Cloud DB Servers mean you have to rely on architecting your solution correctly and designing your schema properly. Failing to do so results in a big bill every month.
The ability to install a full blown version of SQL Server on my laptop (either via MSDN subscription of Developer Edition which is a [now] free, full-blown version of SQL Server) has helped make me a much better SQL/BI Developer.
You can get a free AWS account[/url] but look at how they explain it (emph mine):
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Free Tier is designed to enable you to get hands-on experience with AWS Cloud Services. The AWS Free Tier includes services with a free tier available for 12 months following your AWS sign-up date, as well as additional service offers that do not automatically expire at the end of your 12 month AWS Free Tier term.
After creating your AWS account you can use any of the products and services, listed below, for free within certain usage limits.
You can start today and automatically take advantage of the AWS Free Tier by following the steps below:
1. Sign up for an AWS account.
2. Enter your billing address and credit card information. You will not be charged unless your usage exceeds the free tier limits.
3. Start using AWS Cloud services, choosing from any of the products listed below.
My employer would love for me to become an AWS guru and I'd like that too. The Credit Card thing is a roadblock. Call me paranoid but I'm just not comfortable with that at all and won't do it. I am in the process of working something out where I can use a company Credit card and we'll just keep a few pork chops warm in case I screw up and we accidentally get charged.
-- Itzik Ben-Gan 2001