Final answer:
No vendor lock-in is the key differentiator connected to Anthos's ability to deploy and manage applications on-premises and across clouds without hardware lock-in. It emphasizes a software-centric, flexible approach, enabling the seamless movement of applications and resources between various environments for more agility and innovation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key differentiator that aligns with the proof point 'Only Anthos enables application deployment and management on-premises and across clouds, with 100% software solution and no hardware lock-in' is no vendor lock-in. This means that Anthos offers a flexible, software-centric approach that allows customers to run their applications wherever they choose, without being tied to a specific hardware vendor or cloud provider. By avoiding vendor lock-in, organizations gain the ability to shift their resources and applications between different environments—be it on on-premises infrastructure, or even other cloud platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure.
With Anthos, users benefit from a consistent management layer that stretches across multiple clouds and on-premises deployments, which simplifies operations and enhances portability. Its software-based nature also allows for agility and innovation, as developers do not need to rewrite applications when moving them to a different environment, and IT teams do not have to invest in proprietary hardware. This agility fosters a more adaptive and innovative tech strategy because it supports a multi-cloud and hybrid cloud approach, adapting easily to the evolving needs of the business.