[AccessD] To the Cloud or Not to the Cloud. that is the Question

All, 

A few days ago, I posted a question regarding a new database that will
be needed for a new small application (perhaps using Access 2007, MySQL,
or Microsoft SQL Server).  I received a number of replies to my question
and I appreciate the insights that were shared.

In the mean time, I have also been doing some R&D work with Microsoft
Azure SQL Database.
So far, I have been impressed.

Yesterday in less than one hour, I was able accomplish the following -
Set up a new Microsoft Azure Account
Set up a new SQL Database
Then with a small Access 2007 application using ODBC and Pass-through
Queries I was able to
Add a new table to the new test database
Insert rows into the new table
Retrieve this data.


My background is in mainframe databases (Primarily IBM's DB2 and
Cincom's Supra).  I can remember how much work it was to accomplish
these same simple steps with these databases.  Sometimes we would spend
days, just wrestling with DB2's security.

It is my understanding that other Access users are using Azure with some
success.  It also sounds like the costs for our use of Azure will be
very small ($5.00 - $10.00 per month).


At this point in time, it seems like this is a good option for our
little project. (We don't have Microsoft SQL Server installed
"in-house").

I am curious if others have looked closely at Azure and decided to not
go down this path.  Perhaps there are downsides that I have not yet read
about. Perhaps I am missing some important considerations.  

Thanks,
Brad