The invention presents a software agent that optimizes processing resources for multiple instances of a software module that are executing simultaneously. The agent allocates and distributes processing resources, such as MIPS (millions of instruction cycles per second), to software functions executing on a core and controls resource distributions and module functions in a manner such that maximum processing capacity is utilized but not exceeded. The agent schedules the enabling and disabling of software module instance functions using a prioritization scheme that allocates MIPS to functions as the functions are enabled. An exemplary embodiment optimizes MIPS resources for multiple instances of an echo cancellation unit operating on a DSP (digital signal processor) core.