An IMS batch application, originally coded to execute as a DLI/DBB batch application, executes on a computer system as either a Batch Message Processing batch application or as the DLI/DBB batch application. The transfer of control to the IMS batch application is intercepted, wherein the transfer of control includes a list of PCB pointers. It is then determined if the IMS batch application is being invoked as a Batch Message Processing batch application. If the invocation is for a Batch Message Processing batch application, a modified list of PCB pointers is formed from the list of PCB pointers. The transfer of control to the IMS batch application is completed wherein the completion of the transfer of control includes passing either the modified list of PCB pointers if the IMS batch application is invoked as a Batch Message Processing batch application, or passing the unmodified list of PCB pointers if said IMS batch application is invoked as a DLI/DBB batch application.