**The big picture:** Cognizant and ACI Worldwide successfully demonstrated robust card processing performance for ACI's BASE24-eps on Amazon Web Services (AWS), exceeding target transaction loads without failures. **Why it matters:** This validation provides critical evidence for financial institutions considering cloud migration for core payment systems, potentially accelerating digital transformation and increasing demand for specialized cloud and AI talent. **Between the lines:** - Cognizant deployed and tested BASE24-eps on AWS, processing over 4.6 million transactions without error. - The testing addressed bank concerns about performance and security when moving critical card processing to the cloud. - Automated installation and deployment significantly reduced manual effort in setting up the software. **Staffing & HR impact:** The successful migration of complex financial systems to cloud platforms will drive increased demand for cloud architects, AI engineers, and cybersecurity specialists, impacting talent acquisition strategies and compensation for these roles. Staffing firms with expertise in cloud infrastructure and financial technology will see heightened opportunities. **The bottom line:** Cloud adoption in critical financial infrastructure is gaining traction, creating a competitive landscape for specialized tech talent.