Developer relations (DevRel) plays a crucial role in the tech ecosystem, serving as a bridge between companies that develop tools and the developers who utilize them.

Recently, the Linux Foundation announced plans to establish the Developer Relations Foundation to support professionals in this field. In a recent podcast episode, we spoke with Stacey Kruczek, director of developer relations at Aerospike and a member of the steering committee for the new foundation, to gain insights into its purpose.

What is the Role of Developer Relations?

Developer relations focuses on elevating the developer experience. Our primary goal is to assist developers in overcoming challenges. A significant part of my role is representing the developer community within the company. Developers are key influencers in today’s tech landscape, so as a DevRel lead, I aim to amplify their voices, understand their challenges, and help them find solutions.

I often describe my role as being akin to a public relations advocate for developers, highlighting their contributions and value both to the organization and the broader community.

Why Did the Linux Foundation Establish the Developer Relations Foundation?

The Linux Foundation recognized that developer relations adds substantial business value. When a developer first encounters a company’s products or tools, they embark on a journey of discovery. My job as a DevRel leader is to guide them through this process—from initial discovery to engagement and feedback.

The developer’s role as an influencer is critical. At Aerospike, we engage in numerous discussions with developers and architects about assessing our tools and gathering their feedback. Unfortunately, there’s often a lack of understanding regarding the function of DevRel. Each organization places its DevRel team according to its unique needs, but fundamentally, the purpose remains the same.

The formation of this foundation aims to create synergy by establishing common best practices and terminology that can be shared across the global community, ultimately enhancing the field and its practitioners. A key aspect of the foundation is to promote participatory governance, ensuring that no single organization can dominate the project’s direction.

Our focus is on community-driven governance, gathering insights from DevRel professionals worldwide, and ensuring that contributions are recognized based on merit and expertise. This initiative will cultivate a trustworthy resource for professionals in the field, promoting best practices and highlighting how developer relations can enhance business value.

How Can Developer Relations Professionals Elevate the Field?

We first need to address the challenges faced within the field. Drawing from my own experience, I began my journey over a decade ago as a technical marketer within a DevRel team, surrounded by seasoned engineers. This dynamic inspired me and fostered collaboration, allowing me to act as their representative to various stakeholders, including customers and developers.

During that time, the concept of DevRel was still relatively new, and many people were unfamiliar with its scope. My experience at Zebra Technologies further fueled my passion for advocating for developers, leading me to create the company’s first developer marketing strategy. I sought to expand my role in advancing DevRel because developer marketing is just one aspect of the practice.

A recent DevRel survey indicated that many developer advocates feel the need for a dedicated community where they can share experiences and learn from one another. Much of what I’ve learned in this field has come from conversations with peers, which have been invaluable for my growth. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased collaboration among DevRel advocates on platforms like Slack and Discord, prompting the realization that a formal foundation was necessary to give our community a voice.

What Is the Foundation’s Ultimate Goal?

At its core, developer relations is centered around community, which is essential for business growth. We need to consider the developer experience: Are our technical documents accessible? Is our marketing communication clear and genuine? Additionally, we aim to educate developers while also learning from them to ensure they have the right tools for success.

The foundation will help define these various aspects and provide clarity. Because it’s a community-driven initiative, it will gather diverse perspectives, creating a rich knowledge base. Partnering with the Linux Foundation brings global credibility and a robust governance structure that ensures long-term sustainability.

Currently, we are in the exploratory phase of forming the DevRel foundation, having developed a mission statement collaboratively with the community. Our resources are publicly accessible, including a wiki and GitHub repository, and we encourage participation.

We hold weekly global community calls where DevRel professionals share their insights and experiences. Each week, we assign discussion topics and review proposals for the foundation’s rollout. As a steering committee, our role is to guide this initiative, ensuring it stays aligned with our goals.

The success of the foundation will depend on contributions from community members, supporters, and individuals who offer their expertise and insights.