<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 1,935
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 79,653
<ALLOWANCES> 3,150
<INVENTORY> 10,210
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 91,345
<PP&E> 13,112
<DEPRECIATION> 5,622
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 98,835
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 72,506
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 6
<OTHER-SE> 14,023
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 98,835
<SALES> 370,741
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 370,741
<CGS> 335,146
<TOTAL-COSTS> 393,774
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (5,266)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 1,237
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,814
<INCOME-PRETAX> (19,581)
<INCOME-TAX> (723)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (21,818)
<EPS-BASIC> (3.43)
<EPS-DILUTED> (3.43)
</TABLE>