EXHIBIT 23.1

                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our reports dated June 24, 1998 accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Software Spectrum, Inc. and subsidiaries
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1998
which are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent
to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of the
aforementioned reports.




/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Dallas, Texas

June 30, 1999