<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE COMPANY'S
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
INCLUDED IN PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          51,490
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,420
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                71,018
<PP&E>                                          11,306
<DEPRECIATION>                                   7,720
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  88,687
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           18,767
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         3,400
<OTHER-SE>                                      67,080
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    88,687
<SALES>                                         20,979
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                20,979
<CGS>                                           13,086
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   17,227
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,410
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,588
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,822
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,822
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .60
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .59