A separate executing processor is provided for a different programming language in each CP in a multi-CP digital switching system. As such, each CP in the multi-CP system can utilize a common program and data store and scheduling unit, which support two or more executing processors. Each executing processor can execute a different application using a different programming language. Consequently, the CPs can execute applications using older programming languages, in addition to executing the same or different applications with new programming languages. This approach minimizes the impact of replacing the older programming languages with the newer languages.