Hmm, I'm not sure about the backwards compatibility of the MySQL Database, it would purely depend on the features you use.
If you are just creating basic table structures on your local host, importing data and then want to move that to your host then you shouldnt have any issues.
I personaly dont develope on an internal server i just work live on the Customers MySQL server usualy in a test database and then just import it onto the live one once we've tested it, that way i can always ensure it'll opperate the same.
You're welcome to the suggestion of the DBTools ... its not too bad i guess, and it'll do untill i decide to build my own software to do the job better lol ... i just find it painfully slow, but thats probably not the case if you're working in-house on your own test server.
Thanks,
Rob