An SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) is a detailed list of all components that make up a software application. Think of it as an "ingredient list" for software—it specifies exactly which libraries, modules, frameworks, and other dependencies have been used to build an application.
SBOM is an increasingly important tool for enhancing transparency, security, and traceability in software development and distribution.
Standardization and Industry Adaptation
Software supply chains, increasing security threats, and stricter regulations—such as NIS2, DORA, and CRA—have made it necessary for companies and public organizations to demand full transparency regarding software composition.
By implementing SBOMs in a standardized way, it becomes easier to quickly identify the components in an application and assess their security status.
This not only enables efficient vulnerability management but also ensures strong regulatory compliance.
History and Development
Although the concept of documenting a product’s composition has existed in many industries for a long time, it is only in recent years that the entire software industry has actively adopted SBOMs as a standard.
Previously, information about software components was often shared in a fragmented manner, limiting its practical use. However, as security, compliance, and transparency requirements have increased, SBOMs have become a central part of modern software security.
Different Types of BOMs
Within material and component documentation, there are several types of BOMs. According to standards such as CycloneDX, multiple BOM types exist today, each focusing on different aspects of a product’s composition, for example:
| BOM Type | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Software Bill of Materials | SBOM | A detailed list of all software components in an application, including libraries, modules, frameworks, and other dependencies. |
| Hardware Bill of Materials | HBOM | A comprehensive overview of all physical components and hardware units that make up a product or system. |
| Cryptography Bill of Materials | CBOM | An inventory of cryptographic components—such as algorithms, keys, and security modules—used to ensure data security. |
| AI/Machine Learning Bill of Materials | AI/ML-BOM | A list of components, models, training data, and frameworks used in AI and machine learning solutions. |
| Software as a Service Bill of Materials | SaaSBOM | An overview of the software components and services that make up a SaaS solution, focusing on both internal and external cloud-based solutions. |
| Vulnerability Exploitability Exchange | VEX | A format for exchanging information on whether a specific vulnerability can be exploited in a given context, aiding in prioritizing security measures. |
By using these standardized BOMs, organizations gain a comprehensive view of a product’s composition, whether it involves software, hardware, or specialized areas like cryptography and AI.
SBOMs can be created from different perspectives depending on the software development phase. A Source SBOM is generated directly from the source code, listing declared components and dependencies. A Build SBOM is created during the build process and includes actual dependencies, while a Runtime SBOM shows the components that are active in production.
For more information on the different types, see Different Types of SBOMs.
The Importance of SBOM in Today’s Industry
SBOM has become a central part of software security, and the industry as a whole is moving towards adopting it as a standard. Organizations recognize the importance of full transparency in software composition, especially given the increasing security and compliance requirements.
Large tech companies, such as Cisco, have already begun providing SBOMs to their users. This trend is not limited to big corporations—smaller organizations and startups also see the value of SBOMs. By using SBOMs, they can demonstrate their commitment to security and build trust with their customers.
Furthermore, public organizations are increasingly requiring SBOMs in their procurement processes—they simply no longer want to buy software blindly. A transparent and standardized bill of materials allows them to quickly identify the components within a product and assess potential risks.
With the continued evolution of software supply chains and a growing focus on cybersecurity, SBOM adoption is expected to keep rising. By implementing standardized BOMs, organizations can swiftly adapt to evolving security landscapes and regulations, fostering a safer and more transparent industry environment.