Document:

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                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.16

January 6, 2000

Dr. Benjamin Tandowski
President
Professional Computer Solutions, Inc.
3 University Plaza, Suite 600
Hackensack, NJ 07601-6223

Dear Ben:

     This letter sets forth the terms and conditions of the proposed
engagement of Howell Capital by Professional Computer Solutions, Inc. (the
"Company"), or any subsequent corporation to the Company, in connection with
the design and execution of a planned Transaction (the "Transaction") which
engagement would include but not be limited to the following possible
activities: (i) any public sale of equity or debt securities of Company
through an initial public offering (the "IPO") and subsequent spin-off, or
(ii) the sale of all or part of the Company to a third party.

     During the term of our engagement, we will initially provide you with
financial advice and assistance in the formation and implementation of the
proposed IPO, and advise and assist the Company in any subsequent spin-off of
the Company. Such assistance will include help in the selection of an
investment banker and in assembling a high caliber board of directors. If we
are to act in any formal capacity other than as contemplated by this letter,
the terms of such further engagement will be embodied in a separate agreement
containing terms and conditions that are mutually agreeable to you and to
Howell Capital.

     For advising and assisting the Company on the Transaction, Howell
Capital will be compensated as follows. During the one hundred twenty day
(120) period following the date of this letter, Howell Capital shall earn the
right to a termination fee, in the event that its services are terminated
during said period, that shall increase proportionately from zero to a
maximum of $133,333, such that, for example, if termination were to occur at
the end of 30 days, one-fourth of $133,333 would be paid, if at the end of 60
days, two-fourths (1/2) of $133,333 would be paid, if at the end of 90 days,
three quarters of $133,333 would be paid, and if at the end of 120 days, 120
days, $133,333 would be paid. If termination does not occur within said one
hundred twenty day (120) period, thereafter, in lieu of any termination fee,
Howell Capital will charge a Transaction Fee to be paid in the form of an
option to purchase a number of shares of

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Common Stock of the Company, the number of shares for which would be
calculated to be the equivalent of .5% (1/2 of 1%) of the Company's total
enterprise value at the time of the IPO, or such earlier time when a mutual
determination of enterprise value can be made. Such option shall vest upon a
closing of the IPO which occurs within one year from the date of this letter.
If said closing does not occur within one year from the date of this letter,
no compensation in the form of cash, options or otherwise, shall be due. It
is understood that, at the current time, any issuance of the Company's stock
requires the prior approval of Aztec Technology Partners' lending banks, and
that the issuance of the Company's stock pursuant to options will be
conditioned on the approval of said banks. It is also understood that options
will be granted to Howell Capital when options are first granted to the
management of the Company, unless previously granted.

     In addition to the fees for professional services, Howell Capital will
separately bill for normal out-of-picket expenses incurred on this
transaction. Generally, these expenses include travel costs, telephone,
document production and other expenses of this type. It is estimated these
expenses would not exceed $25,000.

     Howell Capital will act under this letter agreement as an independent
contractor with duties solely to the Company. Because we will be acting on
your behalf in this capacity, it is the practice of the industry to receive
indemnification on such assignments. A copy of our standard indemnification
form is attached to this letter.

     Our services hereunder may be terminated with or without cause by either
party at any time effective upon receipt of written notice to that effect,
and without liability or continuing obligation to either party (except for
any compensation earned and expenses incurred to the date of termination and
except, in the case of termination by you, for our right to fees pursuant to
this letter of any transaction effected within 12 months (following the
three-months period referred to in the third paragraph of this letter), and
provided that the indemnity provisions will remain operative regardless of
any such termination.

     If the terms of this agreement as set forth in this letter are
satisfactory, kindly sign the enclosed copy and return it to Howell Capital.

     I look forward to working with you on this assignment.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           Howell Capital

                                           By: /s/ Lawrence M. Howell
                                              -------------------------
                                              Lawrence M. Howell

Accepted:

Professional Computer Solutions, Inc.

BY: /s/ Benjamin Tandowski
    ----------------------------
    Benjamin Tandowski
    President

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                                 January 6, 2000

Mr. Lawrence M. Howell
Howell Capital
177 Steuart Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94105-1206

Dear Mr. Howell:

         In connection with your engagement to assist us by providing the
services described in the engagement letter dated the date hereof, including
modifications or future additions to such engagement and related activities
prior to this date, we agree that we will indemnify and hold harmless you and
your affiliates, any director, officer, agent or employee of you or any of your
affiliates and each other person, if any, controlling you or any of your
affiliates hereinafter collectively referred to as "you" and "your"), to the
full extent lawful, from and against, and that you shall have no liability to us
or our owners, parents, creditors or security holders for, any losses, expenses,
claims or proceedings including shareholder actions (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "losses") (i) related to or arising out a (A) oral or written
information provided by us, our employees or our other agents, which either we
or you provide to any actual or potential buyers, sellers, investors or
offerees, or (B) other action or failure to act by us, our employees or our
other agents or by you at our request or with our consent, or (ii) otherwise
related to or arising out of such engagement or any transaction or conduct in
connection therewith except that this clause (ii) shall not apply with respect
to any losses that are finally judicially determined to have resulted primarily
from your bad faith or gross negligence.

         In the event that the foregoing indemnity is unavailable to you for any
reason, we agree to contribute to any losses related to or arising out of such
engagement or any transaction or conduct in connection therewith. For such
losses referred to in clause (i) of the preceding paragraph, each of us shall
contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
received (or anticipated to be received) by you and by us from the actual or
proposed transaction giving rise to such engagement; provided, however, that you
shall not be responsible for any amounts in excess of the amount of the benefits
received (or anticipated to be received) by you. For any other losses, or for
losses referred to in clause (i) if the allocation provided by the immediately
preceding sentence is unavailable for any reasons, each of us shall contribute
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in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits
but also the relative fault of each of us in connection with the statements,
omissions or other conduct which resulted in such losses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received (or anticipated to be
received) by us shall be deemed to be equal to the aggregate cash consideration
and value of securities or any other property payable, exchangeable or
transferable in such transaction or proposed transaction, and benefits received
by you shall be deemed to be equal to the compensation payable by us to you in
connection with such engagement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any
other alleged conduct relates to information provided by us or other conduct by
(or our employees or other agents) on the on hand or by you on the other hand.
You and we agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were
determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which
does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above.

         We agree that we will not, without prior written consent of Howell
Capital, settle any pending or threatened claim or proceeding related to or
arising out of such engagement or transactions or conduct in connection
therewith (whether or not you are a party to such claim or proceeding) unless
such settlement includes a provision unconditionally releasing you from and
holding you harmless against all liability in respect of claims by any releasing
party related to or arising out of such engagement or any transaction or conduct
in connection therewith. We will also promptly reimburse you for all expenses
(including counsel fees) as they are incurred by you in connection with
investigating, preparing or defending, or providing evidence in, any pending or
threatened claim or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or
contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not you are a party to such
claims or proceeding) or in enforcing this agreement.

         The foregoing agreement shall be in addition to any rights that you may
have at common law or otherwise. Solely for purposes of enforcing this
agreement, we hereby consent to personal jurisdiction, service and venue in any
court in which any claim or proceeding which is subject to this agreement is
brought against you. ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OR
PROCEEDING RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF SUCH ENGAGEMENT, ANY TRANSACTION OR
CONDUCT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH OR THIS AGREEMENT IS WAIVED. This agreement
shall remain in full force and effect following the completion or termination of
such engagement.

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                                                                   (CONTINUED)

Agreed:                             Very truly yours,

HOWELL CAPITAL                      Professional Computer Solutions, Inc.

By: ____________________            By: _____________________________
    Lawrence M. Howell                      Benjamin Tandowski
                                            Chief Executive Officer<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.9

VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M.,                                       Warrant No. 1
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                                      Warrants:  6,325,000
DECEMBER 31, 2002

                           DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                   WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                CUSIP 26632S 11 7

         THIS CERTIFIES THAT, FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Cede & Co., or registered
assigns, is the registered holder of the number of Warrants (the "Warrants") set
forth above. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase from Dura
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Dura"), subject to the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth and in the Warrant Agreement hereinafter
referred to, one-fourth of one fully paid and nonassessable share of Common
Stock, par value $.001 per share, of Dura (the "Common Stock"). The Warrants may
be exercised at any time or from time to time on or after the first to occur of
(i) January 1, 2000, (ii) the exercise by Dura of the Stock Purchase Option,
(iii) the termination of the Stock Purchase Option with respect to Dura and (iv)
an Acceleration Date (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) (such earliest date
being referred to herein as the "Separation Date") and will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on December 31, 2002 (the "Expiration Date"). Upon the
Expiration Date, all rights evidenced by the Warrants shall cease and the
Warrants shall become void. Subject to the provisions of the Warrant Agreement,
the holder of each Warrant shall have the right to purchase from Dura until the
Expiration Date (and Dura shall issue and sell to such holder of a Warrant)
one-fourth of one fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock (a "Warrant
Share") at an exercise price (the "Exercise Price") of $54.84 per share upon
surrender of this Warrant Certificate to Dura at the office of the Warrant Agent
(as defined in the Warrant Agreement) designated by the Warrant Agent for such
purpose with the form of election to purchase appearing on this Warrant
Certificate duly completed and signed, together with payment of the Exercise
Price by certified or official bank check payable to the order of Dura.

         The Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares that may be
purchased upon the exercise of the Warrants and the number of Warrants
outstanding are subject to change or adjustment upon the occurrence of certain
events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE SET FORTH ON THE
FOLLOWING PAGES, AND SUCH FURTHER PROVISIONS SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE
SAME EFFECT AS THOUGH FULLY SET FORTH ON THE FRONT OF THIS CERTIFICATE.

         This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid unless countersigned by the
Warrant Agent.

         This Warrant Certificate shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Dura has caused this Warrant Certificate to be
executed by its duly authorized officers.

Dated:  January 1, 2000          DURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                 By:
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Robert S. Whitehead
                                    President and Chief Operating Officer

                                 By:
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    John R. Cook
                                    Vice President, Associate General Counsel
                                    and Secretary
Countersigned:

CHASEMELLON SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, L.L.C.
as Warrant Agent

By:
   ----------------------------------------
   Name:
        -----------------------------------
   Title:
         ----------------------------------
<PAGE>

THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
WARRANT AGREEMENT, DATED ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 22, 1997 (THE "WARRANT
AGREEMENT"), BETWEEN DURA AND THE WARRANT AGENT, TO ALL OF WHICH TERMS AND
CONDITIONS THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THE WARRANT CONSENTS BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF.
THE WARRANT AGREEMENT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AND MADE A PART HEREOF
AND REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE WARRANT AGREEMENT FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE
RIGHTS, LIMITATIONS OF RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS, DUTIES AND IMMUNITIES OF THE WARRANT
AGENT, DURA AND THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. COPIES OF THE
WARRANT AGREEMENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE
WARRANT AGENT OR MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST ADDRESSED TO THE WARRANT
AGENT AT ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICE AT 400 S. HOPE ST., 4TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CA
90071

         Dura shall not be required upon the exercise of the Warrants evidenced
by this Warrant Certificate to issue fractional shares, but shall make
adjustment therefore in cash on the basis of the current market value of any
fractional interest as provided in the Warrant Agreement.

         Dura has agreed to cause a registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, covering the Warrants and Warrant Shares to be
effective through the termination of the Exercise Period (as defined in the
Warrant Agreement) or until such earlier time as no Warrants remain outstanding,
and to register or qualify the Warrants and the Warrant Shares to be delivered
upon exercise of the Warrants under the laws of each jurisdiction in which such
registration or qualification is necessary.

         This Warrant Certificate may be exchanged, at the option of the holder
upon presentation and surrender hereof to the Warrant Agent, for other Warrant
Certificates of different denominations, entitling the holder hereof to purchase
in the aggregate the same number of Warrant Shares. Warrants may be assigned or
transferred upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate to the Warrant Agent,
accompanied (if so required by Dura or the Warrant Agent) by the form of
assignment appearing on this Warrant Certificate duly completed and signed,
whereupon the Warrant Agent shall execute and deliver to the transferee a new
Warrant Certificate entitling the transferee to purchase the same number of
Warrant Shares, but without the legend that appears hereon. If the Warrants
evidenced by this Warrant Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder
hereof shall be entitled to receive upon surrender hereof another Warrant
Certificate or Certificates evidencing the number of Warrants not so exercised.

         The holder of this Warrant Certificate shall not, by virtue hereof, be
entitled to any of the rights of a stockholder in Dura, either at law or in
equity, and the rights of the holder are limited to those expressed in the
Warrant Agreement.

         If this Warrant Certificate shall be surrendered for exercise within
any period during which the transfer books for the Common Stock are closed for
any purpose, Dura shall not be required to make delivery of certificates for
shares purchasable upon such transfer until the date of the reopening of said
transfer books.

         Each holder of this Warrant Certificate, by accepting the same,
consents and agrees with Dura, the Warrant Agent and with every other holder of
a Warrant Certificate that:

         (a) This Warrant Certificate is transferable on the registry books of
the Warrant Agent only upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Warrant
Agreement; and

         (b) Dura and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in whose
name this Warrant Certificate is registered as the absolute owner hereof
(notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by
anyone other than Dura or the Warrant Agent) for all purposes whatever and
neither Dura nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the
contrary.

<PAGE>

         This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid or enforceable for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Warrant Agent.

         The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations.

         The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM       -   as tenants in common
TEN ENT       -   as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN        -   as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants
                  in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT                   Custodian
                  ----------------           -----------------------------------
                      (Cust)                             (Minor)
                      under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
                                                       -------------------------
                                                                (State)

UNIF TRF MIN ACT                    Custodian (until age                       )
                  ----------------                       ---------------------
                       (Cust)
                                                         under Uniform Transfers
                       ---------------------------------
                       (Minor)
                       to Minors Act
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                     (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

<PAGE>

                              ELECTION TO PURCHASE
                    (TO BE EXECUTED UPON EXERCISE OF WARRANT)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably exercises this warrant to purchase _____
shares of Common Stock of Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Dura") herewith makes
payment of $___________ in payment of the exercise price thereof on the terms
and conditions specified in this warrant certificate, surrenders this warrant
certificate and all right, title, and interest therein to Dura and directs that
the warrant shares deliverable upon the exercise of such warrants be registered
in the name and at the address specified below and delivered thereto:

Dated:                   , 200__
       -----------------
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Signature

                                    ------------------------------------------
                                    Signature
Signature(s) Guaranteed:

By:
   --------------------------------------------
The signature must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings
and loan associations and credit unions with member-
ship in an approved signature guarantee medallion
program), pursuant to S.E.C. Rule 17Ad-15.

Name:
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (Please Print)

Address:
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------

City, State and Zip Code:
                         -------------------------------------------------------

Taxpayer's Identification or Social Security Number:
                                                    ----------------------------

         If such number of Warrant Shares is less than the aggregate number of
Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder, the undersigned requests that a new
Warrant Certificate representing the balance of such Warrant Shares to be
registered in the name and at the address specified below and delivered thereto.

Name:
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (Please Print)

Address:
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------

City, State and Zip Code:
                         -------------------------------------------------------

Taxpayer's Identification or Social Security Number:
                                                    ----------------------------

<PAGE>

                                   ASSIGNMENT

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell, assign and transfer to:

Name:
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (Please Print)

Address:
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------

City, State and Zip Code:
                         -------------------------------------------------------

Taxpayer's Identification or Social Security Number:
                                                    ----------------------------

the right to purchase up to _____ Warrant Shares represented by this Warrant and
does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _______________ attorney to
transfer said Warrant on behalf of Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc., with full power
of substitution in the premises.

Dated:  __________, 200__
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Signature

                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    Signature

                                    Notice: The signature(s) to this assignment
                                    must correspond with the name as written
                                    upon the face of the Warrant, in every
                                    particular, without alteration or
                                    enlargement, or any change whatever.

Signature(s) Guaranteed:

By:
   ------------------------------------------

The signature must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings
and loan associations and credit unions with member-
ship in an approved signature guarantee medallion
program), pursuant to S.E.C. Rule 17Ad-15.

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