<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CITRIX SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                         127,546
<SECURITIES>                                   154,042
<RECEIVABLES>                                   39,032
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,234
<INVENTORY>                                      4,071
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               244,016
<PP&E>                                          21,234
<DEPRECIATION>                                   7,051
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 431,380
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           85,116
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            43
<OTHER-SE>                                     297,411
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   431,380
<SALES>                                        248,636
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               248,636
<CGS>                                           16,682
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   16,682
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               146,450
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 95,472
<INCOME-TAX>                                    34,370
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             61,102
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    61,102
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.34