<PAGE>   1
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                ----------------

                                    FORM 10-Q


     [X]       QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
               OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1999

     [ ]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
               OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the Transition Period From _____________ to _______________

                      ------------------------------------

                         Commission File Number 0-21484

                         THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION, INC.

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in this charter)


               CALIFORNIA                                 94-2549086
      (State or other jurisdiction of                  (I.R.S. Employer
      incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)


      400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, California                 95060
         (Address of principal executive office)               (Zip Code)


        Registrant's telephone number, including area code (831) 425-7222


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 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 the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.    Yes [X]    No [ ]

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of March
31, 1999 was 34,221,811.

================================================================================

<PAGE>   2

                         THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION, INC.

                                    FORM 10-Q

                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                              Page
<S>                                                                              <C>
          a)   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               for the three and six months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998........  1

          b)   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               as of March 31, 1999 and September 30, 1998.......................  2

          c)   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               for the six months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998..................  3

          d)   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS .......................  4

     ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
               RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.............................................  6


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............... 11

     ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS.......................................................... 11


Signatures....................................................................... 12
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3
                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                          ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except earnings per share)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                           MARCH 31,                  MARCH 31,
                                                      ------------------          -----------------
                                                       1999         1998          1999         1998
                                                          (UNAUDITED)                (UNAUDITED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>     
NET REVENUES                                         $ 55,738     $ 50,540      $108,444     $ 98,037
COST OF REVENUES                                       12,427       12,953        24,295       25,299
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      GROSS MARGIN                                     43,311       37,587        84,149       72,738
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
   Research and development                            10,287       10,411        20,177       21,170
   Sales and marketing                                 23,612       19,187        46,669       38,806
   General and administrative                           5,777        4,250        10,350        8,854
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total operating expenses                         39,676       33,848        77,196       68,830
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      OPERATING INCOME                                  3,635        3,739         6,953        3,908
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
   Interest income, net                                   498          470         1,074          945
   Other income (expense), net                            446          (52)          436           49
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Income before income taxes                        4,579        4,157         8,463        4,902
   Income taxes                                           735          956         1,515        1,277
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NET INCOME                                        3,844        3,201         6,948        3,625
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX
   Foreign currency translation adjustment               (597)         159          (853)         382
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                           $  3,247     $  3,360      $  6,095     $  4,007
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NET INCOME PER SHARE:
           Basic                                     $   0.11     $   0.09      $   0.20     $   0.10
           Diluted                                   $   0.11     $   0.09      $   0.20     $   0.10
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      SHARES USED IN INCOME PER SHARE CALCULATION:   
           Basic                                       34,339       36,094        34,550       36,221
           Diluted                                     35,394       36,431        35,294       36,656
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       1
<PAGE>   4

THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  MARCH 31,                SEPTEMBER 30,
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                                         1999                      1998
(In thousands, except for share data)                           (UNAUDITED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                        <C>
 ASSETS
 Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                                     $ 27,621                   $ 23,758
    Short-term investments                                          24,818                     27,318
    Receivables, net                                                32,961                     28,633
    Deferred tax assets                                              3,488                      3,487
    Other current assets                                             6,588                      8,052
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total current assets                                          95,476                     91,248
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Property and equipment, net                                        12,417                     12,929
 Purchased software and technology licenses, net                    12,003                     13,013
 Other assets                                                       12,341                     13,999
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TOTAL ASSETS                                                $132,237                   $131,189
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Current liabilities:
    Trade accounts payable                                        $  7,839                   $  7,655
    Royalties payable                                                7,074                      5,062
    Income taxes payable                                             2,733                      1,876
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                  30,184                     28,590
    Deferred revenues                                               12,652                     15,844
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total current liabilities                                     60,482                     59,027
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other long-term liabilities                                        10,541                     12,027
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Common stock, no par value, net, authorized 100,000,000 
        shares
      Issued and outstanding 34,221,811 and 35,048,916 shares      106,956                    111,972
    Accumulated other comprehensive income                             439                      1,292
    Accumulated deficit                                            (46,181)                   (53,129)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Shareholders' Equity                                    61,214                     60,135
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY               $132,237                   $131,189
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       2
<PAGE>   5

THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                MARCH 31,
                                                                          --------------------  
                                                                          1999            1998
                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>
     CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net income                                                         $  6,948        $  3,625
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
        used for operating activities -
           Depreciation and amortization                                   6,392           7,364
           Deferred tax assets                                                --            (102)
           Exchange gain                                                       8            (362)
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities -
           Receivables                                                    (5,676)           (897)
           Other current assets                                            2,308             244
           Other assets                                                    1,335           1,116
           Royalties payable                                               2,012          (4,311)
           Trade accounts payable                                            364           3,119
           Income taxes payable                                              965             539
           Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                  2,413          (3,956)
           Deferred revenues                                              (3,086)            505
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net cash provided by operating activities                  13,983           6,884
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
           Purchases of property and equipment                            (2,921)         (1,128)
           Purchases of software and technology licenses                  (1,875)         (1,121)
           Sales of short-term investments                                18,173          14,242
           Purchases of short-term investments                           (15,673)        (14,175)
           Changes in other assets                                           (62)           (421)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net cash used for investing activities                     (2,358)         (2,603)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
           Payments on capital leases                                     (1,755)         (1,166)
           Net proceeds from sale of common stock                          1,320             969
           Repurchases of common stock                                    (6,335)         (4,497)
           Other long-term liabilities                                      (227)          2,965
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net cash used for financing activities                     (6,997)         (1,729)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents          (765)            348
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Change in cash and cash equivalents                                   3,863           2,900
     Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                     23,758          23,225
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                         $ 27,621        $ 26,125
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
         Cash paid-
           Income taxes                                                 $    668        $    733
           Interest                                                          249             524
         Non-cash financing and investing activities-
           Assets recorded under capital leases                         $     --        $  2,574
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>   6

THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION,INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited, consolidated
     statements of operations, balance sheets and statements of cash flows have
     been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
     and include all material adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring
     adjustments) necessary for their fair presentation. The financial
     statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned
     subsidiaries after all material intercompany balances and transactions have
     been eliminated. The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained
     in the fiscal year 1998 report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction
     with these Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidated interim
     results presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected
     for a full year. Certain reclassifications have been made for consistent
     presentation. The September 30, 1998 balance sheet was derived from audited
     financial statements, and is included for comparative purposes.

     For software arrangements entered into on or after October 1, 1998, the
     Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Statement of Position ("SOP")
     97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition" as amended by SOP 98-9. SOP 97-2
     supercedes SOP 91-1 "Software Revenue Recognition" and requires that if an
     arrangement to deliver software or a software system does not require
     significant production, modification, or customization of software, then
     revenue should be recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement
     exists, delivery has occurred, the vendor's fee is fixed or determinable,
     and collectibility is probable. Accordingly, the Company will generally
     recognize license fee revenue upon product shipment provided there are no
     contingencies and collection is probable.

     Effective October 1, 1998 the Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS
     130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income". Accordingly, the total for
     comprehensive income as defined by SFAS 130 has been reported for the three
     months and six months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998.

2.   EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) DISCLOSURES

     The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with the provisions
     of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (SFAS 128), Earnings
     Per Share. SFAS 128 requires the presentation of basic and diluted earnings
     per share. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common
     shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
     for the period. Diluted EPS is computed giving effect to all dilutive
     potential common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive
     potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable
     upon the exercise of stock options for all periods. Basic and diluted
     earnings per share were calculated as follows during the three month and
     six month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998:

                                       4
<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except per share and option data)
                                                       Three Months Ended                  Six Months Ended
                                                            March 31,                          March 31,
                                                   -----------------------------     ------------------------------
                                                     1999               1998             1999              1998
                                                   ---------         -----------     ------------     -------------
                                                                             (unaudited)
<S>                                                <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>
Basic:
  Weighted average shares                             34,339              36,094           34,550            36,221
  Net income                                         $ 3,844             $ 3,201          $ 6,948           $ 3,625
  Net income per share                               $  0.11             $  0.09          $  0.20           $  0.10

Diluted:
  Weighted average shares                             34,339              36,094           34,550            36,221
    Common equivalent shares from 
    stock options and warrants                         1,055                 337              744               435
                                                     -------             -------          -------           -------
  Shares used in per share calculation                35,394              36,431           35,294            36,656
                                                     -------             -------          -------           -------
  Net income                                         $ 3,844             $ 3,201          $ 6,948           $ 3,625

  Net income per share                               $  0.11             $  0.09          $  0.20           $  0.10

Options outstanding at 3/31/99 and at 3/31/98 
  not included in computation of diluted EPS 
  because the exercise price was greater
  than the average market price.                   2,328,214           7,271,036        5,924,824         6,497,155

Price range of options not used in
  diluted EPS calculation                        $5.06 - 12.00     $4.44 - 12.00     $4.71 -12.00     $4.88 - 12.00
</TABLE>


3.      RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On December 31, 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued SOP
98-9 "Modification of SOP 97-2 Software Revenue Recognition". SOP 98-9 amends
paragraphs 11 and 12 of SOP 97-2 to require revenue recognition using the
"residual method" under certain circumstances. This statement will be effective
for transactions entered into for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 1998
and will be adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2000. Management does not
anticipate that the adoption of this SOP will have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or the results of its operations.

In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
133, (SFAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,
which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments
and hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognizes all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measures
those instruments at fair value. Management has not yet evaluated the effects of
this change on its operations. The Company will adopt SFAS 133 as required for
its first quarterly filing of fiscal year 2000.

In June 1997, The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (SFAS 131), Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information. This statement establishes standards for
disclosure about operating segments in annual financial statements and selected
information in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards for
related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. This statement supersedes Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 14, Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise. The new
standard became effective for the Company's fiscal year 1999. The Company will
adopt the requirements of and provide all disclosures necessary in the Company's
annual report for fiscal year 1999.

                                       5
<PAGE>   8

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS

In addition to historical information contained herein, this Discussion and
Analysis may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes
no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements in response to
events or circumstances after the date hereof.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET REVENUES

Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1999 increased 10% to $55.7
million from $50.5 million in the same period in fiscal 1998. For the six months
ended March 31, 1999, net revenues increased 11% to $108.4 million from $98.0
million for the six months ended March 31, 1998. The stronger revenue
performance across all geographies is attributable to strong upgrade business
associated with Year 2000 compliance, more contact with customers as a result of
added sales resources and higher project business worldwide. No one customer
accounted for more than 10% of net revenues in the second quarter ended March
31, 1999 or in the same period in the prior year.

International revenues continue to represent a significant portion of total net
revenues comprising 56% of the revenues for the second fiscal quarter of 1999,
and 54% for the same quarter in fiscal 1998.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of revenues as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 22% in the second
quarter of fiscal 1999 from 26% in the same period of 1998. For the six month
periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, cost of revenues represented 22% and 26%,
respectively. These decreases were due to reduced royalty rates and reduced
technology costs coupled with the impact of stable fixed costs over higher unit
sales volume. In addition, material costs are declining as a result of
increasing e-commerce trade.

Research and development expenses decreased 1% to $10.3 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 1999 from $10.4 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal
1998, or 18% and 21% of net revenues, respectively. For the six months ended
March 31, 1999, research and development expenses decreased 5% to $20.2 million
compared to $21.2 million for the same period in 1998. This represented 19% of
net revenues in fiscal 1999 and 22% in fiscal 1998. The spending decrease was
primarily due to reduced staffing levels and reduced depreciation.

Sales and marketing expenses increased 23% to $23.6 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 1999 from $19.2 million for the comparable quarter of the
prior year. Sales and marketing expenses represented 42% of net revenues in the
second quarter of fiscal 1999 and 38% in 1998. For the six months ended March
31, 1999, sales and marketing expenses increased to $46.7 million (43% of net
revenues) from $38.8 million (40% of net revenues) for the same period of the
prior fiscal year. Added staffing as well as sales program costs that vary
directly with increased sales drove the increase.

General and administrative expenses increased 36% to $5.8 million for the second
quarter of fiscal 1999 from $4.3 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal
1998, representing 10% and 8% of net revenues, respectively. For the six months
ended March 31, 1999, general and administrative expenses increased 17% to $10.4
million, or 10% of net revenues, compared to $8.9 million, or 9% of net
revenues, for the same period in 1998. Higher legal costs, increased bonuses and
a one-time bad debt expense all contributed to the change.

Other income consists of net interest income, foreign exchange gain and loss as
well as other miscellaneous income and expense items. For the second quarter of
fiscal 1999, other income was $0.9 million, compared to $0.4 million for the
same quarter of fiscal 1998. For the six months ended March 31, 1999, other
income was $1.5 million as compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 1998.
The growth in other income was primarily due to the gain on the sale of an
investment position in a domestic channel distribution partner.

The provision for income taxes was $0.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal
1999 compared to $1.0 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year, and
$1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 1999 compared to $1.3 

                                       6
<PAGE>   9

million for the corresponding fiscal 1998 period. The tax provisions for the
second quarter and six month periods of the current and prior fiscal years
resulted from foreign taxes paid and reflect the realization of certain U.S.
deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was previously established.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 1999 was $3.8 million compared to
$3.2 million for 1998. For the six months ended March 31, 1999, net income was
$6.9 million compared to $3.6 million in the same period in 1998.


FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

The Company's future operating results may be affected by various uncertain
trends and factors which are beyond the Company's control. These include adverse
changes in general economic conditions and rapid or unexpected changes in the
technologies affecting the Company's products. The process of developing new
high technology products is complex and uncertain and requires accurate
anticipation of customer needs and technological trends. The industry has become
increasingly competitive and, accordingly, the Company's results may also be
adversely affected by the actions of existing or future competitors, including
the development of new technologies, the introduction of new products, and the
reduction of prices by such competitors to gain or retain market share. The
Company's results of operations could be adversely affected if it were required
to lower its prices significantly.

The Company participates in a highly dynamic industry and future results could
be subject to significant volatility, particularly on a quarterly basis. The
Company's revenues and operating results may be unpredictable due to the
Company's shipment patterns. The Company operates with little backlog of orders
because its products are generally shipped as orders are received. In general, a
substantial portion of the Company's revenues have been booked and shipped in
the third month of the quarter, with a concentration of these revenues in the
latter half of that third month. In addition, the timing of closing of large
license contracts and the release of new products and product upgrades increase
the risk of quarter to quarter fluctuations and the uncertainty of quarterly
operating results. The Company's staffing and operating expense levels are based
on an operating plan and are relatively fixed throughout the quarter. As a
result, if revenues are not realized in the quarter as expected, the Company's
expected operating results could be adversely affected, and such effect could be
substantial and could result in an operating loss.

The Company experiences seasonality of revenues for both the European market and
the U.S. federal government market. European revenues during the quarter ending
June 30 are historically lower or relatively flat compared to the prior quarter.
This reflects a reduction of customer purchases in anticipation of reduced
selling activity during the summer months. Sales to the U.S. federal government
generally increase during the quarter ending September 30. This seasonal
increase is primarily attributable to increased purchasing activity by the U.S.
federal government prior to the close of its fiscal year. Additionally, net
revenues for the first quarter of the fiscal year are typically lower or
relatively flat compared to net revenues of the prior quarter.

The overall cost of revenues may be affected by changes in the mix of net
revenue contribution between licenses and services, product families,
geographical regions and channels of distribution, as the costs associated with
these revenues may have substantially different characteristics. The Company may
also experience a change in margin as net revenues increase or decrease since
technology costs, service costs and production costs are fixed within certain
volume ranges.

The Company's results of operations could be adversely affected if it were to
lower its prices significantly. In the event the Company reduced its prices, the
Company's standard terms for selected distributors provide credit for inventory
ordered in the previous 180 days, such credits to be applied against future
purchases. The Company, as a matter of policy, does not allow product returns
for refund. Product returns are generally allowed for stock balancing and are
accompanied by compensating and offsetting orders. Revenues are net of a
provision for estimated future stock balancing and excess quantities above
levels the Company believes are appropriate in its distribution channels. The
Company monitors the quantity and mix of its product sales.

The Company depends on information received from external sources in evaluating
the inventory levels at distribution partners in the determination of reserves
for the return of materials not sold, stock rotation and price protection.
Significant effort has gone into developing systems and procedures for
determining the appropriate reserve level.

                                       7
<PAGE>   10

As the Company determines whether its tax carryforwards will more likely than
not be utilized in the future, or as new tax legislation is enacted, the
Company's effective tax rate is subject to significant change. In the event that
the Company does not show sufficient profitability in the future, the Company
may be required to write off portions of the net deferred tax assets previously
recognized up to the entire amount of $7.8 million.

Substantial portions of the Company's revenues are derived from sales to
customers outside the United States. Trade sales to international customers
represented 56% and 54% of total revenues for second quarter of fiscal 1999 and
1998, respectively. A substantial portion of these international revenues are
denominated in the U.K. pound sterling, and operating results can vary with
changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate for such currency. The Company's
revenues can also be affected by general economic conditions in the United
States, Europe and other international markets. The Company's operating strategy
and pricing take into account changes in exchange rates over time. However, the
Company's results of operations may be significantly affected in the short term
by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company's policy is to amortize purchased software and technology licenses
using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the
product, or on the ratio of current revenues to total projected product
revenues, whichever is greater. Due to competitive pressures, it is reasonably
possible that those estimates of anticipated future gross revenues, the
remaining estimated economic life of the product, or both, will be reduced
significantly in the near future. As a result, the book value of the Company's
purchased software and technology licenses may be reduced materially in the near
future and, therefore, could create an adverse impact on the Company's future
reported earnings.

The Company continually evaluates potential acquisition candidates. Such
candidates are selected based on products or markets which are complementary to
those of the Company's. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks,
including the successful combination of the companies in an efficient and timely
manner, the coordination of research and development and sales efforts, the
retention of key personnel, the integration of the acquired products, the
diversion of management's attention to assimilation of the operations and
personnel of the acquired companies, and the difficulty of presenting a unified
corporate image. The Company's operations and financial results could be
significantly affected by such an acquisition.

The Company's continued success depends to a significant extent on senior
management and other key employees. None of these individuals is subject to a
long-term employment contract or a non-competition agreement. Competition for
qualified people in the software industry is intense. The loss of one or more
key employees or the Company's inability to attract and retain other key
employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The stock market in general, and the market for shares of technology companies
in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations, which have often
been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. In
addition, factors such as new product introductions by the Company or its
competitors may have a significant impact on the market price of the Company's
Common Stock. Furthermore, quarter-to-quarter fluctuations in the Company's
results of operations caused by changes in customer demand may have a
significant impact on the market price of the Company's stock. These conditions,
as well as factors which generally affect the market for stocks of high
technology companies, could cause the price of the Company's stock to fluctuate
substantially over short periods.

The Company is aware of the issues associated with the on-going changes in
Europe aimed at forming a European economic and monetary union (the "EMU"). One
of the changes resulting from this union required EMU member states to
irrevocably fix their respective currencies to a new currency, the Euro, on
January 1, 1999. On that day, the Euro became a functional legal currency within
these countries. During the next three years, business in the EMU member states
will be conducted in both the 25 existing national currencies, such as the Franc
or Deutsche Mark, and the Euro. As a result, companies operating in or
conducting business in EMU member states will need to ensure that their
financial and other software systems are capable of processing transactions and
properly handling these currencies, including the Euro. The Company is still
assessing the impact the EMU formation will have on both its internal systems
and the products it sells. The Company will take appropriate corrective actions
based on the results of such assessment. The Company has not yet determined the
cost related to addressing this issue, and there can be no assurance that this
issue and its related costs will not have a materially adverse affect on the
company's business, operating results and financial condition.

                                       8
<PAGE>   11

YEAR 2000 ISSUES

The approach of Year 2000 is causing a great deal of concern and discussion in
the computer industry. There are many varieties of Year 2000 problems. One major
concern is the accurate dating of files and transactions after January 1, 2000.
For many years, software has represented dates using the MM/DD/YY format (or
some variant), which allows for the display of only the last two digits of the
year. With the upcoming transition from 99 to 00, dating problems may occur on
systems that interpret a YY value of 00 incorrectly. The Company must address
the millennium issues from a perspective of both developing and selling software
products and also maintaining internal Company operations.

The Company has taken steps to mitigate operating system date processing errors
that might occur with the onset of the Year 2000 (Y2K). The Company has: 

-    issued a Year 2000 Date Processing Limited Warranty for Designated Software
that defines how we expect our products to perform when processing dates in the
Year 2000;

-    produced an SCO Year 2000 White Paper detailing how Year 2000 affects SCO
products and what products are covered by the Year 2000 Date Processing Limited
Warranty;

-    performed Year 2000 testing of all current SCO products;

-    issued fixes for Year 2000 problems that we have detected in current SCO
supported products;

-    created a project team to maintain a consistent Year 2000 policy for our
customers and to coordinate cross functional activities; and

-    created a Year 2000 committee to test, verify or upgrade internal systems
and third party vendor software to insure continued operation of our
infrastructure.

SCO believes that it has substantially identified and resolved all potential
Year 2000 problems in software products under warranty that it develops and
markets. However, management also believes that it is not possible to determine
with complete certainty that all Year 2000 problems affecting the Company's
software products have been identified or corrected due to 1) the complexity of
these products, 2) the fact that these products interact with other third party
vendor products and 3) the operation on computer systems which are not under the
Company's control.

The Company believes that it has identified substantially all of the major
computers, software applications, and related equipment used in connection with
its internal operations that must be modified, upgraded, or replaced to minimize
the possibility of a material disruption to its business. The Company has
commenced modifying, upgrading, and replacing major systems that have been
identified as adversely affected, and expects to complete this process by mid
1999.

Further, the Company has initiated communications with third party suppliers of
the major computers, software, and other equipment used, operated, or maintained
by the Company to identify and, to the extent possible, to resolve issues
involving the Year 2000 problem. However, the Company has limited or no control
over the actions of these third party suppliers. Thus, while the Company expects
that it will be able to resolve any significant Year 2000 problems with these
systems, there can be no assurance that these suppliers will resolve any or all
Year 2000 problems with these systems before the occurrence of a material
disruption to the business of the Company or any of its customers. Any failure
of these third parties to resolve Year 2000 problems with their systems in a
timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition, and results of operation.

The Company expects to identify and resolve all Year 2000 problems that could
materially adversely affect its business operations and products. The exposure
on the product side is possible provision of free upgrade software to a few
customers. However, management believes that it is not possible to determine
with complete certainty that all Year 2000 problems affecting the Company have
been identified or corrected. The number of devices and permutations are too
numerous. The Company is prepared for the likelihood of a few operational
inconveniences and diversion of attention from ordinary business. However, the
Company feels confident that there will be no adverse material effect on the
Company's business or results of operations.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

The Company is in the process of developing contingency plans in the event that
the Company's systems or products prove to not be Year 2000 compliant. The
Company is currently reviewing its key business activities to 


                                       9
<PAGE>   12

develop plans to support ongoing business operations in the event of a
disruption and expects these plans to be completed shortly. However, the Company
cannot give any assurance that these contingency plans will be effective in
preventing Year 2000 related disruptions in the business which could have a
material adverse impact on the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition.

The discussion of the Company's efforts, and management's expectations, relating
the Year 2000 compliance are forward-looking statements. The Company's ability
to achieve Year 2000 readiness and the level of incremental costs associated
therewith, could be adversely impacted by, among other things, the availability
and cost of programming and testing resources, vendor's ability to modify
proprietary software, and unanticipated problems identified in the ongoing
review.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's cash and short-term investments totaled $52.4 million at March 31,
1999, representing 40% of total assets. The six month increase in cash and
short-term investments of $1.4 million was primarily attributable to an increase
in collections. At March 31, 1999, the Company had available lines of credit of
approximately $0.9 million under which the Company had $0.4 million in
outstanding borrowings. The Company believes that its existing cash and
short-term investments, funds generated from operations and available borrowing
capabilities will be sufficient to meet its operating requirements through at
least calendar 1999.

The Company's second quarter ended March 31, 1999 Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
was 53.2 days, a decrease of 4.3 days from the first quarter of fiscal 1999.

The Company is engaged in a systematic repurchase of the Company's Common Stock
for the funding of its employee programs. Additionally, the Company is
authorized to buy back up to 6,000,000 additional shares. As of March 31, 1999,
2,505,550 shares had been repurchased and retired under this non-systematic
program.

                                       10
<PAGE>   13

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc. held an annual meeting of shareholders on
     February 23, 1999. The following matters were approved by the shareholders
     by the votes indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                             NUMBER OF SHARES
     MATTER                      ------------------------------     
     ------                      FOR                   WITHHELD
                                 ---                   --------
<S>                              <C>                   <C>      
     ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:

     Ninian Eadie                29,982,540            1,308,029
     Ronald Lachman              31,086,038            204,531
     Robert M. McClure           30,994,468            296,101
     Douglas L. Michels          31,087,522            203,047
     Alok Mohan                  31,030,906            259,663
     R. Duff Thompson            29,982,259            1,308,310
     Gilbert Williamson          31,519,870            210,510
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     OTHER MATTERS:                         FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN        NO VOTE
                                         ----------     ---------     -------        -------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>      
     Amendment of the Company's          18,827,650     3,962,777     81,312         8,418,830
     1994 Incentive Stock Option
     Plan to increase the Plan share
     reserve by 2,000,000 shares.

     Amendment of the Company's          19,252,637     4,093,396     85,531         7,859,005
     1993 Director Option Plan to
     increase the Plan share reserve
     by 200,000 shares.

     Amendment of the Company's          22,983,911       378,012     69,641         7,859,005
     1993 Employee Stock Purchase
     Plan to increase the Plan share
     Reserve by 750,000 shares.

     Ratification of                     31,195,626        44,268     50,675               -0-
     PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP 
     as independent certified public 
     accountants of the Company.
</TABLE>


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a)  Exhibits

     27   Financial Data Schedule.


ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND 5 ARE NOT APPLICABLE AND HAVE BEEN OMITTED.

                                       11
<PAGE>   14

                                   Signatures


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                         The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.


Date: May 14, 1999                       By: /s/ John W. Luhtala
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                      John W. Luhtala
                                              Senior Vice President, Operations,
                                                 and Chief Financial Officer



                                         By: /s/ Jenny Twaddle
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                       Jenny Twaddle
                                                   Corporate Controller


                                       12
<PAGE>   15


                                EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT
NUMBER                  DESCRIPTION
--------                -----------

27                      Financial Data Schecule