Is there a Batch API or plans to introduce one

We have a requirement to occasionally check the status of hundreds of companies. This could be done as a background job or run at a time when your server is quietest.
We note that there is a Rate Limit of 600 requests in a five minute period, so we could schedule batches of under 600.
Might it be possible to increase the limit between certain hours overnight?
Any information as to the best way to do this would be appreciated. I would imagine that we are not unique in wanting to do this.