Abstract: A mechanism is provided which allows transparent transaction processing to occur between distributed networks using the AIX or SNA protocols. The present invention will convert between the AIX standard of Two Phase Commit/Presumed Abort (2PC/PA) and the SNA standard of Two Phase Commit/Presume Nothing (2PC/PN). The Presumed Abort Protocol will optimize operations by reducing the number of messages between sites participating in the transaction, and the amount of transaction state information maintained at a site. Thus, any messages needed will be generated and transaction status information will be maintained in order to satisfy a Standard 2PC/PN protocol, when sites within a SNA network are participating in an AIX transaction. Further, the present invention will discard, or ignore any extraneous messages which are received while sites within an AIX network are participating in a SNA transaction.