EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-4412) and Forms S-3 (No. 333-21505, No.
333-34247 and No. 333-39793) of Paradigm Technology, Inc. of our report dated
February 21, 1998, except as to Note 13, which is as of March 9, 1998, appearing
on page 40 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

San Jose, California
March 23, 1998