<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                         ----------------------------

                                  FORM 10-K/A
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
(Mark One)
   [X]          ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
               THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                       OR
   [ ]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
             THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

      FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ________________ TO _________________


                          COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-8465
                         ____________________________

                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

           DELAWARE                                        75-1873956
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                         IDENTIFICATION NO.)

                   8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, SUITE 1100
                              DALLAS, TEXAS  75206
          (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES, INCLUDING ZIP CODE)
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:  (214) 891-8600

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

     TITLE OF EACH CLASS              NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
-----------------------------         -----------------------------------------
   Common Stock, par value,                     New York Stock Exchange
       $0.10 per share

5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures Due February 1, 2003                 New York Stock Exchange


          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:

                                      None

  Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that Registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes    X      No 
                                        -------      -------        

  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained herein, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.    /_/

  As of December 29, 1995, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held
by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $1,567,575,900 based on the closing
sales price of $62.375 on the New York Stock Exchange.

  As of December 29, 1995, 26,698,812 shares of the Registrant's common stock
were outstanding.
================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549



                      AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION OR REPORT
               FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12, 13, OR 15(D) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.

                                  FORM 10-K/A
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1



  The undersigned registrant hereby amends the following items, financial
statements, exhibits or other portions of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 as set forth in the pages attached hereto:


  Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

  Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

  Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

  Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                                   PART III


ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT

    The name, age and position of each executive officer of the Company is set
forth under the heading "Executive Officers" in Item 4 of Part I of the Form 
10-K of Sterling Software, Inc. ("Sterling", "Sterling Software" or the 
"Company") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for a Board of Directors
divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the term
of office of one class expiring each year at the Company's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. Each class of directors is elected for a term of three years
except in the case of elections to fill vacancies or newly created
directorships. The Board of Directors presently consists of ten persons: Sam
Wyly (Chairman), Charles J. Wyly, Jr. (Vice Chairman), Sterling L. Williams,
Phillip A. Moore, Robert J. Donachie, Michael C. French, Evan A. Wyly, Robert E.
Cook, Donald R. Miller, Jr. and Francis A. Tarkenton.

    The current Class C directors of the Company, whose terms will expire at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1996, are as follows:

    Sam Wyly, age 61. Sam Wyly co-founded Sterling in 1981 and since such time
has served as Chairman of the Board and a director of Sterling. In 1963, Mr.
Wyly founded University Computing Company, a computer software and services
company, and served as President or Chairman from 1963 until 1979. Mr. Wyly co-
founded Earth Resources Company, an oil refining and silver and gold mining
company, and served as its Executive Committee Chairman from 1968 to 1980. Mr.
Wyly and his brother, Charles J. Wyly, Jr., bought the 20 restaurant Bonanza
Steakhouse chain in 1967. It grew to approximately 600 restaurants by 1989,
during which time he served as Chairman. Mr. Wyly currently serves as Chairman
of Michaels Stores, Inc. ("Michaels Stores"), a specialty retail chain (which
has grown from 70 to 450 stores in 10 years of Wyly control), and as President
of Maverick Capital, Ltd., an investment fund management company. Sam Wyly is
the father of Evan A. Wyly, a director of Sterling. Mr. Wyly is the Chairman of
the Executive Committee and the Stock Option Committee.

    Sterling L. Williams, age 52. Sterling L. Williams co-founded Sterling in
1981 and since such time has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of Sterling. Mr. Williams also currently serves as a director of INPUT,
an information technology market research company. Mr. Williams is a member of
the Executive Committee and the Stock Option Committee.

    Donald R. Miller, Jr., age 41. Donald R. Miller, Jr. has served as a
director of Sterling since September 1993. Mr. Miller has served as Vice
President-Market Development of Michaels Stores since November 1990 and as a
director of Michaels Stores since September 1992. Prior to November 1990, Mr.
Miller served as Director of Real Estate of Michaels Stores. Mr. Miller also
serves on the Board of Directors of Xscribe Corp., a high technology information
management company. Mr. Miller is the son-in-law of Charles J. Wyly, Jr. Mr.
Miller is a member of the Special Stock Option Committee.

    The current Class A Directors of the Company, whose terms will expire at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1997, are as follows:

    Robert E. Cook, age 54. Robert E. Cook has served as a director of Sterling
since July 1993. Prior to July 1993, Mr. Cook served as Chief Executive Officer,
Chairman of the Board and a director of Systems Center, Inc., a computer
software company that was acquired by Sterling in July 1993 ("Systems Center").
Mr. Cook currently also serves as a director of ROADSHOW International, Inc., a
privately held provider of computer-based routing solutions for private fleet
operations. Mr. Cook is a member of the Audit Committee.

    Robert J. Donachie, age 67. Robert J. Donachie has served as a director of
Sterling since May 1983. He has been principally employed as a private business
consultant since March 1981. Mr. Donachie is a member of the Special Stock
Option Committee and the Audit Committee.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
    Francis A. Tarkenton, age 55. Francis A. Tarkenton has served as a director
of the Company since November 1994. From December 1986 until November 1994, Mr.
Tarkenton served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
KnowledgeWare, Inc. ("KnowledgeWare"), a provider of applications development
software and services that was acquired by Sterling in November 1994. Prior to
December 1986, Mr. Tarkenton was a founder and served as President and a
director of Tarkenton Software, Inc. from its incorporation in 1977 until its
merger with KnowledgeWare in 1986. Mr. Tarkenton is also a director of Coca Cola
Enterprises, Inc.

    Evan A. Wyly, age 34. Evan A. Wyly has served as a director of Sterling
Software since July 1992 and as a Vice President of Sterling since December
1994. Mr. Wyly is a Managing Director of Maverick Capital, Ltd. In 1988, Mr.
Wyly founded Premier Partners Incorporated, a private investment firm, and
served as its President until 1992. At Michaels Stores, Mr. Wyly has served as
an officer since 1991 and as a director since 1992. Mr. Wyly is also a 
director of Xscribe Corp.

    The current Class B Directors of the Company, whose terms will expire at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1998, are as follows:

    Charles J. Wyly, Jr., age 62. Charles J. Wyly, Jr. co-founded Sterling in
1981 and since such time has served as a director and (since November 1984) as
Vice Chairman of the Board of Sterling. Mr. Wyly served as an officer and
director of University Computing Company from 1964 to 1975, including President
from 1969 to 1973. Mr. Wyly and his brother, Sam Wyly, founded Earth Resources
Company and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. served as Chairman of the Board from 1968 to
1980. Mr. Wyly served as Vice Chairman of the Bonanza Steakhouse chain from 1967
to 1989. Mr. Wyly currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Michaels
Stores and as Chairman of Maverick Capital, Ltd. Mr. Wyly is a member of the
Executive Committee and the Stock Option Committee.

    Phillip A. Moore, age 53. Phillip A. Moore co-founded Sterling in 1981 and
since such time has served as a director of the Company. He has served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since December 1994. From
July 1993 until December 1994, Mr. Moore served as Executive Vice President,
Technology, of the Company. Prior to July 1993, Mr. Moore served as Senior Vice
President, Technology of Sterling.

    Michael C. French, age 52. Michael C. French has served as a director of
Sterling since July 1992. He was a partner with the law firm of Jackson &
Walker, L.L.P from 1976 through 1995. He is currently a consultant to the
international law firm of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. Since September 1992, Mr.
French has served as a director of Michaels Stores and since December 1992, has
served as a Managing Director of Maverick Capital, Ltd.

MEETINGS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    The business of the Company is managed under the direction of the Board of
Directors. The Board meets on a regularly scheduled basis during its fiscal year
to review significant developments affecting the Company and to act on matters
requiring Board approval. It also holds special meetings when an important
matter requires Board action between scheduled meetings. The Board of Directors
met four times and acted by unanimous written consent seven times during the
1995 fiscal year. During the 1995 fiscal year, each member of the Board
participated in at least 75% of all Board and applicable committee meetings held
during the period for which he was a director.

BOARD COMMITTEES

    The Board of Directors has established executive, audit and stock option
committees to devote attention to specific subjects and to assist it in the
discharge of its responsibilities. The functions of those committees, their
current members and the number of meetings held during the 1995 fiscal year are
described below.

    Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is empowered to act on any
matter except those matters for which the Board of Directors has specifically
reserved authority and except those matters specifically reserved to the full
Board by applicable law. Messrs. Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and
Sterling L. Williams currently are members of the Executive Committee. The
Executive Committee met one time and acted by unanimous written consent 17 times
during the 1995 fiscal year. The Executive Committee held responsibility

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
for determining executive compensation for fiscal 1995, excluding determinations
relating to the grants of stock options under the Company's various stock option
plans.

    Audit Committee. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors
the appointment of the firm selected to be independent public accountants for
the Company and its subsidiaries and monitors the performance of such firm,
reviews and approves the scope of the annual audit and evaluates with the
independent public accountants the Company's annual audit and annual
consolidated financial statements, reviews with management the status of
internal accounting controls, evaluates problem areas having a potential
financial impact on the Company which may be brought to its attention by
management, the independent public accountants or the Board of Directors, and
evaluates public financial reporting documents of the Company. Messrs. Robert J.
Donachie and Robert E. Cook currently are members of the Audit Committee. The
Audit Committee met two times during the 1995 fiscal year.

    Stock Option Committee. The Stock Option Committee administers the Company's
Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Incentive Plan") and the Company's Non-
Statutory Stock Option Plan (the "Non-Statutory Plan") with respect to the
participants in such plans who are not executive officers or directors of the
Company. The Stock Option Committee has the authority, subject to certain
restrictions set forth in such plans, to determine from time to time the
individuals (excluding executive officers and directors of the Company) to whom
options are granted, the number of shares covered by each option grant
and the time or times at which options become exercisable. The Stock
Option Committee also administers the Company's 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan (the "1992 Plan"). In this capacity, the Stock Option Committee has the
authority, subject to certain restrictions set forth in the 1992 Plan, to
determine from time to time the individuals (including executive officers and
directors of the Company) to whom options are granted under the 1992 Plan,
the number of shares covered by each option grant and the time or times at
which options become exercisable. Messrs. Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles J.
Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L. Williams currently are the members of the Stock Option
Committee. The Stock Option Committee met 22 times and acted by unanimous
written consent two times during the 1995 fiscal year.

    Special Stock Option Committee. The Special Stock Option Plan Committee
administers the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan with respect to the
participants in such plans who are executive officers or directors of the
Company. The Special Stock Option Committee has the authority, subject to
certain restrictions set forth in such plans, to determine from time to time the
executive officers and employee directors of the Company to whom options are 
granted, the number of shares covered by each option grant and the time or
times at which options become exercisable. In accordance with amendments
made to the Non-Statutory Plan in June 1995 to comply with new Rule 16b-3 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the 
Special Stock Option Committee does not have the authority to determine the
terms and number of options granted under the Non-Statutory Plan to non-employee
directors of the Company. Instead, grants to non-employee directors are made
pursuant to a formula as set forth in such plan. Non-employee directors are not
eligible to receive option grants under the Incentive Plan. The Special Stock
Option Committee also administers the Company's 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan (the "1994 Plan"). In this capacity, the Special Stock Option Committee has
the authority, subject to certain restrictions set forth in the 1994 Plan, to
determine from time to time the individuals (including executive officers and
directors of the Company) to whom options are granted, the number of shares
covered by each option grant and the time or times at which options become
exercisable. Messrs. Robert J. Donachie and Donald R. Miller, Jr. currently are
the members of the Special Stock Option Committee. The Special Stock Option
Committee met one time and acted by unanimous written consent six times during
the 1995 fiscal year.

    The Company does not have a nominating or compensation committee. The
functions customarily attributable to a nominating committee are performed by
the Board of Directors as a whole, and the functions customarily attributable to
a compensation committee generally are performed by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 16 REQUIREMENTS

    Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors and
officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the
Company's equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and
the New York Stock Exchange. Such persons are required by SEC regulation to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

    Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by the
Company with respect to fiscal 1994, or written representations from certain
reporting persons, the Company believes that all filing requirements have been
complied with, except as described below. Form 5 reports filed for the fiscal
year ended September 30,

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
1994 by executive officers and certain directors of the Company incorrectly
reported share ownership held in their plan accounts in the Company's Savings
and Security Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Because of a change in plan recordkeepers
and administrators in 1994, a regular plan statement setting forth shares held
in plan accounts for such reporting persons was not available at the time the
Forms 5 were required to be filed. The reporting persons relied, instead, on a
Company-prepared report that resulted in the underreporting of an aggregate of
approximately 1,187 shares. The executive officers whose Form 5 reports
contained these inaccuracies are Messrs. Blow, Connelly, Ellis, Frank, Hoover,
Jenkins, Lott, Moore, Plumb, Tolari, Williams, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr.
and Mmes. Hill, Meier, and Vahala. The Form 3 reports for two other executive
officers (Ms. Smith and Mr. Konopik) overreported an aggregate of nine
additional shares for the same reason. The original Form 3 and Form 5 reports
were corrected in Forms 5 filed for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995.
Messrs. Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. each filed one report on Form 4 that
incorrectly reported one stock option grant, which reports were promptly
corrected by filing amendments to such Forms. Additionally, Robert E. Cook, a
director of the Company, filed one report on Form 4 that incorrectly reported
his stock ownership due to an improper elimination of fractional shares in
connection with the Company's 1993 acquisition of Systems Center. Mr. Cook
corrected this discrepancy by filing an amendment to such Form 4.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

    The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation
paid or accrued for services rendered during each of the Company's last three
fiscal years to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and each of the other four
most highly compensated executive officers of the Company based on salary and
bonus earned during fiscal 1995 (collectively, the "named executive officers").

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  LONG TERM   
                                                                                 COMPENSATION                
                                                                                    AWARDS                   
                                               ANNUAL COMPENSATION                -----------               
                                    --------------------------------------------  SECURITIES   
          NAME AND                                                 OTHER ANNUAL   UNDERLYING     ALL OTHER
     PRINCIPAL POSITION       YEAR     SALARY         BONUS(1)     COMPENSATION   OPTIONS(2)   COMPENSATION
----------------------------  ----  ------------    ------------  --------------  -----------  -------------
                                                                                
<S>                           <C>   <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>
Sterling L. Williams,         1995  $   750,000      $450,000      $168,833  (3)      650,000   $33,900  (4)
  President, Chief            1994      650,000       400,000       127,701  (3)          -0-    39,771
  Executive Officer           1993      600,000       300,000        30,695  (3)      300,000    29,423
  and Director
Sam Wyly,                     1995      850,000  (5)  450,000        44,417  (6)    1,466,666   120,649  (7)
  Chairman of the Board       1994      770,000  (5)  400,000         3,025  (6)          -0-    70,660
  and Director                1993      710,000  (5)  300,000        33,212  (6)      300,000    62,581
Charles J. Wyly, Jr.,         1995      425,000  (8)  225,000        66,783  (9)      733,334    60,020 (10)
  Vice Chairman of the        1994      385,000  (8)  200,000           582  (9)          -0-    62,718
  Board and Director          1993      355,000  (8)  150,000         1,986  (9)      150,000    28,385
Warner C. Blow,               1995      348,000       273,610             -            75,000     4,773 (11)
  Executive Vice President    1994      315,000       246,614        63,689 (12)       50,000     4,598
                              1993      290,000       170,000             -           100,000    12,823
George H. Ellis,              1995      375,000       225,000        86,961 (13)      200,000     4,500 (11)
  Executive Vice President    1994      325,000       200,000        34,172 (13)          -0-     3,960
  and Chief Financial         1993      300,000       150,000        61,525 (13)       80,000     7,942
  Officer
</TABLE>
_________________
(1)  Reflects bonus earned during the fiscal year.  In some instances, the
     payment of all or a portion of the bonus was deferred until the next fiscal
     year.

(2)  Reflects options to acquire shares of Common Stock.  The Company has not
     granted stock appreciation rights.

(3)  For fiscal 1995, includes a $47,897 reimbursement for medical expenses, a
     $44,222 housing allowance bonus and a $55,541 reimbursement for the payment
     of taxes; for fiscal 1994, includes a $55,710 reimbursement for medical
     expenses and a $52,168 reimbursement for the payment of taxes; and for
     fiscal 1993 consists of a reimbursement for the payment of taxes.

(4)  Consists of $4,500 in Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan
     and $29,400 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy for Mr.
     Williams' benefit.

(5)  Includes director's fees of $425,000, $385,000 and $355,000 paid to Sam
     Wyly in fiscal 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, for his services as
     Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.

(6)  Consists of reimbursements for the payment of taxes.

(7)  Consists of $4,225 in Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan
     and $116,424 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy for Mr.
     Wyly's benefit.

(8)  Includes director's fees of $212,500, $192,500 and $177,500 paid to Charles
     J. Wyly, Jr. in fiscal 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, for his services
     as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.

(9)  For fiscal 1995, includes $43,046 for costs related to his use of a
     Company-provided automobile and a $14,626 reimbursement for the payment of
     taxes; and for fiscal 1994 and 1993 consists of reimbursements for the
     payment of taxes.

(10) Consists of $4,363 in Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan
     and $55,657 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy for Mr. Wyly's
     benefit.

(11) Consists of Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan.

(12) Includes $45,573 in the form of incentive travel and a $1,288 reimbursement
     for the payment of taxes.

(13) For fiscal 1995, includes a $24,470 reimbursement for medical expenses,
     $20,146 for costs related to his use of a Company-provided automobile, a
     $18,514 reimbursement for the payment of taxes and $17,314 in the form of
     incentive travel; for fiscal 1994, consists of a reimbursement for the
     payment of taxes; and for fiscal 1993 includes $22,689 in the form of
     incentive travel, $13,700 for costs related to his use of a Company-
     provided automobile, a $10,181 reimbursement for medical expenses and a
     $6,096 reimbursement for the payment of taxes.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1995

     The following table provides information related to options granted to the
named executive officers during fiscal 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE 
                                       PERCENTAGE                                     AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES   
                         NUMBER OF      OF TOTAL                                           OF STOCK PRICE       
                        SECURITIES      OPTIONS                                             APPRECIATION        
                        UNDERLYING     GRANTED TO    EXERCISE                           FOR OPTION TERM (1)     
                          OPTIONS     EMPLOYEES IN   PRICE PER                        -------------------------               
NAME                    GRANTED (2)   FISCAL 1995    SHARE (3)    EXPIRATION DATE          5%           10% 
----------------------  -----------   ------------   ---------   ------------------   -----------  ------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>                 <C>           <C>
Sterling L. Williams..   650,000  (4)      12.7%      $29.00     November 23, 2004    $11,854,664   $30,042,045
Sam Wyly..............   800,000  (5)      15.6        29.00     November 23, 2004     33,981,254    86,115,168
                         666,666  (6)      13.0        45.875    September 11, 2005
Charles J. Wyly, Jr...   400,000  (5)       7.8        29.00     November 23, 2004     16,990,656    43,057,658
                         333,334  (6)       6.5        45.875    September 11, 2005
Warner C. Blow........    75,000  (7)       1.5        29.00     November 23, 1999        600,912     1,327,859
George H. Ellis.......   200,000  (8)       3.9        29.00     November 23, 2004      3,647,589     9,243,706
 
</TABLE>
_________________
(1)  The potential realizable value portion of the foregoing table illustrates
     value that might be realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior
     to the expiration of their term, assuming the specified compounded rates of
     appreciation on the Company's Common Stock over the term of the options.
     These amounts do not take into account provisions of certain options
     providing for termination of the option following termination of
     employment, nontransferability or vesting over periods of up to four years.
     The use of the assumed 5% and 10% returns are established by the SEC and is
     not intended by the Company to forecast possible future appreciation of the
     price of the Company's Common Stock.

(2)  Reflects options to acquire shares of Common Stock.  The Company has not
     granted stock appreciation rights.

(3)  The option exercise price may be paid in shares of Common Stock owned by
     the named executive officer, in cash, or in any other form of valid
     consideration or a combination of any of the foregoing, as determined by
     the Stock Option Committee in its discretion. The exercise price is equal
     to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.

(4)  Options are exercisable in their entirety on the date of grant.

(5)  Options became exercisable in their entirety on May 23, 1995, six months
     after the date of grant.

(6)  Options become exercisable with respect to 50% of the shares covered
     thereby on each of September 11, 1996 and 1997. In the event of a Change of
     Control of the Company (as defined in the applicable option agreement),
     however, any unexercisable portion of the options will become immediately
     exercisable.

(7)  Options became exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares on November
     23, 1995, the first anniversary of the date of grant, and an additional 25%
     will become exercisable on each of November 23, 1996, 1997 and 1998. In the
     event of a Change of Control of the Company (as defined in the applicable
     option agreement), however, any unexercisable portion of the options will
     become immediately exercisable.

(8)  Options became exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares covered
     thereby on July 28, 1995 and an additional 25% will become exercisable on
     each of November 23, 1996, 1997 and 1998. In the event of a Change of
     Control of the Company (as defined in the applicable option agreement),
     however, any unexercisable portion of the options will become immediately
     exercisable.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1995
  AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

    The following table provides information related to options exercised by the
named executive officers during fiscal 1995 and the number and value of options
held at fiscal year-end.  The Company does not have outstanding stock
appreciation rights.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                      NUMBER OF SECURITIES    
                                                     UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED   
                                                          OPTIONS/SARS             IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS   
                           SHARES                     AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1995     AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (1) 
                        ACQUIRED ON      VALUE      --------------------------  -------------------------- 
         NAME             EXERCISE    REALIZED (2)  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
----------------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                     <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Sterling L. Williams..    308,000      $5,771,463     1,142,000         -       $24,061,500          -
Sam Wyly..............          0 (3)         -       1,100,000     666,666      21,112,500          -
Charles J. Wyly, Jr...          0 (4)         -         550,000     333,334      10,556,250          -
Warner C. Blow........    107,200       2,622,013        17,800     193,750         346,038   $4,057,812
George H. Ellis.......    202,500       3,818,063           -       150,000             -      2,475,000
 
</TABLE>

_________________
(1)  The closing price for the Company's Common Stock as reported by the New
     York Stock Exchange on September 30, 1995 was $45.50. The value was
     calculated on the basis of the difference between the option exercise price
     and $45.50, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock underlying
     the option.

(2)  The value was calculated based on the difference between the option
     exercise price and the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
     exercise, multiplied by the number of shares to which the exercise relates.

(3)  In fiscal 1993 Sam Wyly transferred options to purchase 667,000 shares of
     Common Stock and disclaimed the beneficial ownership of the transferred
     options and the underlying shares of Common Stock. The table above does not
     include the value realized upon exercise of such options in fiscal 1995.

(4)  In fiscal 1993 Charles J. Wyly, Jr. transferred options to purchase 333,000
     shares of Common Stock and disclaimed the beneficial ownership of the
     transferred options and the underlying shares of Common Stock. The table
     above does not include the value realized upon exercise of such options in
     fiscal 1995.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

    Messrs. Cook, Donachie, French, Miller and Tarkenton received an annual fee
of $30,000 for their services as directors of the Company plus $2,500 for each
meeting of the Board of Directors and each meeting of any committee of the Board
of Directors that they attended during fiscal 1995. Additionally, during fiscal
1995, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. received annual directors' fees of
$425,000 and $212,500 in their capacities as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
Board, respectively. Messrs. Evan Wyly, Williams and Moore did not receive
separate compensation for their services as directors. For fiscal 1996, Messrs.
Cook, Donachie, French, Miller and Tarkenton are entitled to receive an annual
fee of $30,000 plus $2,500 for each meeting of the Board of Directors and each
meeting of any committee of the Board of Directors that they attend. In
addition, all directors of the Company are eligible to receive options under the
Company's stock option plans, except that options under the Incentive Plan may
be granted only to directors who are also employees of the Company. During
fiscal 1995, Mr. Sam Wyly, Mr. Charles J. Wyly, Jr., and Mr. Williams received
options to purchase 1,466,666, 733,334 and 650,000 shares of Common Stock,
respectively. See "Item 11. Executive Compensation -- Option Grants In Fiscal
1995." Additionally, in fiscal 1995, Messrs. Cook, Donachie, French, Miller,
Moore and Evan Wyly received options to purchase 30,000, 20,000, 30,000, 30,000,
50,000 and 60,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. In connection with the
Company's acquisition of KnowledgeWare, Mr. Tarkenton's outstanding
KnowledgeWare options were converted to options to purchase 26,449 shares of the
Company's Common Stock on the same terms applicable to all KnowledgeWare option
holders.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
    For a description of other arrangements between the Company and certain of
its directors, see "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS

    In July 1987, the Company entered into agreements with each of Sam Wyly,
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L. Williams, which agreements provide for
employment of such persons by the Company upon the occurrence of a Change of
Control (as defined in such agreements).  The agreement between the Company and
Sterling Williams (the "1987 Agreement") expires five years after the date of
the Change of Control and requires the Company to pay to Mr. Williams, if his
employment is terminated within such five-year period, an amount equal to five
times Mr. Williams' salary, bonus and the cash value of benefits received during
the twelve-month period immediately preceding his termination.  The agreements
between the Company and each of Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. expire seven
years after the date of the Change of Control and each require the Company to
pay such officer, if his employment is terminated within such seven-year period,
an amount equal to seven times such officer's salary, bonus and the cash value
of benefits received during the twelve-month period immediately preceding
termination, provided that such termination payments cannot exceed $6.5 million
for Sam Wyly and $3.25 million for Charles J. Wyly, Jr.

    Effective January 1, 1993, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Sterling L. Williams (the "Employment Agreement"), which provides for a
minimum initial annual base salary of $600,000 (subject to mutually agreeable
annual increases) and certain benefits plus such bonuses or other benefits which
the Company and Mr. Williams may agree.  Effective on each of October 1, 1993,
1994 and 1995, Mr. Williams' annual base salary was increased to $650,000,
$750,000 and $800,000, respectively.  Under the terms of the Employment
Agreement, upon termination of Mr. Williams' employment by (i) the Company or
(ii) Mr. Williams as a result of a reduction of his compensation or of the
nature or scope of his authority and duties, the Employment Agreement is
converted into a five-year consulting agreement.  In such event, Mr. Williams is
entitled to continue receiving compensation and certain benefits at the levels
specified in the Employment Agreement.  Prior to the expiration of its five-year
term, the consulting agreement may be terminated by Mr. Williams at any time and
by the Company at Mr. Williams' death.  In the event of termination of Mr.
Williams' employment following a Change of Control, at Mr. Williams' option, the
terms of the 1987 Agreement may govern the termination.  In the event of a
Change of Control following conversion of the Employment Agreement into a
consulting agreement, Mr. Williams will have the option of terminating the
consulting agreement and, thereafter, would be entitled to receive an amount
equal to all compensation due through the unexpired portion of the five-year
consulting agreement.

    The Company has entered into agreements with each of George H. Ellis and
Warner C. Blow, which agreements provide for the employment of such executives
by the Company upon the occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company (as
defined in such agreements). The agreements expire three years after the date of
the Change of Control and require the Company to pay each executive, if his
employment is terminated within such three-year period, an amount equal to 300%
of his salary, bonus and the cash value of benefits received during the twelve-
month period immediately preceding termination.

    The Company has also entered into employment agreements with each of Mr.
Blow and Mr. Ellis, which agreements provide for the continued compensation of
Messrs. Blow and Ellis in the event that the Company terminates the employment
of either such officer. Such agreements will expire three years after the date
on which notice of termination is given by the Company. Such agreements require
the Company to continue to pay the salary, bonus and the cash value of certain
benefits in effect prior to termination for a period of 36 months following such
officer's termination from employment. In the event of termination of employment
following a Change of Control, at the terminated officer's option, the terms of
the agreements regarding a Change of Control may govern termination.

PENSION PLAN TABLE

    Informatics Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan II ("SERP II").  In
connection with its acquisition of Informatics General Corporation in 1985, the
Company retained the SERP II.  As of December 31, 1995, Mr. Warner Blow had
accrued approximately twenty-one years of service under SERP II.  None of the
other named executive officers participates in SERP II.  The annual benefit
payable upon retirement at age 65 or above under SERP II is equal to the lesser
of the following amounts:  (i) 2% of the participant's "final average pay",

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
which is equal to the highest average of the participant's base salary plus the
participant's bonuses (up to a maximum bonus amount not to exceed 50% of the
participant's base salary) over three consecutive years of service times the
participant's years of service and (ii) 50% of the final average pay less the
annuity equivalent of the participant's account balance under the Sterling
Software, Inc. Subsidiary Retirement Plan as of June 30, 1987 and the annuity
equivalent of the assumed Company matching contribution under the Company's
401(k) Plan thereafter (collectively, the "annuity offset"). Benefits paid under
SERP II are adjusted in the event of disability or retirement prior to age 65.
Benefits are also adjusted annually, upward or downward, to the extent that the
increase or decrease, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding
calendar year over the Consumer Price Index for the next preceding calendar year
exceeds 5%. Amounts paid under SERP II are taxable as income. SERP II is not
funded and benefits are paid as they become due.

    The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement at age 65 to the participants in SERP II for the indicated level of
three-year average annual compensation and various periods of service. The
amounts shown in the table may be subject to the annuity offset, the amount of
which depends on the pay history of the participant and the return on the
Company's 401(k) Plan .

                                Years of Service
                  -------------------------------------------
Remuneration        15       20       25       30       35
----------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
[S]               [C]      [C]      [C]      [C]      [C]
   $400,000.....  120,000  160,000  200,000  200,000  200,000
    500,000.....  150,000  200,000  250,000  250,000  250,000
    600,000.....  180,000  240,000  300,000  300,000  300,000
    700,000.....  210,000  280,000  350,000  350,000  350,000
 

EXECUTIVE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

    During fiscal 1995, the members of the Executive Committee were primarily
responsible for determining executive compensation, and the members of the
Company's Stock Option and Special Stock Option Committees made decisions
related to stock option grants to executive officers. The following directors,
who also are members of the Executive, Stock Option and/or Special Stock Option
Committees, participated in meetings with respect to executive officer
compensation matters: Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr., Sterling L. Williams,
Robert J. Donachie and Donald R. Miller, Jr. Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and
Sterling L. Williams are executive officers of the Company.

    Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. are executive officers and members of the
Executive Committees, Stock Option Committees and Boards of Directors of both
the Company and Michaels Stores. Additionally, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr.
are members of the compensation committee of the Michaels Stores' Board of
Directors. Accordingly, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. have participated in
decisions related to compensation of executive officers of each of the Company
and Michaels Stores. Donald R. Miller, Jr., a director and a member of the
Special Stock Option Committee of the Company, is also an officer and a director
of Michaels Stores. Evan A. Wyly, an executive officer and a director of the
Company, is also an officer and a director of Michaels Stores.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
    In June 1995, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement with Evan A.
Wyly, three trusts of which Sam Wyly serves as trustee (the "Sam Wyly Trusts"),
and four trusts of which Charles J. Wyly, Jr., serves as trustee (the "Charles
Wyly Trusts").  Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, Evan A. Wyly exchanged
25,010 shares of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.10 per
share (the "Preferred Stock"), for warrants to purchase 33,686 shares of Common
Stock, the Sam Wyly Trusts exchanged an aggregate of 74,995 shares of Preferred
Stock for warrants to purchase 101,011 shares of Common Stock, and the Charles
Wyly Trusts exchanged an aggregate of 99,995 shares of Preferred Stock for
warrants to purchase 134,684 shares of Common Stock.  The warrants have an
exercise price of $36.50 per share of Common Stock and became fully exercisable
on September 25, 1995.  The warrants are fully transferable and will expire on
June 27, 1997.  Following this exchange, no shares of Preferred Stock remained
outstanding.

    From time to time the Company leases charter aircraft from a company owned
by Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr., for travel by the Company's senior
management in the course of the Company's business. The Company is charged for
the use of such aircraft at prevailing rates. For travel during fiscal 1995,
such charges totalled $474,475. There were no such charges for travel from
October 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995.

    During fiscal 1995, Sterling L. Williams was indebted to the Company
pursuant to the terms of a promissory note executed by Mr. Williams effective
January 1, 1992, which note bore interest at an annual rate of 4.69% and matured
on December 31, 2000. The largest amount of indebtedness outstanding by Mr.
Williams to the Company since the beginning of fiscal 1994 was $1,610,826. Mr.
Williams repaid all outstanding principal and interest due under this promissory
note on June 9, 1995. In late fiscal 1995, Mr. Williams received unsecured
advances from the Company totalling $110,000, which were fully repaid by Mr.
Williams in November 1995.

    In fiscal 1995, the Company made payments totalling $367,239 to Intelecon
Services, Inc. ("Intelecon") for providing audio and visual aids and other
related services at prevailing rates at customer conferences, trade shows, user
group meetings and other corporate meetings. Laurie and David Matthews, the
daughter and son-in-law, respectively, of Sam Wyly, jointly hold 41.5% of the
outstanding stock of Intelecon. David Matthews is also an officer and a director
of Intelecon.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

    The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1995 information regarding
the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by each director of the
Company, each of the named executive officers, the directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group and each person known by the Company to own
5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock.  The persons
named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
shares of the Company's Common Stock owned by them, except as otherwise noted.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                               AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                 OF BENEFICIAL        PERCENT OF
          NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                 OWNERSHIP             CLASS
---------------------------------------------  ------------------     -----------
<S>                                                  <C>                  <C>
Sam Wyly.....................................        796,965  (1)         3.0%
Charles J. Wyly, Jr..........................        998,273  (2)         3.7
Evan A. Wyly.................................        116,440  (3)          *
Sterling L. Williams.........................      1,154,000  (4)         4.1
Phillip A. Moore.............................         54,274  (5)          *
Robert J. Donachie...........................         31,100  (6)          *
Michael C. French............................            800  (7)          *
Warner C. Blow...............................         37,900  (8)          *
George H. Ellis..............................              0               0
Donald R. Miller, Jr.........................         20,000  (9)          *
Robert E. Cook...............................          6,500 (10)          *
Francis A. Tarkenton.........................        223,800 (11)          *
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group        
 (22 persons)................................      3,572,689 (12)        12.4
The Wyly Group...............................      1,495,238 (13)         5.6
 
</TABLE>
_________________
   *   Less than 1%.

  (1)  Includes 257,342 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Sam Wyly
       is trustee and an aggregate of 438,612 shares held of record by two
       limited partnerships of which Mr. Wyly is general partner. Also includes
       101,011 shares purchasable pursuant to warrants directly owned by family
       trusts of which Mr. Wyly is trustee. Does not include an aggregate of
       1,100,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options owned by two separate
       irrevocable trusts established by Sam Wyly. Mr. Wyly disclaims beneficial
       ownership of such options and the underlying shares.

  (2)  Includes 307,016 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Charles
       J. Wyly, Jr. is trustee and 556,574 shares held of record by two limited
       partnerships of which Mr. Wyly is general partner.  Also includes 134,683
       shares purchasable pursuant to warrants directly owned by family trusts
       of which Mr. Wyly is trustee. Does not include an aggregate of 550,000
       shares purchasable pursuant to options owned by two separate irrevocable
       trusts established by Charles J. Wyly, Jr. Mr. Wyly disclaims beneficial
       ownership of such options and the underlying shares.

  (3)  Includes 30,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options, and 33,686 shares
       purchasable pursuant to warrants.

  (4)  Includes 1,150,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options.

  (5)  Includes 150 shares directly held by Mr. Moore's son and 22,125 shares
       purchasable pursuant to options.

  (6)  Includes 30,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options.

  (7)  Includes 800 shares held in a retirement account directed by Mr. French.
       Does not include 42,500 shares purchasable pursuant to options owned by
       an irrevocable trust established by Mr. French. Mr. French disclaims
       beneficial ownership of such options and the underlying shares.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
  (8)  Includes 36,550 shares purchasable pursuant to options.

  (9)  All of such shares are purchasable pursuant to options.

  (10) Does not include 2,709 shares purchasable pursuant to options
       beneficially owned by Mr. Cook's wife.  Mr. Cook disclaims beneficial
       ownership of such options and the underlying shares.

  (11) Includes 195,953 shares of Common Stock of the 197,453 shares originally
       received in exchange for shares of KnowledgeWare common stock owned
       directly by Mr. Tarkenton in connection with the Company's acquisition of
       KnowledgeWare, 26,449 shares purchasable pursuant to options, 250 shares
       directly held by Mr. Tarkenton's stepdaughter, and 1,148 shares owned by
       the Tarkenton Group, Inc., which is wholly owned by Mr. Tarkenton. 40,687
       shares (including the 1,148 shares held by the Tarkenton Group, Inc.)
       were held in the KnowledgeWare escrow in connection with the
       KnowledgeWare acquisition. As of January 24, 1996, all shares held in
       escrow were disbursed to the Company or its designees pursuant to
       indemnification provisions in the Merger Agreement between the Company
       and KnowledgeWare. As a result, such 40,687 shares are no longer
       beneficially owned by Mr. Tarkenton.

  (12) In addition to the ownership of the directors and named executive
       officers listed in the table and more fully described in notes (1)
       through (11) above, includes the following additional shares beneficially
       owned by executive officers of the Company not named in the table:
       420,851 shares purchasable pursuant to options and 1,324 shares held in
       escrow in connection with the Company's acquisition of KnowledgeWare. The
       shares held in escrow are no longer beneficially owned by an executive
       officer. See note (11) above.

  (13) The Wyly Group consists of Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Maverick
       Entrepreneurs Fund, Ltd. The address of Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr.
       is 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75206. The
       address of Maverick Entrepreneurs Fund, Ltd. is 8080 North Central
       Expressway, Suite 1300, Dallas, Texas 75206. See notes (1) and (2) above
       for information regarding the beneficial ownership of Sam Wyly and
       Charles J. Wyly, Jr.


ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

    Jackson & Walker, L.L.P, a law firm of which Michael C. French was a partner
until August 1995, provided legal services to the Company in fiscal 1995.  The
Company was not charged by such firm for time spent by Mr. French on any Company
matters during fiscal 1995.  Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, a law firm of whom Mr.
French is currently a consultant, provides legal services to the Company.  Such
firm does not charge the Company for any time spent by Mr. French on Company
matters.  Since January 1, 1994, Mr. French has received a non-refundable
retainer of $15,000 per month for his assistance in significant acquisitions and
other matters.  Beginning January 15, 1996, Mr. French has received $1,000 per
month as an employee of the Company, which amount is deducted from amounts paid
to him as a retainer.

    On July 2, 1994, the Company entered into a two-year Consultation Agreement
with REC Enterprises, Inc. ("REC") which is wholly owned by Robert E. Cook and
of which Mr. Cook is President.  Pursuant to this agreement, REC is entitled to
receive a monthly fee of $20,000 for the term of the agreement.  In
consideration for such fee, REC serves in an advisory capacity to the President
of the Company for the purpose of making certain financial and strategic
recommendations.  The agreement may be terminated by REC at any time and by the
Company in the event of the death of Mr. Cook.  In addition, Mr. Cook receives
$6,000 per year as an employee of the Company in order to fulfill certain
obligations to Mr. Cook in effect prior to July 1, 1993 (the date on which the
Company acquired Systems Center).  The Board of Directors of the Company deems
such salary to be in the nature of a deferred compensation arrangement.

    The Company leases office space in Reston, Virginia from a partnership of
which Mr. Cook is general partner and in which Mr. Cook has a 53% interest.  The
lease agreement was entered into by Systems Center in May 1985 and will expire
in 2001.  Rent payments for the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 1995
totalled $4,196,000.  Rent payments from October 1, 1995 through December 31,
1995 totalled $929,000.  The Company has no further option to extend the lease,
but does have a right of first offer if the building is offered for sale.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement between the Company and
KnowledgeWare, in December 1994 the Company entered into a three-year
Consultation Agreement with Mr. Francis A. Tarkenton (who served as the Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of KnowledgeWare prior to the Company's acquisition
of KnowledgeWare on November 30, 1994).  Pursuant to this Consultation
Agreement, Mr. Tarkenton receives a monthly fee of $25,000 for the term of the
agreement.  In consideration for such fee, Mr. Tarkenton serves in an advisory
capacity to the President of the Company for the purpose of making certain
financial and strategic recommendations regarding the Company's applications
development business, and, at the request of the Company's President, is
required to represent the Company in certain mergers and acquisitions and at
trade shows, user group meetings, quota clubs, professional association meetings
and meetings with prospective and current clients. In addition, Mr. Tarkenton
receives an allowance of $3,000 per month for office and secretarial assistance
relating to the performance of his duties under the agreement. The agreement may
be terminated by Mr. Tarkenton

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
at any time. During the three-year term, Mr. Tarkenton also receives $10,000 per
year as an employee of the Company in order to meet certain obligations to Mr.
Tarkenton in effect prior to November 30, 1994, which amount is deducted from
amounts paid under the Consultation Agreement. For a discussion of Common Stock
beneficially owned by Mr. Tarkenton, see "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management."

    For a discussion of transactions involving Sterling L. Williams, Sam Wyly,
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. or Evan A. Wyly, see "Item 11.  Executive Compensation --
Executive and Stock Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1 to its Annual
Report on Form 10-K, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.


                              STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.


Date:  January 29, 1996       By:  /s/ GEORGE H. ELLIS
                                   -------------------
                                 George H. Ellis
                                 Executive Vice President, Finance
                                 and Chief Financial Officer
                                 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

                                      -16-