EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-6425, 33-14984, 33-33602, 33-42345, 33-69650, 33-58515, 33- 64901) pertaining to benefit plans of SunGard Data Systems Inc. of our report dated July 25, 1996, with respect to the combined financial statements of NCS Financial Systems, Inc. and NCS-IPB S.A. included in the Form 8-K/A Current Report of SunGard Data Systems Inc. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota September 20, 1996