WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

  

<ARTICLE>                           5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                        1,000
          
                                 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                       3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                   SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                      OCT-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                        DEC-31-1996   
<CASH>                                    4,229
<SECURITIES>                                  0
<RECEIVABLES>                            18,809
<ALLOWANCES>                                880
<INVENTORY>                                  65
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                         30,987
<PP&E>                                    8,207
<DEPRECIATION>                            5,971
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           36,990
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                    19,358
<BONDS>                                   2,062
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                         0
<PREFERRED>                                   0
<COMMON>                                  5,535
<OTHER-SE>                               10,005
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>             36,990
<SALES>                                  22,394
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                         22,394
<CGS>                                    19,304
<TOTAL-COSTS>                            19,304
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                              0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                              0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           73
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             487
<INCOME-TAX>                                197
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         288
<DISCONTINUED>                                0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               0
<CHANGES>                                     0
<NET-INCOME>                                288
<ESP-PRIMARY>                               .20
<ESP-DILUTED>                               .20