ECI Research

Independent analyst insight for the application development market.

ECI Research helps technology vendors, practitioners, and market leaders understand how modern software is built, secured, deployed, observed, and optimized. Our core coverage centers on application development and modernization, with adjacent analysis across infrastructure, cloud, data, AI, security, and enterprise applications when those markets intersect with the software delivery lifecycle.

We combine analyst research, market perspective, custom content, event coverage, and go-to-market amplification to help clients turn insight into market impact.

Coverage Areas

We organize our research into core practices that capture the most critical shifts in enterprise technology.

Application Development & Modernization

Our primary research focus spans the full application lifecycle, from Day 0 planning and platform strategy to Day 1 delivery and Day 2 operations. We cover cloud-native development, platform engineering, DevSecOps, observability, AI-assisted development, open source, modernization, and the infrastructure decisions shaping how software teams work.

Adjacent Markets That
Shape AppDev

Modern application development does not happen in isolation. ECI Research also tracks infrastructure, enterprise applications, data platforms, AI, security, and automation when they influence developer workflows, application architecture, operational resilience, or business transformation. This allows us to connect technical shifts with the larger enterprise outcomes buyers care about.

Meet the Team

Our team brings deep expertise across application development, enterprise applications, and digital transformation. With decades of combined experience in research, advisory, and industry practice, we connect emerging technology with practical business outcomes.

Paul Nashawaty | Practice Lead | Application Development & Modernization

Paul Nashawaty, Practice Leader and Lead Principal Analyst, specializes in application modernization across build, release and operations. With a wealth of expertise in digital transformation initiatives spanning front-end and back-end systems, he also possesses comprehensive knowledge of the underlying infrastructure ecosystem crucial for supporting modernization endeavors. With over 25 years of experience, Paul has a proven track record in implementing effective go-to-market strategies, including the identification of new market channels, the growth and cultivation of partner ecosystems, and the successful execution of strategic plans resulting in positive business outcomes for his clients.

Sam Weston | Industry Analyst | Application Development & Enterprise Applications

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in operations roles across legal, financial, and technology sectors, Sam Weston brings deep expertise in the systems that power modern enterprises. Her career has spanned the full spectrum of enterprise applications, from optimizing business processes and managing platforms to leading digital transformation initiatives. Sam has transitioned her expertise into the analyst arena, focusing on enterprise applications and application development along with the evolving role they play in business productivity and transformation. She provides independent insights that bridge technology capabilities with business outcomes, helping organizations and vendors alike navigate a changing software landscape.

David O'Brien | Account Executive

David brings extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and client engagement to ECI. As an Account Executive, he works closely with technology organizations to align business goals with impactful research, content, and market intelligence programs. Known for his relationship-driven approach and deep industry connections, Dave helps clients identify opportunities, expand market visibility, and achieve measurable business outcomes through strategic collaboration.

Ally Gentry | Marketing Specialist

Ally brings a unique blend of creativity, organization, and communication expertise to Efficiently Connected. As Marketing Specialist, she manages projects across the practice, supports content and coverage initiatives, and serves as the go-to resource for demand generation programs. With a Master’s degree in Linguistics and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Ally combines strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of messaging and audience engagement. Her work ensures that research and insights reach the right stakeholders in impactful and accessible ways.

Sigrid Grace | Customer Success Manager

Sigrid is a Customer Success Specialist with years of experience in fostering strong, transparent relationships between ECI and our clientele.

She is dedicated to optimizing executive workflows and enhancing client relationships. With a proactive approach to scheduling and professional communication, she ensures that no detail is overlooked and every engagement is maximized.

At ECI, Sigrid helps build trust and ensure a seamless service experience for our customers.

Our Methodology

ECI Research is built on rigor and transparency. We combine proprietary surveys, direct interviews, industry analysis, and real-world data from enterprise leaders. Our independence ensures unbiased insights, while our collaborative approach ensures findings are actionable.

Advise

Advise is the foundation of our analyst work. We help clients understand the market, sharpen positioning, validate messaging, and create research-driven content that speaks to technical and executive audiences. Advise services may include analyst advisory, custom research, market insights reports, competitive analysis, messaging support, research briefs, white papers, buyer-focused content, and event coverage.

Amplify

Amplify turns insight into visibility. We help clients extend the reach of their research, messaging, and thought leadership through go-to-market programs designed to support awareness, engagement, and demand generation. Amplify services may include video strategy, podcast and interview programs, landing pages, campaign content, lead generation support, social promotion, email campaigns, event activation, and content distribution.