<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS OF
POLICY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CORPORATION AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           22121
<SECURITIES>                                      2234
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<ALLOWANCES>                                       883
<INVENTORY>                                          0
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<PP&E>                                          238219
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  572218
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           112636
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           182
<OTHER-SE>                                      363070
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    572218
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                581909
<CGS>                                                0
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  2677
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<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                4993
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  72048
<INCOME-TAX>                                     26051
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              45997
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<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
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