The world of -ve MTTx: Shifting focus from incident resolution to incident prevention

Site reliability engineering has long focused on traditional MTTx metrics such as Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), Respond (MTTR), and Restore (MTTRestore) - all of which are reactive by nature. In this talk, Maddali presents an alternative approach: the adoption of negative MTTx metrics, which prioritize incident prevention and long-term system stabilization. Attendees will explore three key metrics: MTTPrevent (Mean Time to Prevent), MTTReoccur (Mean Time to Reoccur), and MTTEscape (Mean Time to Escape). These measurements offer new ways to evaluate engineering success: not by how quickly incidents are resolved, but by how effectively they are avoided altogether. Through real-world examples, tools, and case studies, this session highlights how prevention-first metrics can reshape team goals, elevate morale, and foster a culture that values stability as much as recovery. Leaders and engineers alike will walk away with practical strategies to implement -ve MTTx thinking and build more reliable, future-ready platforms. Learn more: https://platformcon.com/sessions/the-world-of-ve-mttx-shifting-focus-from-incident-resolution-to-incident-prevention