1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-3 of our report dated January 29, 1999, included in Mustang Software, Inc.'s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of its registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Los Angeles, California May 17, 1999