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                                                                  Exhibit 10.28
                                                                  -------------

                                 August 10, 2000

Personal & Confidential
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Mr. Rick Etskovitz
Astea International

455 Business Center Drive
Horsham, PA 19044

Dear Rick:

     This letter is to formalize the employment relationship begun in June of
this year, when you assumed the positions of Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of Astea International, Inc. ("Astea"), reporting to Astea's Board of
Directors (the "Board"). You will be responsible for developing, implementing
and administering Astea's financial policies, reporting and procedures, as well
as cost control, subject to the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. This
letter shall be effective upon your signature below, and the ratification of the
Board.

     You shall devote approximately two days per week in fulfillment of your
employment obligations to Astea, on a schedule worked out in consultation with
the Chief Executive Officer, and shall be reasonably available at other times as
conditions warrant. It is understood that you will also remain in your existing
position as a full partner in the accounting firm of Shechtman, Marks, Devor &
Etskovitz, P.C.

     Your pay shall be based upon a daily rate of $1,200 per full day, as
reasonably calculated by you, and payable semi-monthly in arrears through
payroll upon receipt by Astea of appropriate invoices, less applicable federal,
state and local taxes. Assuming satisfactory performance, this pay rate will be
reviewed annually consistent with Astea's compensation policy in effect from
time to time

     You will also be eligible to participate in Astea's corporate incentive
bonus program as and if such program may be in effect from time to time.
However, you understand that any participation in this program is within the
sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. The payment to you of any
incentive award on one occasion shall not be deemed to create an obligation for
any subsequent grant or award.

     As an employee entrusted with confidential and sensitive information, Astea
requires that, upon your employment, you enter into a written agreement
containing noncompetitive covenants and restrictions on the use and ownership of
such information, as well as other terms and conditions. This agreement is
enclosed for your review.
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          If you wish to accept Astea's offer of employment, please sign and
return this original letter to me, keeping a copy for yourself. Your signature
below indicates your acceptance of the terms of this offer, and represents and
warrants to Astea that there is no other agreement in effect which prohibits or
otherwise restricts your employment by Astea.

     This letter does not constitute a contract of employment. It creates an
employment-at-will relationship that may be terminated at any time by either
party. Upon termination of employment, Astea will promptly pay all outstanding
invoices and any amounts not yet invoiced but nonetheless due for services
rendered, subject to your execution of a reasonable release of any claims
against Astea.

     I thank you for your efforts so far, and look forward to working with you
and building the company.

                                   Sincerely,

                                  Zack Bergreen

                                  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                  Astea International Inc.




AGREED:

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Rick Etskovitz