While the term "legacy" is frequently thrown around as an attempt to motivate insurers to update aging platforms, decision-makers would be better served to make the case for change based on whether their systems are able to keep pace with their goals, rather than how old those systems may be, a new report says.

It its report, "When is Legacy Not Legacy at All?" insurance-software provider Xuber says, "Doom and gloom is an easy picture to paint in an effort to elicit change, but therein lies the rub. If  legacy systems are such a threat to operations, why do commercial insurers continue to rely on such systems to run their businesses? Because they tend to work, that's why."

The report suggests redefining "legacy" as determining whether a system is "fit for purpose," rather than if it is old. Xuber says, "Fundamentally, there are two questions that you need to ask yourself to help you create your burning platform for change. Firstly, where do you want to be, i.e., your purpose? And secondly, will your current resources enable you to get there, i.e., are you fit enough?"