<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOUND IN THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1998
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    16869
<ALLOWANCES>                                      6709
<INVENTORY>                                       1040
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 18807
<PP&E>                                            1238
<DEPRECIATION>                                    4236
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   27183
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            25677
<BONDS>                                           3050
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            64
<OTHER-SE>                                      (2267)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     27183
<SALES>                                           7203
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                  7203
<CGS>                                             1590
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                     1590
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  8130
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    75
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 384
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (2901)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (2901)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (2901)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.45)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.45)