A processor-implemented method and/or computer program product negotiates the processing of incoming transactions based on resource utilization status of backend systems in an appliance cluster. An incoming transaction, which is a specialized function for an appliance, is received by a processor. The processor determines whether the incoming transaction can be processed by the appliance cluster based on a current threshold level and a current transaction count, and then identifies a target appliance from the appliance cluster as a negotiation device in response to determining that the incoming transaction cannot be processed.