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.
Authored Publications
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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. View details
    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. View details
    Accelerate State of DevOps 2023
    Derek DeBellis
    Amanda Lewis
    Daniella Villalba
    Kim Castillo
    Michelle Irvine
    Steve McGhee
    Google (2023)
    Preview abstract 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. View details
    2022 Accelerate State of DevOps Report
    Daniella Villalba
    Dave Stanke
    Derek DeBellis
    Frank Xu
    Google (2022)
    Preview abstract 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. View details