Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 1997 Stock Plan, to the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the 2000 Director Option Plan of Rational Software Corporation of our report dated April 18, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Rational Software Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.