<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.17

[LOGO] SCC

Optimizing Incentive-Driven Processes

5th Floor

537 Congress Street

Portland, Maine 04101

V: 207-774-3244

F: 207-772-8597

www.scc.com

            July 23, 1999

            Terry Nicholson
            12433 Nicholas Lane
            St. Louis, MO 63131

            Dear Terry,

            This letter confirms our offer of a full-time position as Vice
            President of Business Development with Systems Consulting Company,
            Inc. (SCC), at an annual salary of $160,000 beginning on or before
            September 1, 1999. You will report directly to A. Leigh Powell, our
            Chief Operating Officer. This offer is contingent upon a
            satisfactory review of any references that you have supplied. Our
            next New Employee Orientation Program will take place the week of
            August 23, 1999 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily in our Portland,
            Maine office.

            You will receive options to purchase 30,000 shares of SCC common
            stock pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan at the current exercise price
            of $7.50 per share. (As you may know, the exercise price must be
            based on fair market value at the time of grant. If you are unable
            to join the Company at your current estimated start date, the
            exercise price may have to be increased, a matter over which we have
            no control.) In addition to the 30,000 shares of SCC common stock
            that you are able to purchase you will have the ability to earn
            20,000 more based upon individual performance goals to be defined by
            A. Leigh Powell. An annual bonus of 35% of your base salary will be
            offered, but not guaranteed, based upon company performance. SCC
            will reimburse you for reasonable expenses associated with your
            office space in the St. Louis area and will also reimburse you for a
            personal computer and any necessary software that you will need to
            perform your job at SCC.

            Enclosed for your review is information regarding the Immigration
            Reform and Control Act of 1986 and a W-4 form for you to complete.
            Upon accepting a position with SCC, the I-9 Form must be completed
            to verify identity and employment eligibility as required by law.
            You will be asked to complete the I-9 on your first day of
            employment with SCC. Please bring appropriate documentation with you
            at that time.

            No provision herein is to be construed as a guaranty of continued
            employment and all employees are employed at will. Any contrary
            agreement must be in writing and must be signed by the Chief
            Operating Officer of SCC. Moreover, this letter does not create any
            such contrary agreement.

            This offer of employment is contingent upon certain conditions
            including your agreement to and execution of SCC's standard
            Nondisclosure, Developments and Noncompete Agreement, included with
            this letter, as well as a satisfactory review of any references
            which you have supplied. Please sign and return to us in the
            enclosed envelope the Nondisclosure. Developments and Noncompete
            Agreement prior to beginning your employment with us.
<PAGE>

            Finally, by signing this letter, you are representing to SCC that
            you are not subject to any agreement that precludes you from
            accepting this offer.

            Please sign and return the Nondisclosure. Developments and
            Noncompete Agreement, this letter and your completed WA form at your
            earliest convenience. We believe you will find great satisfaction
            and personal growth with SCC and we look forward to working with
            you.

            Sincerely,


            /s/ Philip St. Germain/ RRB

            Philip St. Germain
            Chief Financial Officer

            Enclosures

            Accepted /s/ Terry Nicholson          Date 7-28-99
                     ---------------------             -----------
                     Terry Nicholson