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,
33-31371 and 333-31369) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the
Employee Stock Option Plans of Informix Corporation of our report dated March 2,
1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Informix Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1997.
 
                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Jose, California
March 30, 1998