from mysql -> simpledb

I'm experimenting with migrating our database from MySQL to Amazon's SimpleDB. Why would I wander from the secure confines of such an established technology?

• Simplicity: Database administration is a can of worms. SimpleDB means I don't have to worry about indexing, sharding or scaling.
  
• Cost: I get to shut down my MySQL server instance, saving $75 / month (hey, every little bit counts.). In addition, I won't have to worry about the costs of launching and managing more servers as Routefriend scales. The SimpleDB costs are negligible.
  
• Flexibility: SimpleDB is a schema-free database. It is easy to do anything on the fly, including creating and deleting tables ('domains'). This offers some interesting new algorithmic possibilities for Routefriend.