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Update: Zdnet says Ozzie signals Microsoft’s surrender to the cloud. CD ROMs are to the internet as the internet is to the cloud and Microsoft aims to scratch and claw its way into this paradigm shift as well.

The gloves are off. The tag line for Microsoft's new SQL Server Data Service is Your Data, Any Place, Any Time. Thems fighten' words. Microsoft is itch'n for a fight! Who will be Amazon's second?

The service description:
SQL Server Data Services (SSDS) are highly scalable, on-demand data storage and query processing utility services. Built on robust SQL Server database and Windows Server technologies, these services provide high availability, security and support standards-based web interfaces for easy programming and quick provisioning.

Sounds like a fast uppercut aimed squarely at SimpleDB's jaw. As a developer what do you need to know?