<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM (A) THE
COMPANY'S YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          36,952
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   19,052
<ALLOWANCES>                                       250
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                56,978
<PP&E>                                           4,550
<DEPRECIATION>                                   1,654
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  60,304
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           19,326
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        32,207
<OTHER-SE>                                       8,218
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    60,304
<SALES>                                         41,548
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                41,548
<CGS>                                            5,321
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    5,321
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                27,728
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               (218)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  8,717
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,312
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              5,405
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,405
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .28
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .28