1



                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1



               [LETTERHEAD OF NEXSEN PRUET JACOBS & POLLARD, LLP]











                                  July 20, 1998

                                                               Reply to Columbia


Integrated Business Systems and Services, Inc.
Suite 128, 115 Atrium Way
Columbia, South Carolina 29223

         RE: Registration Statement on Form S-8

Gentlemen:

         This opinion is being furnished to you in connection with your filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the issuance of common stock, no
par value per share (the "Common Stock"), of Integrated Business Systems and
Services, Inc. (the "Company") pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions
of the Integrated Business Systems and Services, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan"). In this connection, we have familiarized ourselves with the Plan
and the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, and have
examined the originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our
satisfaction, of corporate records, including minute books, of the Company. We
have also examined the Registration Statement, together with the exhibits
thereto, and such other certificates of officers, documents, and records as we
have deemed necessary for the purpose of expressing the opinion contained
herein.

         On the basis of, and in reliance upon, the foregoing, and subject to
the assumptions and qualifications set forth herein, we are of the opinion that
the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Plan
have been duly authorized, and when (a) the Registration Statement has become
effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the pertinent
provisions of any state securities laws, as may be applicable, have been
complied with and (b) the shares of Common Stock are issued in accordance with
the terms of the Plan as set forth in the


   2



Integrated Business Systems and Services, Inc.
July 20, 1998
Page 2
- ---------------------------------------

Registration Statement, the shares of Common Stock so issued will be validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

         The opinion expressed herein is based upon applicable laws, statutes,
ordinances, rules and regulations as existed on this date and we express no
opinion as to the effect which any future amendments, changes, additions or
modifications thereof may have on the opinion expressed herein. We assume no
obligation to update or supplement our opinion to reflect any facts or
circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention, or changes in law which
may hereafter occur. This opinion is provided to you as a legal opinion only,
and not as a guaranty or warranty of the matters discussed herein or of any
transaction or obligation. We are furnishing this opinion for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the addressee.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement with respect to the Plan. By giving such consent, we do
not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued thereunder.


                                Very truly yours,

                                NEXSEN PRUET JACOBS & POLLARD, LLP


                                By:  /S/ WILLIAM S. MCMASTER
                                     --------------------------------
                                     William S. McMaster