<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>


EXHIBIT 27        Financial Data Schedule Form 10-K


This schedule contains summary information extracted from Form 10-K for the year
ended  September  30, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
Form 10-K.


<CIK>                                      0000097196
<NAME>                           SOFTNET SYSTEMS INC.
<MULTIPLIER>                                    1,000
<CURRENCY>                                 US Dollars


                                               
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  12-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-END>                              SEP-30-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                 1.000
<CASH>                                         44,731
<SECURITIES>                                  128,403
<RECEIVABLES>                                   2,626
<ALLOWANCES>                                       68
<INVENTORY>                                     4,128
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              182,192
<PP&E>                                          5,851
<DEPRECIATION>                                  1,172
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                212,306
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          68,288
<BONDS>                                         4,104
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<COMMON>                                      504,066
<OTHER-SE>                                   (28,577)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  212,306
<SALES>                                         9,927
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                9,927
<CGS>                                          10,465
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  39,905
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                8,572
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             11,317
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              (20,554)
<INCOME-TAX>                                        0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          (20,554)
<DISCONTINUED>                              (211,799)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                (232,353)
<EPS-BASIC>                                    (9.88)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (9.88)