PROGRAMMERS PARADISE INC
10-K, 1998-03-27
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE
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                                  UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES  EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED) For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997

                                            OR

[ ]  TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO SECTION  13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
         For the transition period from ______________ to _______________

                        Commission file number: 33-92810

                           PROGRAMMER'S PARADISE, INC.
                           ---------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Delaware                                      13-136104
(State or other jurisdiction              (IRS Employer Identification Number)
of incorporation)

1163 Shrewsbury Avenue, Shrewsbury, New Jersey                  07702
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (908) 389-8950

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: 
            Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share(Title Of Class)

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

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

     The aggregate  market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates  of
the  Registrant  computed  by  reference  to the  closing  sales  price  for the
Registrant's  Common Stock on March 20, 1998, as reported on the NASDAQ National
Market, was approximately $47,039,000.

     The number of shares  outstanding  of the  Registrant's  Common Stock as of
March 20,1998: 4,824,498 shares.

     In  determining   the  market  value  of  the  voting  stock  held  by  any
non-affiliates,  shares of Common Stock of the Registrant  beneficially owned by
directors, officers and holders of more than


<PAGE>



10% of the  outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock of the  Registrant  have been
excluded. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive
determination for other purposes.

     Documents   Incorporated  by  Reference:   Portions  of  the   Registrant's
definitive  Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders  scheduled to
be held on June  16,1998 are  incorporated  by  reference  into Part III of this
Report.


                             Page 2 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>



                                     PART I

ITEM 1 BUSINESS.

GENERAL

     Programmer's Paradise,  Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),  is a
recognized international direct marketer of software for microcomputers, servers
and networks,  operating  through three  separate  distribution  channels in the
United   States  and  Europe  -  catalog,   corporate   reseller  and  wholesale
distribution  with a strategic  focus on  expanding  its  catalog and  corporate
reseller activities aimed at people who design, program,  document,  support and
use software.  The Company currently offers catalogs in local languages and with
prices  in local  currencies  in the  United  States,  Canada,  Italy,  Germany,
Austria,  the United  Kingdom,  France and the  Netherlands,  and also  operates
software-only reseller businesses in each of those countries.

     A key element of the  Company's  strategy is to build upon its  distinctive
catalogs  -  the  established   Programmer's   Paradise  catalog,   directed  at
independent  professional  programmers,  and its Programmer's Supershop catalog,
acquired in 1996 and  directed  at  programmers  working in large  corporations.
These  catalogs  are full  color  "magalogs"  created  in-house,  which  combine
traditional catalog sales offerings with detailed product descriptions,  product
announcements   and  contain   substantial   amounts  of  paid  and  cooperative
advertising.   The   Programmer's   Paradise   catalog  features  the  Company's
proprietary and brand-distinctive  logo, the "Island Man" cartoon character.  In
1997, the Company  distributed over 7.6 million  catalogs,  typically  featuring
more than 1,000 stock keeping units ("SKUs") in its larger catalogs. The Company
estimates that its catalog  operations,  which have historically had the highest
gross margin of the  Company's  distribution  channels,  contributed  40% of its
revenue and 59% of gross margin in 1997.

     Through its multiple  channels,  the Company  offers more than 12,000 SKUs,
consisting of technical and general  business  application  software,  from over
1,000 publishers,  at prices generally discounted below manufacturers' suggested
retail prices. The Company's catalogs contain substantial amounts of advertising
and  offer  one of the most  complete  collections  of  microcomputer  technical
software,   including  programming  languages,   tools,  utilities,   libraries,
development  systems,  interfaces and  communications  products.  Many technical
software  programs  are  difficult  for  developers  to source on their own and,
notwithstanding  the large  selection of programs  offered by the  Company,  the
Company  frequently  searches for titles  requested by its  customer  base.  The
Company  believes  that  its  catalogs  are  important  marketing  vehicles  for
microcomputer  software  publishers and that they provide a  cost-effective  and
service-oriented means to market, sell and fulfill technical software products.

     The  Company  also  operates  via the  Internet  through its  domestic  and
international  websites.  Each site is linked to each other and fully capable of
electronic  commerce.  The Company  recently  announced the introduction of ISP*
eCOS,  a new  business-to-business  e-commerce  solution.  ISP* eCOS  offers the
end-user  a  comprehensive   product  database  with  multimedia   capabilities,
providing information on products, prices and availability as well as electronic
purchase  requests.  The Company believes that this technology will be extremely
beneficial to its corporate customers,  both in terms of process cost reductions
and in improved accessibility to corporate goods and services.

     International expansion is an integral part of the Company's strategy, with
its European-based  operations  accounting for approximately 60% of sales in the
year ended December 31,1997,  and approximately 46% of gross margin for the same
period. The Company began European-based operations in the first quarter of 1993
when it  acquired a  controlling  interest  in  Lifeboat  Associates  Italia Srl
("Lifeboat Italy"), a long-standing software wholesale distributor in Italy with
an orientation 


                              Page 3 of___28 Pages

<PAGE>



towards  technical  software.  In June 1994, the Company  acquired a controlling
interest  in ISP*D  International  Software  Partners  GmbH  ("ISP*D"),  a large
software-only  dealer,  a  leading  independent  supplier  of  Microsoft  Select
licenses  in Germany and a  significant  microcomputer  software  dealer to many
large German and Austrian companies. In January1995,  the remaining 10% interest
in ISP*D was  purchased by the Company.  In late 1994,  the Company  organized a
subsidiary  in the  United  Kingdom  to engage  in  catalog  operations,  and in
December 1995 the Company acquired  Systematika  Limited,  a leading reseller of
technical software in the United Kingdom and the publisher of the popular System
Science  catalog.  In January  1996,  the  Company  formed  ISP*F  International
Software Partners France SA ("ISP*F"),  as a full service corporate  reseller of
PC software,  based in Paris and majority owned by Programmer's  Paradise France
SARL. In August 1997,  the Company  formed  Programmer's  Paradise,  Canada Inc.
located  in  Mississauga,  Ontario,  to serve the  growing  developer  market in
Canada. In September 1997, the Company acquired Logicsoft Holding BV (Logicsoft)
the  holding  company  for  Logicsoft  Europe  BV,  located  in  Amsterdam,  the
Netherlands.  Logicsoft is the largest  software-only  corporate  reseller of PC
software in The  Netherlands.  As a result of the  acquisition,  the Company now
holds the lead position in over 40% of the European software market.

     The Company was  incorporated in Delaware in 1982. In May 1995, the Company
changed its name from "Voyager Software Corp" to "Programmer's  Paradise,  Inc."
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 1163 Shrewsbury Avenue,
Shrewsbury, New Jersey 07702 and its telephone number is (732) 389-8950.

PRODUCTS

         The Company offers over 12,000 SKUs consisting of technical and general
business  application  software  from  more  than  1,000  publishers,  including
Microsoft,  Sybase,  Borland,  IBM,  Symantec,  Blue  Sky  Software  and  NuMega
Technologies,  at prices  generally  discounted below  manufacturer's  suggested
retail  prices.  The Company  screens new  products  and  selects  products  for
inclusion  in its catalogs  based on features,  quality,  sales  trends,  price,
margins and warranties.

     Software  upgrades  are a  significant  category of product  offered by the
Company.  The  Company  is  authorized  by most  major  microcomputer  technical
software  publishers  to stock  upgrades.  Upgrades are  revisions to previously
published  software that improve or enhance certain  features of the software or
correct  errors  found in  previous  versions.  The  Company  believes it offers
several advantages to its customers in the upgrade process, including timely and
reliable  service and the ability to combine upgrades with other products on the
same order.

MARKETING AND SALES

     The  Company  operates  three  separate  distribution  channels  -  catalog
operations  (Programmer's Paradise,  Programmer's Supershop,  Internet Paradise,
Components  Paradise,  NT Supershop and System Science),  corporate reselling to
large accounts (ISP-USA in the United States, ISP*D in Germany, ISP*F in France,
Logicsoft Europe BV in The  Netherlands,  ISP*UK in the United Kingdom and ISP*I
in Italy) and wholesale  distribution to dealers and large  resellers  (Lifeboat
Distribution  in the U.S.  and  Lifeboat  Italy  in  Milan,  Italy).  Management
believes that this diversification of distribution channels is complementary and
operationally  cost effective.  Further,  due to the volume of purchasing by the
Company,  and also due to the unique  magazine/catalog  format of the  Company's
catalogs,  the Company believes it is able to obtain favorable  pricing,  prompt
supply of upgrades and significant marketing funds.

     Telemarketing  and Technical  Support.  The Company  employs  telemarketing
representatives  who assist customers in purchasing  decisions,  process product
orders and respond to customer  inquiries


                              Page 4 of___28 Pages
<PAGE>


on order status, product pricing and availability. The telemarketers are trained
to answer all basic questions about products.  On technical issues,  there is an
in-house  technical  support  staff,  which is able to respond to most inquiries
over the phone, with the balance researched off-line. For product literature and
technical fact sheets,  the Company employs its fax on demand literature service
supported  by  a   CD-ROM-based   reference   library.   Through  the  Company's
sophisticated  domestic information systems, a telemarketer can quickly access a
customer's record,  which details past purchases as well as billing information.
Similar capabilities exist in the Company's international operations.

     Customers and Backlog.  No single  customer,  including direct end users or
resellers  of products,  accounted  for more than 5% of the  Company's  revenues
during the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1997.  Because the Company  generally
ships products  within 48 hours of receipt of an order from a customer,  backlog
is not material to an understanding of its business.

CATALOG OPERATIONS

     Catalog.  The Company has two primary  established  catalogs - Programmer's
Paradise,   directed  at  independent   programming   professionals,   and,  The
Programmer's   Supershop   directed  at  programmers   in  large   corporations.
Programmer's Paradise and Programmer's Supershop,  each containing approximately
100 to 120 pages, are full color "magalogs"  which combine  traditional  catalog
sales offerings with detailed product  descriptions,  product  announcements and
substantial  amounts  of paid  and  cooperative  advertising.  The  Programmer's
Paradise  catalog  features  the  Company's  distinctive  "Island  Man"  cartoon
character and is recognized  as a leading  source for technical  software in the
United States.

     The  Programmer's  Supershop  catalog was  acquired in June 1996,  from The
Software  Developer's  Company,  Inc., the Company's  largest  competitor in the
catalog  channel.  Under the terms of the  purchase,  the Company  received  all
rights and title to The Programmer's  Supershop  catalog  business,  inbound and
outbound  telemarketing,  reseller  operations,  web site and the  operations of
Software Developers Company German subsidiary. In conjunction with the Supershop
and recently  introduced  NT Supershop  catalogs,  the Company has energized and
supported  an outbound  telemarketing  program as part of its  domestic  catalog
operations,  which  targets  mid-size  to  large  commercial,  governmental  and
educational accounts in the United States.

     In  addition  to its two  flagship  catalogs,  the  Company  developed  and
launched two additional  catalogs during 1996.  Components Paradise was launched
in March 1996 and is directed to the Visual Basic add-on  marketplace.  Internet
Paradise  was  developed  and  launched  in May  1996 to  capture  the  Internet
development  tool market.  During 1997, the Company  developed and launched it's
newest segmented catalog- NT Supershop, which is directed to the IT professional
working with the NT operating platform.  In September 1997, the Company opened a
distribution  and call-center in Mississauga,  Canada and launched  Programmer's
Paradise, Canada to support the growing Canadian developer market.

     The Company  continuously  attracts new  customers by  selectively  mailing
catalogs and other direct mail  materials to prospective  customers,  as well as
through  advertising  in magazines and trade  journals.  The Company's  domestic
mailing list currently consists of a core Programmer's Paradise and Programmer's
Supershop  buyer list of  approximately  150,000  customers  who have  purchased
products  from the Company  within the 24 months ended  December 31, 1997,  plus
selected  names from the Company's  prospect  list,  lists of names  provided by
publishers and lists of names rented from others.


                              Page 5 of___28 Pages
<PAGE>


     The Company seeks to have these  catalogs reach a similar status in Europe.
The Company's European catalogs (Programmer's Paradise Italia, Software Paradise
Deutschland,  Programmer's Paradise Deutschland Corporate Edition,  Programmer's
Paradise  U.K.,  Programmer's  Paradise  France  and the  1997  introduction  of
Programmer's Paradise- The Netherlands) are offshoots of the U.S. versions. They
are  published in local  languages  and present  offerings in local  currencies,
while using  similar but  localized  cover  graphics,  including  the  Company's
proprietary  logo,  the  "Island  Man"  cartoon  character.   The  Company  also
distributes  the popular  System  Science  catalog in the United  Kingdom.  This
catalog has long been  established as one of the  pre-eminent  publications  for
programmers in the U.K. and is produced four times per year.

     The Company creates its domestic catalogs in-house with its own design team
and production  artists using a computer-based  desktop  publishing  system. The
in-house  preparation  of  the  catalogs  streamlines  the  production  process,
provides greater flexibility and creativity in catalog production and results in
significant cost savings.

     Electronic  Distribution.  The  Company  also  conducts  business  via  the
Internet through its two domestic  websites:  and foreign  websites.  Through an
agreement  announced in July 1996, with  CyberSource  Corporation of Menlo Park,
California,  the Company began electronic delivery of software.  At December 31,
1997,  the Company had  approximately  170  products  available  for  electronic
distribution.  Electronic distribution is also mission critical to the Company's
foreign  subsidiaries.  Each of the foreign  websites is linked to each other as
well as the  domestic  site and each is  capable  of  electronic  commerce.  The
Company  recently  introduced  a new  business-to-business  e-commerce  solution
called  ISP*  eCOS.  ISP* eCOS  offers a  comprehensive  product  database  with
multimedia  capabilities giving the end-user instant information on a wide range
of  products,  pricing  and  availability  while  enabling  the user to generate
electronic purchase requests.  The Company believes that this technology will be
extremely  beneficial to its corporate  customers  both in terms of process cost
reductions and in improved accessibility to corporate goods and services.

     Upstream Marketing to Suppliers.  The Company engages in upstream marketing
to its suppliers who are software  publishers  by providing  important  services
designed  to enhance  such  supplier's  ability to market  its  products  in the
programmer and developer marketplace.  The Company believes that its advertising
and  other   supplier-directed   marketing  activities  maximize  the  Company's
marketing reach and build  relationships  with leading  publishers.  The Company
offers a menu of fee services to help its  suppliers  sell  products,  including
cooperative space advertising,  trade show support,  special publisher catalogs,
demonstration disks, shipment stuffers, telephone sold-on-hold advertising and a
variety of custom direct mail services.  As part of these services,  the Company
works closely with suppliers'  personnel on the timing and nature of new product
introductions and policies,  helps build product  awareness,  conducts marketing
programs to selected users on behalf of publishers and provides a broad range of
product support.

     Cooperative and Fee-Based  Advertising.  The Company engages in cooperative
and fee-based  advertising  with software  publishers in accordance with written
advertising  insertion order  agreements.  Under these  agreements,  the Company
places  advertisements  or prints  catalogs  that feature  publisher  discounts,
advertising allowances and rebates.  Frequently,  the Programmer's Paradise logo
and telephone  number are included in the promotion of selected  publishers  and
incoming calls are handled by Company representatives.  In addition, the Company
often  coordinates its catalog  distribution and other marketing  initiatives to
coincide with new product  releases.  Many  suppliers  also provide funds to the
Company based upon an agreed amount of coverage  given in the catalogs for their
respective  products,  thereby  financing  the cost of catalog  publication  and
distribution.  In 1997,  the Company's  cooperative  and  fee-based  advertising
reimbursements  totaled less than 12% of total product revenues 



                              Page 6 of___28 Pages
<PAGE>


in the Company's domestic operations,  and significantly  smaller percentages in
the European operations.

CORPORATE RESELLING

     Direct corporate reselling is primarily conducted in Europe by ISP*D, which
was acquired by the Company in June 1994. The Company has been  capitalizing  on
ISP*D's  strength in Germany as a base for  pan-European  business  development,
utilizing the offices and  operations of all of the  Company's  subsidiaries  in
Europe.  The acquisition of Logicsoft  Holding BV was the most recent example of
the Company's strategy to provide  value-added  services to its pan-European and
eventually  worldwide  customer base. It is the Company's strategy to become the
European-based  corporate  reseller of choice for  European  companies  desiring
coordinated  purchasing  agreements  for U.S.  subsidiaries.  In pursuit of that
goal, the Company has been certified by Microsoft as an Authorized  Reseller for
its Select  Licensing  Program.  Select status in the United States enhances the
Company's ability to provide seamless agreements to its corporate customers that
require international service.

     ISP*D's  experienced  sales  force,  each  member  of which is  assigned  a
specific territory in Germany or Austria, has built relationships with corporate
customers  through  regular  phone  contact and  personalized  service.  Account
executives  work  directly with  procurement  managers,  management  information
system  managers  and  computer  support  managers  of  existing  and  potential
customers to identify the specific  needs of each customer and to facilitate the
acquisition of software  within the customer's  organizational  framework.  They
also maintain  close contact with customers in order to provide them with timely
communications and assistance with any special or strategic requests. In January
1996,  ISP*D  established  a  full-time  consulting,  training  and  programming
services division (ISP*D Corporate Services) and in 1997, formed a joint venture
with National  TechTeam to provide  Help-Desk  services  enabling the Company to
market  itself on the basis of its  overall  price and service  advantage  in an
environment  where customers  typically utilize two or more suppliers to satisfy
their software needs.  During 1997, ISP*D Corporate  Services became a Certified
Microsoft  Solution  Provider and attained the status of a Microsoft  Authorized
Training and Education Center.

WHOLESALE OPERATIONS

     Through  Lifeboat  Distribution  and Lifeboat Italy,  the Company sells, at
wholesale,   technical  software  to  storefront  retail  dealers,  superstores,
resellers and mail order  companies.  The U.S.  retailers  include Micro Age and
Comp  USA,   while  the  resellers   include  ASAP  Software   Express,   Stream
International,  Software House International, Softmart Incorporated and Software
Spectrum. In addition, Lifeboat Italy wholesales productivity software.

PURCHASING AND FULFILLMENT

     The  Company's  success  is, in part,  dependent  upon the  ability  of its
suppliers to develop and market products that meet the changing  requirements of
the marketplace. The Company believes it enjoys good relations with its vendors.
The Company and its  principal  vendors have  cooperated  frequently  in product
introductions and other marketing programs.  In addition,  the Company typically
receives price protection  should a vendor  subsequently  lower its price. As is
customary in the industry,  the Company has no long-term  supply  contracts with
any of its suppliers. Substantially all the Company's contracts with its vendors
are terminable upon 30 days' notice or less.

                              Page 7 of___28 Pages


                                       
<PAGE>


     The Company  believes  that  effective  purchasing  is a key element of its
business  strategy to provide  technical  software at  competitive  prices.  The
Company  believes  that  volume  purchases  enable  it to obtain  favorable  and
competitive product pricing. The Company purchases products from more than 1,000
publishers. Domestically, in 1997 the Company purchased approximately 50% of its
products  directly from  manufacturers  and  publishers and the balance from two
distributors  - Ingram  and  Merisel.  Internationally,  in 1997  the  Company's
foreign subsidiaries  purchased  approximately 66% of its products directly from
manufacturers  and  publishers.  The largest  volume of purchases by the Company
from distributors was from Ingram, representing approximately 12.7% of worldwide
purchases  in 1997.  The Company  believes  it can  purchase  substantially  all
products  purchased from Ingram from other competing  wholesalers  under similar
terms.  Domestically,  the  leading  10  vendors of the  Company  accounted  for
approximately 71% of its purchases.  The leading five  international  vendors of
the Company  accounted  for  approximately  74% of its  consolidated  purchases.
Management estimates that during 1997 approximately 56% of worldwide revenues of
the Company were derived from products published by Microsoft.

     The Company  attempts to manage its  inventory  position to generate a high
number of inventory turns  consistent  with achieving high product  availability
and order fill rates.  Inventory  levels may vary from period to period,  due in
part to increases or decreases in sales levels, the Company's practice of making
large-volume  purchases  when  it  deems  the  terms  of  such  purchases  to be
attractive,  and the  addition of new  suppliers  and  products.  Moreover,  the
Company's  order  fulfillment  and inventory  control allow the Company to order
certain  products just in time for next day shipping.  The Company  promotes the
use of  electronic  data  interchange  ("EDI") with its  suppliers,  which helps
reduce  overhead and the use of paper in the  ordering  process.  All  inventory
items in the U.S.  and Italy are bar coded and  located in  computer  designated
areas  which are easily  identified  on the  packing  slip.  All such orders are
checked  with bar code  scanners  prior to packing to ensure  that each order is
filled correctly.  The Company also conducts a quarterly  physical  inventory in
the United States,  the Netherlands  and Germany,  and monthly in France and the
U.K.  to verify  its  inventory  levels on a timely  basis.  Additionally,  some
suppliers or distributors  will "drop ship" products  directly to the customers,
which  reduces  physical  handling by the Company.  These  inventory  management
techniques  allow the  Company  to offer a  greater  range of  products  without
increased inventory requirements. Generally, the Company has been able to return
unsold or obsolete inventory within specified  intervals of the purchase date to
its vendors  through  written  agreements  with, or unwritten  policies of, such
vendors. Domestic orders are shipped via United Parcel Service. Upon request, at
an additional  charge,  overnight  delivery services are available.  The Company
operates distribution facilities in Shrewsbury, New Jersey; Mississauga, Canada;
Munich, Germany; Milan, Italy; London, England; Paris, France and Amsterdam, The
Netherlands.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

     In the U.S.,  the Company  operates a  management  information  system that
allows for  centralized  management of key  functions,  including  inventory and
accounts receivable management,  purchasing, sales and distribution.  As part of
the acquisition of substantially  all of the assets of The Software  Developer's
Company,  Inc., the Company acquired SDC's management  information system, which
is more adaptive to direct  marketing  organizations  than the  Company's  prior
system.  The system  allows the  Company,  among other  things,  to track direct
marketing campaign  performance,  to monitor sales trends,  make marketing event
driven purchasing  decisions,  and provide product availability and order status
information.  In  addition  to the main  system,  the  Company  has  systems  of
networked  personal  computers,  which  facilitates data sharing and provides an
automated office environment,  as well as microcomputer-based desktop publishing
systems.  The Company's European  operations use local systems,  which are being
modified  to allow  exchange of data with the  Company's  U.S.

                              Page 8 of___28 Pages


<PAGE>

operations.  The Company  believes that its management  information  systems and
planned  enhancements  are sufficient to sustain its present  operations and its
anticipated growth for the foreseeable future.

TRADEMARKS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSES

     The Company conducts its business under the trademarks and service marks of
Programmer's  Paradise,  The  Programmer's  Supershop,  The "Island Man" cartoon
character logo,  Lifeboat,  DEMO,  demo-it!,  System Science,  ISP*D,  ISP*F and
Logicsoft.  The Company  believes  that its  trademarks  and service  marks have
significant  value and are an important factor in the marketing of its products.
The Company  intends to use and protect these and related  marks,  as necessary.
The Company does not maintain a traditional  research and development group, but
works  closely  with  software  authors  and  publishers  and  other  technology
developers  to  stay  abreast  of  the  latest   developments  in  microcomputer
technology. In connection with its publishing operations,  from time to time the
Company has funded a portion of the development of publishing  properties  under
license to the Company,  by  providing  the author  advances,  which are applied
against royalties.

     ISP*D,  ISP*F,  ISP-USA and Logicsoft  are  Microsoft  Select Large Account
Resellers  (LAR).  The Company has multiple other alliances with publishers such
as Lotus, Borland, Sybase, Attachmate, NuMega, Intersolv and Logic Works.

EMPLOYEES

     As of December  31, 1997,  the Company had 95 full-time  employees in North
America, including 54 in sales and marketing, 15 in purchasing and distribution,
and 26 in administration,  accounting and MIS and 3 part-time  employees.  As of
December 31, 1997, the Company had 142 full-time employees in Europe,  including
62 in sales and  marketing,  22 in  consulting  and  technical  training,  30 in
purchasing and distribution, 28 in administration and accounting and 8 part-time
employees.

     The Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements with its
employees,  has  experienced  no work stoppages and considers its relations with
its employees to be satisfactory.

COMPETITION

     The software  distribution  market is highly  competitive.  Pricing is very
aggressive,  and the Company expects pricing  pressure to continue.  The Company
faces  competition  from a wide  variety of sources  including  direct  sales by
vendors, software resellers, superstores,  catalogers and other direct marketers
of  software  products,   some  of  which  are  significantly  larger  and  have
substantially  greater  resources  than the Company.  Many of these  competitors
compete  principally  on the  basis of  price,  product  availability,  customer
service and technical  support,  and may have lower costs than the Company.  The
market for technical  software is  characterized  by rapid changes in technology
and  user  needs.  The  Company  competes  both in the  acquisition  of lists of
prospects and of new products from software authors,  developers and publishers,
as well as in the marketing and sale of its existing products to its customers.

     Although many of the Company's competitors have greater financial resources
than the Company, the Company believes that an ability to offer the professional
programmer a wide selection of products,  at low prices,  with prompt  delivery,
and high customer service levels and its good relationships with its vendors and
suppliers,  allow  it to  compete  effectively.  The  Company  competes  to gain
distribution  rights for new products  primarily on the basis of its reputation,
the  relationships  which management of the Company has established with product
authors  and  the   Company's   ability  to  promote  and  market  new  products
successfully.



                              Page 9 of___28 Pages
<PAGE>



     The software  distribution  industry is undergoing  significant  change and
consolidation.  Software distributors are consolidating operations and acquiring
or merging with other  distributors  or retailers to achieve  economies of scale
and  increased  efficiency.  During 1996,  the Company  acquired  its  principle
competitor within the catalog  industry-The  Programmer's  Supershop catalog and
related  operations.  One of the  primary  benefits of the  transaction  was the
economies  of scale as the Company was able to absorb the entire  operations  of
The  Programmer's  Supershop  within its existing  location while  substantially
reducing overhead run rates.

     The current  consolidation  trend  could cause the  industry to become even
more  competitive  and make it more  difficult  for the Company to maintain  its
operating  margins.  The manner in which software  products are  distributed and
sold is also changing,  and new methods of  distribution  and sale may emerge or
expand.  Software  developers and publishers  have sold, and may intensify their
efforts to sell,  their  products  directly to  end-users.  The emergence of the
Internet as a viable platform in which to conduct business transactions has both
lowered the barriers for competition and broadened  customers access to products
and  information.  This  transition has  heightened  the Company's  awareness to
maintain a competitive edge in this market. From time to time certain developers
and  publishers  have  instituted  programs  for the direct  sale of large order
quantities  of  software to certain  major  corporate  accounts.  These types of
programs  may  continue  to be  developed  and used by  various  developers  and
publishers.  While  Microsoft  and other  vendors  currently  sell their  update
products directly to end users, they have not attempted to completely bypass the
reseller  channel.  Future efforts by such entities to bypass  third-party sales
channels could materially and adversely affect the Company's operations.

     In  addition,   certain  major  publishers,   including   Microsoft,   have
implemented  programs  for the master copy  distribution  or site  licensing  of
software.  These programs  generally grant an  organization  the right to make a
number of copies of software for distribution  within the organization  provided
that the  organization  pays a fee to the  developer  for each copy made.  Also,
resellers and publishers may attempt to increase the volume of software products
distributed  electronically  through  downloading to end users'  microcomputers,
through CD-ROM unlocking technology,  through CD-ROM based subscription services
and through on-line shopping  services.  Any of these competitive  programs,  if
successful, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and
financial condition.

SALES TAX AND REGULATORY MATTERS

         The Company believes that it is presently required to collect sales tax
on sales of products  through its catalogs to  residents of New Jersey.  Various
states have sought to impose on direct  marketers the burden of collecting state
sales tax on the sale of products shipped to that state's residents.  The United
States  Supreme Court has ruled that the various  states,  absent  congressional
legislation,  may not impose tax collection  obligations on an out-of-state mail
order  company whose only contact with the taxing state is the  distribution  of
catalogs and other advertisement materials through the mail and whose subsequent
delivery of purchased  goods is by U.S. mail or interstate  common  carrier.  If
legislation  is ultimately  enacted to overturn such  decision,  or state courts
otherwise  impose  a duty to  collect  sales  or use  tax,  imposition  of a tax
collection  obligation  on the Company in states to which it ships  products may
result in additional  administrative expenses to the Company and price increases
to its customers.

     The Company seeks to expand its in-house  list of customers and  prospects.
In the event that federal or state  governments  or European  governments  enact
privacy legislation  resulting in the increased regulation of mailing lists, the
Company's ability to enhance or expand its lists could be adversely affected. In
such event, the Company could also experience  increased costs in complying

                             Page 10 of___28 Pages
<PAGE>


with potentially  burdensome regulations concerning the solicitation of consents
to keep or add customer names to its mailing lists.

     The direct  response  business  is subject to the Mail or  Telephone  Order
Merchandise  Rule and  related  regulations  promulgated  by the  Federal  Trade
Commission. While the Company believes it is in compliance with such regulations
and has implemented  programs and systems to assure its ongoing  compliance with
such  regulations,  no assurance can be given that new laws or regulations  will
not be enacted or adopted which might adversely affect the Company's operations.

SEASONALITY

     The Company has traditionally  experienced a decrease in domestic net sales
in its third quarter compared to the other quarters.  This traditional  downturn
in domestic  net sales is  exacerbated  by the  decline of  European  commercial
activity in general and software sales in particular during the summer months.

ITEM 2 PROPERTIES.

     At of December 31, 1997, the Company leased 15,000 square feet of space for
its offices on the first floor at 1163 Shrewsbury Avenue, Shrewsbury, New Jersey
and an  additional  9,103  square  feet of space at an adjacent  property.  Both
leases are  presently  on a month to month  basis while the  Company's  landlord
completes  construction  of a new 18,000  square foot  facility  for the Company
adjacent  to the  present  facility  at  1163  Shrewsbury  Avenue.  The  Company
anticipates  occupancy  during 1998 at which time it will  retain  approximately
6,000 square feet of warehouse space in its present location. Basic monthly rent
payments amount to approximately $22,000.  Additionally, the Company also leases
approximately  3,584  square feet of office  space under a  three-year  lease in
Mississauga,  Canada  that calls for  monthly  rental  payments in the amount of
$1,750.  The Company's European  facilities,  all of which are leased under long
term arrangements,  are as follows: 17,890 square feet in Munich, Germany, 8,600
square feet in Milan, Italy, 3,100 square feet in London,  England, 6,200 square
feet in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and 9,174 square feet in Paris, France. Total
annual rent expense for the European facilities is approximately  $733,000.  See
Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

     There are no material legal proceedings  pending against the Company or any
of its subsidiaries.

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

     Not applicable.



                             Page 11 of___28 Pages
<PAGE>




ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.

     The executive officers of the Company are as follows:


Name                        Age               Position
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roger Paradis               53         President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                       Chairman of the Board

Joseph V. Popolo            61         Executive Vice President -
                                       USA Operations and Secretary

Peter W. Lorenz             49         Executive Vice President-
                                       European Operations

John P. Broderick           48         Chief Financial Officer, Vice President-
                                       Finance and Treasurer

Peter Lindsey               46         Vice President European Catalogs

Jeffrey Largiader           41         Vice President - Catalog Operations and
                                       Marketing Development

Kathleen Innacelli          37         Vice President - Fulfillment Operations


ROGER  PARADIS  has  served as the  President,  Chief  Executive  Officer  and a
director of the Company  since  1988.  During  1996,  he was also  appointed  as
Chairman  of the  Board of  Directors.  Prior to  joining  the  Company,  he was
President  of Amerinex  Corporation,  a private  venture  capital firm in Saddle
Brook, New Jersey.

JOSEPH V.  POPOLO  has  served  as the  Company's  Executive  Vice  President  -
Operations  since joining the Company in January 1995. From 1977 to 1985, he was
the President of MISCO, a computer products  cataloger.  From 1985 until joining
the Company, Mr. Popolo was an independent  consultant to corporations  desiring
to expand or build  business-to-business  catalog  operations.  Mr.  Popolo  has
served as a consultant  to Catalog Age magazine and is the founder and a charter
member of the Direct Marketing Association's International Council.

PETER W. LORENZ has served as the Managing Director of ISP*D since its inception
in 1989 and joined the  Company in June 1994 at the time of the  acquisition  of
ISP*D by the  Company.  Since  January  1995,  he has served as  Executive  Vice
President-  European  Operations.  Mr. Lorenz is a founding member of the German
Software Association, and was its chairman from 1987 until 1990. He currently is
a member of the Board of Directors of the Software Publishing Association (SPA),
Europe.

JOHN P. BRODERICK has served as the Company's Chief  Financial  Officer and Vice
President  - Finance of the  Company  since May 1995.  He has also  served as an
independent  financial consultant to the Company since 1993. Mr. Broderick began
his career as a CPA with Price  Waterhouse  LLP and has held  similar  positions
with Waterford Glass Inc., an  importer/distributor of Irish crystal and Olympic
Limousine Corp., a transportation conglomerate from 1979 through 1992.

                              Page 12 of__28__Pages

<PAGE>




PETER LINDSEY has served as the Company's  Vice  President of European  Catalogs
since  1997  and  joined  the  company  in  December  1995  at the  time  of the
acquisition of Systematika Ltd.. Mr. Lindsey was the founder of Systematika Ltd.
in 1982 and introduced  the first full color catalog for developer  tools in the
UK.

JEFFREY  LARGIADER  has served as the Vice  President - Catalog  Operations  and
Marketing  Development  since 1989 and is  responsible  for catalog  production,
advertising  sales, media planning and marketing  communications.  Prior to that
and since 1983, he held various sales and product management  positions with the
Company and Lifeboat Associates.

KATHLEEN INNACELLI has served as the Vice President - Fulfillment  Operations of
the  Company  since  1993  and  is  responsible  for  purchasing  and  warehouse
operations.  From 1990 through 1993, Ms.  Innacelli held the position of Manager
of Purchasing and was the Vice President - Telesales and Client  Services of the
Company.  Prior to that and since 1983 held other positions with the Company and
Lifeboat Associates.

                             Page 14 of__28__Pages
<PAGE>


                                     PART II

ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

         The Company's  Common Stock trades on the NASDAQ  National Market under
the symbol  "PROG." The following  table sets forth,  for the calendar  quarters
indicated, the quarterly high and low sales prices of the Company's Common Stock
as reported on NASDAQ. The quotations listed below reflect  inter-dealer  prices
only, without retail markups, markdowns or commissions.  Prior to July 18, 1995,
there was no established public trading market for the Company's Common Stock.

                                     High              Low
1995

Third Quarter                       12 3/8             10 1/2
Fourth Quarter                      10 1/2              6 3/4

1996

First Quarter                        7                  5 1/4
Second Quarter                       7 3/8              4 7/8
Third Quarter                        6 3/4              5 1/4
Fourth Quarter                       7 1/2              5
1997

First Quarter                        8 1/4              6 7/8
Second Quarter                      10 1/4              6 1/4
Third Quarter                       13 1/4              9
Fourth Quarter                      13 3/4              7 1/4

During 1997, 31,065 shares of the Common Stock were issued to employees,  former
employees  and  directors of the Company,  pursuant to the exercise of incentive
stock  options  granted  to them prior to such year  under the  Company's  stock
option plans. Such shares were issued pursuant to Rule 701 promulgated under the
Securities Act of 1933, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.60.

HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK

     On March 20,  1998,  4,824,498  shares of the  Company's  Common Stock were
outstanding. On such date, there were approximately 74 holders of record.

DIVIDENDS

     No dividends have been paid on the Company's  Common Stock.  The Company is
limited in its ability to pay  dividends  by its  domestic  facility  agreement,
which  presently  prohibits  the  payments of  dividends.  The Company  does not
currently anticipate declaring or paying dividends.

ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

     The  following is a summary of selected  financial  data of the Company for
each of the five years ended on the dates set forth below,  which should be read
in  conjunction  with the  financial  statements  of the  Company  and the notes
thereto:

                             Page 14 of__28__Pages

<PAGE>


                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following table sets forth,  selected  consolidated  financial data for
the  Company  for  the  five  years  ended   December  31,  1997.  The  selected
consolidated  financial  data for the five years are derived from the  Company's
audited consolidated  financial statements.  The consolidated financial data set
forth  below  should  be read in  conjunction  with the  Company's  Consolidated
Financial Statements and related Notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" contained herein.

<TABLE>


                      (In thousands, except per share data)

                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1993        1994           1995         1996           1997
<S>                                           <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>                
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA (1):
Net sales                                     $45,032      $71,334         $93,286     $127,680      $176,157
Income from operations                            838        1,370           2,275        2,936         6,217
Income before minority interest                   263        1,095           4,203        2,199         3,964
Net income                                        239        l,050           4,203        2,298         3,964
Basic net income per common share               $0.10        $0.45           $1.14        $0.48         $0.84
                                             ========      =======         =======       ======      ========
Diluted net income per common
  share                                         $0.10        $0.35           $1.03        $0.44         $0.75
                                             ========     ========         =======       ======       =======
Weighted average
  common shares outstanding-basic               2,354        2,354           3,703        4,764         4,740
Weighted average
  common shares outstanding-diluted             2,887        3,142           4,102        5,198         5,280


BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital                             $ 1,950      $ 2,731         $21,689      $12,415       $16,077
  Total assets                                 11,714       24,730          58,329       68,490        86,368
  Short-term debt                               3,303        3,489           2,469        1,135           958
  Long-term debt                                   --           --              --        1,050         2,220
  Redeemable preferred
    stock and Stockholders'
    equity                                      3,379        4,597          26,989       28,844        32,213

</TABLE>


(1)  Comparability  of the Statement of  Operations is affected by  acquisitions
occurring  throughout  the  periods  presented.  See Note 2 to the  Consolidated
Financial Statements. (2) The earnings per share amounts prior to 1997 have been
restated as required to comply with Statement of Financial  Accounting Standards
No. 128.

ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS. OVERVIEW

     The  Company  is  a  distributor  of  software,   operating  through  three
distribution channels - cataloging, corporate reseller and wholesale operations.
Catalog operations include worldwide catalog sales,  advertising and publishing.
Corporate reseller  operations  include ISP-USA,  in the United States and ISP*D
International Software Partners GmbH ("ISP*D") in Munich, Germany,  wholly-owned
subsidiaries  of the  Company,  ISP*F  International  Software  Partners  France
("ISP*F"),  a  majority-owned  company  located in Paris,  France and  Logicsoft
Holding  BV,  a  recently  acquired  and  wholly-owned   subsidiary  located  in
Amsterdam,  The  Netherlands.  Wholesale  operations  include  distributions 

                             Page 15 of__28__Pages

<PAGE>


to dealers and large resellers  through Lifeboat  Distribution  Inc. in the U.S.
and Lifeboat  Associates  Italia Srl ("Lifeboat  Italy") in Milan,  Italy,  also
subsidiaries of the Company.

     The Company was founded in 1982 as a wholesaler and reseller of educational
software.  In June 1986, the Company acquired Lifeboat  Associates,  a wholesale
distributor  and  publisher  of  software   founded  in  1976.  Later  in  1986,
Programmer's  Paradise  was  started  by the  Company as a catalog  marketer  of
technical  software.  In 1988,  the Company  acquired  Corsoft Inc.; a corporate
reseller   founded  in  1983,  and  combined  it  with  the  operations  of  the
Programmer's  Paradise  catalog  and  Lifeboat  Associates,  both of which  were
involved in the marketing of technical software for microcomputers. In May 1995,
the  Company  changed its name from  "Voyager  Software  Corp" to  "Programmer's
Paradise,  Inc.". In July 1995, the Company completed an initial public offering
of its common stock. In June 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the
assets of The Software  Developer's  Company,  Inc.  including the  Programmer's
Supershop catalog, its largest domestic competitor.

     The Company began  European-based  operations in the first quarter of 1993,
when it  acquired a  controlling  interest in Lifeboat  Italy,  a  long-standing
software  distributor in Italy. In January and April 1994, the Company purchased
the remaining  ownership  interest in Lifeboat  Italy. In June 1994, the Company
acquired a 90% controlling interest in ISP*D, a large software-only dealer and a
leading independent  supplier of Microsoft Select licenses and other software to
many large German and Austrian  companies.  In January  1995,  the remaining 10%
interest  in ISP*D was  purchased  by the  Company.  In late 1994,  the  Company
organized a subsidiary in the United Kingdom to engage in catalog operations. In
December  1995, the Company  acquired  Systematika  Ltd., a leading  reseller of
technical software in the United Kingdom and the publisher of the popular System
Science  catalog.  In January  1996,  the  Company  formed  ISP*F  International
Software Partners France SA ("ISP*F"),  as a full service corporate  reseller of
PC software,  based in Paris and majority owned by Programmer's  Paradise France
SARL. In September  1997, the Company  announced that it had acquired  Logicsoft
Holding BV, the parent company of Logicsoft  Europe BV, the  predominate  LAR in
the Benelux territory.  The Company is using its European-based  operations as a
platform for pan-European  business  development,  including the distribution of
local versions of its catalogs.

     The Company has  experienced in the past and will  experience in the future
seasonal  variations in net sales and net income.  Factors that have contributed
to seasonal  operating  results include product cycles of suppliers that are not
controlled  or  influenced  by  the  Company,  product  availability,   supplier
relationships,  customer licenses and contracts, the timing of catalog mailings,
catalog  response  rates,  product mix,  past and  potential  acquisitions,  the
condition  of  the  software  industry  in  general,   traditional  softness  in
summertime European commercial activity,  shifts in demand for software products
and industry announcements,  releases of new products and upgrades and corporate
purchasing cycles.

                             Page 16 of__28__Pages
<PAGE>



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth for the periods  indicated certain financial
information  derived from the  Company's  consolidated  statement of  operations
expressed as a percentage of net sales:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   % to Net Sales                    % Change
                                        -----------------------------------       -------------------
                                        1995            1996         1997         96 v 95     97 v 96
                                        -----------------------------------        -------    -------

<S>                                    <C>             <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>  
Net Sales                              100.0%          100.0%       100.0%
Cost of Sales                           84.4%           83.8%        85.4%
Gross Profit                            15.6%           16.2%        14.6%           0.6%        (1.6%)

Selling, general and
  administrative expenses               13.1%           13.5%        10.6%           0.4%        (2.9%)
Amortization of goodwill                 0.1%            0.4%         0.5%           0.3%         0.1%
Income from operations                   2.4%            2.3%         3.5%          (0.1%)        1.2%
Interest (income), expense net          (0.3%)          (0.2%)       (0.1%)          0.1%        (0.1%)
Income before taxes                      2.7%            2.5%         3.6%          (0.2%)        1.1%
Income tax benefit (provision)           1.9%           (0.8%)       (1.4%)         (2.7%)        0.6%
Minority interest (loss)                                (0.1%)                      (0.1%)        0.1%
Net Income                               4.6%            1.8%         2.2%          (2.8%)        0.4%

</TABLE>

NET SALES

     Net sales of the Company represents the gross  consolidated  revenue of the
Company less returns. Although net sales consist primarily of sales of software,
revenue from  marketing  services and  advertising  is also included  within net
sales.  Net sales of the Company  increased  by $48.5  million or 38%, to $176.2
million  in 1997 and by $34.4  million,  or 37%,  to $127.7  million  in 1996 as
compared to the respective  preceding periods.  The increase in revenues in 1997
resulted from a combination of the growth of the catalog and corporate  reseller
channels as well as growth  through  acquisitions.  Revenues  within the catalog
channel  increased  19% or $11.3  million  in 1997,  the  majority  of which was
incurred  in the  United  States  and  reflects  the  full  year  impact  of the
acquisition of The Programmer's  Supershop  acquired in June 1996 as well as the
introduction  and  development of the Company's  newest  segmented  catalog:  NT
Supershop.  Domestic catalog circulation  increased by approximately 1.7 million
catalog drops  reflecting  the growth of the Company's  five catalog  offerings.
Revenues within the corporate  reseller channel  increased 66% in 1997 primarily
resulting  from a  significant  increase  in the amount of German  and  Austrian
reseller  customers  as well  as the  acquisition  of  Logicsoft  Holding  BV in
September 1997.  Revenues within Germany and Austria  increased by approximately
47% over 1996 while revenues in the United  Kingdom  increased by 26% over 1996.
The  increase in revenues  reflects an increase in market  share and is directly
attributable to the value-added  services and  pan-European  capabilities  being
delivered by the group.

         The growth in net sales in 1996  resulted  from market  share growth in
both  the  catalog  and  reseller  channels  as well as the  acquisition  of The
Programmer's  Supershop  in June  1996.  Revenues  within  the  catalog  channel
increased 65% or $23.2 million  primarily as a result of the  acquisition of The
Programmer's  Supershop  as well as the full year impact of the  acquisition  of
Systematika  Limited,  a London based direct marketer in the technical  software
industry  in  December  1995.   Domestic   catalog   circulation   increased  by
approximately  800,000  catalog drops  without the addition of The

                             Page 17 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>




Programmer's  Supershop  in 1996 as the  Company  introduced  two new  segmented
catalogs:  Components  Paradise  launched in March 1996 and  Internet  Paradise,
launched in May 1996.  Revenues within the corporate  reseller channel increased
26.4% in 1996  primarily  stemming  from market  share  growth in the German and
Austrian  markets  as well as from the  positive  impact of  forming  the French
reseller, ISP*F.

GROSS PROFIT

     Gross profit represents the difference between net sales and cost of sales.
Cost of sales is composed primarily of amounts paid by the Company to publishers
and vendors  plus  catalog  printing  and mailing  costs.  Publisher  and vendor
rebates are credited against costs of sales. Gross Profit as a percentage of net
sales  decreased  by 1.6% in 1997 from 16.2% to 14.6%  reflecting a shift in the
mix of sales  through  the  Company's  distribution  channels as a result of the
substantial  increase in lower margin  corporate  resales and  Microsoft  Select
licensing  sales.  The  acquisition of Logicsoft  Holding BV was an instrumental
factor in the  overall  shift of the  revenue  mix by  increasing  lower  margin
corporate  resales.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales  increased by 0.6% in
1996 from 15.6% to 16.2%  primarily from increased  revenues  within the catalog
channel stemming from the acquisition of The  Programmer's  Supershop as well as
the full year effect of the  acquisition  of Systematika  Ltd.  During 1996, the
Company was able to enhance  its gross  margins  within the  catalog  channel by
raising both  product  pricing and  advertising  rates in order that its primary
catalogs, Programmer's Paradise and Programmer's Supershop be on parity.

     In the past,  gross  margins have been affected by the mix of products sold
and the mix of distribution channels.  Historically,  the gross margins attained
in the catalog  channel have been higher than either the  corporate  reseller or
distribution channels. In 1997, catalog operations contributed approximately 40%
of revenue and approximately 59% of gross margin dollars as compared with 46% of
revenue  and 62% of gross  margin  dollars in 1996 and 38% of revenue and 53% of
gross  margin  dollars  in  1995.  Corporate  reseller  operations   contributed
approximately  51% of revenue and  approximately  32% of gross margin dollars in
1997 and 43% of revenue and 26% of gross  margin  dollars in 1996 as compared to
46% of revenue and 32% of gross margin dollars in 1995. The distribution channel
contributed  approximately  9% of revenue and  approximately  9% of gross margin
dollars in 1997 compared  with 11% of revenue and 12% of margin  dollars in 1996
and 16% of revenue and 15% of margin dollars in 1995.

     The historically higher margins attained in the catalog channel are related
to both the product focus on technical software,  including numerous specialized
products, and on the relatively fragmented customer base of the catalog channel,
in comparison to the corporate  reseller  channel,  which primarily serves large
corporations  purchasing high volumes of widely available business applications.
In the future,  the Company's gross margins will be affected by several factors,
including,  among others,  the price of products sold, the distribution  channel
used,  increases in product costs, price competition and the introduction of new
products.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses include all corporate
personnel  costs  (including  salaries and health  benefits),  depreciation  and
amortization,  non-personnel-related  marketing  and  administrative  costs  and
provision  for  doubtful  accounts.   Depreciation  and  amortization   consists
primarily of equipment  depreciation and leasehold  amortization.  SG&A expenses
have  increased as a percentage  of revenues from 13.1% in 1995 to 13.5% in 1996
and then  decreased  to 10.6% of net  revenues  in 1996.  The  increase  in SG&A
expense as a percentage of revenues in 1996 is  attributable  to the  abnormally
high  overheads  incurred  with the  start-up of the French  corporate  reseller
operation.  


                             Page 18 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>


The French corporate reseller operation  required mid-year  restructuring  which
involved the  separation  and payment of severance  for several  employees.  The
decline in SG&A expense as a percentage of revenues in 1997 is  attributable  to
the increase in revenues in the reseller channel, which has generally lower SG&A
costs as a  percentage  of  revenue  and also the impact of the  acquisition  of
Logicsoft  Holding  BV.  Each  year  SG&A has  increased  in  absolute  dollars,
reflecting  the cost of  operations of the  Company's  acquisitions  such as the
Programmer's  Supershop,  Systematika  Ltd., ISP*D and most recently,  Logicsoft
Holding BV. The Company does  anticipate  that SG&A as a percentage  of revenues
will  continue  to decline as  revenues  continue  to grow and cost  containment
directives remain in place,  however,  there can be no assurances that this will
occur.

     Geographically,  the  domestic  operations  of the  Company  accounted  for
approximately  50% of total  SG&A  expenditures  while the  European  operations
accounted for  approximately  50%.  This  represents an increase from 1996 where
domestic SG&A expenditures accounted for approximately 47% of total consolidated
expenditures.

AMORTIZATION

     Amortization  expense  includes the systematic  write-off of goodwill.  The
Company incurred goodwill with the acquisition of both ISP*D and Lifeboat Italia
which it is amortizing over 20 years. In addition, the Company recorded goodwill
in  conjunction  with  the  acquisition  of  both  Systematika  Ltd.  and  ISP*F
International  Software Partners France.  The Company  recognized  approximately
$9.5  million in goodwill  from the  acquisition  of the assets of The  Software
Developer's Company,  Inc. in June 1996 which is being amortizing over a fifteen
year period for both financial and tax accounting  purposes.  In connection with
the acquisition of Logicsoft  Holding BV, the Company  recognized  approximately
$2.4 million in goodwill, which is being amortized over a fifteen-year period.

INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

     The  Company  generated  net  interest  income of  approximately  $212,000,
$223,000 and $250,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995  respectively.  Net interest income
in 1997 was offset by the interest charge under the term-loan  financing for the
acquisition  of  Logicsoft  Holding  BV.  Overall  interest  income for 1996 was
negatively  impacted by the  utilization of cash to finance the  acquisitions of
ISP*F and The Software Developer's Company, Inc.

MINORITY INTEREST

     Minority  interest  represents the share of the ISP*F losses related to the
28% stock ownership, which was not owned by the Company at December 31, 1996. An
additional  minority equity contribution was funded in October 1996 as part of a
reorganization  and  adjustment in ownership  percentage.  Operating  losses for
ISP*F are offset against  minority  interest.  Because the operating  losses for
ISP*F exceeded minority interest,  the Company  recognized  substantially all of
the operating losses through  September 30, 1996. This amounted to approximately
$775,000.

INCOME TAXES

     Prior to 1995, the Company had accumulated net operating loss carryforwards
and  other  deductible   temporary   differences  for  income  tax  purposes  of
approximately $10.5 million which could be used to offset taxable income through
the year 2005.  The Company's  Initial  Public  Offering  triggered an ownership
change,  which  imposes  a  limit  on  the  use  of  these  net  operating  loss
carryforwards. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


                             Page 19 of __28__Pages

<PAGE>


     Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  109  requires  that a
valuation  allowance  be recorded  for  deferred tax assets if it is more likely
than not that some or all of the deferred  tax assets will not be realized.  The
ultimate  realization  of the deferred tax assets  depends upon the existence of
future  taxable  income.  The Company had  previously  recorded a tax  valuation
allowance in accordance  with SFAS No. 109. As a result of its recent history of
carryforward  utilization and projected  future taxable income,  the Company has
reduced the tax valuation allowance by approximately $3.1 million in 1995.

     At December 31, 1997, the Company  recorded a provision for income taxes of
approximately $2.4 million, which consists of a provision for state and, federal
taxes of  approximately  $2.35 million and also a provision for foreign taxes of
approximately  $54,000.  At December 31, 1996, the Company  recorded a provision
for income taxes of  approximately  $991,000  which  consists of a provision for
state and federal taxes of  approximately  $1.3 million offset by a reduction in
the tax valuation  allowance of  approximately  $350,000  associated  with prior
period losses of the German subsidiary. At December 31, 1995, benefit for income
taxes amounted to approximately  $1.7 million,  which consists of a reduction in
the tax valuation  allowance of  approximately  $3.1 million offset primarily by
provisions for local and foreign taxes of approximately $1.4 million.

     Undistributed  earnings of the Company's foreign  subsidiaries  amounted to
approximately   $2,900,000   and   $563,000  at  December  31,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.  Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely  reinvested and,
accordingly,  no  provision  for U.S.  federal and state  income  taxes has been
provided.  Upon  distribution  of those  earnings in the form of dividends,  the
Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for
foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries.

     Assuming a 40%  combined  U.S.  federal  and state  statutory  tax rate and
actual foreign tax rates,  the income tax expense would have been  approximately
$2,419,000,   915,000  and  $1,137,000  for  the  years  1997,  1996  and  1995,
respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The Company's  primary  capital needs have been to fund the working capital
requirements created by its sales growth and to make acquisitions. Historically,
the  Company's  primary  sources of  financing  have been  borrowings  under its
domestic and international  lines of credit with financial  institutions and the
issuance of preferred stock to private  investors,  financial  institutions  and
investment funds. In July 1995, the Company completed an initial public offering
of  its  common  stock,  which  resulted  in net  proceeds  to  the  Company  of
approximately $18 million.

     Cash flows from operations were approximately $6,196,000 for the year ended
December  31, 1997  compared to  $1,166,000  and  $9,211,000  for 1996 and 1995,
respectively.  In 1997,  cash was  provided  primarily  by the net income of the
Company and by a reduction in inventories  and an increase in accounts  payable,
reflecting the increase in Microsoft Select business and related amounts payable
but not yet due to  Microsoft,  offset by an increase  in  accounts  receivable,
reflecting strong fourth quarter sales. Cash flows from operations for 1996 were
also  provided  by the net income of the Company  and by similar  reductions  in
inventory  and  increases in amounts  payable but not yet due to  Microsoft.  In
addition,  cash flows from operations for 1996 were  negatively  impacted by the
losses generated by the operations of ISP*F, the French corporate reseller and a
DSO in France that is unusually long in comparison to other entities  within the
Company.  For 1995, in addition to the proceeds received from the IPO which were
used to reduce debt and invest in short term securities, cash flow was primarily
provided by net income of the  Company  and by an increase in accounts  payable,
offset by an increase of accounts receivable and an increase in inventories.


                             Page 20 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>


     At December 31, 1997,  the Company had cash and cash  equivalents  of $20.6
million and net working  capital of $16.1  million  compared  with cash and cash
equivalents  of $16.3  million  and net  working  capital  of $12.4  million  at
     December 31, 1996 compared with cash and cash equivalents and net working
capital of $27.7 million and $21.7 million  respectively,  at December 31, 1995.
The  increase in working  capital at December  31, 1997 is  attributable  to the
earnings  for the year then ended as well as the effect of the  working  capital
acquired as part of the  acquisition  of  Logicsoft  Holding BV. The decrease in
working  capital  at  December  31,  1996  is  primarily   attributable  to  the
acquisition of the assets of The Software  Developer's  Company,  Inc., in June,
1996 as well as ISP*F in January,  1996.  Under the terms of the  purchase,  the
Company  paid  $11,000,000  cash  for the  assets  of The  Software  Developer's
Company,  Inc.  and in return were to receive  approximately  $1,500,000  in net
assets.

     The  Company's   capital   expenditures  for  1997  and  1996  amounted  to
approximately  $718,000  and  $517,000,  respectively,  primarily  for  computer
hardware and software, office furniture and leasehold improvements. In addition,
in 1997, the Company  acquired  approximately  $187,000 of assets as part of the
acquisition of Logicsoft Holding BV. In 1996, the Company acquired approximately
$625,000  of  assets,  as part of the  acquisition  of the  Software  Developers
Company primarily comprised of computer systems and furniture.

     Domestically,  the Company has a secured,  demand revolving line of credit,
pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $4.0  million,  based upon 80% of
its eligible accounts receivable plus 50% of its eligible  inventory,  at a rate
of  interest  of prime plus .50%.  The credit  facility is secured by all of the
domestic assets of the Company and contains  certain  covenants that require the
Company to maintain a minimum  level of tangible net worth and working  capital.
There  were no  amounts  outstanding  under  the  line  at  December  31,  1997.
Subsequent  to the  end of the  year,  the  Company  renegotiated  its  facility
agreement,  whereby the Company can borrow up to $7.5 million  under a committed
line of credit  with  interest  at either the prime rate or  Euro-rate  plus 200
basis  points.  The new facility  expires on June 30, 1999 and is secured by all
the  domestic  assets of the  Company  and 65% of the  outstanding  stock of the
foreign  subsidiaries and contains certain covenants that require the Company to
maintain a minimum level of tangible net worth and working capital.

     During the year,  the Company  entered into a five-year term loan agreement
in the US $ equivalent of $3.0 million  bearing  interest at 6.17%.  The loan is
denominated  in Dutch  Guilders  and is secured by the assets of the Company and
65% of the stock of foreign subsidiaries.

     The Company  maintains a secured,  demand  revolving line of credit for its
German  subsidiary,  pursuant  to which it may borrow in  deutschmarks  up to DM
1,500,000 (the equivalent of approximately $830,000 at December 31, 1997), based
upon its eligible accounts receivable and eligible  inventory,  and the creditor
is  entitled to the  benefit of a limited  guarantee  by the Company of up to DM
300,000 (the  equivalent of  approximately  $165,000 at December 31, 1997).  The
line bears  interest  at 8.25%.  At  December  31,  1997,  there were no amounts
outstanding  under the line. A subsidiary  of ISP*D has a secured term loan with
the same bank, in the original  principal amount of DM 1,000,000 (the equivalent
of approximately $645,000 at December 31, 1996), which was paid in full in March
1997.

     In Italy,  Lifeboat  Italy has banking  arrangements  with several  Italian
banks, pursuant to which it may borrow in lire on an unsecured,  demand basis to
finance  working   capital   requirements,   through  credit  and   overdrafting
privileges,  as well as  receivables-based  advances.  The aggregate  credit and
overdraft  limits  of such  arrangements  at  December  31,  1997 and 1996  were
approximately Lit 3,300,000,000 and 3,200,0000 respectively.  (the equivalent of
approximately  $1.9 million and $2.0


                             Page 21 of __28__Pages

<PAGE>


million at December  31, 1997 and 1996).  At December  31, 1997 and 1996,  there
were no amounts outstanding under this line.

     The  Company's  subsidiary  in  the  Netherlands,   Logicsoft  Europe,  BV,
maintains a demand  revolving line of credit  pursuant to which it may borrow in
guilders up to DFL 2.5 million (the equivalent of approximately $1.23 million at
December 31, 1997), and is secured by its accounts receivable and inventory. The
line bears interest at 5.875%.  There were no amounts outstanding under the line
at December 31, 1997.

     In France,  ISP*F  maintains a demand  revolving line of credit pursuant to
which it may  borrow up to FRF 5.0  million  (the  equivalent  of  approximately
$830,000 at December 31, 1997),  and is secured by its accounts  receivable  and
inventory  and a FRF 3.0 million  letter of credit.  At December 31,  1997,  FRF
2,165,000 (the equivalent of approximately $360,000 at December 31, 1997) of the
line of credit was utilized bearing interest at 7.00%.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

     The  Company's  shipments  to foreign  subsidiaries  are  invoiced  in U.S.
dollars.  As a result, the Company believes its foreign exchange exposure caused
by these  shipments  is  insignificant.  The  Company  is,  however,  exposed to
exchange conversion  differences in translating foreign results of operations to
U.S. dollars.  Depending upon the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar,
these conversion differences could be significant.

     Sales  to  the  customers  in  European  countries  and  borrowings  by the
Company's European subsidiaries are denominated in local currencies. The Company
does not hedge its net asset exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar against
any such local currency exchange rates.  Although the Company does maintain bank
accounts in local  currencies  to reduce  currency  exchange  fluctuations,  the
Company is, nevertheless, subject to risks associated with such fluctuations.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

     The Company  presently  believes that with minor  modifications to existing
operating  systems,  the Year 2000 Issue will not pose  significant  operational
problems  for its  computer  systems.  The Company  believes the costs for these
modifications to be minimal.

ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

     See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 14(a).

ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE.

     Not applicable.

                             Page 22 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>


                                    PART III

ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

     This information (other than the information  regarding  executive officers
of the  Company  called for by Item 401 of  Regulation  S-K which is included in
Part I hereof as Item 4A in accordance  with General  Instruction  G(3)) will be
contained  in the  Company's  definitive  Proxy  Statement  with  respect to the
Company's  Annual Meeting of  Stockholders,  to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission  within 120 days following the end of the Company's  fiscal
year, and is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.

ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

     This  information  will be  contained  in the  Company's  definitive  Proxy
Statement with respect to the Company's  Annual Meeting of  Stockholders,  to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission within 120 days following the
end of the  Company's  fiscal  year,  and is hereby  incorporated  by  reference
thereto.

ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

     This  information  will be  contained  in the  Company's  definitive  Proxy
Statement with respect to the Company's  Annual Meeting of  Stockholders,  to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission within 120 days following the
end of the  Company's  fiscal  year,  and is hereby  incorporated  by  reference
thereto.

ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

     This  information  will be  contained  in the  Company's  definitive  Proxy
Statement with respect to the Company's  Annual Meeting of  Stockholders,  to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission within 120 days following the
end of the  Company's  fiscal  year,  and is hereby  incorporated  by  reference
thereto.

                             Page 23 of __28__Pages

<PAGE>




                                     PART IV

ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)  The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

     1.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

             Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules
             Report of Independent Auditors
             Consolidated Balance Sheets - as of
                    December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997
             Consolidated Statements of Income - Years
                    ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and
                    December 31, 1997
             Consolidated Statement of  Stockholders'  Equity Years ended
                    December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and December 31,
                    1997
             Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December
                    31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     2.   FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE:

          Schedule II   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

               All  other   schedules  are  omitted  for  the  reason  that  the
          information  is  included  in the  financial  statements  or the notes
          thereto or that they are not required or are not applicable.

     3.   EXHIBITS:

Exhibit
 Number                    Description of Exhibits.
 ------                    ------------------------

3.1       Form of Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of the
          Company.*

3.2       Form of Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company.*

4.1       Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.*

10.2      Amended and Restated Revolving Loan and Security  Agreement,  dated as
          of March 4, 1993,  between  Midlantic  National  Bank and the  Company
          together  with  Revolving  Loan Note;  First  Amendment to Amended and
          Restated Revolving Loan and Security  Agreement,  dated as of March 4,
          1993, between Midlantic National Bank and the Company,  Corsoft,  Inc.
          and  Lifeboat  together  with First  Allonge to  Revolving  Loan Note;
          Consent of Midlantic National Bank.*

                             Page 24 of __28__Pages

<PAGE>


10.3      ISP*D Loan Agreements.*

10.4      Lifeboat Italy Loan Agreement.*

10.5      Lease,  dated as of August 27, 1987,  by and between  Robert C. Baker,
          Robert C. Baker,  Trustee under Trust  Agreement  dated March 15, 1984
          for the Benefit of Ashley S. Baker, Gerald H. Baker, Harvey B. Oshins,
          Baker 1985  Family  Partnership,  Gregory J. Stepic and John G. Orrico
          ("Landlord")  and Computer  Library,  Inc., and First  Modification of
          Lease, dated as of April 24, 1991, between Landlord and the Company.*

10.6      ISP*D Office Lease.*

10.7      Lifeboat Italy Office Lease.*

10.8      Agreement dated as of December 29, 1994,  between Lifeboat  Publishing
          and Software Garden, Inc.; License for Trademark "Dan Bricklin", dated
          as of December  29,  1994,  between  the Company and Daniel  Bricklin;
          First Amendment to Software  License  Agreement and Trademark  License
          Agreement dated March 30, 1995.*

10.9      Employment Letter with Roger Paradis dated as of May 24, 1995.*

10.11     Employment  Letter  with Joseph V.  Popolo  dated as of  December  16,
          1994.*

10.12     Employment Letter with John P. Broderick dated as of May 10, 1995.*

10.13     Employment Letter with Massimo Freschi dated as of June 18, 1992.*

10.14     Employment  Letter with  Frederick W. Schmidt  dated as of January 19,
          1994.*

10.15     Form of Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement.*

10.16     Employment  Agreement dated as of May 26, 1994,  between Peter Lorenz,
          ISP*D and the Company.*

10.17     1986 Stock Option Plan and Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement.*

10.18     1995 Stock Plan.*

10.19     1995 Non-Employee Director Plan.*

10.20     Form of Officer and Director Indemnification Agreement.*

10.21     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May , 1988.*

10.22     Agreement,  dated  December  19,  1995,  by and  between  Programmer's
          Paradise  (UK)  Limited  and the former  shareholders  of  Systematika
          Limited, as supplemented by a letter agreement dated December 19, 1995
          between Peter Lindsey and Programmer's Paradise (UK) Limited.+

10.23     Employment Agreement dated December 19, 1995 between Peter Lindsey and
          Systematika Limited.+

                             Page 25 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>


10.24     Share Sale  Agreement  dated  December  29, 1995  between  Raphael and
          Rosario Perez and Programmer's Paradise France relating to Logiciels &
          Applications SA. ++

10.25     Shareholders' Agreement dated December 29, 1995 between Raphael Perez,
          Softway,  Inc.,  Selsid and  Programmer's  Paradise France relating to
          Logiciels & Applications SA. ++

10.26     Warranty  Agreement dated January 18, 1996 by and among Raphael Perez,
          Rosario Perez and Programmer's Paradise France relating to Logiciels &
          Applications SA. ++

10.27     Share Sale  Agreement  Amendment  Agreement  dated  January  18,  1996
          Relating  to  Logiciels &  Applications  by and among  Raphael  Perez,
          Rosario Perez and Programmer's Paradise France. ++

10.28     Call Option Agreement dated January 18, 1996 between Raphael Perez and
          Programmer's Paradise France. ++

10.29     Side Agreement  dated January 18, 1996 to Call Option  Agreement dated
          January 18,  1996  between  Raphael  Perez and  Programmer's  Paradise
          France. ++

10.30     Call Option  Agreement  dated  January 18, 1996 by and among  Softway,
          Inc.,  Selsid and Programmer's  Paradise  France.  ++ 10.31 Employment
          Agreement  dated January 22, 1996 between  Raphael Perez and Logiciels
          Et Applications. ++

10.32     Agreement of Purchase  and Sales of Assets,  dated as of May 16, 1996,
          between the  Registrant  and the  Selling  Parties,  and the  exhibits
          thereto. **

10.33     Bill of Sale,  dated  as of June 28,  1996,  executed  by the  Selling
          Parties.**

10.34     Facilities  and  Employee  Use  Agreement,  dated as of June 28, 1996,
          between the Registrant and SDC.**

10.35     Closing  Statement,  dated as of June 28, 1996, between the Registrant
          and the Selling Parties**

10.36     Letter  Agreement  regarding the Acquisition of Stock of SDEV Germany,
          dated as of June 28,  1996,  between  the  Registrant  and the Selling
          Parties.**

10.37     Stock Acquisition Escrow Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1996, between
          the Registrant,  the Selling Parties and Golenbock,  Eiseman,  Assor &
          Bell, as escrow agent.**

10.38     Consent of Independent Auditors**

21.1      Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*

24.1      Powers of Attorney.*

(b)       Reports on Form 8-K.

          No  reports  were  filed on Form 8-K  during  the last  quarter of the
fiscal year covered by this Report.

     The  Company  filed a Report  on Form 8-K on  January  2, 1996 and filed an
amendment thereto on Form 8-KA on March 4, 1996, with respect to the acquisition
of the stock of Systematika  Limited,  an English  corporation,  by Programmer's
Paradise  (UK) Limited (See Item 1). The Company


                             Page 26 of __28__Pages
<PAGE>


also filed a Report on Form 8-K on July 19,1996 and filed an  amendment  thereto
on  Form  8-KA on  September  16,  1996,  with  respect  to the  acquisition  of
substantially all of the assets of Software Developers Company, Inc.

*    Incorporated  by  reference  to exhibits of the same number  filed with the
     Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 or amendments thereto (File
     No. 33-92810).

+    Incorporated  by  reference  to the  Registrant's  Report on Form 8-K dated
     January 2, 1996 or amendments thereto.

++   Incorporated  by  reference  to exhibits of the same number  filed with the
     Registrant's Report on Form 10-K dated March 28, 1996.

**   Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated July
     19, 1996 or amendments thereto.

                             Page 27 of __28__Pages

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant  to the  requirements  of  Section  13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the  undersigned  thereunto duly  authorized,  in Shrewsbury,  New
Jersey, on March 27, 1998.


PROGRAMMER'S PARADISE, INC.


By:
  ---------------------------------
                            Roger Paradis, President

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, this
report  has  been  signed  below  by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


         SIGNATURE                   TITLE                                           DATE
<S>                              <C>                                             <C>   

                                Chief Executive Officer                          March 27, 1998
                                and Chairman of the Board of Directors
- ---------------------------
Roger Paradis

                                Chief Financial and                              March 27, 1998
                                Accounting Officer
- ---------------------------
John P. Broderick

                                Director                                         March 27, 1998
- ---------------------------
Edwin H. Morgens

                                Director                                         March 27, 1998
- ---------------------------
Allan Weingarten

                                Director                                         March 27, 1998
- ---------------------------
Daniel S. Bricklin

                                Director                                         March 27, 1998
- ---------------------------
F. Duffield Meyercord

- ---------------------------     Director                                         March 27, 1998
William Willett
</TABLE>

                             Page 28 of __28__Pages


<PAGE>

                  PROGRAMMER'S PARADISE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

Report of Independent Auditors                                              F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets                                                 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income                                           F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity                             F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                       F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                  F-7
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                             F-22



                                      F-1

<PAGE>




                         Report of Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Programmer's Paradise, Inc.

We have audited the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets of  Programmer's
Paradise,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  as of December  31,  1996 and 1997,  and the
related consolidated  statements of income,  stockholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended  December  31, 1997.  Our audits
also  included  the  financial  statement  schedule  listed in the Index of Item
14(a).  These financial  statements and schedule are the  responsibility  of the
Company's  management.  Our  responsibility  is to  express  an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position of  Programmer's
Paradise,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  at  December  31,  1996  and  1997,  and the
consolidated  results of their  operations  and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended  December 31, 1997 in conformity  with generally
accepted  accounting  principles.  Also, in our opinion,  the related  financial
statement  schedule,   when  considered  in  relation  to  the  basic  financial
statements  taken as a whole,  presents  fairly in all  material  respects,  the
information set forth herein.

MetroPark, New Jersey                             Ernst & Young LLP
January 27, 1998


                                       F-2

<PAGE>




                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                      (In thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          DECEMBER 31
                                                                                     1996              1997
                                                                           -------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>                <C>    
ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                          $16,281            $20,571
 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $583 and
   $509 in 1996 and 1997, respectively                                               26,826             38,517
 Inventory                                                                            4,464              4,627
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                            2,227              2,561
 Deferred income taxes                                                                1,097              1,619
                                                                           -------------------------------------
Total current assets                                                                 50,895             67,895

Equipment and leasehold improvements, net                                             1,695              1,862
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $690
   and $1,600 in 1996 and 1997, respectively                                         12,768             14,185
Other assets                                                                            912                707
Deferred income taxes                                                                 2,220              1,719
                                                                           -------------------------------------
                                                                                    $68,490            $86,368
                                                                           =====================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                              $35,041            $46,979
 Notes payable to banks                                                               1,135                958
 Other current liabilities                                                            2,303              3,881
                                                                           -------------------------------------
Total current liabilities                                                            38,479             51,818

Other liabilities                                                                       116                117
Notes payable - Long-term                                                             1,050              2,220

Stockholders' equity:
 Common Stock $.01 par value:  Authorized, 10,000,000 shares,
 issued 4,762,220 and 4,793,295 in 1996 and 1997, respectively                           48                 48
 Additional paid-in capital                                                          33,509             33,633
 Treasury stock, at cost, 65,000 and 59,500 shares in 1996 and 1997,
   respectively                                                                        (375)              (343)
 Accumulated deficit                                                                 (4,220)              (256)
 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment                                    (117)              (869)
                                                                           -------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                                           28,845             32,213
                                                                           -------------------------------------
                                                                                    $68,490            $86,368
                                                                           =====================================
</TABLE>


                             See accompanying notes.

                                       F-3

<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                        Consolidated Statements of Income
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                1995              1996               1997
                                                          --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>               <C>                <C>     
Net sales                                                          $93,286           $127,680           $176,157
Cost of sales                                                       78,717            107,041            150,452
                                                          --------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit                                                        14,569             20,639             25,705

Selling, general and administrative expenses                        12,195             17,230             18,574
Amortization of goodwill                                                99                473                914
                                                          --------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations                                               2,275              2,936              6,217

Other (expense) income:
 Interest expense                                                     (265)              (373)              (326)
 Interest income                                                       515                596                538
 Unrealized foreign exchange (loss) gain                               (49)                31                (58)
                                                          --------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes and minority interest                     2,476              3,190              6,371

Income tax (benefit) provision                                      (1,727)               991              2,407
                                                          --------------------------------------------------------
Income before minority interest                                      4,203              2,199              3,964

Minority interest in net income of subsidiary                                              99
                                                          --------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                $          4,203   $          2,298   $          3,964
                                                          ========================================================
Basic net income per common share                         $           1.14   $            .48   $            .84
                                                          ========================================================
Diluted net income per common share                       $           1.03   $            .44   $            .75
                                                          ========================================================
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Basic                     3,703              4,764              4,740
                                                          ========================================================
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Diluted                   4,102              5,198              5,280
                                                          ========================================================
</TABLE>


                             See accompanying notes.

                                       F-4

<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
                      (In thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>  
                                           NON-CUMULATIVE
                                             REDEEMABLE                                                                        
                                             CONVERTIBLE    COMMON STOCK             ADDITIONAL                 
                                              PREFERRED   ------------------------   PAID-IN        TREASURY      ACCUMULATED  
                                                STOCK       SHARES     AMOUNT        CAPITAL         STOCK          DEFICIT    
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                <C>                          <C>          <C>       <C>            <C>                           <C>        
Balance at January 1, 1995                      $ 373        229,115   $     2        $15,272                       $(10,721)  
  Net income                                                                                                           4,203   
  Stock issued in ISP*D acquisition                          165,000         2            108                                  
   Conversion of Series A                        (223)     1,674,071        17            (17)                                 
   Conversion of Series B                        (150)       450,690         4             (4)                                 
   Exercise of stock options, including
    $83,000 in income tax benefits                            89,369         1             18                                  
   Issuances of common stock in connection
    with initial public offering, net of
    expenses                                               2,070,000        21         18,028                                  
   Translation adjustment                                                                                                      
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995                        -      4,678,245        47         33,405                         (6,518)  
  Net income                                                                                                           2,298   
   Exercise of stock options, including
    $86,000 in income tax benefits                            83,975         1            104                                  
   Purchase of 65,000 treasury stock shares                                                           $(375)                   
   Translation adjustment                                                                                                      
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996                        -      4,762,220        48         33,509          (375)          (4,220)  
  Net income                                                                                                           3,964   
   Exercise of stock options, including
    $65,000 in income tax benefits                            31,075                      124            32                    
   Translation adjustment                                                                                                      
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997                               4,793,295        48         33,633          (343)            (256)  
                                            ===================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       CUMULATIVE                    
                                                        FOREIGN 
                                                        CURRENCY              
                                                       TRANSLATION                   
                                                        ADJUSTMENT       TOTAL       
                                                       ----------------------------  
                                                                                     
                                                                                     
<S>                                                          <C>    <C>              
Balance at January 1, 1995                                   44     $      4,597     
  Net income                                                               4,203     
  Stock issued in ISP*D acquisition                                          110     
   Conversion of Series A                                                      -     
   Conversion of Series B                                                      -     
   Exercise of stock options, including                                              
    $83,000 in income tax benefits                                            19     
   Issuances of common stock in connection                                           
    with initial public offering, net of                                             
    expenses                                                              18,049     
   Translation adjustment                                    11               11     
                                                       ----------------------------  
Balance at December 31, 1995                                 55           26,989     
  Net income                                                               2,298     
   Exercise of stock options, including                                              
    $86,000 in income tax benefits                                           105     
   Purchase of 65,000 treasury stock shares                                 (375)    
   Translation adjustment                                  (172)            (172)    
                                                       ----------------------------  
Balance at December 31, 1996                               (117)          28,845     
  Net income                                                               3,964     
   Exercise of stock options, including                                              
    $65,000 in income tax benefits                                           156     
   Translation adjustment                                  (752)            (752)    
                                                       ----------------------------  
Balance at December 31, 1997                               (869)          32,213     
                                                       ============================  
</TABLE>

                             See accompanying notes.

                                       F-5

<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                         1995              1996              1997
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>                   <C>            <C>            
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income                                                      $           4,203     $      2,298   $         3,964
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
 provided by operating activities:
    Minority interest in net income of subsidiary                                              (99)
    Depreciation expense                                                      375              701               736
    Amortization expense                                                      243              621             1,019
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
     of effects of acquisitions:
      Accounts receivable                                                  (1,804)          (6,103)           (8,167)
      Inventory                                                            (1,717)           2,279               173
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets                              (678)             708               (85)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                11,060            1,176             7,708
      Deferred tax asset                                                   (2,762)              49               (22)
      Net change in other operating assets and liabilities                    291             (464)              870
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                   9,211            1,166             6,196

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements                             (631)            (620)             (788)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired                              (1,447)         (11,236)           (2,268)
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                                      (2,078)         (11,856)           (3,056)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayments under lines of credit                                           (1,021)            (461)           (1,818)
Borrowings under long term debt                                                                                2,962
Repayments under long term debt                                                                                 (150)
Purchase of treasury stock                                                                    (375)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                                 18,068              105               156
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                        17,047             (731)            1,150
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                       24,180          (11,421)            4,290
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                              3,522           27,702            16,281
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                        $          27,702     $     16,281   $        20,571
                                                                ======================================================
</TABLE>

                             See accompanying notes.

                                      F-6

<PAGE>



                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                December 31, 1997


1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND OPERATIONS

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include the  accounts of  Programmer's
Paradise,   Inc.,  its  wholly-owned   subsidiaries   and,  its   majority-owned
subsidiaries  (the  "Company").  The  Company  is a  marketer  of  software  for
microcomputers,  servers  and  networks,  with a  focus  on  providing  software
products, known as technical software, to people who design, program and support
software,  operating  through  three  distribution  channels-catalog,  corporate
reseller and wholesale distribution.  All intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company's accounts  receivable are potentially  exposed to concentrations of
credit risk. These receivables reflect a broad customer base, which is dispersed
across many different industries and geographies. Credit limits, periodic credit
evaluations and account monitoring  procedures are utilized to minimize the risk
of loss. Collateral is generally not required. Credit losses related to accounts
receivable   have  been   consistent   with   management's   expectations   and,
historically,  have not been material. The carrying value of accounts receivable
and notes payable to banks approximate fair value.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Certain balances in the 1996 financial statements have been reclassed to conform
with the current year presentation.

MAJOR CUSTOMER AND SUPPLIER

In 1995, 1996 and 1997 no single customer exceeded 10% of net sales.

The Company has authorized  dealership or  distribution  agreements with various
suppliers.  Products of one of these suppliers  accounted for approximately 46%,
47% and 55% of Company revenues for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company  considers all highly liquid  short-term  investments  with original
maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries,  all of which are located in
Europe, have been translated at current exchange rates, and related revenues and
expenses have been  translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the
year.  Resulting  cumulative  translation  adjustments  have been  recorded as a
separate component of stockholders' equity.

                                      F-7

<PAGE>



                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial  statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

INVENTORY

Inventory,  consisting primarily of finished products held for resale, is stated
at the lower of cost (weighted average) or market.

EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Equipment  and  leasehold  improvements  are  stated at cost.  Depreciation  and
amortization  are calculated using the  straight-line  method over three to five
years.

ACCOUNTING FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company records  impairment  losses on long-lived  assets used in operations
when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the
undiscounted  cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than
the  carrying  amounts of those  assets.  No such  events  have  occurred  since
adoption at January 1, 1995.

GOODWILL

Goodwill  represents the excess of costs over fair values of net assets acquired
and is being  amortized  on a  straight-line  basis  substantially  over fifteen
years.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

As permitted by FASB Statement No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
(FASB 123), the Company has elected to follow Accounting Principal Board Opinion
No.  25,  "Accounting  for  Stock  Issued  to  Employees"  (APB 25) and  related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock option plans. Under APB 25,
no  compensation  expense is  recognized at the time of option grant because the
exercise  price of the  Company's  employee  stock option equals the fair market
value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

                                       F-8


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company  recognizes  revenue from the sale of software  for  microcomputers,
servers and networking upon shipment.

ADVERTISING COSTS

The Company  capitalizes  the  advertising  costs  associated with producing its
catalogs.  The costs of these  catalogs are amortized  over the estimated  shelf
life  of  the  catalogs,  generally  3-5  months.  The  unamortized  balance  of
non-reimbursed  advertising  costs at any  period end are  minimal.  Advertising
costs for 1995, 1996, and 1997 amounted to approximately $3,320,000,  $5,571,000
and $5,725,000, respectively.

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

In 1997,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued  Statement No. 128,
Earnings per Share.  Statement No. 128 replaced the  calculation  of primary and
fully  diluted  earnings  per share with basic and diluted  earnings  per share.
Unlike  primary  earnings  per share,  basic  earnings  per share  excludes  any
dilutive  effects of  options,  warrants  and  convertible  securities.  Diluted
earnings  per share is very similar to the  previously  reported  fully  diluted
earnings per share.  All  earnings  per share  amounts for all periods have been
presented,  and where appropriate,  restated to conform to the Statement No. 128
requirements.

RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD

Recent pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") which
are not  required  to be adopted at December  31,  1997,  include the  following
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"):

SFAS No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income,"  establishes  standards  for
reporting  and display of  comprehensive  (all changes in equity during a period
except those resulting from investments by and  distributions to owners) and its
components  in the  financial  statements.  This  new  standard,  which  will be
effective  for the  Company  for the  year  ending  December  31,  1998,  is not
currently  anticipated to have a significant  impact on the Company's  financial
statements.

                                       F-9


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

SFAS  No  131,   "Disclosure   about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise  and  Related
Information,"  which  will be  effective  for the  Company  for the year  ending
December  31,  1998,  establishes  standards  for  reporting  information  about
operating  segments in the annual  financial  statements,  selected  information
about operating  segments in interim  financial  reports and  disclosures  about
products and services,  geographic areas and major customers.  This new standard
will require the Company to report  financial  information  on the basis that is
used internally for evaluating segment  performance and deciding how to allocate
resources  to segments,  which may result in more  detailed  information  in the
notes to the  Company's  financial  statements  than is  currently  required and
provided.   The  Company  has  not  yet  determined  the  effects,  if  any,  of
implementing SFAS No. 131 on its reporting of financial information.

2.  ACQUISITIONS

In January 1996,  the Company's  wholly-owned  French  subsidiary,  Programmer's
Paradise France SARL, acquired a majority-owned  interest in ISP*F International
Software Partners SA (ISP*F),  a newly formed full service corporate reseller of
PC software,  based in Paris. The Company's  capital  contribution in connection
with the acquisition of ISP*F is approximately $1,214,000.

In June 1996, the Company acquired  substantially all of the assets and business
of  The  Software  Developer's  Company,  Inc.  (SDC)  for  cash  at a  cost  of
approximately  $11,000,000.  SDC had  been the  Company's  largest  direct  mail
competitor, offering a similar array of technical software.

In  September  1997,  the  Company  acquired  100% of the  outstanding  stock of
Logicsoft Holding BV ("Logicsoft"),  which operates Logicsoft Europe BV, located
in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, at a cost of approximately $3,300,000.  Logicsoft
is a corporate reseller of PC software in The Netherlands.

The Company accounted for the above acquisitions as purchases.  Accordingly, the
acquired assets and liabilities assumed have been recorded at the estimated fair
values at the dates of  acquisition.  The results of  operations of the acquired
businesses are included in the  accompanying  consolidated  statements of income
from their respective dates of acquisition.

                                      F-10


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


2.  ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)

The following  table  presents the unaudited pro forma  consolidated  results of
operations  for  the  two  years  ended  December  31,  1997  as  if  the  above
acquisitions  had occurred on January 1 of the year  preceding  the  acquisition
(dollars in thousands):

                                                 1996                1997
                                          -----------------------------------
Sales                                          $169,072           $192,351
Net income                                        3,640              4,011
Basic net income per common share                  $.76               $.85
Diluted net income per common share                $.70               $.76

The pro forma amounts reflect  amortization of the excess of purchase price over
the net assets  acquired,  the  reduction in  operating  expenses as a result of
combining the  operations,  the reduction in interest  income as a result of the
utilization  of cash and the  related tax effect of these  items.  The pro forma
results are not  necessarily  indicative of the results of operations that would
have occurred had the  acquisitions  taken place at the beginning of the periods
presented  nor are they  intended to be  indicative of results that may occur in
the future.

3.  NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS

Notes  payable to banks  represent  borrowings  under a U.S.  revolving  line of
credit, the outstanding  balance under a five year term loan and revolving lines
of credit available at each of the Company's foreign subsidiaries.

The limit under the U.S. revolving line of credit is the lesser of $4,000,000 or
the sum of 80% of its  eligible  accounts  receivable  and  50% of its  eligible
inventory,  as defined.  The  facility is due on demand and is secured by all of
the domestic assets of the Company and contains certain covenants, which require
the  Company  to  maintain a minimum  level of  tangible  net worth and  working
capital. The line of credit prohibits the payment of cash dividends and contains
certain restrictions on the Company's ability to make loans or acquire interests
in other  entities  without the prior consent of the lender.  Advances under the
domestic  revolving  line of credit bear  interest at the bank's prime rate plus
 .50%,  and are due on demand.  The  commitment  fee on the unused portion of the
line is .5% per annum.  The bank's  prime rate was 8.50% at December  31,  1997.
There were no amounts outstanding under the line at December 31, 1997.

                                      F-11


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


3.  NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS (CONTINUED)

Subsequent to the end of the year, the Company  renegotiated the limit under the
U.S.  revolving  line of credit  whereby the Company can borrow up to $7,500,000
under a  committed  line of credit  with  interest  at either  the prime rate or
Euro-rate plus 200 basis points.  The new facility  expires on June 30, 1999 and
is secured by all the domestic  assets of the Company and 65% of the outstanding
stock of the foreign  subsidiaries and contains  certain  covenants that require
the  Company  to  maintain a minimum  level of  tangible  net worth and  working
capital.

The Company maintains a secured,  demand revolving line of credit for its German
subsidiary,  pursuant to which it may borrow in  deutschmarks up to DM 1,500,000
(the equivalent of approximately  $830,000 at December 31,1997),  based upon its
eligible  accounts  receivable  and  inventory,  and a limited  guarantee by the
Company  of up to DM  300,000  (the  equivalent  of  approximately  $165,000  at
December 31,1997).  The line bears interest at 8.25%. At December 31, 1997 there
were no amounts  outstanding under the line. A subsidiary of ISP*D has a secured
term loan with the same  creditor,  in the original  amount of DM 1,000,000 (the
equivalent of  approximately  $645,000 at December 31, 1996),  which was paid in
full in March 1997.

In Italy,  Lifeboat Italy has banking  arrangements  with several Italian banks,
pursuant to which it may borrow in lire on an unsecured, demand basis to finance
working capital  requirements,  through credit and overdrafting  privileges,  as
well as receivables-based advances. The aggregate credit and overdrafting limits
of such  arrangements  at  December  31,  1997 and 1996 were  approximately  Lit
3,300,000,000 and 3,200,000,000  respectively,  (the equivalent of approximately
$1.9  million and $2.0  million at December  31, 1997 and 1996).  The  unsecured
borrowings  bear  interest  at market  rates  ranging  from  6.25% to 9.00%.  At
December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no amounts outstanding under the line.

The Company's  subsidiary in The Netherlands,  Logicsoft Europe, BV, maintains a
demand  revolving line of credit  pursuant to which it may borrow in guilders up
to DFL 2,500,000  (the  equivalent of  approximately  $1,230,000 at December 31,
1997), and is secured by its accounts  receivable and inventory.  The line bears
interest at 5.875%.  At December  31,  1997,  there were no amounts  outstanding
under the line.

In France, ISP*F,  maintains a demand revolving line of credit pursuant to which
it may borrow up to FRF 5,000,000 (the equivalent of  approximately  $830,000 at
December 31, 1997), and is secured by its accounts  receivable and inventory and
a FRF  3,000,000  letter of credit.  At December 31, 1997,  FRF  2,165,000  (the
equivalent of approximately $360,000 at December 31, 1997) of the line of credit
was utilized, bearing interest at 7.00%.

                                      F-12


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3.  NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS (CONTINUED)

In connection with the Logicsoft acquisition (see Note 2), the Company secured a
five year term loan in the US $ equivalent of approximately $3,000,000. The term
loan bears  interest at 6.17% and principal and interest are payable  quarterly.
The loan is payable in  Netherland  guilders and had an  outstanding  balance at
December  31,  1997 of  $2,812,731  (DFL  5,700,000),  of  which  $592,154  (DFL
1,200,000)  is classified as current in the  accompanying  consolidated  balance
sheet.  The term loan is  secured by all  assets of the  Company  and 65% of the
outstanding  stock of the foreign  subsidiaries.  Maturities under the term loan
are as follows:

1998                          $592,154  (DFL 1,200,000)
1999                           592,154  (DFL 1,200,000)
2000                           592,154  (DFL 1,200,000)
2001                           592,154  (DFL 1,200,000)
2002                           444,115  (DFL 900,000)

The weighted average interest rate for notes payable to banks and long term debt
was 12.80%, 10.10% and 8.00% at December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

Interest paid was  approximately  $290,000,  $343,000 and $260,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

4.  BALANCE SHEET DETAILS

Equipment  and  leasehold  improvements  consists of the  following  (dollars in
thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996            1997
                                                            ---------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>            
Equipment                                                  $          2,967 $         3,576
Leasehold improvements                                                  295             337
                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                      3,262           3,913
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                       (1,567)         (2,051)
                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                            $         1,695 $         1,862
                                                            =================================
</TABLE>

Accounts  payable and accrued  expenses  consists of the  following  (dollars in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996            1997
                                                            ---------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>    
Trade accounts payable                                            $11,002           $11,937
Accrued licensing costs                                            19,038            30,810
Other accrued expenses                                              5,001             4,232
                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                  $35,041           $46,979
                                                            =================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-13


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  INCOME TAXES

The (benefit)  provision for income taxes consisted of the following (dollars in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                        1995            1996            1997
                                                  --------------------------------------------------
Current:
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>             <C>         
   Federal                                            $       446    $        502    $        984
   State                                                      276             275             386
   Foreign                                                    313             165           1,058
                                                  --------------------------------------------------
                                                            1,035             942           2,428
Deferred:
   Federal                                                 (2,760)            473              76
   State                                                       (2)             30             (54)
   Foreign                                                                   (454)            (43)
                                                  --------------------------------------------------
                                                           (2,762)             49             (21)
                                                  --------------------------------------------------
                                                      $    (1,727)   $        991    $      2,407
                                                  ==================================================
</TABLE>

The reasons for the  difference  between  total tax  expense  (benefit)  and the
amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to income
before income taxes are as follows (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         1995            1996             1997
                                                   --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>              <C>       
Statutory rate applied to pretax income               $        842      $    1,084       $    2,166
Amortization of goodwill                                        33              39               40
State income taxes, net of benefit
 of federal income taxes                                       181             211              219
Foreign income taxes (benefit) over U.S.
 statutory rate                                                271            (350)              54
Net reduction in amount of federal valuation
 allowance                                                  (3,135)
Other items                                                     81               7              (72)
                                                   --------------------------------------------------
Income tax (benefit) expense                           $    (1,727)   $        991   $        2,407
                                                   ==================================================
</TABLE>



                                      F-14


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

Significant  components  of the  Company's  deferred  tax  assets are as follows
(dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                           1995            1996           1997
                                                      -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>             <C>       
Fixed assets                                            $         21     $        4      $        4
Accruals and reserves                                            492            328             546
Intangibles                                                      (36)
Net operating loss carryforwards                               2,937          3,936           2,772
Credit carryforwards                                              90             25              16
                                                      -----------------------------------------------
Gross deferred tax assets                                      3,504          4,293           3,338
Valuation allowance                                             (138)          (976)
                                                      -----------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax asset                                  $      3,366     $    3,317      $    3,338
                                                      ===============================================
</TABLE>

The  Company has  recorded a U.S.  deferred  tax asset at  December  31, 1997 of
$2,019,000   reflecting   the  benefit  of   $5,939,000   in  federal  tax  loss
carryforwards,   which  expire  in  varying   amounts  between  2000  and  2005.
Realization  is  dependent  on  generating  sufficient  taxable  income prior to
expiration  of the loss  carryforwards.  Although  realization  is not  assured,
management  believes it is more likely than not that all of the net deferred tax
asset  will be  realized.  The  amount  of the  deferred  tax  asset  considered
realizable,  however,  could be reduced in the near term if  estimates of future
taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced. The Company's ability
to utilize these net operating loss carryforwards is restricted to approximately
$1.5 million per year,  as a result of an ownership  change  pursuant to Section
382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

For  financial  reporting  purposes,  income  before  income  taxes and minority
interest includes the following components (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                            1995          1996           1997
                                                       --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>            <C>   
United States                                                  $2,352        $3,010         $3,543
Foreign                                                           124           180          2,828
                                                       --------------------------------------------
                                                               $2,476        $3,190         $6,371
                                                       ============================================
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately  $765,000 net operating loss
carryforwards for German income tax purposes.

                                      F-15


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


5.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

Undistributed  earnings  of  the  Company's  foreign  subsidiaries  amounted  to
approximately  $2,900,000 at December 31, 1997. Those earnings are considered to
be indefinitely  reinvested and, accordingly,  no provision for U.S. federal and
state income taxes has been provided thereon.

During the years ended  December  31,  1997,  1996 and 1995,  the  Company  paid
approximately $1,492,000, $483,000 and $455,000, respectively, in income taxes.

6.  STOCK OPTION PLANS

The  Company's  1986  Employee  Stock Option Plan,  as amended on June 15, 1994,
provides  for the grant of  options  to  purchase  up to  698,133  shares of the
Company's common stock to employees,  officers and directors of the Company. The
terms of the  options  are for a  maximum  of ten  years  from date of grant and
generally are  exercisable  at an exercise  price equal to but not less than the
fair  market  value of the common  stock on the date that the option is granted.
The options generally vest in equal annual  installments over five years.  There
are no additional  options available for grant under the Company's 1986 Employee
Stock Option Plan.

On April 21, 1995,  the Board of Directors  adopted the Company's  1995 Employee
Stock Plan ("1995 Plan").  The 1995 Plan, as amended on June 11, 1996,  provides
for the grant of  options to  purchase  up to  462,500  shares of the  Company's
common stock to officers,  directors,  employees and consultants of the Company.
The 1995 Plan  requires  that each option shall expire on the date  specified by
the Compensation  Committee,  but not more than ten years from its date of grant
in the case of ISO's and Non-Qualified  Options.  Options granted under the plan
are  exercisable at an exercise price equal to but not less than the fair market
value of the  common  stock on the grant  date.  ISO's  generally  vest in equal
annual installments over five years.

On  April  21,  1995,  the  Board  of  Directors   adopted  the  Company's  1995
Non-Employee  Director  Plan ("1995  Director  Plan").  The 1995  Director  Plan
provides  for the grant of  options  to  purchase  up to  112,500  shares of the
Company's  common  stock to persons  who are members of the  Company's  Board of
Directors and not  employees or officers of the Company.  The 1995 Director Plan
requires that options granted  thereunder will expire ten years from the date of
grant. Each option granted under the 1995 Director Plan becomes exercisable over
a five year period, and vests in an installment of 20% of the total option grant
upon  the  expiration  of one  year  from  the  date of the  option  grant,  and
thereafter vests in equal quarterly installments of 5%.

                                      F-16


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


6.  STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)

FASB 123 requires pro forma  information  regarding  net income and earnings per
share as if the Company had accounted  for its employee  stock options under the
fair  value  method of that  Statement.  The fair  value for these  options  was
estimated at the date of grant using a  Black-Scholes  option pricing model with
the following weighted average assumptions for 1996 and 1997, respectively: risk
free interest rates of 6.28% and 5.49%,  dividend  yields of 0% in both periods,
volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of
 .61 and .60, and a weighted-average expected life of the option of 9 years.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options,  which have no vesting  restrictions and are fully
transferable.  In addition,  option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective  assumptions  including the expected stock price volatility.  Because
the  Company's  employee  stock  options  have   characteristics   significantly
different from those of traded options,  and because changes in subjective input
assumptions  can  materially  affect the fair value  estimate,  in  management's
opinion,  the  existing  models do not  necessarily  provide a  reliable  single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

For purposes of pro forma  disclosures,  the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options'  vesting  period.  The  Company's  pro
forma information follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                                     1996        1997
                                                  ------------------------
Net income as reported                               $2,298      $3,964
Net income pro forma                                  1,902       3,395
Basic net income per share, as reported                $.48        $.84
Basic net income per share, pro forma                  $.40        $.72
Diluted net income per share, as reported              $.44        $.75
Diluted net income per share, pro forma                $.38        $.67

The weighted average fair value of options granted during 1996 and 1997 is $3.51
and $6.09, respectively.

                                      F-17


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


6.  STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)

Changes during 1996 and 1997 in options  outstanding for the combined plans were
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             WEIGHTED
                                                NUMBER       AVERAGE
                                                  OF         EXERCISE
                                               OPTIONS        PRICE
                                            -----------------------------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>
Outstanding at January 1, 1995                   588,960        .55
   Granted in 1995                               289,000       4.22
   Canceled in 1995                              (64,628)      1.38
   Exercised in 1995                             (89,197)       .36
                                            ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995                 724,135       1.95
   Granted in 1996                               188,701       5.99
   Canceled in 1996                              (35,097)      5.80
   Exercised in 1996                             (83,975)       .36
                                            ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996                 793,764       2.91
   Granted in 1997                               264,400       8.08
   Canceled in 1997                              (27,550)      5.13
   Exercised in 1997                             (31,075)      1.60
                                            ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1997                 999,539       4.30
                                            ===============
Exercisable at December 31, 1997                 590,577       3.41
                                            ===============
</TABLE>

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 1997 are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         WEIGHTED
                       OUTSTANDING        AVERAGE        WEIGHTED
       RANGE OF        OPTIONS AT        REMAINING       AVERAGE
      EXERCISE          DECEMBER        CONTRACTUAL      EXERCISE
       PRICES            31, 1997          LIFE           PRICE
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>                <C>             <C>            <C>
          $0.24              81,713          3.7            .24
     .67 - 1.00             276,500          6.3            .76
    4.00 - 6.00             325,076          7.6           4.72
    6.25 - 8.38             258,950          9.1           6.97
   9.00 - 12.94              57,300          9.6          12.62
                          ---------
                            999,539
                          =========
</TABLE>

Under the various plans, options that are cancelled can be reissued. At December
31,  1997,  options for 64,250  shares were  available  for grant and  1,063,789
shares were reserved for future issuance.



                                      F-18
<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


7.  DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLAN

Effective January 1, 1992, the Company initiated a defined  contribution pension
plan covering  substantially  all  employees.  Participating  employees may make
contributions to the plan, through payroll  deductions.  Matching  contributions
are made by the  Company  equal  to 50% of the  employee's  contribution  to the
extent  such  employee  contribution  did not  exceed 6% of their  compensation.
During the years ended December 31, 1995,  1996 and 1997,  the Company  expensed
approximately $54,000, $59,000 and $82,000, respectively, related to this plan.

8.  NET INCOME PER SHARE

The following  table sets forth the  computation of basic and diluted net income
per share (dollars and shares in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995          1996           1997
                                                       --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>            <C>     
Numerator:
  Net income for basic and diluted net income
   per share                                                 $  4,203      $  2,298        $ 3,964
                                                       --------------------------------------------
Denominator:
  Denominator for basic net income per share -
   weighted average common shares                               3,703         4,764          4,740
  Effect of dilutive securities:
      Employee Stock Options                                      399           434            540
                                                       --------------------------------------------
  Denominator for diluted net income per share -
   adjusted weighted average common
   Shares and assumed conversion                                4,102         5,198          5,280
                                                       ============================================
Basic net income per common share                              $ 1.14        $  .48        $   .84
                                                       ============================================
Diluted net income per common share                            $ 1.03        $  .44        $   .75
                                                       ============================================
</TABLE>

For  additional  disclosures  regarding  the employee  stock options and related
stock option plans, see Note 6.

                                      F-19


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


9.  COMMITMENTS

The Company leases the space used for its operations and certain equipment under
long-term  operating  leases.  Future minimum rental payments over the remaining
terms of these leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

          1998                               $ 1,182  
          1999                                 1,215  
          2000                                   959  
          2001                                   697  
          2002                                   282  
          2003 and thereafter                  1,256  
                                             -------- 
                                             $ 5,591  
                                             ======== 

Rent  expense  for the  years  ended  December  31,  1995,  1996  and  1997  was
approximately $618,000, $752,000 and $1,075,000, respectively.

The Company has royalty  agreements,  which  require  payments  based on sale of
certain  products.  Royalty  expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997 was approximately  $348,000,  $265,000 and $156,500,  respectively.  In
connection  with a royalty  agreement  with a company  which is  controlled by a
shareholder/member of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Company made an
advance  payment of $250,000 in 1994,  which is included in other  assets in the
consolidated  balance  sheets,  and is being  expensed  based  upon sales of the
related  product.  At December 31, 1997, the unamortized  amount of this payment
was approximately $111,000.

10.  SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Company's single business segment is the marketing of technical software for
microcomputers, servers and networking.

The  following  table  presents  financial  information  based on the  Company's
geographic segments (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 INCOME
                                   NET            FROM         IDENTIFIABLE
                                  SALES        OPERATIONS         ASSETS
                             -------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>             <C>     
1995
Italy                             $   9,731     $   (16)        $  5,356
Germany                              41,210         546           21,248
Other foreign                         1,226        (382)           3,183
                             -------------------------------------------------
Total foreign                        52,167         148           29,787

U.S.                                 41,119       2,127           28,542
                             -------------------------------------------------
Total                               $93,286      $2,275          $58,329
                             =================================================
</TABLE>


                                      F-20


<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


10.    SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INCOME       
                              NET             FROM        IDENTIFIABLE
                             SALES         OPERATIONS        ASSETS
                        -------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>             <C>     
1996
Italy                        $   8,374     $   138         $  4,496
Germany                         49,128         426           26,032
France                           8,924        (738)           4,970
Other foreign                    4,535         402            2,672
                        -------------------------------------------------
Total foreign                   70,961         228           38,170

U.S.                            56,719       2,708           30,320
                        -------------------------------------------------
Total                         $127,680      $2,936          $68,490
                        =================================================
1997
Italy                        $   7,497     $   (55)        $  4,288
Germany                         72,299       1,175           28,869
France                           9,298        (102)           5,745
United Kingdom                   5,695         520            3,114
Netherlands                     11,617         994           14,102
Canada                             537          11              518
                        -------------------------------------------------
Total foreign                  106,943       2,543           56,636

U.S.                            69,214       3,674           29,732
                        -------------------------------------------------
Total                         $176,157      $6,217          $86,368
                        =================================================
</TABLE>

11.  STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

The Company has made acquisitions, which are more fully described in Note 2. The
purchase  prices are allocated to the assets  acquired and  liabilities  assumed
based on their fair market values as follows (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1995            1996            1997
                                            ------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>             <C>          
Fair value of assets acquired:
   Current assets excluding cash               $        564   $      7,207    $      4,108
   Fixed assets                                         139            676             187
   Other assets, principally goodwill                 1,610         10,778           2,202
   Less liabilities assumed:
     Current liabilities                                732          7,248           4,229
     Notes payable                                                     177
     Payable to seller                                   24
     Common stock issued to seller                      110
                                            ------------------------------------------------
Net cash paid                                  $      1,447   $     11,236   $       2,268
                                            ================================================



                                      F-21
<PAGE>

                  Programmer's Paradise, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                 (In Thousands)

                                                         CHARGED TO  CHARGED IN
                                             BEGINNING    COST AND      OTHER                    ENDING
                DESCRIPTION                   BALANCE      EXPENSE    ACCOUNTS    DEDUCTIONS     BALANCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>           <C> 
Year ended December 31, 1997:
   Allowances for accounts receivable           $583         326          32 (1)     432           $509
   Reserve for Obsolescence                     $170         220         130 (1)      62           $458
Year ended December 31, 1996:
   Allowances for accounts receivable           $777         223                     417           $583
   Reserve for Obsolescence                     $623          28                     481           $170
Year ended December 31, 1995:
   Allowances for accounts receivable           $842         270           2 (1)     337           $777
   Reserve for Obsolescence                     $606          30                      13           $623

(1)  Arose from acquisitions.

</TABLE>



                                      F-22






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