SBOM

Short for software bill of materials, SBOM is a nested inventory of all elements that make up a piece of software. An SBOM includes information about open-source and third-party components, libraries, frameworks, and other software assets used in developing an application.

The primary purpose of an SBOM is to enhance transparency, security, and compliance in software development and distribution. By clearly understanding of the software components and their origins, organizations can better manage potential security vulnerabilities, licensing issues, and supply chain risks.

Where does SBOM come from?

The idea for a software bill of materials originates in manufacturing, where a BOM (bill of materials) details all items included in a finished product. For example, manufacturers keep a parts list for each vehicle they produce in the automotive sector. This BOM separates OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts from third-party suppliers' parts. By doing so, if a defect in a model is noticed, they know which vehicles are affected and can notify specific owners about repairs or replacements. Similarly, with an SBOM, problematic programs can be singled out and patched to fix issues.

Business terms, Computer acronyms, Computer security, Software terms, Transparency