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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of 
our report dated February 6, 1998 on the financial statements of Mustang 
Software, Inc. (the "Company") from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB 
for the year ended December 31, 1997 and to all references to our firm included 
in or made a part of its Registration Statement on Form S-3.


                                             /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                                                      
                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Los Angeles, California
October 30, 1998