STERLING SOFTWARE INC
DEF 14A, 1994-02-07
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
                  Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
    Filed by the Registrant /X/
    Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
    Check the appropriate box:
    / /  Preliminary Proxy Statement
    /X/  Definitive Proxy Statement
    / /  Definitive Additional Materials
    / /  Soliciting  Material  Pursuant  to  Section  240.14a-11(c)  or  Section
         240.142-12
 
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
                   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
   
/ /  $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2)
/ /  $500 per  each party  to  the controversy  pursuant  to Exchange  Act  Rule
     14a-6(i)(3)
/ /  Fee   computed  on   table  below   per  Exchange   Act  Rules  14a-6(i)(4)
     and 0-11
     1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     3) Per unit  price  or  other  underlying  value  of  transaction  computed
        pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:*
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
*    Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
     was determined.
/X/  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2)  and identify the  filing for which the  offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement  number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
     1) Amount Previously Paid:
        $125
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
        Preliminary Proxy Statement
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     3) Filing Party:
        Sterling Software, Inc.
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
     4) Date Filed:
        January 12, 1994
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
<PAGE>
   
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
    
 
                         8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
                                   SUITE 1100
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75206
 
   
                                                                February 8, 1994
    
Dear Stockholder:
 
    You  are cordially invited  to attend the Annual  Meeting of Stockholders of
Sterling Software,  Inc. to  be held  at  the Energy  Club, 8080  North  Central
Expressway,  Dallas, Texas,  on Thursday,  March 17,  1994 at  10:00 a.m., local
time.
 
   
    The attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement fully describe the
formal business to be transacted at the Meeting, which includes (i) the election
of three directors of the Company, (ii) the amendment of the Company's Incentive
Stock Option Plan and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (a) to increase the number
of shares of the Company's Common Stock available for issuance upon the exercise
of options granted under the Incentive  Stock Option Plan from 1,500,000  shares
to  1,750,000  shares,  and  under  the  Non-Statutory  Stock  Option  Plan from
2,500,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares, (b) to  extend the terms of such plans  to
December  31, 2003, in the case of the Incentive Stock Option Plan, and December
31, 2011, in  the case  of the  Non-Statutory Stock  Option Plan,  (c) upon  the
Company's  adoption  of  new Rule  16b-3  promulgated  under Section  16  of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Incentive Stock
Option Plan and the Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, to remove the current  Rule
16b-3 limitations on grants to all directors under such plans and simultaneously
provide  that  non-employee  members of  the  Board of  Directors  shall receive
options under the Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan only pursuant to an  automatic
formula  and (d) to provide the Company's Stock Option Committee with additional
flexibility in administering the Incentive  Stock Option Plan and  Non-Statutory
Stock Option Plan with respect to the exercisability of options upon termination
of  employment, including termination  due to death or  disability and (iii) the
adoption of the Company's 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.
    
 
    The Board of Directors  believes that the continued  success of the  Company
depends  upon its ability  to attract and retain  highly qualified and competent
key employees and advisors, including  officers and directors, and that  options
enhance  that ability and provide motivation  to such individuals to advance the
interests of the  Company and  its stockholders. The  Company's Incentive  Stock
Option  Plan and  Non-Statutory Stock  Option Plan have  each been  in place for
approximately 11 years. Since the adoption of such plans, the Company has  grown
significantly  and  management anticipates  future growth.  Most recently,  as a
result of the acquisition of  Systems Center, Inc. in  July 1993, the number  of
employees  of Sterling Software increased  from approximately 2,150 at September
30, 1992 to approximately  2,800 at September 30,  1993. The Board of  Directors
believes  that,  due  to the  limited  number  of shares  of  Common  Stock that
currently remain available for  issuance under the  Incentive Stock Option  Plan
and  Non-Statutory  Stock  Option Plan,  an  increase  in the  number  of shares
authorized under such  plans and the  adoption of the  1994 Non-Statutory  Stock
Option  Plan  are necessary  to facilitate  the Company's  growth. The  Board of
Directors believes that  it is  in the  best interests  of the  Company and  its
stockholders  to adopt a new stock option plan in addition to the existing stock
option plans because of recent changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,  as
amended,  which set limitations on the amount of the compensation deduction that
the Company may claim with respect  to payments to certain executives. The  1994
Non-Statutory  Stock Option Plan is intended to comply with the requirements for
an exception to such deduction limitation.
 
    Directors and  officers of  the Company  will be  present to  help host  the
meeting  and to respond to any questions  that our stockholders may have. I hope
you will be able to attend.
 
    The Company's Board of Directors believes  that a favorable vote on each  of
the  matters to  be considered at  the meeting is  in the best  interests of the
Company and its stockholders and unanimously  recommends a vote "FOR" each  such
matter.  Accordingly, we urge you to  review the accompanying material carefully
and to return the enclosed Proxy promptly.
 
    Please sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy without delay. If you attend
the Meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously mailed a Proxy.
 
                                                        Sincerely,
 
                                                         SAM WYLY
                                                  CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
<PAGE>
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
                         8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
                                   SUITE 1100
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75206
 
                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                           TO BE HELD MARCH 17, 1994
 
    NOTICE  IS  HEREBY  GIVEN  that  the  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Sterling Software, Inc. (the "Company" or "Sterling") will be held
at the Energy Club,  8080 North Central Expressway,  Dallas, Texas on  Thursday,
March 17, 1994, at 10:00 a.m., local time. A Proxy and a Proxy Statement for the
Meeting are enclosed.
 
    The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:
 
    (1) The election of three Class A directors for terms expiring in 1997.
 
   
    (2)  A  proposal to  amend  the Company's  Incentive  Stock Option  Plan and
       Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (i) to  increase the number of shares  of
       the  Company's Common Stock  available for issuance  upon the exercise of
       options granted under the Incentive  Stock Option Plan from 1,500,000  to
       1,750,000  shares,  and under  the Non-Statutory  Stock Option  Plan from
       2,500,000 to 4,000,000 shares, (ii) to extend the terms of such plans  to
       December  31, 2003, in the  case of the Incentive  Stock Option Plan, and
       December 31, 2011, in  the case of the  Non-Statutory Stock Option  Plan,
       (iii)  upon the  Company's adoption of  new Rule  16b-3 promulgated under
       Section 16  of the  Securities Exchange  Act of  1934, as  amended,  with
       respect  to the Incentive  Stock Option Plan  and the Non-Statutory Stock
       Option Plan, to remove  the current Rule 16b-3  limitations on grants  to
       all   directors  under   such  plans  and   simultaneously  provide  that
       non-employee members  of the  Board of  Directors shall  receive  options
       under  the Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan  only pursuant to an automatic
       formula and (iv)  to provide  the Company's Stock  Option Committee  with
       additional  flexibility in administering the  Incentive Stock Option Plan
       and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan with respect to the exercisability of
       options upon  termination of  employment,  including termination  due  to
       death or disability.
    
 
    (3) A proposal to adopt the 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.
 
    (4)  Such  other matters  as may  properly  come before  the Meeting  or any
       adjournments thereof.
 
    The close of business on January 31, 1994, has been fixed as the record date
for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting or
any adjournments  thereof. For  a  period of  at least  ten  days prior  to  the
Meeting,  a complete list of stockholders entitled  to vote at the Meeting shall
be open to the examination of any stockholder during ordinary business hours  at
the offices of the Company at 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 1100, Dallas,
Texas 75206.
 
    Information  concerning the matters to  be acted upon at  the Meeting is set
forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
 
    STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT  TO BE PRESENT AT  THE MEETING IN PERSON  ARE
URGED  TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING
ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
 
                                            By Order of the Board of Directors
 
                                                    JEANNETTE P. MEIER
                                                        SECRETARY
Dallas, Texas
   
February 8, 1994
    
<PAGE>
   
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
    
 
                         8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
                                   SUITE 1100
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75206
 
                                PROXY STATEMENT
                                      FOR
                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                           TO BE HELD MARCH 17, 1994
 
   
    This  Proxy  Statement  is  being  first  mailed  on  February  8,  1994  to
stockholders of Sterling  Software, Inc.  (the "Company" or  "Sterling") by  the
Board  of Directors  to solicit  proxies (the "Proxies")  for use  at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders  (the "Meeting")  to be held  at the  Energy Club,  8080
North  Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas, on  Thursday, March 17, 1994, at 10:00
a.m., local time, or at  such other time and place  to which the Meeting may  be
adjourned.
    
 
   
    The  purpose of the Meeting is to consider  and act upon (i) the election of
three Class A directors for terms expiring in 1997; (ii) a proposal to amend the
Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan  (the "Incentive Plan") and  Non-Statutory
Stock  Option  Plan (the  "Non-Statutory Plan")  (a) to  increase the  number of
shares of  Common Stock  available for  issuance upon  the exercise  of  options
granted  under the Incentive Plan from  1,500,000 to 1,750,000 shares, and under
the Non-Statutory Plan  from 2,500,000 to  4,000,000 shares, (b)  to extend  the
terms of such plans to December 31, 2003, in the case of the Incentive Plan, and
December 31, 2011, in the case of the Non-Statutory Plan, (c) upon the Company's
adoption  of  new Rule  16b-3  promulgated under  Section  16 of  the Securities
Exchange Act  of 1934,  as amended  (the "Exchange  Act"), with  respect to  the
Incentive  Plan and  the Non-Statutory  Plan, to  remove the  current Rule 16b-3
limitations on  grants to  all  directors under  such plans  and  simultaneously
provide  that  non-employee members  of  the Board  of  Directors ("non-employee
directors") shall receive options under the Non-Statutory Plan only pursuant  to
an  automatic formula  and (d) to  provide the Company's  Stock Option Committee
with  additional   flexibility  in   administering   the  Incentive   Plan   and
Non-Statutory   Plan  with  respect  to   the  exercisability  of  options  upon
termination of employment,  including termination  due to  death or  disability;
(iii)  a proposal to adopt  the 1994 Non-Statutory Stock  Option Plan (the "1994
Non-Statutory Plan") and (iv) such other matters as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
    
 
    All shares represented  by valid Proxies,  unless the stockholder  otherwise
specifies,  will be voted FOR (i) the  election of the three persons named under
"Election of Directors"  as nominees for  election as Class  A directors of  the
Company  for terms expiring  in 1997; (ii)  the proposal to  amend the Incentive
Plan and Non-Statutory  Plan (except  for broker  non-votes, which  will not  be
counted  as having been voted with respect to this proposal); (iii) the proposal
to adopt the 1994  Non-Statutory Plan (except for  broker non-votes, which  will
not  be counted as having been voted with respect to this proposal); and (iv) at
the discretion of the  Proxy holders with  regard to any  other matter that  may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Where a stockholder
has  appropriately  specified how  a  Proxy is  to be  voted,  it will  be voted
accordingly.
 
    The Proxy may be  revoked at any  time by providing  written notice of  such
revocation  to The First National Bank of Boston, Shareholder Services Division,
P.O. Box 1628, Boston, Massachusetts  02105-9903, which notice must be  received
prior  to 5:00 p.m., local time, March 10,  1994. If notice of revocation is not
received by  such date,  a stockholder  may nevertheless  revoke a  Proxy if  he
attends the Meeting and desires to vote in person.
<PAGE>
                       RECORD DATE AND VOTING SECURITIES
 
   
    The  record date  for determining the  stockholders entitled to  vote at the
Meeting was the close of  business on January 31,  1994 (the "Record Date"),  at
which  time  the Company  had  issued and  outstanding  approximately 19,974,786
shares of Common Stock, $.10 par  value ("Common Stock"), and 200,000 shares  of
Series  B Junior Preferred Stock ("Junior Preferred"), which Junior Preferred is
entitled to one vote per share with respect  to each matter to be acted upon  at
the   Meeting  (the  Common  Stock  and   the  Junior  Preferred  are  sometimes
collectively referred  to herein  as  the "Voting  Shares"). The  Voting  Shares
constitute  the only outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to be
voted at the Meeting.
    
 
                               QUORUM AND VOTING
 
    The presence at  the Meeting, in  person or by  Proxy, of the  holders of  a
majority  of the outstanding Voting Shares  is necessary to constitute a quorum.
Each Voting Share represented  at the Meeting,  in person or  by Proxy, will  be
counted  toward a quorum. Each Voting Share is entitled to one vote with respect
to each matter (including election of directors) to be voted on at the Meeting.
 
    Approval of the proposal  to elect the  three nominees to  serve as Class  A
directors  requires the  affirmative vote  of the holders  of a  majority of the
Voting Shares present, in person  or by Proxy, at  the Meeting, provided that  a
quorum  is present. Votes may be cast in  favor or withheld with respect to such
proposal. Votes that are withheld will be  counted toward a quorum, but will  be
excluded entirely from the tabulation for such proposal and, therefore, will not
affect the outcome of the vote on such proposal.
 
   
    In  order to  comply with Section  16 of  the Exchange Act,  approval of the
proposed amendments to the  Incentive Plan and  Non-Statutory Plan requires  the
favorable  vote of the  holders of a  majority of the  Voting Shares present, or
represented, and entitled to  vote at the  Meeting. Under the  rules of the  New
York Stock Exchange, at least a majority of the Voting Shares must be voted with
respect  to the proposal to amend the  Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan and
the proposal  to  adopt  the  1994 Non-Statutory  Plan,  and  approval  of  such
proposals  requires the  affirmative vote  of the holders  of a  majority of the
Voting Shares so voted. Abstentions on such proposals may be specified and  will
have  the same effect as a vote against such proposal. Broker non-votes will not
be counted as having been voted with respect to such proposals.
    
 
                      PROPOSAL I -- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
    There are three Class A  directors to be elected  for terms expiring at  the
Company's  Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1997 or until their successors have
been elected  and  qualified. It  is  intended that  the  names of  the  persons
indicated  in the  following table  will be  placed in  nomination and  that the
persons named in the Proxy  will vote for their  election. Each of the  nominees
has  indicated his willingness to serve as a member of the Board of Directors if
elected; however, in case any nominee  shall become unavailable for election  to
the  Board of Directors for any reason  not presently known or contemplated, the
Proxy holders will  have discretionary authority  in that instance  to vote  the
Proxy for a substitute. Proxies cannot be voted for more than three nominees.
 
    The nominees are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      NAME                            AGE                              POSITION
- ------------------------------------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>
CLASS A NOMINEES -- TERMS EXPIRING IN 1997
  Robert J. Donachie(1).........................          65                           Director
  Evan A. Wyly..................................          32                           Director
  Robert E. Cook(1).............................          52                           Director
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
    The  present directors of the Company whose terms will expire after 1994 are
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      NAME                            AGE                              POSITION
- ------------------------------------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>
CLASS B DIRECTORS -- TERMS EXPIRING IN 1995
  Phillip A. Moore..............................          51   Executive Vice President, Technology and Director
  Charles J. Wyly, Jr.(2)(3)....................          60   Vice Chairman of the Board and Director
  Michael C. French.............................          50   Director
CLASS C DIRECTORS -- TERMS EXPIRING IN 1996
  Sam Wyly(2)(3)................................          59   Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Stock Option
                                                                Committee, Chairman of the Executive Committee and
                                                                Director
  Sterling L. Williams(2)(3)....................          50   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
  Donald R. Miller, Jr..........................          39   Director
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Member of the Audit Committee
(2) Member of the Executive Committee
(3) Member of the Stock Option Committee
</TABLE>
 
    Sam Wyly co-founded Sterling in 1981 and has served as Chairman of the Board
and a  director  since its  formation.  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., a
specialty  retail  chain,  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.
 
    Charles J.  Wyly,  Jr. co-founded  Sterling  in 1981  and  has served  as  a
director since its formation. Effective November 1984, Mr. Wyly was elected Vice
Chairman  of the Board. 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, Inc. and  as
Chairman  of Maverick Capital, Ltd. Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is the father-in-law of
Donald R. Miller, Jr., a director of Sterling.
 
    Sterling  L.  Williams  co-founded  Sterling  in  1981  and  has  served  as
President,  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  a  director  of  Sterling  since its
formation.  Mr.  Williams  also  currently  serves  as  a  director  of   Cimage
Corporation,  a  privately held  provider  of document  management  systems, and
INPUT, an information technology market research company.
 
    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.
 
    Phillip  A. Moore co-founded Sterling  in 1981 and has  served as a director
since such time  and as Executive  Vice President, Technology  since July  1993.
Prior  to July 1993,  Mr. Moore served  as Senior Vice  President, Technology of
Sterling.
 
    Evan A. Wyly has served as a director of Sterling since July 1992. Mr.  Wyly
is  a  Managing Director  of Maverick  Capital, Ltd.  Prior to  joining Maverick
Capital, Ltd., Mr. Wyly served as  Vice President of Mergers and Investments  of
Michaels  Stores,  Inc.  from  December  1991 to  October  1993.  In  June 1988,
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Mr. Wyly founded Premier Partners  Incorporated, a private investment firm,  and
served  as President prior to joining Michaels Stores, Inc. Mr. Wyly also serves
as a director  of Michaels  Stores, Inc.  and Xscribe  Corp., a  high-technology
information management company.
 
    Michael  C. French has served as a  director of Sterling since July 1992. He
has been a partner  with the law  firm of Jackson &  Walker, L.L.P. since  1976.
Since  September 1992, Mr. French  has served as a  director of Michaels Stores,
Inc. Mr.  French  also currently  serves  as  a Managing  Director  of  Maverick
Capital, Ltd.
 
    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,  Inc. since  November 1990  and as a  director of  Michaels Stores, Inc.
since September 1992. Prior to November  1990, Mr. Miller served as Director  of
Real  Estate of  Michaels Stores, Inc.  Mr. Miller  also serves on  the Board of
Directors of Xscribe Corp.
 
    Robert E. Cook has served  as a director of  Sterling since July 1993.  From
1981  until July  1993, Mr. Cook  served as  Chairman and a  director of Systems
Center, Inc., a computer software company listed on the New York Stock Exchange,
which was acquired by  Sterling in July 1993  ("Systems Center"), and from  1981
until  February 1993 he served as Chief Executive Officer of Systems Center. Mr.
Cook currently also serves as a  director of Easel, Incorporated, a provider  of
application  development software, and ROADSHOW International, Inc., a privately
held provider of computer-based routing solutions for private fleet operations.
 
                       BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
 
    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
or its authorized  committees met thirty  times and acted  by unanimous  written
consent nineteen times during the 1993 fiscal year. During the 1993 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.
 
    The  Board of  Directors has established  audit, executive  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 1993 fiscal year  are
described below.
 
    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 monitors the performance of such firm; reviews and approves the
scope of  the  annual  audit  and  quarterly  reviews  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 all  public  financial reporting  documents  of the  Company.  Messrs.
Robert  J.  Donachie and  Robert  E. Cook  currently  are members  of  the Audit
Committee. Mr.  Cook  replaced  Michael  C. French,  who  served  on  the  Audit
Committee  during  the 1993  fiscal year.  The Audit  Committee met  three times
during the 1993 fiscal year.
 
    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.  The Executive Committee is empowered to act in lieu of
the Board of Directors on any matter except on those matters for which the Board
of Directors  has specifically  reserved authority  to itself  and except  those
matters  specifically  reserved  to the  full  Board  by law.  Messrs.  Sam Wyly
(Chairman), Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L. Williams currently are  members
of
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
the  Executive Committee.  The Executive  Committee met  two times  and acted by
unanimous written  consent  thirteen times  during  the 1993  fiscal  year.  The
Executive  Committee held responsibility  for determining executive compensation
for fiscal 1993.
 
    STOCK  OPTION  COMMITTEE.    The  Stock  Option  Committee  administers  the
Company's Incentive Plan, Non-Statutory Plan and 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan  (the "1992 Non-Statutory Plan"). The  Stock Option Committee has the power
to determine from time to time the individuals to whom options shall be granted,
the number of shares to be covered by each option and the time or times at which
options shall be exercisable. Messrs. Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles J. Wyly,  Jr.
and  Sterling L. Williams  currently are members of  the Stock Option Committee.
The Stock Option Committee met eighteen times during the 1993 fiscal year.
 
    1994 NON-STATUTORY PLAN  STOCK OPTION  COMMITTEE.  The  Board has  appointed
Robert  J. Donachie  and Donald R.  Miller, Jr.  as members of  the stock option
committee that has the authority to  and will administer the 1994  Non-Statutory
Plan (the "1994 Non-Statutory Plan Committee") if the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan is
approved  by the  stockholders. The  1994 Non-Statutory  Plan Committee  has the
authority to establish  and has  approved the  terms of  the 1994  Non-Statutory
Plan,  which  actions have  been  unanimously ratified  by  the Board.  The 1994
Non-Statutory  Plan  Committee   will  have  the   power,  subject  to   certain
restrictions  (as more  fully discussed under  "Proposal III --  Adoption of the
1994 Non-Statutory Plan"),  to determine from  time to time  the individuals  to
whom options shall be granted, the number of shares to be covered by each option
and the time or times at which options shall be exercisable.
 
    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.
 
                             STOCK OPTION PROPOSALS
 
   
    Proposals  II and  III below relate  to certain amendments  to the Incentive
Plan and Non-Statutory Plan and to the adoption of the 1994 Non-Statutory  Plan.
Amendments  to the Incentive Plan and  the Non-Statutory Plan (collectively, the
"Stock Option Plan Amendments")  have been unanimously adopted  by the Board  of
Directors,  subject to  the approval  of stockholders,  and are  intended (i) to
increase the  number of  shares  of Common  Stock  available for  issuance  upon
exercise of options granted under the Incentive Plan from 1,500,000 to 1,750,000
shares,  and under  the Non-Statutory Plan  from 2,500,000  to 4,000,000 shares,
(ii) to extend the terms of such plans to December 31, 2003, in the case of  the
Incentive  Plan, and December 31,  2011, in the case  of the Non-Statutory Plan,
(iii) upon the Company's adoption of new Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16
of the Exchange  Act with respect  to the Incentive  Plan and the  Non-Statutory
Plan,  to remove the current  Rule 16b-3 limitations on  grants to all directors
under such plans  and simultaneously provide  that non-employee directors  shall
receive  options  under the  Non-Statutory Plan  only  pursuant to  an automatic
formula  and  (iv)  to  provide  the  Stock  Option  Committee  with  additional
flexibility  in  administering the  Incentive Plan  and Non-Statutory  Plan with
respect to  the  exercisability  of  options  upon  termination  of  employment,
including  termination due  to death or  disability. The Board  of Directors has
also unanimously ratified the adoption by the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan  Committee
of  a new stock option plan, the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan, which addresses recent
changes to  the Internal  Revenue Code  of  1986, as  amended (the  "Code"),  as
discussed below. Members of the Company's management and Board of Directors have
indicated  that they  will vote all  shares held by  them in favor  of the Stock
Option Plan  Amendments and  the adoption  of the  1994 Non-Statutory  Plan  and
believe  approval  would  be  in  the best  interests  of  the  Company  and its
stockholders.
    
 
    The Board of Directors  believes that the continued  success of the  Company
depends  upon its ability  to attract and retain  highly qualified and competent
key employees and advisors, including  officers and directors, and that  options
enhance    that   ability    and   provide    motivation   to    key   employees
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
and advisors to advance the interests  of the Company and its stockholders.  The
Incentive  Plan and Non-Statutory Plan have each been in place for approximately
11 years. Since the adoption of such plans, the Company has grown  significantly
and  management anticipates  future growth.  Most recently,  as a  result of the
acquisition of Systems Center in July 1993, the number of employees of  Sterling
Software   increased  from  approximately   2,150  at  September   30,  1992  to
approximately 2,800  at September  30, 1993.  Although in  connection with  such
acquisition  the Company assumed  the stock option plans  of Systems Center (the
"Systems Center  Plans"),  such plans  were  assumed  for the  sole  purpose  of
administering  outstanding options granted  by Systems Center.  As a result, the
Stock Option Committee does not have  authority to make future grants under  the
Systems  Center Plans.  As of December  31, 1993,  approximately 360 individuals
held options under  the Systems Center  Plans. In addition,  as of December  31,
1993, only 218,200 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant under the
Incentive  Plan and  only 33,304 shares  of Common Stock  remained available for
grant under the  Non-Statutory Plan. The  Company expects to  continue to  issue
options  under both the  Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory  Plan, in the ordinary
course of  business and  in  connection with  possible future  acquisitions,  to
attract,  retain  and  motivate  key employees  and  advisors  in  a competitive
environment as  it deems  such  issuances appropriate.  The Board  of  Directors
believes  that an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under
the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan  and an extension of their  respective
terms  are necessary to facilitate  the Company's growth and  for the Company to
continue to benefit from such plans.  The Board of Directors also believes  that
an  amendment  to the  Non-Statutory Plan  to provide  that, upon  the Company's
adoption of new Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act with
respect to the Incentive Plan and the Non-Statutory Plan, the current Rule 16b-3
limitations on grants  to all directors  under such plans  will be removed  and,
thereafter,  non-employee directors will receive options under the Non-Statutory
Plan only pursuant to  a formula will  ensure that such  plans will continue  to
meet  the  requirements of  Rule  16b-3 under  the  Exchange Act.  Following the
Company's adoption of new Rule 16b-3 with respect to the Incentive Plan and  the
Non-Statutory  Plan,  there will  be  no restrictions  on  grants of  options to
employee directors under such plans other than those restrictions applicable  to
other  employees  of the  Company. Non-employee  directors  are not  eligible to
receive grants  of options  under the  Incentive Plan.  The Board  of  Directors
believes   that  the  other  proposed  amendments  to  the  Incentive  Plan  and
Non-Statutory Plan are desirable because they would increase the flexibility  of
the Stock Option Committee in administering the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory
Plan and enable the Stock Option Committee to add features that may make options
more   attractive  to  key  employees   and  advisors,  thereby  increasing  the
effectiveness of such plans.
    
 
   
    In August 1993, as  part of the Omnibus  Budget Reconciliation Act of  1993,
new Section 162(m) of the Code was enacted, which section provides for an annual
one  million dollar limitation on  the deduction that an  employer may claim for
compensation of  certain executives  (the "Deduction  Limitation"). New  Section
162(m)  of the Code  provides an exception  (the "Performance Based Compensation
Exception") to the Deduction Limitation  for options granted under stock  option
plans  that meet certain  requirements. In January 1994,  the Board of Directors
unanimously ratified the adoption  by the 1994  Non-Statutory Plan Committee  of
the  1994 Non-Statutory Plan for key  employees and advisors, including officers
and directors of the  Company and its subsidiaries,  subject to the approval  of
stockholders.  The  1994 Non-Statutory  Plan is  intended to  provide additional
options necessary to  facilitate the  Company's growth  and to  comply with  the
requirements  for the Performance Based  Compensation Exception to the Deduction
Limitation.  However,  there  are  many  unanswered  questions  concerning   the
application  of the  Deduction Limitation  and any  exceptions to  the Deduction
Limitation  because  the  statute  was   only  recently  enacted  and   Treasury
regulations  interpreting this  provision have  not been  issued in  final form.
Treasury regulations  have  been issued  in  proposed form  but  these  proposed
regulations are not comprehensive. Further, regulations in proposed form are not
legally  binding and may be modified or  withdrawn. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan will comply with the requirements for
the Performance Based  Compensation Exception to  the Deduction Limitation.  The
Board of Directors believes that it is in the best
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
interests  of the Company and its stockholders  to adopt a new stock option plan
that is intended to meet the requirements for the Performance Based Compensation
Exception to the Deduction Limitation.
 
     PROPOSAL II -- AMENDMENTS TO THE INCENTIVE PLAN AND NON-STATUTORY PLAN
 
    The Company's Incentive  Plan was  adopted in  March 1983  by the  Company's
stockholders for the benefit of the Company's key employees, including officers,
and  since that date, 404 employees have  participated in the Incentive Plan. As
of December 31, 1993, approximately 450 persons were eligible for  participation
in  the Incentive Plan, of which 119 persons were participating. Options granted
pursuant to  the Incentive  Plan are  intended to  qualify as  "incentive  stock
options"  within  the meaning  of  Section 422  of  the Code  for  favorable tax
treatment to the optionees. The Incentive Plan, as amended to date, provides for
the grant of options to acquire up  to 1,500,000 shares of the Company's  Common
Stock.  At  December 31,  1993,  options under  the  Incentive Plan  to purchase
681,095 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and options to purchase  218,200
shares  of Common Stock remained available for grant. Unless extended or earlier
terminated by  action  of  the  Board of  Directors,  the  Incentive  Plan  will
terminate on December 11, 2001.
 
    The  Company's Non-Statutory Plan for  key employees and advisors, including
officers and directors of the Company, was adopted by the Company's stockholders
in March 1983,  and since that  date, 125 individuals  have participated in  the
Non-Statutory  Plan. As  of December  31, 1993,  approximately 500  persons were
eligible for participation in the Non-Statutory  Plan, of which 15 persons  were
participating.  Options  granted  pursuant  to the  Non-Statutory  Plan  are not
intended to qualify as "incentive stock  options" within the meaning of  Section
422  of the Code. The  Non-Statutory Plan, as amended  to date, provides for the
grant of  options to  acquire up  to 2,500,000  shares of  the Company's  Common
Stock.  At December 31,  1993, options under the  Non-Statutory Plan to purchase
1,684,080 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and options to purchase 33,304
shares of Common Stock remained available for grant. Unless extended or  earlier
terminated  by action  of the  Board of  Directors, the  Non-Statutory Plan will
terminate on December 11, 2001.
 
SUMMARY OF THE INCENTIVE PLAN
 
    GENERAL
 
    A copy of the Incentive Plan, as proposed to be amended, is attached to this
Proxy Statement  as Appendix  A. The  following is  a brief  summary of  certain
provisions  of the Incentive Plan and is  qualified in its entirety by reference
to the full text of the Incentive Plan.
 
    CURRENT PROVISIONS  OF THE  INCENTIVE  PLAN.   The  Board of  Directors  has
delegated  its authority  to administer the  Incentive Plan to  the Stock Option
Committee consisting of Messrs.  Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles  J. Wyly, Jr.  and
Sterling  L. Williams. The Stock Option Committee generally has the authority to
fix the terms and number of options  to be granted and the employees to  receive
the  options. The Incentive Plan provides  that options must be exercised within
ten years from the date of grant (or  five years in the case of options  granted
to employees owning more than 10% of the Common Stock). Options issued under the
Incentive  Plan are generally  exercisable in cumulative  annual installments of
one-fourth of the shares covered by the grant commencing one year after the date
of grant and generally expire five years  from the date of grant, except in  the
event  of the termination from employment,  disability or death of the optionee.
The Incentive  Plan  currently provides  that  the Stock  Option  Committee  may
provide  in  a  participant's  option  agreement that  (i)  in  the  event  of a
participant's termination of employment  with the Company  for any reason  other
than  death or disability,  the participant's option may  be exercised for three
months from the date of termination but  not past the normal expiration date  of
the option, and (ii) in the event of the death or disability of the participant,
the participant's option will terminate on the earlier of the expiration date of
the option or one year after termination.
 
    With  respect  to  options  granted after  December  31,  1986,  the maximum
aggregate fair market value  (determined at the time  the option is granted)  of
the Common Stock with respect to which
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
options  are exercisable for the first time  by any employee during any calendar
year may not exceed  $100,000. The exercise price  of each option granted  under
the  Incentive Plan may  not be less than  100% of the fair  market value of the
Common Stock on the  date of grant (or  110% in the case  of options granted  to
employees  owning more than 10%  of the Common Stock).  The closing price of the
Company's Common Stock on January  31, 1994, as reported  on the New York  Stock
Exchange,  was $33.75 per share. The option exercise price may be paid in shares
of Common Stock owned  by the option holders,  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 Incentive Plan places  the following limitations  on options granted  to
eligible  directors: (a) the maximum aggregate  number of shares of Common Stock
which may be  issued pursuant to  options granted  to all directors  as a  group
under  the Incentive Plan cannot exceed 50% of the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock for which options may be granted under the Incentive Plan; (b)  the
purchase  price for shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise, in
whole or in part, of any option granted  to a director must be 100% of the  fair
market  value of  the Common  Stock on  the date  of grant  of such  option; (c)
options granted to directors pursuant to the Incentive Plan may be granted  only
during the term of the Incentive Plan; (d) options granted to directors pursuant
to  the Incentive  Plan cannot  be exercisable for  a period  of twelve calendar
months from  the date  of grant  of such  options; and  (e) options  granted  to
directors  pursuant to the Incentive  Plan must expire no  later than five years
from the date on which the options are granted.
 
   
    PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.    The  Board of  Directors  has  unanimously  approved
amendments  to the Incentive Plan to (i) increase the number of shares of Common
Stock that  may  be  issued upon  the  exercise  of options  granted  under  the
Incentive  Plan from 1,500,000 shares to  1,750,000 shares, (ii) extend its term
until December 31, 2003, (iii) provide the Stock Option Committee with the  sole
discretion  to  include  in  each  option  agreement  such  provisions regarding
exercisability of options  following termination of  a participant's  employment
for  any reason (including termination due to  death or disability) as the Stock
Option Committee,  in its  sole discretion,  deems to  be appropriate  and  (iv)
provide  that, upon the  Company's adoption of new  Rule 16b-3 promulgated under
Section 16 of the Exchange Act with  respect to the Incentive Plan, the  current
Rule  16b-3 limitations on grants  to all directors will  be removed. Appendix A
reflects  certain  other  amendments  to  the  Incentive  Plan  that  have  been
unanimously  approved  by the  Board  of Directors,  none  of which  require the
approval  of  stockholders.  Stockholders  should,  however,  carefully   review
Appendix A in its entirety.
    
 
    SUMMARY  OF  CERTAIN  FEDERAL  INCOME  TAX  CONSEQUENCES  OF  THE  INCENTIVE
PLAN.  No taxable income  is realized by a participant  and no tax deduction  is
available to the Company upon either the grant or exercise of an incentive stock
option.  If a  participant holds  the shares  acquired upon  the exercise  of an
incentive stock option for more than one  year after the issuance of the  shares
upon  exercise of the incentive  stock option and more  than two years after the
date of  the  grant  of  the incentive  stock  option  ("holding  period"),  the
difference  between the exercise price and the  amount realized upon the sale of
the shares will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss and no  deduction
will  be available  to the  Company. If  the shares  are transferred  before the
expiration of the holding period,  the participant will realize ordinary  income
and  the Company will be entitled to a  deduction on the portion of the gain, if
any, equal to the difference between  the incentive stock option exercise  price
and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise or, if less, the
difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the adjusted basis
of  the stock, provided, however, that the deduction will not be allowed if such
amount exceeds the Deduction Limitation and does not satisfy an exception to the
Deduction Limitation. Any further gain or loss will be taxable as a long-term or
short-term capital  gain  or  loss  depending upon  the  holding  period  before
disposition.  Certain  special  rules  apply if  an  incentive  stock  option is
exercised by tendering stock.
 
    The difference between  the incentive  stock option exercise  price and  the
fair  market value, at the  time of exercise, of  the Common Stock acquired upon
the exercise of an incentive stock  option may give rise to alternative  minimum
taxable   income  subject   to  an   alternative  minimum   tax.  Special  rules
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
also may apply in certain  cases where there are  subsequent sales of shares  in
disqualifying  dispositions and to determine the basis of the stock for purposes
of computing alternative  minimum taxable  income on  a subsequent  sale of  the
shares.
 
    ISSUANCES OF OPTIONS UNDER THE INCENTIVE PLAN
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  regarding  options
received under the Incentive Plan from  its inception through December 31,  1993
by  (i) the Company's Chief  Executive Officer, (ii) each  of the Company's four
other most highly compensated executive  officers for fiscal 1993  individually,
(iii)  all current executive officers as a group, (iv) all current directors who
are not  executive officers  as a  group, (v)  each nominee  for election  as  a
director, (vi) each person who has received 5% or more of such options and (vii)
all  employees, including current officers who  are not executive officers, as a
group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF COMMON STOCK
                                                                         SUBJECT TO INCENTIVE PLAN OPTIONS GRANTED
                                                                            FROM INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31,
                      NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP                                        1993 (1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>
Sam Wyly...............................................................                            0
Sterling L. Williams...................................................                            0
Werner L. Frank........................................................                       30,000
Warner C. Blow.........................................................                       67,307
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. ..................................................                            0
Robert J. Donachie.....................................................                            0
Evan A. Wyly...........................................................                            0
Robert E. Cook.........................................................                            0
All current executive officers as a group..............................                      182,114
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group........                            0
All employees, including current officers who are not executive
 officers, as a group(2)...............................................                    1,758,054
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Includes options that expired or were terminated prior to their exercise and
    that became eligible to be regranted under the terms of the Incentive  Plan,
    except  for such options for which replacement options were issued under the
    Incentive Plan on or about the date of such termination or expiration.
(2) Includes options  granted  to  current executive  officers  and  to  current
    directors who are not executive officers.
</TABLE>
 
    The  amounts that would be receivable by  the individuals or groups named in
the table above  under the  Incentive Plan  as proposed  to be  amended are  not
determinable at this time.
 
THE NON-STATUTORY PLAN
 
    GENERAL
 
    A  copy of the Non-Statutory Plan, as proposed to be amended, is attached to
this Proxy Statement as Appendix B. The following is a brief summary of  certain
provisions  of  the  Non-Statutory Plan  and  is  qualified in  its  entirety by
reference to the full text of the Non-Statutory Plan.
 
    CURRENT PROVISIONS OF THE  NON-STATUTORY PLAN.  The  Board of Directors  has
delegated its authority to administer the Non-Statutory Plan to the Stock Option
Committee  consisting of Messrs.  Sam Wyly (Chairman), Charles  J. Wyly, Jr. and
Sterling L. Williams. The Stock Option Committee generally has the authority  to
fix the terms and number of options to be granted and the individuals to receive
the   options.  Options  issued  under  the  Non-Statutory  Plan  are  generally
exercisable in  cumulative  annual  installments of  one-fourth  of  the  shares
covered  by the grant commencing one year  after the date of grant and generally
expire five years from the date of grant, except in the event of the termination
from  employment,  disability   or  death  of   the  optionee.  Currently,   the
Non-Statutory  Plan provides  that, in  the event of  death of  an optionee, the
optionee's option may  be exercised  to the extent  exercisable on  the date  of
death  until the  earlier of one  year after the  date of death  or the original
expiration date of the option.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
    The exercise price of each option  granted under the Non-Statutory Plan  may
not  be less than 100% of the fair market  value of the Common Stock on the date
of grant. The closing price of the  Company's Common Stock on January 31,  1994,
as  reported on the  New York Stock  Exchange, was $33.75  per share. The option
exercise price  may be  paid  in shares  of Common  Stock  owned by  the  option
holders, 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 Non-Statutory Plan places the  following limitations on options  granted
to  eligible directors:  (a) the  maximum aggregate  number of  shares of Common
Stock which may  be issued pursuant  to options  granted to all  directors as  a
group  under the Non-Statutory Plan cannot exceed 50% of the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock for which options may be granted under the  Non-Statutory
Plan; (b) the purchase price for shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the
exercise,  in whole or in part, of any option granted to a director must be 100%
of the fair  market value  of the  Common Stock  on the  date of  grant of  such
option;  (c) options granted to directors pursuant to the Non-Statutory Plan may
be granted only during the term  of the Non-Statutory Plan; (d) options  granted
to  directors pursuant  to the  Non-Statutory Plan  cannot be  exercisable for a
period of twelve calendar months from the date of grant of such options; and (e)
options granted to directors pursuant to  the Non-Statutory Plan must expire  no
later than five years from the date on which the options are granted.
 
   
    PROPOSED  AMENDMENTS.    The  Board of  Directors  has  unanimously approved
amendments to the  Non-Statutory Plan to  (i) increase the  number of shares  of
Common  Stock that may be issued upon  the exercise of options granted under the
Non-Statutory Plan from 2,500,000  shares to 4,000,000  shares, (ii) extend  its
term  until December 31, 2011 and (iii)  provide that the Stock Option Committee
will have sole  discretion to include  in each option  agreement, other than  an
agreement  of a non-employee director,  such provisions regarding exercisability
of options following the death of a  participant, as it, in its sole  discretion
deems  appropriate.  The Board  of Directors  has  also unanimously  approved an
amendment  to  the  Non-Statutory  Plan  whereby  grants  under  such  plan   to
non-employee directors on or after the date on which the Company adopts new Rule
16b-3  promulgated under  Section 16  of the  Exchange Act  with respect  to the
Non-Statutory Plan will be made solely  pursuant to the following formula:  each
non-employee  director elected  or appointed to  the Board will  receive, at the
time of  his or  her initial  election  or appointment,  an automatic  grant  of
options  to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, during the term
of the Non-Statutory Plan, each non-employee director will receive an additional
automatic grant of options to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock every  five
years  on the anniversary date of his  or her initial election or appointment to
the Board, beginning on the fifth anniversary of his or her initial election  or
appointment  to the Board;  provided that such  non-employee director has served
continuously as a director of the Company  since the date of his or her  initial
election  or appointment to the Board. The exercise price of each option will be
equal to the fair market  value of the Common Stock  on the date of grant.  Each
option  will become exercisable in  cumulative annual installments of one-fourth
of the shares covered by the grant  commencing one year after the date of  grant
and  will expire five  years from the  date of grant;  provided that each option
will become immediately exercisable with respect  to 100% of the shares  covered
by  the grant in the event of a change of control. A change of control is deemed
to occur (i) when any person, other than Sam Wyly or Charles J. Wyly, Jr., or an
affiliate of either of them, becomes  the beneficial owner of securities of  the
Company  representing 20% or more of the  combined voting power of the Company's
outstanding securities, (ii) if, during any three consecutive years, individuals
who constitute the Board of Directors at  the beginning of such period cease  to
constitute  a majority of the Board of Directors or (iii) upon the occurrence of
any event that  would be required  to be reported  in response to  Item 6(e)  of
Schedule  14A of Regulation 14A promulgated  under the Exchange Act (such events
are herein referred  to as  a "Change of  Control"). Except  for such  automatic
grants, non-employee directors will not be eligible to receive options under the
Non-Statutory  Plan. The Stock  Option Committee will not  have the authority to
fix the terms  and number  of options granted  under the  Non-Statutory Plan  to
non-employee directors.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
    Appendix  B reflects certain other amendments to the Non-Statutory Plan that
have been  unanimously approved  by the  Board of  Directors, including  without
limitation  an amendment which  provided that the exercise  price of each option
granted under the  Non-Statutory Plan  may not  be less  than 100%  of the  fair
market  value of  the shares of  Common Stock on  the date of  grant. Such other
amendments do not  require the  approval of  stockholders. Stockholders  should,
however, carefully review Appendix B in its entirety.
    
    SUMMARY  OF  CERTAIN FEDERAL  INCOME TAX  CONSEQUENCES OF  THE NON-STATUTORY
PLAN.  No taxable income generally is realized by the participant upon the grant
of a non-statutory stock option, and no deduction generally is then available to
the Company. Upon exercise  of a non-statutory stock  option, the excess of  the
fair  market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price
will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income. Such amount will also  be
deductible  by the Company  unless such amount  exceeds the Deduction Limitation
and does not satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. The tax basis  of
shares  acquired by the participant will be the fair market value on the date of
exercise. When a participant disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of a non-
statutory stock option, any amount realized  in excess of the fair market  value
of  the shares on  the date of exercise  generally will be  treated as a capital
gain and will be long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the
shares. The holding period  commences upon exercise  of the non-statutory  stock
option.  If the amount  received is less  than such fair  market value, the loss
will be treated  as a  long-term or short-term  capital loss,  depending on  the
holding  period of the shares. The exercise of a non-statutory stock option will
not trigger the  alternative minimum  tax consequences  applicable to  incentive
stock options.
 
    ISSUANCES OF OPTIONS UNDER THE NON-STATUTORY PLAN
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  regarding  options
received under the Non-Statutory  Plan from its  inception through December  31,
1993  by (i) the Company's  Chief Executive Officer, (ii)  each of the Company's
four  other  most  highly  compensated   executive  officers  for  fiscal   1993
individually,  (iii) all current executive officers as a group, (iv) all current
directors who  are not  executive officers  as  a group,  (v) each  nominee  for
election  as a director,  (vi) each person who  has received 5%  or more of such
options and  (vii)  all  employees,  including  current  officers  who  are  not
executive officers, as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF COMMON STOCK
                                                                          SUBJECT TO NON-STATUTORY PLAN OPTIONS
                                                                                         GRANTED
                     NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP                       FROM INCEPTION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1993(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>
Sam Wyly.............................................................                             0
Sterling L. Williams.................................................                       640,000
Werner L. Frank......................................................                       229,000
Warner C. Blow.......................................................                       232,693
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. ................................................                             0
Robert J. Donachie...................................................                        80,000
Evan A. Wyly.........................................................                        40,000
Robert E. Cook.......................................................                             0
All current executive officers as a group............................                     1,956,086
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group......                       195,000
All employees, including current officers who are not executive
 officers, as a group (2)............................................                     2,811,293
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Includes options that expired or were terminated prior to their exercise and
    that  became eligible to  be regranted under  the Non-Statutory Plan, except
    for (i) such  options for which  replacement options were  issued under  the
    Non-Statutory  Plan on or  about the date of  such expiration or termination
    and (ii)  such options  granted in  tandem with  options granted  under  the
    Incentive  Plan, the  terms of which  options provided that  the exercise of
    options issued under one plan would reduce the number of shares  exercisable
    under  the tandem options issued  under the other plan  on a share for share
    basis.
(2) Includes options  granted  to  current executive  officers  and  to  current
    directors who are not executive officers.
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    The  amounts that would be receivable by  the individuals or groups named in
the table above under the Non-Statutory Plan  as proposed to be amended are  not
determinable at this time.
 
            PROPOSAL III -- ADOPTION OF THE 1994 NON-STATUTORY PLAN
 
    A copy of the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan is attached to this Proxy Statement as
Appendix  C. The following is a brief  summary of certain provisions of the 1994
Non-Statutory Plan and  is qualified in  its entirety by  reference to the  full
text of the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan.
 
   
    Options  granted pursuant to the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan are not intended to
qualify as "incentive stock  options" within the meaning  of Section 422 of  the
Code.  The 1994 Non-Statutory Plan provides for  the grant of options to acquire
up to 1,250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Unless extended or earlier
terminated, the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan will terminate on December 31, 2011.
    
 
   
    The 1994 Non-Statutory Plan  has been established and  approved by the  1994
Non-Statutory Plan Committee, and such actions have been unanimously ratified by
the  Board, subject to  the approval of  the adoption of  the 1994 Non-Statutory
Plan by the stockholders.  The 1994 Non-Statutory Plan  will be administered  by
the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan Committee. In order for option grants under the 1994
Non-Statutory  Plan  to  be  eligible  for  the  Performance  Based Compensation
Exception to the  Deduction Limitation,  the 1994  Non-Statutory Plan  Committee
must  consist solely of two or more "outside directors" who, among other things,
are not employees  of the  Company or  any of  its subsidiaries,  have not  been
officers  of the Company or any of its  subsidiaries at any time and who are not
receiving compensation for  personal services in  any capacity other  than as  a
director.  The Board has appointed Robert J. Donachie and Donald R. Miller, Jr.,
"outside directors" within the  meaning of Section 162(m)  of the Code based  on
proposed  Treasury  regulations,  as  members  of  the  1994  Non-Statutory Plan
Committee. The 1994 Non-Statutory Plan Committee may, from time to time,  select
particular  employees and key advisors, including officers and directors, of the
Company or of any subsidiary of the  Company to whom options are to be  granted.
The  1994 Non-Statutory Plan Committee generally  will have the authority to fix
the terms and number of options to  be granted and will have sole discretion  to
include  in each  option agreement  such provisions  regarding exercisability of
options following the termination  of an optionee's employment  or service as  a
director   or  advisor  as  such  committee,   in  its  sole  discretion,  deems
appropriate, including  termination due  to  death, disability  or a  Change  of
Control of the Company.
    
 
   
    The  exercise price of each option granted under the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan
may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock
on the date of grant. The closing price of the Company's Common Stock on January
31, 1994, as reported on the New  York Stock Exchange was $33.75 per share.  The
option  exercise price may be paid in shares of Common Stock owned by the option
holders, in cash or in any other form of valid consideration or a combination of
any of the foregoing as determined  by the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan Committee  in
its  discretion. The  1994 Non-Statutory Plan  limits the number  of shares with
respect to which options may be granted to any individual during the term of the
1994 Non-Statutory Plan  to one-half  of the total  number of  shares of  Common
Stock that may be issued from time to time under such plan.
    
 
    If  the  adoption  of  the  1994  Non-Statutory  Plan  is  approved  by  the
stockholders, but  fails to  meet  the requirements  for the  Performance  Based
Compensation  Exception to the Deduction Limitation, the 1994 Non-Statutory Plan
Committee may nonetheless choose to  grant options under the 1994  Non-Statutory
Plan  to its  key employees and  advisors, including officers  and directors. In
such event, some compensation to certain executives may not be deductible by the
Company. Although the Company  believes that the  1994 Non-Statutory Plan  meets
the  requirements  for  the  Performance  Based  Compensation  Exception  to the
Deduction  Limitation,  there  are  many  unanswered  questions  concerning  the
application  of the  Deduction Limitation  and any  exceptions to  the Deduction
Limitation  because  the  statute  was   only  recently  enacted  and   Treasury
regulations  interpreting this  provision have  not been  issued in  final form.
Treasury   regulations    have    been    issued   in    proposed    form    but
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
these  proposed  regulations  are  not  comprehensive.  Further,  regulations in
proposed form  are  not  legally  binding and  may  be  modified  or  withdrawn.
Accordingly,  there can  be no assurance  that the 1994  Non-Statutory Plan will
comply with the requirements for the Performance Based Compensation Exception to
the Deduction Limitation.
    
 
    The amounts  that would  be  receivable by  any  individual under  the  1994
Non-Statutory  Plan if approved by the stockholders are not determinable at this
time.
 
    SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE 1994 NON-STATUTORY
PLAN.  No taxable income generally is realized by the participant upon the grant
of a non-statutory stock option, and no deduction generally is then available to
the Company. Upon exercise  of a non-statutory stock  option, the excess of  the
fair  market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price
will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income. Such amount will also  be
deductible  by the Company  unless such amount  exceeds the Deduction Limitation
and does not satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. The tax basis  of
shares  acquired by the participant will be the fair market value on the date of
exercise. When a participant disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of a non-
statutory stock option, any amount realized  in excess of the fair market  value
of  the shares on  the date of exercise  generally will be  treated as a capital
gain and will be long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the
shares. The holding period  commences upon exercise  of the non-statutory  stock
option.  If the amount  received is less  than such fair  market value, the loss
will be treated  as a  long-term or short-term  capital loss,  depending on  the
holding  period of the shares. The exercise of a non-statutory stock option will
not trigger the  alternative minimum  tax consequences  applicable to  incentive
stock options.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
 
   
    The  following table sets forth information as of January 31, 1994 regarding
the beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company by each person known by
the Company to own  5% or more of  the outstanding shares of  each class of  the
Company's  capital  stock, each  director of  the  Company, the  Company's Chief
Executive Officer,  each of  the Company's  four other  most highly  compensated
executive  officers for fiscal 1993 and  the directors and executive officers of
the Company as  a group. The  persons named in  the table have  sole voting  and
investment  power with  respect to  all shares of  capital stock  owned by them,
unless otherwise noted.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AMOUNT AND
                                                                         NATURE OF         PERCENT
        NAME OF BENEFICIAL                                              BENEFICIAL          OF
        OWNER OR GROUP (1)                   TITLE OF CLASS              OWNERSHIP         CLASS
- ----------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------      -----
<S>                                 <C>                               <C>                  <C>
Sam Wyly..........................  Common Stock                              634,100(2)     3.2%
                                    Series B Junior Preferred Stock            49,997(3)    25.0%
Charles J. Wyly, Jr...............  Common Stock                              925,444(4)     4.6%
                                    Series B Junior Preferred Stock           124,993(5)    62.5%
Evan A. Wyly......................  Common Stock                               62,754(6)     *
                                    Series B Junior Preferred Stock            25,010      12.5 %
The Wyly Group....................  Common Stock                            1,259,544(7)    6.3 %
                                    Series B Junior Preferred Stock           200,000       100 %
Sterling L. Williams..............  Common Stock                              804,000(8)     3.9%
Phillip A. Moore..................  Common Stock                               51,399(9)     *
Robert J. Donachie................  Common Stock                               11,100(10)    *
Michael C. French.................  Common Stock                               10,400(11)    *
Warner C. Blow....................  Common Stock                                  -0-        *
Werner L. Frank...................  Common Stock                               19,991(12)    *
Donald R. Miller, Jr. ............  Common Stock                                  -0-        *
Robert E. Cook....................  Common Stock                              417,584(13)   2.1 %
Lorne House Trust Limited.........  Common Stock                            1,451,588(14)   7.3 %
The Bulldog Non-Grantor Trust.....  Common Stock                              994,725(15)   5.0 %
Directors and Executive Officers
 as a Group.......................  Common Stock                            2,751,719(16)  12.9 %
                                    Series B Junior Preferred Stock           200,000       100 %
<FN>
- ------------------------
  *   Less than 1%.
 (1)  The address of Sam Wyly, Charles J.  Wyly, Jr. and The Wyly Group is  8080
      North  Central Expressway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75206. The address of
      Lorne House  Trust Limited  and  the Bulldog  Non-Grantor Trust  is  Lorne
      House, Castletown, Isle of Man, British Isles.
 (2)  Includes  195,488 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Sam Wyly
      is trustee. Includes an aggregate of 438,612 shares held of record by  two
      limited  partnerships  of  which Sam  Wyly  is general  partner.  Does not
      include an  aggregate  of 1,661,725  shares  beneficially owned  by  three
      separate  irrevocable trusts established  by Sam Wyly.  Sam Wyly disclaims
      beneficial ownership of the excluded shares.
 (3)  Directly owned by family trusts of which Sam Wyly is trustee.
 (4)  Includes 368,870 shares directly owned  by family trusts of which  Charles
      J.  Wyly, Jr. is  trustee. Includes 556,574  shares held of  record by two
      limited partnerships of  which Charles  J. Wyly, Jr.  is general  partner.
      Does  not include an aggregate of 789,863 shares beneficially owned by two
      separate irrevocable non-grantor  trusts established by  Charles J.  Wyly,
      Jr.  Charles J. Wyly,  Jr. disclaims beneficial  ownership of the excluded
      shares.
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>
 (5)  Directly owned by family trusts of which Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is trustee.
 (6)  Includes 10,000 shares purchasable pursuant to an option.
 (7)  The Wyly Group consists of Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and First Dallas
      Limited, a limited partnership of which Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly,  Jr.
      are general partners.
 (8)  Includes 800,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options.
 (9)  Includes  150 shares directly held by  Mr. Moore's child and 19,250 shares
      purchasable pursuant to options.
(10)  Includes 10,000 shares purchasable pursuant to options.
(11)  Includes 10,000 shares purchasable  pursuant to an  option and 400  shares
      held in a retirement account directed by Michael C. French.
(12)  Includes 19,250 shares purchasable pursuant to an option.
(13)  Includes  311,695 shares purchasable pursuant to options. Does not include
      18,661 shares directly owned by, and 44,963 shares purchasable pursuant to
      options beneficially  owned  by,  Mr.  Cook's  wife.  Mr.  Cook  disclaims
      beneficial ownership of the excluded shares.
(14)  Based  on  an amendment  to  Schedule 13D  filed  with the  Securities and
      Exchange Commission dated  December 7, 1992  and the Company's  subsequent
      issuance  of 983,588 shares of Common  Stock upon the exercise of warrants
      by Lorne House Trust Limited as  trustee of the Bulldog Non-Grantor  Trust
      and   the  Pitkin   Non-Grantor  Trust,   irrevocable  non-grantor  trusts
      established by Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr., respectively.
(15)  Based on  an amendment  to  Schedule 13D  filed  with the  Securities  and
      Exchange  Commission dated December  7, 1992 and  the Company's subsequent
      issuance of 644,725 shares of Common  Stock upon the exercise of  warrants
      beneficially owned by the Bulldog Non-Grantor Trust.
(16)  In  addition  to the  ownership of  the  directors and  executive officers
      listed in the  table and  more fully  described in  footnotes (2)  through
      (13),  includes  the  following  shares  beneficially  owned  by executive
      officers not named  in the  table: 93,967 shares  purchasable pursuant  to
      options and 19,980 shares purchasable pursuant to Series F Warrants.
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                            MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
    The  following table  sets forth certain  information regarding compensation
paid during each of the Company's last three fiscal years to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and each of the  Company's four other most highly  compensated
executive officers, based on salary and bonus earned during fiscal 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                                  -------------------------------
                                                                                          AWARDS
                                                                                  ----------------------
                                              ANNUAL COMPENSATION                             SECURITIES  PAYOUTS
                                  --------------------------------------------    RESTRICTED  UNDERLYING  -------
         NAME AND                                                 OTHER ANNUAL      STOCK      OPTIONS/    LTIP     ALL OTHER
        PRINCIPAL                    SALARY          BONUS        COMPENSATION    AWARDS(S)      SARS     PAYOUTS  COMPENSATION
         POSITION           YEAR      ($)            ($)(1)          ($)(2)          ($)        (#)(3)      ($)       ($)(2)
- --------------------------  ----  ------------    ------------    ------------    ----------  ----------  -------  ------------
<S>                         <C>   <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>
Sterling L. Williams,       1993       600,000         300,000        30,695           --       300,000      --       29,423   (4)
  President, Chief          1992       550,000         250,000        33,978           --       500,000      --       36,271
  Executive Officer         1991       500,000         200,000                         --        --          --
  and Director
Sam Wyly,                   1993       710,000(5)      300,000        33,212           --       300,000      --       62,581   (7)
  Chairman of the Board     1992       650,000(5)      300,000        23,474           --       667,000      --       75,198
  and Director              1991       600,000(5)      250,000(6)                      --        --          --
Charles J. Wyly, Jr.,       1993       355,000(8)      150,000         1,986           --       150,000      --       28,385   (10)
  Vice Chairman of the      1992       325,000(8)      150,000         9,543           --       333,000      --       26,633
  Board and Director        1991       300,000(8)      125,000(9)                      --        --          --
Werner L. Frank,            1993       310,000         158,873        --               --       125,000      --       18,710   (11)
  Executive Vice President  1992       285,000         358,342        --               --        77,000      --       17,742
                            1991       260,000         236,452                         --        --          --
Warner C. Blow,             1993       290,000         170,000        --               --       100,000      --       12,823   (12)
  Executive Vice President  1992       270,000         267,684        --               --       125,000      --        6,866
                            1991       250,000         216,423                         --        --          --
<FN>
- ------------------------
 (1)  Reflects  bonus earned during the fiscal year. In some instances, all or a
      portion of the bonus was paid during the next fiscal year.
 (2)  Reflects All Other  Compensation earned  during the fiscal  year. In  some
      instances,  such  compensation  was  paid  during  the  next  fiscal year.
      Disclosure of Other Annual Compensation and All Other Compensation is  not
      required for fiscal year 1991.
 (3)  Options to acquire shares of Common Stock.
 (4)  Consists  of $23  in Company  contributions to  the Company's  Savings and
      Security Plan and $29,400 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
      for Mr. Williams' benefit.
 (5)  Includes fees of $355,000, $325,000 and $300,000 paid to Sam Wyly in 1993,
      1992 and 1991, respectively, for his  service as Chairman of the Board  of
      Directors of the Company.
 (6)  Consulting fees paid as incentive compensation in 1991.
 (7)  Consists  of $5,423 in Company contributions  to the Company's Savings and
      Security Plan and $57,158 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
      for Sam Wyly's benefit.
 (8)  Includes fees of $177,500, $162,500 and $150,000 paid to Charles J.  Wyly,
      Jr. in 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively, for his service as Vice Chairman
      of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 (9)  Consulting fees paid as incentive compensation in 1991.
(10)  Consists  of $6,965 in Company contributions  to the Company's Savings and
      Security Plan and $21,420 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
      for Charles J. Wyly, Jr.'s benefit.
(11)  Consists of $5,580 in Company  contributions to the Company's Savings  and
      Security Plan and $13,130 in premiums on a universal life insurance policy
      for Mr. Frank's benefit.
(12)  Consists  of $6,655 in Company contributions  to the Company's Savings and
      Security Plan and $6,168 in premiums on a whole life insurance policy  for
      Mr. Blow's benefit.
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS DURING 1993 FISCAL YEAR
 
    The  following table provides information related  to options granted to the
named executive officers during fiscal 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                                            POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                                     NUMBER OF        % OF TOTAL                                     RATES OF STOCK PRICE
                                     SECURITIES      OPTIONS/SARS                                  APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
                                     UNDERLYING       GRANTED TO     EXERCISE OR                           TERM (1)
                                    OPTIONS/SARS     EMPLOYEES IN    BASE PRICE                    ------------------------
              NAME                 GRANTED (#)(2)   FISCAL YEAR (3)   ($/SH)(4)   EXPIRATION DATE    5% ($)       10% ($)
- --------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                               <C>               <C>              <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Sterling L. Williams............     300,000(5)(8)         10.3       $  19.125      July 1, 1998    1,585,165    3,502,801
Sam Wyly........................     300,000(6)(8)         10.3       $  19.125      July 1, 1998    1,585,165    3,502,801
Charles J. Wyly, Jr. ...........     150,000(6)(8)          5.1       $  19.125      July 1, 1998      792,583    1,751,401
Werner L. Frank.................     125,000(7)             4.3       $  19.125      July 1, 1998      660,486    1,459,500
Warner C. Blow..................     100,000(7)             3.4       $  19.125      July 1, 1998      528,388    1,167,600
<FN>
- ------------------------
(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 numbers  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.
(2) Options to acquire shares of Common Stock.
(3) Includes  options granted under  Systems Center Plans  from the beginning of
    the Company's fiscal year through June 30, 1993.
(4) The option exercise price may be paid in shares of Common Stock owned by the
    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.
(5) Options  are exercisable in their entirety from and after the date of grant.
    The exercise price was equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on
    the date of grant.
(6) Options become exercisable  in their entirety  July 1, 1994.  Prior to  such
    time  the options are not  exercisable. The exercise price  was equal to the
    fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
(7) Options become exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares covered thereby
    on each of July 1, 1994,  1995, 1996 and 1997. In  the event of a Change  of
    Control  of the Company,  however, any unexercisable  portion of the options
    will become immediately  exercisable. The  exercise price was  equal to  the
    fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
(8) Options  were  granted  under  the Company's  1992  Non-Statutory  Plan. See
    "Report of  the  Executive and  Stock  Option  Committees of  the  Board  of
    Directors on Executive Compensation."
</TABLE>
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES DURING 1993 FISCAL YEAR
 AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
 
    The  following table  provides information  related to  options and warrants
exercised by the named  executive officers during the  1993 fiscal year and  the
number  and value of options  and warrants held at  fiscal year end. The Company
does not have any outstanding stock appreciation rights.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NUMBER OF SECURITIES           VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                  UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED              IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                      OPTIONS/SAR'S                  OPTIONS/SAR'S
                                                                       AT FY-END(#)                 AT FY-END($)(2)
                             SHARES ACQUIRED       VALUE       ----------------------------  ------------------------------
           NAME              ON EXERCISE(#)   REALIZED($)(1)    EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE    EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>
Sterling L. Williams.......      100,000(3)      1,481,250        811,000(4)       --           5,032,700(4)       --
Sam Wyly...................        --               --    (5)      53,728(6)       300,000        953,672(6)     1,462,500
Charles J. Wyly, Jr........        --               --    (7)      98,320(8)       150,000      1,745,180(8)       731,250
Werner L. Frank............        --               --            117,250(9)       182,750      1,869,438(9)       999,188
Warner C. Blow.............        --               --             81,250          193,750      1,098,438        1,120,313
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Value is calculated based  on the difference between  the option or  warrant
    exercise  price and the closing market price of the Common Stock on the date
    of exercise  multiplied  by the  number  of  shares to  which  the  exercise
    relates.
(2) The closing price for the Company's Common Stock as reported by the New York
    Stock  Exchange on September 30, 1993 was $24.00. Value is calculated on the
    basis of the  difference between the  option or warrant  exercise price  and
    $24.00  multiplied by  the number of  shares of Common  Stock underlying the
    option or warrant.
(3) Shares were acquired upon exercise of warrants.
(4) Includes warrants to purchase an aggregate of 11,000 shares of Common Stock.
(5) On December 4, 1992, Sam Wyly transferred to two trusts options to  purchase
    an  aggregate of 667,000 shares of Common  Stock. The exercise price of each
    of the options transferred was $18.875 per share and the closing sale  price
    of  the Common Stock on the date  of transfer was $21.50. Sam Wyly disclaims
    beneficial ownership of the  shares of Common Stock  subject to the  options
    held by the trusts.
(6) Includes  warrants to purchase an aggregate of 53,728 shares of Common Stock
    held by trusts of which Sam Wyly is trustee.
(7) On December 4, 1992, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. transferred to a trust options  to
    purchase  333,000 shares of Common Stock. The  exercise price of each of the
    options transferred was $18.875 per share and the closing sale price of  the
    Common  Stock  on the  date of  transfer  was $21.50.  Charles J.  Wyly, Jr.
    disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock subject to  the
    options held by the trust.
(8) Includes  warrants to purchase an aggregate of 98,320 shares of Common Stock
    held by trusts of which Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is trustee.
(9) Includes warrants to purchase an aggregate of 98,000 shares of Common Stock.
</TABLE>
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
    Messrs. Cook, Donachie, French, Miller and Evan Wyly are entitled to receive
an annual fee of $25,000 plus $2,500 for each meeting of the Board of  Directors
and   authorized  committee  of  the  Board   of  Directors  that  they  attend.
Additionally, Sam Wyly and Charles J.  Wyly, Jr. receive annual directors'  fees
of  $385,000 and $192,500 in  their capacities as Chairman  and Vice Chairman of
the Board,  respectively. Messrs.  Williams and  Moore do  not receive  separate
compensation for their service as directors.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    During fiscal 1993 Mr. French provided advisory services to the Company, for
which  he was  paid fees  aggregating $254,537.  Commencing January  1, 1994 Mr.
French will  provide advisory  services to  the  Company for  which he  will  be
compensated  at a rate  of $15,000 per  month. Since January  1, 1993, Jackson &
Walker, L.L.P., the law firm of which  Mr. French is a partner, has not  charged
the Company for any time spent by Mr. French on any Company matters.
 
   
    On  July 2, 1993, the Company entered into a one year Consultation Agreement
with REC Enterprises, Inc.,  a Delaware corporation of  which Robert E. Cook  is
President  ("REC"), pursuant to which REC will receive a fee of $240,000. During
fiscal 1993,  Evan  Wyly  received  $48,000  from  the  Company  pursuant  to  a
consulting  arrangement, which consulting arrangement  was terminated January 1,
1994.
    
 
EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS
 
    On July 7, 1987, the Company entered into agreements with Sam Wyly,  Charles
J.  Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L. Williams,  executive officers of the Company (such
agreement with Sterling L.  Williams being sometimes referred  to herein as  the
"1987  Agreement"), which agreements  provide for employment  of such persons by
the Company  upon the  occurrence of  a Change  of Control.  The 1987  Agreement
expires  five years  after the date  of the  Change of Control  and requires the
Company to pay  to such  officer, if his  employment is  terminated within  such
five-year  period, a sum  equal to five  times such officer's  salary, bonus and
benefits during the twelve-month  period immediately preceding termination.  The
agreements between the Company and Sam Wyly and the Company and Charles J. Wyly,
Jr.  each 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, a sum equal to seven times such officer's salary, bonus
and benefits during the  twelve-month period immediately preceding  termination,
provided  that such termination payments made  pursuant thereto shall not 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 an
annual base salary of $600,000 and  certain personal benefits plus such  bonuses
or other benefits and annual increases on which the Company and Mr. Williams may
agree.  Effective October  1, 1993, Mr.  Williams' base salary  was increased to
$650,000. 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  will
automatically be converted into a five-year consulting agreement. In such event,
Mr.  Williams shall be  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 will 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,  will  be  entitled to
receive in one lump sum the aggregate amount of all compensation due through the
unexpired portion of the five-year consulting agreement.
 
    On October 1, 1989, the Company entered into agreements with Werner L. Frank
and Warner C. Blow, executive officers  of the Company (the "1989  Agreements"),
which  agreements provide for employment  of such persons by  the Company upon a
Change of Control of the Company.  Each of these agreements expires three  years
after  the date of  the Change of Control  and requires the  Company to pay each
such officer, if his employment is  terminated within such three-year period,  a
sum  equal  to 300%  of such  officer's  salary, bonus  and benefits  during the
twelve-month period immediately preceding termination.
 
    Effective January 1,  1993, the Company  entered into employment  agreements
with  Werner  L. Frank  and Warner  C.  Blow, which  agreements provide  for the
continued compensation of Mr. Frank and Mr.  Blow in the event that the  Company
terminates their employment. The agreement between
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
the  Company and  Mr. Frank  will expire  on January  1, 1996,  unless notice of
termination is given  by the  Company prior  to such  date, in  which event  the
agreement  will expire three years after the date on which such notice is given.
The agreement between the Company and Mr. Blow will expire three years after the
date on which notice of termination is given to Mr. Blow by the Company. Each of
these agreements requires the Company to continue to pay each such officer, upon
his termination from employment by the Company, for 36 months, the salary, bonus
and certain  benefits  in  effect  prior  to  such  officer's  termination  from
employment.  In the  event of  termination of  employment following  a Change of
Control, at such officer's option, the terms of the 1989 Agreements will  govern
termination.
 
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEES OF THE
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    OVERVIEW  AND PHILOSOPHY.   The Company  is engaged in  a highly competitive
industry. In order  to succeed, the  Company believes  that it must  be able  to
attract  and retain qualified executives. To achieve this objective, the Company
has structured an  executive compensation system  tied to operating  performance
that the Company believes has enabled it to attract and retain key employees.
 
    During  fiscal 1993,  the members  of the  Executive Committee  held primary
responsibility for  determining  executive compensation  levels.  The  Executive
Committee,  as part of  its review and  consideration of executive compensation,
takes into account, among other things, the following goals:
 
        - Provision of  incentives  and  rewards that  will  attract  and
          retain highly qualified and productive people;
 
        - Motivation of employees to high levels of performance;
 
        - Differentiation of individual pay based on performance;
 
        - Ensuring external competitiveness and internal equity; and
 
        - Alignment of Company, employee and stockholder interests.
 
   
    To  achieve  these  goals,  the  Company's  executive  compensation policies
integrate annual base compensation with bonuses based on operating  performance,
with  a  particular  emphasis  on  attainment  of  planned  objectives,  and  on
individual initiatives and  performance. Compensation through  stock options  is
designed  to attract  and retain  qualified executives  and to  ensure that such
executives have a continuing stake in the long-term success of the Company. When
granting stock  options,  the  Stock  Option Committee  evaluates  a  number  of
criteria, including the recipient's level of cash compensation, years of service
with  the Company, position with the  Company, the number of unexercised options
held by  the  recipient,  and  other factors.  Historically,  the  Stock  Option
Committee  has not applied a formula assigning  specific weights to any of these
factors when making its determinations.
    
 
   
    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 1993.  The Company's Chief
Executive Officer, Sterling L. Williams,  is compensated in accordance with  his
Employment  Agreement  entered into  effective January  1, 1993.  Such agreement
provides for an annual  base salary of $600,000  and certain benefits plus  such
bonuses  or other  benefits and  annual increases on  which the  Company and Mr.
Williams may agree.  During fiscal  1993, Mr.  Williams' bonus  of $300,000  was
based  on the Company's operating performance and on the attainment of financial
and strategic objectives. Specifically, the Executive Committee and Stock Option
Committee took into consideration the attainment of certain objectives contained
in the Company's annual financial plan  (adjusted to reflect the acquisition  of
Systems  Center), with special emphasis on  the attainment of profit targets, as
well as  Mr. Williams'  key role  in the  successful completion  of the  Systems
Center acquisition.
    
 
    COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.  Compensation of the Company's executive
officers  is  comprised  of  base salary,  annual  cash  incentive compensation,
long-term incentive  compensation  in the  form  of stock  options  and  various
benefits.  In determining  salaries for executive  officers in  fiscal 1993, the
Executive Committee took into account  individual experience and performance  of
its  executive  officers, as  well as  the  Company's operating  performance for
fiscal 1993 and the attainment of
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
   
financial and strategic  objectives. Specifically, the  Executive Committee  and
Stock  Option Committee  took into  consideration the  same types  of factors as
considered with respect to the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Company
has a  compensation plan  for  group presidents  pursuant  to which  each  group
president  enters  into an  annual agreement  setting forth  his salary  and the
criteria for earning  a bonus.  The agreements provide  for payment  of a  bonus
based  upon attainment of quarterly and  annual operating profit targets for the
applicable group. Pursuant  to the  terms of  the compensation  plan, in  fiscal
1993, the operating profit targets for certain group presidents were modified to
reflect the acquisition of Systems Center.
    
 
    The  Company maintains three stock option  plans for its executives, as well
as its key employees  and directors, which plans  are administered by the  Stock
Option  Committee. The Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan are discussed under
"Proposal II -- Amendments to the Incentive Plan and Non-Statutory Plan." In May
1992, the  Board of  Directors adopted  the 1992  Non-Statutory Plan.  The  1992
Non-Statutory  Plan, as amended  to date, provides  for the grant  of options to
acquire up  to  3,500,000  shares  of  the  Company's  Common  Stock.  The  1992
Non-Statutory Plan was adopted as a "broad-based" plan and, unlike the Incentive
Plan and Non-Statutory Plan, it is not intended to qualify for special treatment
under  Section 16  of the Exchange  Act. The primary  difference between options
granted under the 1992 Non-Statutory Plan  and the other two plans (in  addition
to  treatment under Section  16) is with respect  to transferability of options.
Under the 1992 Non-Statutory  Plan, options may be  transferred by the  optionee
upon  five days prior written notice to  the Company. The Stock Option Committee
believes that the grant  of options aligns  executive and stockholder  long-term
interests  by creating a  strong and direct  link between executive compensation
and stockholder  return  and  enables  executives  to  develop  and  maintain  a
significant long-term ownership position in the Company's Common Stock.
 
   
    In  August 1993, as part  of the Omnibus Budget  Reconciliation Act of 1993,
new Section 162(m) of the Code was enacted, which section provides for an annual
one million dollar limitation  on the deduction that  an employer may claim  for
compensation  of certain  executives. New  Section 162(m)  of the  Code provides
exceptions to the Deduction  Limitation, and it is  the intent of the  Executive
Committee  and the Stock Option Committee to  qualify for such exceptions to the
extent feasible and  in the best  interests of the  Company. However, there  are
many unanswered questions concerning the application of the Deduction Limitation
and  the exceptions  to the  Deduction Limitation  because the  statute was only
recently enacted and Treasury regulations  interpreting this provision have  not
been  issued in  final form. Treasury  regulations have been  issued in proposed
form but these proposed regulations are  not comprehensive. As its initial  step
in attempting to satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation, the Board has
ratified  the  adoption by  the 1994  Non-Statutory Plan  Committee of  the 1994
Non-Statutory Plan, which is intended to meet the Performance Based Compensation
Exception to the Deduction Limitation.
    
 
    This report is submitted  by the members of  the Executive and Stock  Option
Committees:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE                      STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
- -----------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>
                Sam Wyly                                   Sam Wyly
          Charles J. Wyly, Jr.                       Charles J. Wyly, Jr.
          Sterling L. Williams                       Sterling L. Williams
</TABLE>
 
EXECUTIVE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    During  fiscal 1993, the  members of the  Executive Committee were primarily
responsible for determining executive compensation, and the members of the Stock
Option Committee  made decisions  related to  stock option  grants to  executive
officers.  The  following  executive  officers,  who  also  are  members  of the
Executive and Stock Option Committees, participated in deliberations  concerning
executive  officer compensation: Sam Wyly, Charles  J. Wyly, Jr. and Sterling L.
Williams.
 
    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, Inc.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
Additionally, Sam Wyly and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. are members of the  compensation
committee of the Michaels Stores, Inc. 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, Inc.
 
    During fiscal 1993, Sam  Wyly was indebted to  the Company for  non-interest
bearing  advances of $169,027, which were repaid  to the Company on December 23,
1993. As of December 31, 1993, Sterling L. Williams was indebted to the  Company
for  $897,483, which  represented the  then outstanding  balance of  and accrued
interest on a promissory note executed  effective January 1, 1992, and  advances
payable  to the Company. The promissory note bears interest at an annual rate of
4.69% and is payable in varying installments through its final maturity date  at
December  31, 2000.  The largest amounts  of indebtedness  outstanding since the
beginning of the Company's last fiscal year  for Sam Wyly and Mr. Williams  were
$169,027 and $897,483, respectively.
 
   
    As  of January 4, 1994, the Company had invested $15 million in a securities
investment partnership managed  by Maverick Capital,  Ltd. ("Maverick"), a  fund
whose  objective is to achieve high total returns through aggressive investments
in debt and/or equity  securities in the United  States or other world  markets.
Maverick  is owned by Sam  Wyly, Charles J. Wyly. Jr.,  Evan A. Wyly and various
Wyly family trusts, including a trust for  the benefit of the wife of Donald  R.
Miller, Jr. In addition, Michael C. French is a managing director of, and has an
income  interest in, Maverick.  As of January  1, 1994, Maverick  was managing a
total of over $100 million  of investment assets. The  Company has the right  to
withdraw all or part of its investment at the end of any calendar quarter. As of
January  4,  1994,  based upon  the  net  asset value  of  the  partnership, the
Company's investment would have a value  of $16.1 million. The Company  believes
that  the terms of  its agreement with  the partnership, which  provide for a 1%
management fee  to  Maverick  plus  a  special allocation  of  20%  of  any  net
investment gains, are fair to the Company and are typical of the terms of other,
comparable   investment  partnerships   sponsored  by   unaffiliated  investment
managers.
    
 
    In addition, the Company  has entered into an  agreement as of December  13,
1993,  with  Maverick  pursuant  to  which  Maverick  is  to  provide investment
management services for a portion of  the Company's available cash. The  Company
has  paid a one-time  set up fee of  $75,000 under the agreement  and will pay a
quarterly fee  equal to  .125% of  the  average net  assets being  managed.  The
Company  believes the  fees under  this agreement  are comparable  to those that
would be charged  to the Company  by unaffiliated third  parties for  comparable
investment management services.
 
    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 pays for the use
of  such aircraft  at competitive market  rates. For travel  during fiscal 1993,
such payments  totalled $270,893.  Payments  for travel  from the  beginning  of
fiscal 1994 through January 1, 1994 totalled $64,314.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
 
    The  following chart compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative
total stockholder return on  the Company's Common Stock  during the five  fiscal
years  ended September 30, 1993 with the  cumulative total return on the S&P 500
Index and the S&P Computer Software  and Services Index. The comparison  assumes
$100  was invested on  September 30, 1988  in the Company's  Common Stock and in
each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends.
 
                COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
                AMONG STERLING SOFTWARE, INC., THE S&P 500 INDEX
                 AND THE S&P COMPUTER SOFTWARE & SERVICES INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
                           ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---
<S>                        <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>
STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.    100  107   75  193  221  315
S&P 500                    100  133  121  158  176  199
S&P COMPTR SOFTWR & SVCS   100  130   83  129  158  210
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*$100 INVESTED  ON 09/30/88  IN  STOCK OR  INDEX  -- INCLUDING  REINVESTMENT  OF
 DIVIDENDS. FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30.
 
PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
    INFORMATICS  SUPPLEMENTAL  EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT  PLAN  II ("SERP  II").   In
connection with its acquisition of Informatics General Corporation in 1985,  the
Company  has retained the  Informatics 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: (1) .00167  times the participant's  total months of service
times "earnings"  (i.e., the  average of  salary plus  any bonuses  under  other
profit sharing plans for the three consecutive years of highest compensation) or
(2)  50% of "earnings" less the  annuity equivalent of the participant's account
balance under  the Sterling  Software, Inc.  Subsidiary Retirement  Plan at  the
termination  of such plan  in December 1989  plus the annuity  equivalent of the
assumed Company matching contribution under  the Company's Savings and  Security
Plan  for such year.  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%. As of December 31, 1993,
Mr. Warner Blow had accrued approximately  nineteen years of service under  SERP
II. None of the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
participate  under SERP II.  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 participants  in SERP  II for the  indicated levels of
average annual compensation and various  periods of service, assuming no  future
changes  in such plan and based upon .00167 times the participant's total months
of service times "earnings":
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         YEARS OF SERVICE
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
                  REMUNERATION                        15           20           25           30           35
- ------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
$200,000........................................  $    60,000  $    80,000  $   100,000  $   100,000  $   100,000
 225,000........................................       67,500       90,000      112,500      112,500      112,500
 250,000........................................       75,000      100,000      125,000      125,000      125,000
 300,000........................................       90,000      120,000      150,000      150,000      150,000
 350,000........................................      105,000      140,000      175,000      175,000      175,000
 400,000........................................      120,000      160,000      200,000      200,000      200,000
</TABLE>
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    During fiscal 1993, Geno P. Tolari, Executive Vice President of the Company,
was indebted to the Company pursuant to  a loan that bore interest at an  annual
rate of 1% above the prime rate of interest
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
and  was due and  payable on July  13, 1995. The  largest amount of indebtedness
outstanding since the beginning of the Company's last fiscal year for Mr. Tolari
was $138,029. Mr. Tolari repaid such indebtedness to the Company on January  10,
1994. During fiscal 1993, Michael C. French was indebted to the Company pursuant
to  a promissory note executed effective March 31, 1992, payable to the Company.
Such promissory note bore interest  at an annual rate of  7.68% and was due  and
payable  on March 31, 1993. The largest amount of indebtedness outstanding since
the beginning of the Company's last fiscal year for Mr. French was $74,191.  Mr.
French  repaid such indebtedness to the Company  on September 22, 1993. Sam Wyly
and Sterling L. Williams were also  indebted to the Company during fiscal  1993.
See  "Management Compensation -- Executive and Stock Option Committee Interlocks
and Insider Participation."
 
    Jackson &  Walker, L.L.P.,  a  law firm  of which  Michael  C. French  is  a
partner,  provides legal  services to  the Company.  Since January  1, 1993, the
Company has not been charged  by such firm for any  time spent by Mr. French  on
any Company matters.
 
   
    As  of January 4, 1994, the Company had invested $15 million in a securities
investment partnership managed by Maverick, a fund whose objective is to achieve
high  total  returns  through  aggressive  investments  in  debt  and/or  equity
securities in the United States or other world markets. Maverick is owned by Sam
Wyly,  Charles  J. Wyly,  Jr.,  Evan A.  Wyly  and various  Wyly  family trusts,
including a  trust for  the benefit  of the  wife of  Donald R.  Miller, Jr.  In
addition,  Michael  C. French  is  a managing  director  of, and  has  an income
interest in, Maverick. As of January 1,  1994, Maverick was managing a total  of
over  $100 million of investment  assets. The Company has  the right to withdraw
all or part of its investment at the end of any calendar quarter. As of  January
4,  1994,  based upon  the net  asset  value of  the partnership,  the Company's
investment would have a  value of $16.1 million.  The Company believes that  the
terms  of its agreement with the partnership,  which provide for a 1% management
fee to Maverick plus a  special allocation of 20%  of any net investment  gains,
are  fair  to the  Company and  are typical  of the  terms of  other, comparable
investment partnerships sponsored by unaffiliated investment managers.
    
 
    In addition, the Company  has entered into an  agreement as of December  13,
1993,  with  Maverick  pursuant  to  which  Maverick  is  to  provide investment
management services for a portion of  the Company's available cash. The  Company
has  paid a one-time  set up fee of  $75,000 under the agreement  and will pay a
quarterly fee  equal to  .125% of  the  average net  assets being  managed.  The
Company  believes the  fees under  this agreement  are comparable  to those that
would be charged  to the Company  by unaffiliated third  parties for  comparable
investment management services.
 
    From  time to time the Company leases  charter aircraft from a company owned
by Sam Wyly and Charles J.  Wyly, Jr. See "Management Compensation --  Executive
and Stock Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."
 
   
    In  connection with the acquisition of Systems Center by the Company, Robert
E. Cook received a payment of $2  million pursuant to the terms of an  agreement
between Mr. Cook and Systems Center dated December 15, 1992 and amended June 14,
1993.  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,  1993
totalled  $2,893,091. 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.
    
 
                            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.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    Based  solely on its review of the copies  of such forms received by it with
respect to  fiscal  1992,  or written  representations  from  certain  reporting
persons,  the Company  believes that all  filing requirements  applicable to its
directors, officers and persons who own more  than 10% of a registered class  of
the  Company's equity securities have been  complied with, except that Werner L.
Frank, an executive officer of the  Company, filed one late report covering  one
transaction and Robert E. Cook filed one late report covering three transactions
by  his wife.  Mr. Cook  has disclaimed  beneficial ownership  of all  shares of
Common Stock of the Company held by his wife.
 
                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    The Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young as independent auditors to
examine the  Company's accounts  for the  1994 fiscal  year. Representatives  of
Ernst  & Young are expected to be present at the Meeting with the opportunity to
make a statement  if they  desire to do  so and  to be available  to respond  to
appropriate questions.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
    Stockholders  may submit  proposals on  matters appropriate  for stockholder
action at subsequent annual meetings of  the Company consistent with Rule  14a-8
promulgated  under the  Exchange Act.  For such  proposals to  be considered for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement and  Proxy relating to the 1995 Annual  Meeting
of  Stockholders, such proposals must be received  by the Company not later than
September 16,  1994. Such  proposals should  be directed  to Sterling  Software,
Inc., Suite 1100, 8080 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75206, Attention:
Secretary.
 
                                 OTHER BUSINESS
 
    The  Board of Directors knows of no matter other than those described herein
that will be  presented for consideration  at the Meeting.  However, should  any
other matters properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, it is
the  intention  of  the persons  named  in  the accompanying  Proxy  to  vote in
accordance with their best judgment in the interest of the Company.
 
                                 MISCELLANEOUS
 
    All costs  incurred in  the solicitation  of Proxies  will be  borne by  the
Company.  In addition to the solicitation by mail, officers and employees of the
Company may  solicit  Proxies by  telephone,  telegraph or  personally,  without
additional  compensation. The Company may  also make arrangements with brokerage
houses and  other custodians,  nominees and  fiduciaries for  the forwarding  of
solicitation  materials to the beneficial owners  of shares of Common Stock held
of record by such persons, and  the Company may reimburse such brokerage  houses
and  other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in  connection therewith.  In addition,  Georgeson &  Company has  been
retained  by the Company to aid in  the solicitation of Proxies and will solicit
Proxies by mail,  telephone, telegraph  and personal interview  and may  request
brokerage  houses  and nominees  to  forward soliciting  material  to beneficial
owners of Common  Stock. For these  services, Georgeson &  Company will be  paid
fees not to exceed $10,000 plus expenses.
 
    The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1993, which includes financial statements (the "Annual Report"), accompanies
this  Proxy Statement. The Annual Report is not  to be deemed part of this Proxy
Statement.
 
    A COPY OF THE  COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT,  INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  AND
SCHEDULES,  BUT NOT INCLUDING EXHIBITS,  WILL BE FURNISHED AT  NO CHARGE TO EACH
PERSON TO WHOM A PROXY STATEMENT IS DELIVERED UPON RECEIPT OF A WRITTEN OR  ORAL
REQUEST  OF SUCH PERSON ADDRESSED TO STERLING SOFTWARE, INC., ATTN: ANNE VAHALA,
VICE PRESIDENT, 8080 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY,
SUITE 1100, DALLAS, TEXAS 75206 (TELEPHONE: (214) 891-8600).
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                                            By Order of the Board of Directors
                                                    JEANNETTE P. MEIER
                                                        SECRETARY
 
   
Dallas, Texas
February 8, 1994
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                          INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
   
                     (AS AMENDED, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1994)
    
 
    1.   PURPOSE.   The purpose of  the Incentive Stock  Option Plan of Sterling
Software, Inc.  (the "Plan")  is to  provide key  employees with  a  proprietary
interest   in  Sterling  Software,   Inc.,  a  Delaware   corporation,  and  its
subsidiaries (the  "Company")  through  the granting  of  options  ("Option"  or
"Options")  to purchase  shares of  the Company's  authorized Common  Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:
 
        a.   Increase  the  interest  in the  Company's  welfare  of  those  key
    employees  who share primary  responsibility for the  management, growth and
    protection of the business of the Company;
 
        b.  Furnish an  incentive to such employees  to continue their  services
    for the Company; and
 
        c.   Provide a means through which  the Company may attract able persons
    to enter its employment.
 
It is  intended that  Options  issued pursuant  to  this Plan  shall  constitute
incentive  stock  options within  the  meaning of  Section  422 of  the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
 
    With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934,  as amended  (the  "Exchange Act"),  transactions  under the  Plan  are
intended  to  comply  with  all  applicable  conditions  of  Rule  16b-3  or its
successors under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any provision of the  Plan
or  action of  the Committee (as  defined in Section  2) fails to  so comply, it
shall be  deemed null  and  void, to  the extent  permitted  by law  and  deemed
advisable by the Committee.
 
    2.    ADMINISTRATION.   The  Plan  shall  be administered  by  the  Board of
Directors of the Company  (the "Board of  Directors" or "Board")  or by a  Stock
Option  Committee (the  "Stock Option Committee")  consisting of  such number of
directors as are appointed by the Board from time to time in accordance with the
requirements of Rule 16b-3. As used herein, "Committee" shall mean the Board  or
the  duly  appointed Stock  Option Committee,  as applicable.  No member  of the
Committee shall take any action with respect to Options granted to such  member.
The Board of Directors shall choose an additional member or members of the Board
to  serve on the Committee for the  sole purpose of making decisions pursuant to
the Plan  with regard  to the  member of  the Committee  receiving the  Options.
Except  as otherwise  provided by the  terms of this  Plan or by  the Board, the
Committee shall have all the power and authority of the Board hereunder.
 
   
    The Committee shall  have full and  final authority in  its discretion,  but
subject  to  the provisions  of the  Plan, to  determine from  time to  time the
individuals to whom  Options shall be  granted and  the number of  shares to  be
covered by each Option; to determine the time or times at which Options shall be
granted;  to interpret  the Plan  and the instruments  by which  Options will be
evidenced; to make,  amend and  rescind rules  and regulations  relating to  the
Plan;  to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by which Options
shall be evidenced; with the consent  of the Participant (as defined in  Section
3),  to  modify  or  amend  any Option  agreement  or  waive  any  conditions or
restrictions applicable to any Option or  the exercise thereof; and to make  all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
    
 
    3.   ELIGIBILITY.  The  Committee may, from time  to time, select particular
employees from among those  key employees of the  Company and any subsidiary  of
the  Company to  whom Options  are to  be granted,  and upon  the grant  of such
Options, the selected employees shall become  Participants in the Plan. As  used
herein  the term "Participant"  means an eligible employee  as described in this
Section who  accepts  an  Option,  or the  estate,  personal  representative  or
beneficiary  thereof  having the  right to  exercise an  Option pursuant  to its
terms.  Employees  are  eligible   hereunder  if  they   are  employed  by   the
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
Company  or any of its subsidiaries on a full-time basis and are compensated for
such employment  by  a regular  salary.  There  shall be  included  as  eligible
employees  members of the Board  who are also salaried  officers or employees of
the Company.
 
   
    4.  NUMBER  OF SHARES AVAILABLE  FOR OPTIONS.   The shares  of Common  Stock
subject  to  Options granted  pursuant to  the  Plan shall  be either  shares of
authorized but unissued Common Stock or shares of Common Stock reacquired by the
Company. Shares that by reason of the expiration of an Option, or for any  other
reason,  are no longer subject  to purchase pursuant to  an Option granted under
the Plan, and shares from time to time rendered in payment of the exercise price
of Options, may be  made subject to additional  Options granted pursuant to  the
Plan.  The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued
from time to time pursuant  to the exercise of  Options granted pursuant to  the
Plan  shall be 1,750,000; provided  that the Committee may  adjust the number of
shares available for Options, the number  of shares subject to and the  exercise
price  of Options granted hereunder to effect  a change in capitalization of the
Company, such as a stock dividend,  stock split, share combination, exchange  of
shares,  merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation,  or the like, of or
by the Company.
    
 
    5.  THE GRANT OF OPTIONS.   Options granted hereunder shall be evidenced  by
written  stock option  agreements containing  such terms  and provisions  as are
recommended and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to  and
not  more favorable than the  terms of the Plan. The  Committee may from time to
time require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or  advisable.
The  Company shall  execute stock  option agreements  upon instruction  from the
Committee.
 
    6.  MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF STOCK SUBJECT TO OPTIONS.  The maximum aggregate  fair
market  value (determined as  of the time  the Option is  granted) of the Common
Stock with respect to which  Options are exercisable for  the first time by  any
employee during any calendar year (under all incentive stock option plans of the
Company  and its subsidiaries) shall not  exceed $100,000. This limitation shall
apply to all Options granted under the Plan after December 31, 1986.
 
    7.  OPTION EXERCISE PRICE.  The purchase price of Common Stock subject to an
Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be determined by the Committee on  the
date  of the grant.  The price shall  not be less  than 100% of  the fair market
value of the  Common Stock on  the date of  the grant of  the Option;  provided,
however, that if the Participant owns more than 10% combined voting power of all
of  the outstanding capital stock  of the Company on the  date of the grant, the
exercise price shall  not be  less than  110% of the  fair market  value of  the
Common Stock on the date of grant. The Committee shall determine the fair market
value  of the Common  Stock on the  date of the  grant, and shall  set forth the
determination in its minutes.
 
    8.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.
 
        a.  Options granted under the Plan may not be exercisable while there is
    outstanding  any   incentive  stock   option  previously   granted  to   the
    Participant.  An Option will be considered  outstanding until such Option is
    exercised in full or expires by reason  of lapse of time. This Section  8.a.
    shall  not apply to any Option granted  to any employee pursuant to the Plan
    after December 31, 1986.
 
        b.  An  Option may  not be  exercised, nor  may Common  Stock be  issued
    pursuant  to the exercise of an Option, if any requisite action, approval or
    consent of any governmental authority  of any kind having jurisdiction  over
    the exercise of the Option shall not have been taken or secured. The term of
    each  Option  shall not  be  more than  ten years  from  the date  of grant;
    provided, however, that in the case  of a Participant who owns greater  than
    10%  of the Common Stock  of the Company at the  time the Option is granted,
    the term of the Option  shall not be more than  five years from the date  of
    grant.
 
    9.   PAYMENT.  Full payment for  Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of
the Option shall  be made  at the  time of exercise.  No Common  Stock shall  be
issued until full payment has been made and a Participant shall have none of the
rights    of    a   stockholder    until    shares   of    Common    Stock   are
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
issued to him. Any federal, state or local taxes required to be paid or withheld
at the time  of exercise shall  also be paid  or withheld in  full prior to  any
delivery  of shares of Common Stock upon  exercise. Payment may be made in cash,
in shares of Common Stock then owned by the Participant, or in any other form of
valid consideration, or a  combination of any of  the foregoing, as required  by
the  Committee in its discretion. Shares of  Common Stock tendered in payment of
the exercise  price  of any  Options  may be  reissued  to the  Participant  who
tendered  the  shares of  Common Stock  as part  of the  shares of  Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of  other Options granted from  time to time pursuant  to
the Plan.
 
    10.   TIME OF  GRANTING OF OPTION.   The grant of an  Option pursuant to the
Plan shall  occur only  when a  written Option  agreement shall  have been  duly
executed  and delivered by or on behalf  of the Company to the Participant. Such
Option shall not be effective unless granted on or before December 31, 2003.
 
    11.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.   Options granted under the Plan  shall
not  be  transferable  otherwise  than  by  will  or  the  laws  of  descent and
distribution and may only be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant by
such Participant.
 
    12.  RIGHTS IN EVENT OF DEATH  OR DISABILITY OF PARTICIPANT.  The  Committee
shall  have  discretion  to include  in  each Option  agreement  such provisions
regarding exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of the
Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.
 
    13.  NOTICE  UPON DISPOSITION.   Participants shall  immediately notify  the
Company  upon sale of any  Common Stock acquired pursuant  to the exercise of an
Option granted under the Plan if such sale occurs within two years from the date
of the grant of  the Option, or one  year from the date  of the exercise of  the
Option.
 
    14.   STOCK PURCHASED FOR  INVESTMENT.  At the  discretion of the Committee,
any Option agreement may provide that  the Option holder shall, by accepting  an
Option,  represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by will or
the laws of descent and distribution  that all shares of Common Stock  purchased
upon  the exercise  of the Option  will be  acquired for investment  and not for
resale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of any portion of an Option,
the person entitled to exercise the same shall furnish evidence satisfactory  to
the  Company (including a written and  signed representation) to the effect that
the shares of Common Stock are being  acquired in good faith and for  investment
and not for resale or distribution.
 
    15.   TERMINATION OF OPTION RIGHTS AND AWARDS.  The Committee may provide in
each  Option  agreement  for  the  circumstances  under  which  Options  granted
hereunder  may  terminate  for  any  reason  that  the  Committee,  in  its sole
discretion, deems appropriate.
 
    16.  AMENDMENT  OR DISCONTINUATION.   The Plan  may be  amended, altered  or
discontinued  by  the Board  or, if  the Board  has specifically  delegated this
authority  to  the  Committee,  by  the  Committee,  without  approval  of   the
stockholders;  provided that the Board or the Committee shall not have the power
or authority, without approval of the  stockholders, to change the employees  or
class  of employees who are  eligible to participate or  the aggregate number of
shares which may be issued pursuant to the exercise of the Options. In the event
any law, or any rule or regulation issued or promulgated by the Internal Revenue
Service, Securities and  Exchange Commission, National  Association of  Security
Dealers,  Inc., any  stock exchange  upon which the  Common Stock  is listed for
trading or other governmental  or quasi-governmental agency having  jurisdiction
over  the Company, its Common Stock or the Plan requires the Plan to be amended,
the Plan will be amended at that  time and all Options then outstanding will  be
subject to such amendment.
 
    17.   EMPLOYMENT.  This  Plan and any Option granted  under this Plan do not
confer upon the  Participant any  right to  be employed  or to  continue in  the
employ  of the Company, nor does  it in any way interfere  with the right of the
Company to terminate the employment of the Participant at any time.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
    18.  NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE OPTION.   The granting of an Option  pursuant
to  the Plan shall  not impose any  obligation upon the  Participant to exercise
such Option.
 
    19.  TERMINATION.  Unless sooner terminated  by action of the Board, or,  if
the  Board has specifically delegated its authority to terminate the Plan to the
Committee, by the Committee, the Plan shall terminate on December 31, 2003,  and
no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date.
 
    20.   USE OF PROCEEDS.  The proceeds derived from the sale of stock pursuant
to Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.
 
   
    21.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN.  The Plan shall become effective and  shall
be deemed to have been adopted on January 31, 1994, subject only to ratification
by  the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock
of the Company twelve months before or after such date.
    
 
    22.  LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS GRANTED TO DIRECTORS.  The following limitations
shall apply  to  Options granted  to  directors in  order  to comply  with  Rule
16b-3(b)(1)(iii) promulgated under the Exchange Act:
 
        a.   In addition to the limitations included in Sections 6 and 8 hereof,
    the maximum aggregate number of shares  of Common Stock which may be  issued
    pursuant  to Options  granted to  all directors as  a group  under this Plan
    shall not  exceed 50%  of the  aggregate shares  of Common  Stock for  which
    Options  may be granted under the Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in
    Section 4 hereof;
 
        b.  The purchase price for  shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant  to
    the  exercise, in whole or in part, of  any Option shall be 100% of the fair
    market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of such Option;
 
        c.  Options  granted to directors  pursuant to the  Plan may be  granted
    only during the term of the Plan;
 
        d.   Options  granted to  directors pursuant  to the  Plan shall  not be
    exercisable for a period of twelve calendar months from the date of grant of
    such Options; and
 
        e.  Options granted  to directors pursuant to  the Plan shall expire  no
    later than five (5) years from the date on which the Options are granted.
 
    The  limitations set forth in this Section 22 shall cease to apply effective
as of the date of the Company's adoption with respect to this Plan of Rule 16b-3
as promulgated under the Exchange Act effective May 1991.
 
                                          STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                                          By: _____/s/_STERLING L. WILLIAMS_____
                                                    Sterling L. Williams
                                                PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                           OFFICER
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX B
 
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                        NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
   
                     (AS AMENDED, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1994)
    
 
    1.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of the Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of Sterling
Software,  Inc. (the  "Plan") is  to provide key  employees and  advisors with a
proprietary interest in Sterling Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
subsidiaries (the  "Company")  through  the granting  of  options  ("Option"  or
"Options")  to purchase  shares of  the Company's  authorized Common  Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:
 
        a.   Increase  the  interest  in the  Company's  welfare  of  those  key
    employees  and advisors who share primary responsibility for the management,
    growth and protection of the business of the Company;
 
        b.   Recognize  the contributions  made  by certain  key  employees  and
    advisors to the Company's growth during its development stage;
 
        c.   Furnish an incentive to such key employees and advisors to continue
    their services for the Company; and
 
        d.  Provide a means through  which the Company may attract able  persons
    to engage as key employees and advisors.
 
    With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act
of  1934,  as amended  (the  "Exchange Act"),  transactions  under the  Plan are
intended to  comply  with  all  applicable  conditions  of  Rule  16b-3  or  its
successors  under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any provision of the Plan
or action by  the Committee (as  defined in Section  2) fails to  so comply,  it
shall  be  deemed null  and  void, to  the extent  permitted  by law  and deemed
advisable by the Committee.
 
    2.   ADMINISTRATION.    The Plan  shall  be  administered by  the  Board  of
Directors  of the Company  (the "Board of  Directors" or "Board")  or by a Stock
Option Committee (the  "Stock Option  Committee") consisting of  such number  of
directors as are appointed by the Board from time to time in accordance with the
requirements  of Rule 16b-3. As used herein, "Committee" shall mean the Board or
the duly  appointed Stock  Option Committee,  as applicable.  No member  of  the
Committee  shall take any action with respect to Options granted to such member.
The Board of Directors shall choose an additional member or members of the Board
to serve on the Committee for the  sole purpose of making decisions pursuant  to
the  Plan with  regard to  the member  of the  Committee receiving  the Options.
Except as otherwise  provided by the  terms of this  Plan or by  the Board,  the
Committee shall have all the power and authority of the Board hereunder.
 
    The  Committee shall  have full and  final authority in  its discretion, but
subject to  the provisions  of the  Plan, to  determine from  time to  time  the
individuals  to whom  Options shall be  granted and  the number of  shares to be
covered by each Option; to determine the time or times at which Options shall be
granted; to interpret  the Plan  and the instruments  by which  Options will  be
evidenced;  to make,  amend and  rescind rules  and regulations  relating to the
Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by which  Options
shall  be evidenced; with the consent of  the Participant (as defined in Section
3), to  modify  or  amend  any  Option agreement  or  waive  any  conditions  or
restrictions  applicable to any Option or the  exercise thereof; and to make all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the  Plan.
Non-employee  members  of  the  Board ("non-employee  directors")  shall  not be
eligible to  receive Options  under the  Plan except  as expressly  provided  in
Section 22.
 
    3.   PARTICIPANTS.  The Committee may,  from time to time, select particular
key employees and advisors of the Company, or of any subsidiary of the  Company,
to  whom Options  are to  be granted, and  upon the  grant of  such Options, the
selected   key   employees   and   advisors   shall   become   Participants   in
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
the Plan. As used herein, the term "Participant" means a key employee or advisor
who  accepts an  Option, or the  estate, personal  representative or beneficiary
thereof having the right to exercise an Option pursuant to its terms.
 
   
    4.  SHARES  SUBJECT TO  THE PLAN.   The shares  of Common  Stock subject  to
Options  granted pursuant to the  Plan shall be either  shares of authorized but
unissued Common  Stock or  shares of  Common Stock  reacquired by  the  Company.
Shares  that by reason of the expiration of  an Option, or for any other reason,
are no longer subject to purchase pursuant to an Option granted under the  Plan,
and  shares  from time  to time  rendered in  payment of  the exercise  price of
Options, may be made subject to additional Options granted pursuant to the Plan.
The maximum aggregate number of shares of  Common Stock that may be issued  from
time  to  time  pursuant to  the  Plan  shall be  4,000,000;  provided  that the
Committee may adjust the number of  shares available for Options, the number  of
shares  subject to and the exercise price of Options granted hereunder to effect
a change  in capitalization  of the  Company, such  as a  stock dividend,  stock
split,  reverse  stock split,  share  combination, exchange  of  shares, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, or the like, of or by the Company.
    
 
    5.   GRANT OF  OPTIONS.   Options granted  hereunder shall  be evidenced  by
written  stock option  agreements containing  such terms  and provisions  as are
recommended and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to  and
not  more favorable than the  terms of the Plan. The  Committee may from time to
time require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or  advisable.
The  Company shall  execute stock  option agreements  upon instruction  from the
Committee.
 
    6.  MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF STOCK SUBJECT TO OPTIONS.  Subject to Section 21,  the
maximum  aggregate fair market  value (determined as  of the time  the Option is
granted) of the Common Stock for which any Participant may be granted Options in
any calendar year shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion.
 
    7.  OPTION EXERCISE PRICE.  The purchase price of Common Stock subject to an
Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be no less than the fair market  value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
 
    8.   RESTRICTIONS.  The Committee may, but need not, at the time of granting
of an Option  or at any  subsequent time  impose such restrictions,  if any,  on
issuance,   voluntary  disposition  and  release  from  escrow  of  any  Options
including,  without  limitation,   permitting  exercise  of   Options  only   in
installments over a period of years.
 
    9.   PAYMENT.  Full payment for  Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of
an Option shall be made at the time of exercise. No Common Stock shall be issued
until full payment has been made and a Participant shall have none of the rights
of a shareholder until shares  of Common Stock are  issued to him. Any  federal,
state  or local taxes  required to be paid  or withheld at  the time of exercise
shall also be paid or withheld in full prior to any delivery of shares of Common
Stock upon exercise. Payment may be made in cash, in shares of Common Stock then
owned by the  Participant, or in  any other  form of valid  consideration, or  a
combination  of  any of  the  foregoing, as  required  by the  Committee  in its
discretion. Shares of Common Stock tendered in payment of the exercise price  of
any Options may be reissued to the Participant who tendered the shares of Common
Stock  as part  of the shares  of Common  Stock issuable upon  exercise of other
Options granted from time to time pursuant to the Plan.
 
    10.  TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.   Options granted under the Plan shall  not
be  transferable other than by will or  the laws of descent and distribution, or
pursuant to a  qualified domestic  relations order  as defined  by the  Internal
Revenue  Code  of 1986,  as amended  (the "Code"),  or Title  I of  the Employee
Retirement  Income  Security  Act  ("ERISA"),  or  the  rules  thereunder.   The
designation  by the holder of an Option  of a beneficiary shall not constitute a
transfer of the Option.
 
    11.  TIME OF GRANTING OF AN OPTION.  The grant of an Option pursuant to  the
Plan  shall occur  only when  a written  Option agreement  shall have  been duly
executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Participant.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
    12.  RIGHTS IN EVENT OF DEATH  OR DISABILITY OF PARTICIPANT.  The  Committee
shall  have  discretion  to include  in  each Option  agreement  such provisions
regarding exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of the
Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.
 
    13.  TERMINATION OF OPTION RIGHTS AND AWARDS.  The Committee may provide  in
each  Option  agreement  for  the  circumstances  under  which  Options  granted
hereunder may  terminate  for  any  reason  that  the  Committee,  in  its  sole
discretion, deems appropriate.
 
    14.   STOCK PURCHASED FOR  INVESTMENT.  At the  discretion of the Committee,
any Option agreement may provide that  the Option holder shall, by accepting  an
Option,  represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by will or
the laws of descent and distribution  that all shares of Common Stock  purchased
upon  the exercise  of the Option  will be  acquired for investment  and not for
resale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of any portion of an Option,
the person entitled to exercise the same shall furnish evidence satisfactory  to
the  Company (including a written and  signed representation) to the effect that
the shares of Common Stock are being  acquired in good faith and for  investment
and not for resale or distribution.
 
    15.   AMENDMENT  OR DISCONTINUATION.   The Plan  may be  amended, altered or
discontinued by  the Board  or, if  the Board  has specifically  delegated  this
authority   to  the  Committee,  by  the  Committee,  without  approval  of  the
stockholders. In  the  event  any law,  or  any  rule or  regulation  issued  or
promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, Securities and Exchange Commission,
National  Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., any stock exchange upon which
the  Common   Stock   is  listed   for   trading  or   other   governmental   or
quasi-governmental agency having jurisdiction over the Company, its Common Stock
or  the Plan requires the Plan  to be amended, the Plan  will be amended at that
time and all Options then outstanding will be subject to such amendment.
 
    16.  EMPLOYMENT.  This  Plan and any Option granted  under this Plan do  not
confer  upon the Participant any right to  be employed or to continue employment
with the Company.
 
    17.  NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE OPTION.   The granting of an Option  pursuant
to  the Plan shall  not impose any  obligation upon the  Participant to exercise
such Option.
 
    18.  TERMINATION.  Unless  sooner terminated by action  of the Board or,  if
the  Board has specifically delegated its authority to terminate the Plan to the
Committee, by the Committee, the Plan shall terminate on December 31, 2011,  and
no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date.
 
    19.   USE OF PROCEEDS.  The proceeds derived from the sale of stock pursuant
to Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.
 
    20.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN.   The Plan shall be effective, as  amended,
immediately upon approval of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
    21.  LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS GRANTED TO DIRECTORS.  The following limitations
shall  apply  to Options  granted  to directors  in  order to  comply  with Rule
16b-3(b)(1)(iii) promulgated under the Exchange Act:
 
        a.  In  addition to the  limitations included in  Section 6 hereof,  the
    maximum  aggregate  number of  shares of  Common Stock  which may  be issued
    pursuant to Options  granted to  all directors as  a group  under this  Plan
    shall  not exceed  50% of  the aggregate  shares of  Common Stock  for which
    Options may be granted under the Plan, subject to adjustment as provided  in
    Section 4 hereof;
 
        b.   The purchase price for shares  of Common Stock acquired pursuant to
    the exercise, in whole or in part, of  any Option shall be 100% of the  fair
    market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of such Option;
 
        c.   Options granted  to directors pursuant  to the Plan  may be granted
    only during the term of the Plan;
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
        d.   Options granted  to directors  pursuant to  the Plan  shall not  be
    exercisable for a period of twelve calendar months from the date of grant of
    such Options; and
 
        e.   Options granted to  directors pursuant to the  Plan shall expire no
    later than five (5) years from the date on which the Options are granted.
 
    The limitations set forth in this Section 21 shall cease to apply  effective
as of the date of the Company's adoption with respect to this Plan of Rule 16b-3
as promulgated under the Exchange Act effective May 1991 ("New Rule 16b-3").
 
   
    22.   AUTOMATIC  GRANTS TO NON-EMPLOYEE  DIRECTORS.   Grants to non-employee
directors on or after the  date of the Company's  adoption with respect to  this
Plan  of New Rule 16b-3 shall be  solely pursuant to the following formula: each
non-employee director elected  or appointed to  the Board will  receive, at  the
time  of  his or  her initial  election  or appointment,  an automatic  grant of
Options to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, during the  term
of  this Plan, each  non-employee director will  receive an additional automatic
grant of Options to purchase 40,000 shares  of Common Stock every five years  on
the anniversary date of his or her initial election or appointment to the Board,
beginning on the fifth anniversary of his or her initial election or appointment
to  the Board; provided that such  non-employee director has served continuously
as a director of the  Company since the date of  his or her initial election  or
appointment  to the Board. The exercise price  of each such Option will be equal
to the fair market  value of the Common  Stock on the date  of grant. Each  such
Option  will become exercisable in  cumulative annual installments of one-fourth
of the shares covered by the grant, commencing one year after the date of grant,
and will expire  five years  from the  date of  grant; provided  that each  such
Option  will become immediately  exercisable with respect to  100% of the shares
covered by the grant in the event of a change of control. A change of control is
deemed to occur (i)  when any person,  other than Sam Wyly  or Charles J.  Wyly,
Jr.,  or  an  affiliate of  either  of  them, becomes  the  beneficial  owner of
securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the combined voting  power
of  the Company's outstanding securities, (ii)  if, during any three consecutive
years, individuals who  constitute the Board  of Directors at  the beginning  of
such  period cease to constitute  a majority of the  Board of Directors or (iii)
upon the  occurrence of  any event  that would  be required  to be  reported  in
response  to Item 6(e) of  Schedule 14A of Regulation  14A promulgated under the
Exchange Act. This section shall not be amended more than once in any  six-month
period,  other than to comport  with changes in the Code  or ERISA, or the rules
thereunder.
    
 
                                          STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                                          By: _____/s/_STERLING L. WILLIAMS_____
                                                    Sterling L. Williams
                                                PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                           OFFICER
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
                                                                      APPENDIX C
 
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                      1994 NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    1.   PURPOSE.   The purpose of  the 1994 Non-Statutory  Stock Option Plan of
Sterling Software, Inc. (the  "Plan") is to provide  employees and key  advisors
with  a proprietary interest in Sterling Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and its subsidiaries (the "Company")  through the granting of options  ("Option"
or  "Options") to purchase shares of  the Company's authorized Common Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:
 
        a.  Increase the  interest in the Company's  welfare of those  employees
    and key advisors who share primary responsibility for the management, growth
    and protection of the business of the Company;
 
        b.    Recognize  the contributions  made  by certain  employees  and key
    advisors to the Company's growth during its development stage;
 
        c.  Furnish an incentive to such employees and key advisors to  continue
    their services for the Company; and
 
        d.   Provide a means through which  the Company may attract able persons
    to engage as employees and key advisors.
 
    2.  ADMINISTRATION.  The Plan has been established and shall be administered
by a committee of two or more members  of the Board of Directors of the  Company
(the  "Board of Directors" or  "Board") who are not  employees of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries (the "Committee").  Except as otherwise provided by  the
terms  of this Plan or by the Board,  the Committee shall have all the power and
authority of the Board hereunder.
 
    The Committee shall  have full and  final authority in  its discretion,  but
subject  to  the provisions  of the  Plan, to  determine from  time to  time the
individuals to whom  Options shall be  granted and  the number of  shares to  be
covered by each Option; to determine the time or times at which Options shall be
granted;  to interpret  the Plan  and the instruments  by which  Options will be
evidenced; to make,  amend and  rescind rules  and regulations  relating to  the
Plan;  to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by which Options
shall be evidenced; with the consent  of the Participant (as defined in  Section
3),  to  modify  or  amend  any Option  agreement  or  waive  any  conditions or
restrictions applicable to any  Option or the exercise  thereof and to make  all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
 
    3.   PARTICIPANTS.  The Committee may,  from time to time, select particular
employees and key advisors, including officers and directors, of the Company, or
of any subsidiary of the  Company, to whom Options are  to be granted, and  upon
the  grant of such Options, the selected employees and key advisors shall become
Participants in  the Plan.  As  used herein,  the  term "Participant"  means  an
employee  or  key  advisor  who  accepts  an  Option,  or  the  estate, personal
representative or beneficiary  thereof having  the right to  exercise an  Option
pursuant to its terms.
 
   
    4.   SHARES  SUBJECT TO  THE PLAN.   The shares  of Common  Stock subject to
Options granted pursuant to  the Plan shall be  either shares of authorized  but
unissued  Common Stock or shares of Common  Stock reacquired by the Company. The
maximum aggregate number of shares of  Common Stock available for issuance  from
time  to  time  pursuant to  the  Plan  shall be  1,250,000;  provided  that the
Committee may adjust the number of  shares available for Options, the number  of
shares  subject to and the exercise price of Options granted hereunder to effect
a change  in capitalization  of the  Company, such  as a  stock dividend,  stock
split,  reverse  stock split,  share  combination, exchange  of  shares, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, or the  like, of or by the  Company.
The  maximum aggregate number  of shares of  Common Stock with  respect to which
Options may be granted to any Participant during the term of the Plan shall  not
exceed 50% of the total number of
    
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
shares  of Common  Stock that may  be issued from  time to time  under the Plan.
Shares that by reason of the expiration  of an Option, or for any other  reason,
are  no longer subject to purchase pursuant to an Option granted under the Plan,
and shares  from time  to time  rendered in  payment of  the exercise  price  of
Options, may be made subject to additional Options granted pursuant to the Plan.
 
    5.   GRANT  OF OPTIONS.   Options  granted hereunder  shall be  evidenced by
written stock  option agreements  containing such  terms and  provisions as  are
recommended  and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to and
not more favorable than the  terms of the Plan. The  Committee may from time  to
time  require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or advisable.
The Company  shall execute  stock option  agreements upon  instruction from  the
Committee.
 
    6.   MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF STOCK SUBJECT TO  OPTIONS.  Subject to Section 4, the
maximum aggregate fair  market value (determined  as of the  time the Option  is
granted) of the Common Stock for which any Participant may be granted Options in
any calendar year shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion.
 
    7.  OPTION EXERCISE PRICE.  The purchase price of Common Stock subject to an
Option  granted pursuant to the Plan shall be no less than the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
 
    8.  RESTRICTIONS.  The Committee may, but need not, at the time of  granting
of  an Option  or at any  subsequent time  impose such restrictions,  if any, on
issuance,  voluntary  disposition  and  release  from  escrow  of  any   Options
including,   without  limitation,   permitting  exercise  of   Options  only  in
installments over a period of years.
 
    9.  PAYMENT.  Full payment for  Common Stock purchased upon the exercise  of
an Option shall be made at the time of exercise. No Common Stock shall be issued
until full payment has been made and a Participant shall have none of the rights
of  a shareholder until shares  of Common Stock are  issued to him. Any federal,
state or local taxes  required to be  paid or withheld at  the time of  exercise
shall also be paid or withheld in full prior to any delivery of shares of Common
Stock upon exercise. Payment may be made in cash, in shares of Common Stock then
owned  by the  Participant, or in  any other  form of valid  consideration, or a
combination of  any  of the  foregoing,  as required  by  the Committee  in  its
discretion.  Shares of Common Stock tendered in payment of the exercise price of
any Options may be reissued to the Participant who tendered the shares of Common
Stock as part  of the shares  of Common  Stock issuable upon  exercise of  other
Options granted from time to time pursuant to the Plan.
 
    10.   TRANSFERABILITY  OF OPTIONS.   Options granted  under the  Plan may be
transferred by the  holder thereof upon  five days prior  written notice to  the
Company.
 
    11.   TIME OF GRANTING OF AN OPTION.  The grant of an Option pursuant to the
Plan shall  occur only  when a  written Option  agreement shall  have been  duly
executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Participant.
 
    12.   RIGHTS IN EVENT OF DEATH  OR DISABILITY OF PARTICIPANT.  The Committee
shall have  discretion  to include  in  each Option  agreement  such  provisions
regarding exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of the
Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.
 
    13.   STOCK PURCHASED FOR  INVESTMENT.  At the  discretion of the Committee,
any Option agreement may provide that  the Option holder shall, by accepting  an
Option,  represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by will or
the laws of descent and distribution  that all shares of Common Stock  purchased
upon  the exercise  of the Option  will be  acquired for investment  and not for
resale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of any portion of an Option,
the person entitled to exercise the same shall furnish evidence satisfactory  to
the  Company (including a written and  signed representation) to the effect that
the shares of Common Stock are being  acquired in good faith and for  investment
and not for resale or distribution.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
    14.   TERMINATION OF OPTION RIGHTS AND AWARDS.  The Committee may provide in
each  Option  agreement  for  the  circumstances  under  which  Options  granted
hereunder  may  terminate  for  any  reason  that  the  Committee,  in  its sole
discretion, deems to be appropriate.
 
    15.  AMENDMENT  OR DISCONTINUATION.   The Plan  may be  amended, altered  or
discontinued  by the Board or, if the  Board has delegated this authority to the
Committee, by the Committee, without approval of the stockholders. In the  event
any law, or any rule or regulation issued or promulgated by the Internal Revenue
Service,  Securities and Exchange Commission, National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., any  stock exchange  upon which the  Common Stock  is listed  for
trading  or other governmental or  quasi-governmental agency having jurisdiction
over the Company, its Common Stock or the Plan requires the Plan to be  amended,
the  Plan will be amended at that time  and all Options then outstanding will be
subject to such amendment.
 
    16.  EMPLOYMENT.  This  Plan and any Option granted  under this Plan do  not
confer  upon the Participant any right to  be employed or to continue employment
with the Company.
 
    17.  NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE OPTION.   The granting of an Option  pursuant
to  the Plan shall  not impose any  obligation upon the  Participant to exercise
such Option.
 
    18.  TERMINATION.  Unless  sooner terminated by action  of the Board or,  if
the  Board has specifically delegated its authority to terminate the Plan to the
Committee, by the Committee, the Plan shall terminate on December 31, 2011,  and
no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date.
 
    19.   USE OF PROCEEDS.  The proceeds derived from the sale of stock pursuant
to Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.
 
   
    20.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN.  The Plan shall be effective as of the 31st
day of January, 1994.
    
 
                                          STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
   
Dated: As of January 31, 1994
    
                                          By: _____/s/_STERLING L. WILLIAMS_____
                                                    Sterling L. Williams
                                                PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                           OFFICER
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
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                               STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
 
                        PROXY -- ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
           The undersigned hereby appoints Sterling L. Williams and Jeannette P.
       Meier,  each with power to  act without the other  and with full power of
       substitution, as Proxies to represent and  to vote, as designated on  the
       reverse  side,  all  stock  of  Sterling  Software,  Inc.  owned  by  the
       undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the
P      Energy Club, 8080  North Central Expressway,  Dallas, Texas on  Thursday,
       March  17, 1994,  at 10:00  a.m., local time,  upon such  business as may
       properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof including the
       following as set forth on the reverse side.
   
R
           THIS PROXY  WHEN  PROPERLY  EXECUTED  WILL BE  VOTED  IN  THE  MANNER
       DIRECTED  HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO SPECIFIC DIRECTION
O      IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED (I) FOR THE 
       ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR  DIRECTOR, (II) FOR THE PROPOSED  AMENDMENTS
       TO  THE INCENTIVE STOCK  OPTION PLAN AND  NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
X      AND THE PROPOSED ADOPTION  OF THE 1994  NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION  PLAN,
       EXCEPT THAT BROKER NON-VOTES WILL NOT BE COUNTED WITH RESPECT
       SPECT  TO SUCH  PROPOSALS AND  (III) AND AT  THE DISCRETION  OF THE PROXY
Y      HOLDERS WITH REGARD TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
       MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
    

                (CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED AND DATED ON REVERSE SIDE)
 
                                   SEE REVERSE SIDE
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------
 
/X/ PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE.
 
            THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
1. Election as  Directors of the  three nominees listed  below (except  as  3. Adoption of the 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.
   indicated to the contrary below):                                        FOR        AGAINST        ABSTAIN
NOMINEES:                                                                   / /        / /          / /
           Robert J. Donachie, Evan A. Wyly and Robert E. Cook              4.  In  their discretion  on any  other matter  that may
             FOR             WITHHELD                                       properly come  before  the meeting  or  any  adjournment
             / /             / /                                                  thereof.
/ / For all nominees  
    except as noted above                                 MARK HERE
                                                         FOR ADDRESS
                                                          CHANGE AND
                                                          NOTE BELOW / /
   
2. Approval of amendments to Incentive Stock Option Plan and Non-Statutory  Please  date,  sign  exactly as  shown  hereon  and mail
   Stock Option Plan (i) to increase the number of shares of Common  Stock  promptly this proxy in the enclosed envelope. When there
   available for issuance upon exercise of options granted thereunder from  is  more than one owner,  each should sign. When signing
   1,500,000 to 1,750,000 and  2,500,000 to 4,000,000, respectively,  (ii)  as  an  attorney, administrator,  executor,  guardian or
   to extend the terms of such plans to December 31, 2003, in the case  of  trustee, please add your title as such. If executed by a
   the  Incentive Stock Option Plan and December  31, 2011, in the case of  corporation, the  proxy  should  be  signed  by  a  duly
   the  Non-Statutory  Stock  Option  Plan,  and  (iii)  in  certain other  authorized officer. If executed by a partnership, please
   respects as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement.    sign in the partnership name by an authorized person.
        FOR        AGAINST        ABSTAIN
        / /        / /            / /
                                                                            Signature: ________________ Date ____________
                                                                            Signature: ________________ Date ____________
This proxy may be revoked prior to the exercise of the powers conferred by
the proxy.
    
</TABLE>
 
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