OPEN source software is seen by some as akin to religion. However, Ingres chief executive Roger Burkhardt insists he is not on a crusade to convert the Microsoft and Oracle faithful.

Committed to freely providing software code back to developers and customers, open source followers often passionately evangelise its benefits over the licensed software model.

However, Mr Burkhardt -- previously chief technology officer at the New York Stock Exchange, where he established an open-source IT shop -- rejects the fervent approach, saying open source is a "pragmatic decision".

He says proprietary software innovation is driven by commercial return and legal protection, which is supported by costly, ongoing licensing fees.

Open source allows customers to control innovation without licensing fees. It will one day rule the world, Burkhardt says.

Open source software sometimes requires a mindset shift. Do you need to "find god" before you can switch from the licensed model?

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