Two area software companies agreed to merge.

Monogram Software and Star Software Systems expect the deal, in which an equal exchange of stock will be made, to be completed by mid-April. The combined company will employ about 80 people and have revenue this year of $8 million to $10 million. John Porter, current chairman of Monogram, will retain that title after the merger; William G. Webster, Star’s president, will be president of the new firm. It will use the Star facility in Torrance as its headquarters.