A method for managing power to an information handling system (IHS) is disclosed wherein the method includes providing a battery and an external power supply operable to supply power to the IHS. The method also includes providing an application programming interface (API) to the IHS, wherein the API is configured to monitor a first parameter and a second parameter. The method further includes supplying power to the IHS via the external power supply if the first parameter reaches a first threshold level and supplying power to the IHS via the battery if the second parameter reaches a second threshold level. An information handling system (IHS) is further disclosed including an external power supply, a battery, and a controller operable to select between the external power supply and the battery to supply power to the IHS. The IHS further includes an application programmable interface (API) operable to monitor a first parameter and direct the controller to select the external power supply to supply power to the IHS if the first parameter reaches a first threshold level, and wherein the API is further operable to monitor a second parameter and direct the controller to select the battery to supply power to the IHS if the second parameter reaches a second threshold level.