EXHIBIT 32.1

                                CERTIFICATION OF
                             CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                              OF BMC SOFTWARE, INC.
                       PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. Section 1350


         Based on my knowledge, I, Robert E. Beauchamp, Chief Executive Officer
of BMC Software, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify that the accompanying
report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2003 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof pursuant to Section 13(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Report") by the Company fully
complies with the requirements of that section.

         Based on my knowledge, I further certify that the information contained
in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operations of the Company.




                                                  /s/ ROBERT E. BEAUCHAMP
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Robert E. Beauchamp
                                                  November 13, 2003