I know -- that's why I used the phrase "long-term". :)
I probably shouldn't have used the word "plans" though, since I don't know for sure if they will implement it.
They very well could have patented it to prevent anyone else from doing it - which seems more likely.
Amazon employees are encouraged to patent basically anything, at least in AWS. Validity of content or relevance to future business plans isn't really a factor.
It's probably a combination of defensive and opportunistic. Companies stake out positions and then watch how the winds blow.