hereof and, subject to termination by the
     Executive or the Company as hereinafter provided, shall continue for a
     period of three (3) years, subject, nevertheless, to termination as
     hereinafter provided.

3.   Employment Duties. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein,
     the Company hereby employs Executive to act as President of Ultimate
     Technology Corporation during the Employment Period, and Executive hereby
     accepts such employment. Executive shall have supervision and control over
     and responsibility for the management and day-to-day operations of the
     Company subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors.
     Executive's duties may not be altered in any material fashion without the
     approval of Executive.

     Executive agrees to perform his duties for the Company diligently,
     competently, and in a good faith manner.

4.   Salary and Bonus.

     a.   Base Salary. The Company agrees to pay Executive $148,320 per year,
          payable monthly in advance. Executive's base salary shall not be
          decreased. In addition, no later than December 31 of each year during
          the Employment Period, commencing December 31, 1997, the Compensation
          Committee of the Tridex Board of Directors shall review and may
          increase, in its discretion may grant such further increases, based
          upon the Company's performance and the Executive's particular
          contributions.

     b.   Bonus. Executive shall have an opportunity to participate in all
          annual and/or long term incentive programs, including the Tridex's
          Executive Incentive Compensation Plan under which Executive may earn
          up to 35% of his base salary as a bonus upon meeting annual targets
          and objectives established by the Tridex Board of Directors.

     c.   Options. In order to induce Executive to enter into this Agreement
          effective on the day after the Spin-Off, as that term is defined in
          that certain Stock Incentive Compensation Agreement, between Executive
          and others and Tridex, dated of even date herewith, Tridex will grant
          to Executive under the proposed Tridex 1997 Long Term Incentive
          Compensation Plan (or in the event such Plan is not approved by the
          Tridex shareholders at their next annual meeting, then under the
          Tridex 1989 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended), 75,000 options to
          purchase shares of Tridex Common Stock, no par value, pursuant to an
          option agreement between Tridex and Executive in the usual and
          customary form, such option to have a ten (10) year term and to vest
          over a three (3) year period. Additionally, on or before the record
          date for the Spin-Off, Tridex will loan to Executive fifty percent
          (50%) of the option exercise price with respect to all


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          options to purchase Tridex shares currently held by Executive. Such
          loan shall be secured by a pledge of the Tridex shares to be received
          upon exercise together with any shares received in the Spin-Off, will
          have a term of fifteen (15) months will bear a market rate of interest
          and also contain such other terms and conditions which are customary
          for similar types of instruments issued in connection with the
          exercise of options by senior company executives.

5.   Other Benefits.

     a.   Insurance and Other Benefits. The Executive shall be entitled to
          participate in, and shall receive the maximum benefits available
          under, the Company's or Tridex's insurance programs (including health,
          disability and life insurance) and any ERISA benefit plans, as the
          same may be adopted and/or amended from time to time, and shall
          receive all other fringe benefits that are provided by the Company or
          Tridex to other senior executives. The Company shall contribute to the
          Executive's account the maximum amount permitted under the Company's
          or Tridex's 401(k) Plan and any other Company or Tridex pension or
          retirement plan during the Employment Period.

     b.   Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to an annual vacation of such
          duration as may be determined by the Board of Directors, but not less
          than that generally established for other executives of Company or
          Tridex and in no event less than four weeks, without interruption of
          salary.

     c.   Automobile Allowance. The Company shall provide the Executive with the
          automobile allowance provided for the office of President under
          Tridex's automobile allowance policy.

     d.   Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Executive for
          all reasonable travel, entertainment and other expenses incurred or
          paid by the Executive in connection with, or related to, the
          performance of his duties or responsibilities under this Agreement,
          provided that Executive submits to the Company substantiation of such
          expenses sufficient to satisfy the record keeping guidelines
          promulgated from time to time by the Internal Revenue Service.

6.   Termination by the Company With Cause. The Company may terminate this
     Agreement if any of the following events shall occur:

     a.   the death or disability of the Executive (For purposes of this
          Agreement, "disability" shall mean the Executive's incapacity due to
          physical or mental illness which has caused the Executive to be absent
          from the full-time performance of his duties with the Company for a
          period of six (6) consecutive months.);

     b.   any action or inaction by the Executive that constitutes larceny,
          fraud, gross negligence, a willful or negligent misrepresentation to
          the directors or officers of the Company, its successors or assigns, a
          crime involving moral turpitude; or

     c.   the refusal of the Executive to follow the reasonable and lawful
          written instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of Tridex or the
          Tridex Board of Directors with respect to the services to be rendered
          and the manner of rendering such services by Executive, provided such
          refusal is material and repetitive and is not justified or excused
          either by the terms of this Agreement or by actions taken by the
          Company in violation of this Agreement, and with respect to the first
          two refusals Executive has been given reasonable written notice and
          explanation thereof and reasonable opportunity to cure and no cure has
          been effected within a reasonable time after such notice.

     The Company may terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 6 upon
     written notice to the Executive, except for termination due to the death of
     the Executive, which shall require no notice.

7.   Termination and Severance.

     7.1  Notice/Events/Defined Terms.

          a.   Termination by the Executive. Executive may terminate this
               Agreement at any time by providing written notice to the Company.

          b.   Termination by the Company Without Cause. The Company may
               terminate this Agreement at any time, without Cause by providing
               written notice to Executive. As used in this Agreement, the term


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               "without Cause" shall mean termination for any reason not
               specified in Section 6 hereof, except for retirement.

          c.   Change in Control. A "Change in Control" will be deemed to have
               occurred if: (1) a Takeover Transaction occurs; or (2) any
               election of directors of Tridex takes place (whether by the
               directors then in office or by the stockholders at a meeting or
               by written consent) and a majority of the directors in office
               following such election are individuals who were not nominated by
               a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors
               immediately preceding such election; or (3) the Company or Tridex
               effectuates a complete liquidation of the Company or a sale or
               disposition of all or substantially all of its assets. A "Change
               in Control" shall not be deemed to include, however, a merger or
               sale of stock, assets or business of the Company if the Executive
               immediately after such event owns, or in connection with such
               event immediately acquires (other than in the Executive's
               capacity as (1) a current equity holder of Tridex, (2) a holder
               of options or instruments convertible into an equity interest in
               Tridex, or (3) as a beneficiary of any employee stock ownership
               plan or profit sharing plan maintained by Tridex or the Company),
               any stock of the buyer or any affiliate thereof which, at the
               time of Executive's initial investment in such stock, had a
               purchase price or fair market value greater than $25,000.

          d.   Takeover Transaction. A "Takeover Transaction" shall mean (i) a
               merger or consolidation of the Company or Tridex with, or an
               acquisition of the Company or Tridex or all or substantially all
               of its assets by, any other corporation, other than a merger,
               consolidation or acquisition in which the individuals who were
               members of the Board of Directors of the Company or Tridex
               immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a
               majority of the Board of Directors of the surviving corporation
               (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company,
               constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the holding
               company) for a period of not less than twelve (12) months
               following the closing of such transaction, or (ii) when any
               person or entity or group of persons or entities (other than any
               trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee
               benefit plan of the Company or Tridex) either related or acting
               in concert becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
               13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of
               securities of the Company or Tridex representing more than fifty
               percent (50%) of the total number of votes that may be cast for
               the election of directors of the Company or Tridex.

          e.   Terminating Event. A "Terminating Event" shall mean: (i)
               termination by the Company of the employment of the Executive
               without Cause occurring within twelve (12) months of a Change of
               Control; or (ii) resignation of the Executive from the employ of
               the Company, while the Executive is not receiving payments or
               benefits from the Company by reason of the Executive's
               disability, subsequent to any of the following events occurring
               within twelve (12) months of a Change of Control: (A) a
               significant reduction in the nature or scope of the Executive's
               responsibilities, authorities, powers, functions or duties from
               the responsibilities, authorities, powers, functions or duties
               exercised by the Executive immediately prior to the Change in
               Control; (B) a decrease in the salary payable by the Company to
               the Executive from the salary payable to the Executive
               immediately prior to the Change in Control except for
               across-the-board salary reductions similarly affecting all
               management personnel of the Company; or (C) elimination or
               reduction of the Executive's participation in the Company's
               Executive Incentive Compensation Plan; (D) the relocation of the
               Company's executive offices by more than fifty (50) miles from
               their current location in Victor, New York; provided, however,
               that a Terminating Event shall not be deemed to have occurred
               solely as a result of Executive being an employee of any direct
               or indirect successor to the business or assets of the Company,
               following a Change in Control..

     7.2 Severance.

          a.   Without Cause. If the Company terminates this Agreement without
               Cause, other than as a result of a Terminating Event, or then
               commencing on the date of termination of this Agreement, the
               Company shall provide Executive with a severance package which
               shall consist of the following: (i) for a period equal to one (1)
               year after the date of termination (A) payment on the first
               business day of each month of an amount equal to one-twelfth of
               the Executive's then current annual base salary under Section
               4(a) hereof and (B) continuation of all benefits under Section 5;
               and (ii) payment on the first business day of each month of an
               amount equal to one-twelfth of the Executive's annual target
               bonus amount under the Company's or Tridex's Executive Incentive
               Compensation Plan for the year of termination.


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          b.   With a Terminating Event. If the Company terminates this
               Agreement as a result of a Terminating Event, then commencing on
               the date of such termination and for a period equal to two (2)
               years thereafter, the Company shall provide Executive with a
               severance package which shall consist of the following: (i)
               payment on the first business day of each month an amount equal
               to one-twelfth of the Executive's then current annual base salary
               under Section 4(a) hereof; (ii) payment on the first business day
               of each month of an amount equal to one-twelfth of the
               Executive's annual target bonus amount under the Company's
               Executive Incentive Compensation Plan for the year in which such
               termination occurs; and (iii) continuation of all benefits under
               Section 5. In addition, if the Company terminates this Agreement
               as a result of a Termination Event, then the Company shall cause
               the immediate vesting of all options and other rights granted to
               the Executive under the Company's stock plans. At any time when
               the Company is obligated to make monthly payments under Section
               7.2(b), the Company shall, ten (10) days after receipt of a
               written request from the Executive, pay the executive an amount
               equal to the balance of the amounts payable under Section
               7.2(b)(i) and (ii) provided that the obligation of the Company to
               continue to provide the benefits under Section 7.2(b)(iii) or to
               make monthly payments under 7.2(b)(i)-(ii) shall cease upon the
               payment of such amount.

          c.   General Release. As a condition precedent to receiving any
               severance payment, the Executive shall execute a release of any
               and all claims which Executive or his heirs, executors, agents or
               assigns might have against the Company, its subsidiaries,
               affiliates, successors, assigns and its past, present and future
               employees, officers, directors, agents and attorneys arising out
               of the termination of employment.

          d.   Withholding. All payments made by the Company under this
               Agreement shall be net of any tax or other amounts required to be
               withheld by the Employer under applicable law.

8.   Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement and (a) in the case of
     termination other than as a result of a Terminating Event and provided that
     the executive is receiving the severance payments provided for in Section
     7.2(a), for one (1) year following the termination of this Agreement or (b)
     in the case of termination as a result of a Terminating Event and provided
     that the executive is receiving, or after the Executive has received, the
     severance payments provided for in Section 7.2(b), for two (2) years
     following the termination of this Agreement, Executive will not directly or
     indirectly whether as a partner, consultant, agent, employee, co-venturer,
     greater than two percent owner or otherwise or through any other person (as
     hereafter defined): (a) be engaged in any business or activity which is
     competitive with the business of the Company in any part of the world in
     which the Company is at the time of the Executive's termination engaged in
     selling its products directly or indirectly; or (b) attempt to recruit any
     employee of the Company, assist in their hiring by any other person, or
     encourage any employee to terminate his or her employment with the Company;
     or (c) encourage any customer of the Company to conduct with any other
     person any business or activity which such customer conducts or could
     conduct with the Company.

     For purposes of this Section 8, the term "Person" shall mean an individual
     or corporation, association or partnership in estate or trust or any other
     entity or organization.

     The Executive recognizes and agrees that because a violation by him of this
     Section 8 will cause irreparable harm to the Company that would be
     difficult to quantify and for which money damages would be inadequate, the
     Company shall have the right to injunctive relief to prevent or restrain
     any such violation, without the necessity of posting a bond.

     Executive expressly agrees that the character, duration and scope of this
     covenant not to compete are reasonable in light of the circumstances as
     they exist at the date upon which this Agreement has been executed.
     However, should a determination nonetheless be made by a court of competent
     jurisdiction at a later date that the character, duration or geographical
     scope of this covenant not to compete is unreasonable in light of the
     circumstances as they then exist, then it is the intention of both
     Executive and the Company that this covenant not to compete shall be
     construed by the court in such a manner as to impose only those
     restrictions on the conduct of Executive which are reasonable in light of
     the circumstances as they then exist and necessary to provide the Company
     the intended benefit of this covenant to compete.


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9.   Confidentiality Covenants. Executive understands that Company may impart to
     him confidential business information including, without limitation,
     designs, financial information, personnel information, strategic plans,
     product development information the like (collectively "Confidential
     Information"). Executive hereby acknowledges Company's exclusive ownership
     of such Confidential Information.

     Executive agrees as follows: (1) only to use the Confidential Information
     to provide services to the Company; (2) only to communicate the
     Confidential Information to fellow employees, agents and representatives of
     the Company on a need-to-know basis; and (3) not to otherwise disclose or
     use any Confidential Information. Upon demand by the Company or upon
     termination of Executive's employment, Executive will deliver to the
     Company all manuals, photographs, recordings, and any other instrument or
     device by which, through which, or on which confidential Information has
     been recorded and/or preserved, which are in my Executive's possession,
     custody or control. Executive acknowledges that for purposes of this
     Section 9 the term "Company" means any person or entity now or hereafter
     during the term of this Agreement, which controls, is under common control
     with, or is controlled by, the Company

10.  Governing Law/Jurisdiction This Agreement shall be governed by and
     interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of
     Connecticut. The parties agree that this Agreement was made and entered
     into in Connecticut and each party hereby consents to the jurisdiction of a
     competent court in Connecticut to hear any dispute arising out of this
     Agreement.

11.  Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
     the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof
     and supersedes any and all previous agreements, written ad oral, regarding
     the subject matter hereof between the parties hereto. This Agreement shall
     not be changed, altered, modified or amended, except by a written agreement
     signed by both parties hereto.

12.  Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications required
     or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement shall be in writing
     and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered by hand, sent by
     generally recognized overnight courier service, telex or telecopy, or
     certified mail, return receipt requested.

     (a)  to the Company at:
          61 Wilton Road
          Westport, Connecticut 06880
          Attn:  Chairman and CEO

     (b)  to the Executive at:
          1857 Route 88 North
          Newark, New York 14513

     Any such notice or other communication will be considered to have been
     given (i) on the date of the delivery in person, (ii) on the third day
     after mailing by certified mail, provided that receipt of delivery is
     confirmed in writing, (iii) on the first business day following delivery to
     a commercial overnight courier or (iv) on the date of facsimile
     transmission (telecopy) provided that the giver of the notice obtains
     telephone confirmation of receipt.

     Either party may, by notice given to the other party in accordance with
     this section, designate another address or person for receipt of notices
     hereunder.

13.  Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the
     application thereof to any person or under any circumstance, shall to any
     extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the
     application of such terms to the persons or under circumstances other than
     those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable, shall be considered
     severable and shall not be affected thereby, and each term of this
     Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by
     law. The invalid or unenforceable provisions shall, to the extent permitted
     by law, be deemed amended and given such interpretation as to achieve the
     economic intent of this Agreement.

14.  Waiver. The failure of any party to insist in any one instance or more upon
     strict performance of any of the terms and conditions hereof, or to
     exercise any right or privilege herein conferred, shall not be construed as
     a waiver of such terms, conditions, rights or privileges, but same shall
     continue to remain in full force and effect.


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     Any waiver by any party of any violation of, breach of or default under any
     provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not be construed as,
     or constitute, a continuing waiver of such provision, or waiver of any
     other violation of, breach of or default under any other provision of this
     Agreement.

15.  Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company
     and any successors and assigns of the Company.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first written above.

                                        TRIDEX CORPORATION


                                        By: /s/  Seth M. Lukash
                                           -------------------------------------
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                        ULTIMATE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION


                                        By: /s/  Seth M. Lukash
                                           -------------------------------------
                                            Vice President

                                        EXECUTIVE:

                                        /s/ Dennis J. Lewis
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Dennis J. Lewis


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