This makes a lot of sense if you think through the angle that their core value prop does not come from the network/data latency optimization. It's not Netflix and Dropbox - this is FedEx. Their core business value proposition comes from logistics and being able to react to the information quickly, but extra millisecond latency is unlikely to make or break the business.
In light of this, it's easier to outsource the network and data infrastructure to a provider that actually does it day in and day out and put the limited engineering resources to something that is more impactful.
Just reaffirms that quite a few companies do not want to run their own servers unless they absolutely have to.
Surely this is just one ingredient to a successful company and there are myriad factors involved. The core business of Boeing isn't to make planes its to sell them.
That's the wrong analogy. In your example, the former is required for the latter. FedEx wants network stability and a data store, most likely, but the success of their business does not depend on them hosting their own infrastructure.
In light of this, it's easier to outsource the network and data infrastructure to a provider that actually does it day in and day out and put the limited engineering resources to something that is more impactful.
Just reaffirms that quite a few companies do not want to run their own servers unless they absolutely have to.