<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE COMPANY'S
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
INCLUDED IN ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          36,835
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    5,868
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                61,316
<PP&E>                                          10,759
<DEPRECIATION>                                   7,761
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  82,717
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           14,932
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         3,399
<OTHER-SE>                                      64,366
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    82,717
<SALES>                                         71,719
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                71,719
<CGS>                                           39,966
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   60,249
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,038
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 31,529
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,663
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             26,866
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    26,866
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.64
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     4.61