EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-46715, 33-50610, 33-50608, 33-50607, 333-01409, 333-31371, and
333-31369) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Employee Stock
Option Plan of Informix Corporation of our report dated February 3, 1997, except
for paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 12 (as to which date is November 16, 1997) with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Informix
Corporation, as restated, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
 
San Jose, California                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
November 16, 1997