Exhibit 17 October 19, 1998 Carl Herrmann MRS Technology, Inc. 10 Elizabeth Drive Chelmsford, MA 01824 Dear Carl, Please accept this as my letter of resignation from the board of Director of MRS Technology. As you know, it was my intent to not stand for reelection at the annual meeting origianlly scheduled for last summer. At this time, I feel my responsible as Chairman and CEO of NMS and other commitments make it impossible for me to continue to serve MRS effectively. I wish you, and the folks at MRS, all the best. Sincerely, /s/Robert P. Schechter Chairman and CEO cc: Office of the Chief Accountant SECS Letter File Securities and Exchange Commission Mail Stop 11-3 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549