
Eric Maxwell
As a member of the DORA (DevOps Research and Assessment) team since 2001, Eric Maxwell helps lead the influential research that identifies the capabilities of high-performing technology organizations. He is involved in all aspects of the research, from survey design and analysis to authoring the annual State of DevOps report, where he has a particular focus on platform engineering.
Eric translates this research into practice as the leader of Google Cloud's 10x Technology consulting practice. In this role, he advises executives at the world’s leading companies on how to accelerate value delivery by applying DORA’s findings to their technology, processes, and culture. With a background in software engineering and infrastructure automation at companies like Chef Software, Eric’s work is always grounded in a deep empathy for the practitioner. He is a co-author of an upcoming O'Reilly book on platform engineering.
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DORA 2025 State of AI-assisted Software Development Report
Derek DeBellis
Matt Beane
Edward Fraser
Ben Good
Eirini Kalliamvakou
Gene Kim
Daniella Villalba
DORA, Google (2025)
Preview abstract
In 2025, the central question for technology leaders is no longer if they should adopt AI, but how to realize its value. DORA’s research includes more than 100 hours of qualitative data and survey responses from nearly 5,000 technology professionals from around the world. The research reveals a critical truth: AI’s primary role in software development is that of an amplifier. It magnifies the strengths of high-performing organizations and the dysfunctions of struggling ones.
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DORA Accelerate State of DevOps 2024 Report
Derek DeBellis
Amanda Lewis
Ben Good
Daniella Villalba
Kim Castillo
Michelle Irvine
DORA, Google (2024)
Preview abstract
DORA has been investigating the capabilities, practices, and measures of high-performing technology-driven teams and organizations for over a decade. This is our tenth DORA report. We have heard from more than 39,000 professionals working at organizations of every size and across many different industries globally.
This report highlights the significant impact of AI on software development, explores platform engineering's promises and challenges, and emphasizes user-centricity and stable priorities for organizational success.
Findings from our research can help inform your team's continuous improvement journey.
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Accelerate State of DevOps 2023
Derek DeBellis
Amanda Lewis
Daniella Villalba
Kim Castillo
Michelle Irvine
Steve McGhee
Google (2023)
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A healthy culture is foundational, positively impacting technical capabilities, performance goals, and employee success. Teams prioritizing user needs tend to build the right things and build them right, demonstrating a balance of software delivery and operational performance.
The report emphasizes continuous improvement. Using metrics to understand strengths and weaknesses is a starting point. Teams should prioritize learning and adapting based on feedback rather than solely focusing on hitting performance targets.
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2022 Accelerate State of DevOps Report
Daniella Villalba
Dave Stanke
Derek DeBellis
Frank Xu
Google (2022)
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The report uses a theory-based inferential predictive design, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t feasible. It expands its scope beyond the traditional focus on software delivery and operational performance (SDO) to include security, burnout, and employee recommendations of their teams. The research emphasizes the context-dependent nature of DevOps practices, highlighting how factors like organizational culture and the maturity of SRE adoption influence outcomes.
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