The right hand of a database developer
Database-as-a-service (DaaS) is a new emerging service that hosts databases in the cloud, and a viable option for businesses developing bespoke web based applications.
What are the benefits? You do not need an upfront investment into software and infrastructure. Web based access for configuration, maintenance and monitoring. Application can access data via APIs.
What is the downside? The DaaS offerings are still too primitive compared to standalone database engines such as popular MySQL for example. But in the next few years we need to exepect more sophisticated offerings that will support more complex demands.
Some of well known providers:
Amazon
Salesforce.com
Smaller but innovative services:
At Magic we are already using DaaS to build software as a service for estate agents for our client Easymatch