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SBOM/OSS utilization development support

In recent years, it is included in software called SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) in order to prevent damage due to license and vulnerability risks associated with the expansion of open source software (OSS) utilization in software development, and to fulfill accountability and regulatory compliance. There is a need in various fields, including the automobile and medical industries, to develop a bill of materials that can manage OSS.
At Covalent, we formulate OSS management plans and specialize in designing optimal SBOM tools and operation systems that suit our customers. In addition, it is also possible to act as an agent for SBOM operation on behalf of customers who find it difficult to secure SBOM operation personnel.
Our company has experience in participating in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's SBOM demonstration, experience in SBOM operation work, and knowledge of the latest SBOM utilization overseas. Free diagnosis is also available for those who do not know what to do about OSS management.


If you want to understand the details of the service such as the output image, please request detailed materials from the following.

Partnership

partnership

​We can introduce all major overseas SBOM tools.

ISSUES

Issue

  • In the first place, I do not know what SBOM is and whether it is necessary for my company

  • I understand that it is necessary to introduce SBOM for WP29 compliance, but I do not know the specific details of the necessary work

  • I would like to know about the efforts of other overseas companies in the same industry regarding SBOM.

  • I don't know the schedule of SBOM introduction

Concerns about SBOM tool introduction and operation construction

  • I don't know what to do with the operational design of the SBOM tool

  • I don't know how to change the contract with OEM/supplier and how to negotiate with SBOM.

  • SBOM tools have been introduced, but they are not used at all because they do not know how to use them or do not have time to use them.

Concerns about considering introduction of SBOM

Concerns about selecting SBOM tools

  • I don't know which of the many SBOM tools is better

  • In the first place, it is impossible to define the requirements for the company's SBOM tool, and there is no way to evaluate the tool.

  • I don't have time to actually try the SBOM tool and make an evaluation selection

SERVICE MENU

service menu

Introduction plan formulation support

First, we organize the implementation guidelines based on the customer's OSS management-related laws, standard requirements, and needs. Based on this, we design activities to fill the gap between the customer's necessary SBOM operation, OSS security and compliance response, and the current situation of the customer, and establish the deadline for each country's laws and international standards, OEM response, and other companies' case studies. We will design the SBOM introduction schedule based on the SBOM introduction timeline etc.

PoC and selection support for SBOM tools

We formulate evaluation and selection criteria for SBOM tools based on the customer's development environment, business partner's requirements, and related laws and regulations. Plan and execute a PoC of the SBOM tool to obtain the necessary information for evaluation. Based on the evaluation selection criteria and PoC results, we select the optimal SBOM tool. In addition, we have a track record of using all major SBOM tools.

SBOM tool introduction and operation construction support

Set up the selected SBOM tool so that it can be operated. Specifically, we develop operational tasks, division of roles, operational rules, and an operational system that match the selected SBOM tool. We will also appropriately reflect the clauses necessary for SBOM operation that are included in contracts with business partners. If it is difficult to secure personnel to handle SBOM in-house, we can also provide operation support services for OSS component management, vulnerability and license management through SBOM operation at our company.

APPROACH

approach

Introduction plan formulation support

1

1

Government and regulatory information research

About ​1 week

Four

SBOM standards and system design

about 2 weeks

2

Benchmark survey of other companies

About 1 month~

Five

Introduction schedule design

about 2 weeks

3

Contract system maintenance support

about 2 weeks

1

Government and regulatory information research

about a week

List laws and regulations related to domestic and overseas OSS management, vulnerability and license management, and response, and organize the obligations and scope of responsibility stipulated therein.


Output: Survey results of relevant laws and regulations

2

Benchmark survey of other companies

About 1 month~

Scope of responsibility/responsibility and operation rules for OSS management, vulnerability/license management/response in cases of other companies (e.g. detection timing/update frequency, criteria for judging whether or not to respond when vulnerability/license violation is detected, standard response time) etc.), the output format of each work, OSS management, vulnerability and license management, SBOM tools and collaboration tools used for response, and issues and solutions that have occurred.


Output: Results of research on precedents

3

Contract system maintenance support

about 2 weeks

In the contract between OEM/Tier1/Tier2, OSS/vulnerability/license detection and obligations at the time of vulnerability/license violation, implementation body of OSS detection/vulnerability management/license management for development scope, and responsible body (monetary) We will prepare a contract scheme for the person who bears the burden and legal responsibility). Diagnose the estimated loss amount due to inadequate handling of vulnerabilities and license violations, and estimate and summarize the potential impact of compliance risks and cyber security incidents from similar cases (final checks are also performed by lawyers specializing in security-related laws and regulations).


Output: Arrangement of contract scheme (economic conditions, roles and responsibilities)

Four

SBOM standards and system design

about 2 weeks

Based on other companies' benchmarks, various laws and regulations, international standards, and requirements for OEM suppliers, we design activities to fill the gap between the customer's current situation and the SBOM operation and OSS security compliance required by the customer.
 

Output: Outline of SBOM operation rules

Five

Introduction schedule design

about 2 weeks

We design the SBOM introduction process and schedule for customers based on the laws and regulations of each country, international standards, OEM deadlines, and SBOM introduction timelines in other companies' cases. In addition, we organize the type and period of PoC required for introduction to the customer.


Output: Overall picture of SBOM introduction schedule and PoC implementation schedule

PoC and selection support for SBOM tools

1

1

Requirement definition of SBOM tool in customer

About ​1 week

Four

PoC execution

about 2 weeks

2

Narrow down SBOM tool candidates for PoC

About 1 month~

Five

SBOM tool selection based on PoC results

about 2 weeks

3

Formulation of PoC plan

about 2 weeks

1

Requirement definition of SBOM tool in customer

about a week

Based on the customer's development SW, development process/environment (e.g. access to source code), related laws/regulations/requirements from business partners, customer budget, etc., we define the requirements for the SBOM tool to be introduced by the customer.


Output: Requirement definition result

2

Narrow down SBOM tool candidates for PoC

from 1 month

Based on the requirement definition, we will research possible SBOM tool candidates and present promising options.


Output: SBOM tool candidate

3

Formulation of PoC plan

from 1 month

Based on the requirements definition, we formulate the items that need to be verified and the verification method in the PoC of the SBOM tool for the tool evaluation selection criteria and selection. We will also organize the customer data requirements necessary for PoC implementation.


Output: PoC execution plan

Four

PoC execution

from 1 month

Execute the PoC according to the formulated plan. It is also possible to provide hands-on support where our company handles negotiations with tool vendors and work at the time of PoC.


Output: PoC execution result

1

Five

SBOM tool selection based on PoC results

about 2 weeks

After organizing the PoC results, we select the most suitable tool for the customer based on the evaluation selection criteria.


Output: SBOM tool selection results

PoC and selection support for SBOM tools

1

SBOM tool setup

About ​1 week

Four

Design of SBOM operation system

about 2 weeks

2

SBOM operation work and design of division of roles

About 1 month~

Five

Contract system with business partners

about 2 weeks

3

Designing SBOM operational rules

about 2 weeks

1

SBOM tool setup

about a week

We set up an SBOM tool with reasonable functions/performance and introduction/operation cost for customer's OSS management. pop up. Also set up the development tools that need to be linked with the SBOM tool.


Output: Preparation for introduction of SBOM tools

2

SBOM operation work and design of division of roles

about a week

After defining the tasks required for SBOM operation and taking legal compliance into account (e.g. OSS detection ⇒ correction of false detections and omissions ⇒ …), we design the roles necessary for operational tasks.


Output: Overview of SBOM operations and division of roles

3

Designing SBOM operational rules

about a week

Design detailed rules related to SBOM operation. OSS/vulnerability/license detection/responsibility/range of responsibility, timing/frequency of work execution, standard response time for OSS/vulnerability/license detection/response, criteria for judging the necessity of response when vulnerability/license violation is detected, etc. Consider.


Output: Details of SBOM operational rules

Four

Design of SBOM operation system

about a week

Design departments, positions, and personnel in charge of each role necessary for operations, and rules for cooperation between personnel (eg, escalation rules when detecting vulnerabilities and license violations).


Output: Details of SBOM operation system

Five

Contract system with business partners

about 2 weeks

Regarding SBOM operation, we clarify the division of work with OEMs and suppliers, the location of financial burdens and legal responsibilities, and support their reflection in contracts.


Output: contract system and contract

ADVANTAGE

advantage

The establishment of international standards and related laws, accumulation of best practices, and development of SBOM tools related to SBOM and OSS management are progressing mainly in Europe and the United States. It is the reality.
In this regard, through various research services, we have a track record of supporting many surveys of overseas advanced technology and market trends. This includes the introduction and operation status of cutting-edge technologies of overseas competitors in the automobile industry and other manufacturing industries, as well as the development trends and content analysis of industry international standards.
In addition, we have a wide overseas network that is suitable for overseas research, and includes people who have practical experience in SBOM/OSS management in the European and American automobile industry, and policymakers related to cyber security.
When formulating an SBOM introduction plan, we utilize our overseas research know-how and network to support our clients in understanding the latest trends and best practices in SBOM/OSS management.

It is possible to grasp the latest trends in overseas SBOM utilization.

We have a track record of supporting many Japanese companies to introduce and jointly develop advanced overseas technologies such as AI, blockchain, digital twins, robotics, and 3D printers. In this process, we also organize the introduction schedule after identifying the necessary verification items based on the characteristics of the technology, the customer's actual business situation, and the setup based on the customer's internal approval process.
Even when formulating an SBOM introduction plan, we utilize our know-how in supporting the introduction of advanced technology, carry out the necessary steps up to the introduction in the shortest possible distance, and support the realization of optimal SBOM/OSS management.

We can design a realistic deployment schedule for you.

We participated in the demonstration to promote the use of SBOM in Japan conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2021, and have a track record of verifying the cost and effect of using SBOM. In this process, we will design necessary information and demonstration work to verify costs and effects, generate SBOM by actually introducing and operating six types of SBOM and OSS management tools, and develop OSS management using SBOM. I am also in charge of trials.
Based on that experience, we support PoC design and execution that minimizes key points in evaluating SBOM tools, such as verification points where differences between tools are likely to occur, and PoC conditions that need to be designed according to the customer's development environment and actual business conditions. Is possible. In addition, it is also possible for us to perform the actual PoC work on your behalf.

Based on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's SBOM demonstration experience, PoC of appropriate SBOM tools is possible.

A tool with high technical specifications or a tool with a track record of implementation does not necessarily create results for your business. Therefore, we analyze the customer's strategic emphasis, issues, QCD effect of on-site operations, etc., identify the requirements of the tool that will lead to the creation of the customer's effect, and reflect it in subsequent surveys and evaluations.

We can design an appropriate PoC evaluation axis based on the customer's business and business conditions.

The best practices of overseas SBOM operation and the operation examples of competitors do not necessarily lead to the optimal SBOM operation for customers. There is a risk of inefficiency or excessive response if operation design is done without considering the customer's circumstances, such as the development environment, actual business conditions, contractual relationships with business partners, and understanding of SBOM/OSS management.
Therefore, we understand the characteristics of the SBOM tool selected by the customer, the actual conditions of development work and contracts with business partners, while taking into account relevant laws and regulations, overseas best practices, and other companies' cases. We plan the design of operations and systems.
We participated in the SBOM demonstration conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2021, and have actually experienced the design of the demonstration work and the introduction and operation of six types of SBOM / OSS management tools. Based on that experience, we can design and propose operation from the overall picture of the OSS management process to the operation level of the SBOM tool.
In addition, we have partnered with NTT DATA Automobilience Laboratories, Inc., which develops in-vehicle embedded software and builds development tools. In addition, it is possible to catch up with complicated circumstances and specialized requests of the customer's development site.

We can propose realistic SBOM operation by combining our experience of actual operation of SBOM and our knowledge of embedded software development in the automotive industry.

There are quite a few customers who are worried about training personnel, such as it takes time to learn how to operate the SBOM tool. In addition, if the scope of SBOM operation expands in the future due to the expansion of the scope of application of international standards such as WP29, it may become difficult to allocate personnel for SBOM operation within the customer.
We also provide an SBOM operation agency service for companies with such concerns. Since our company has a track record of using all major SBOM tools, we can start SBOM operation with a shorter lead time than learning in-house. In addition, we have partnered with Pole To Win Co., Ltd., and have established a system that can act as a substitute even if the customer's SBOM operation becomes large-scale.

Utilizing the resources of our partners, it is possible to act as an agent even if the SBOM operation becomes large-scale.

OUTPUT

Output

OSS list by SBOM scan

Organize the list of OSS included in your software product using the SBOM tool.

If necessary, we will also confirm with the business partner on your behalf and create an accurate OSS list.

Construction of OSS management system

​We build rules and operational systems to deal with vulnerability risks and compliance risks for the OSS included in the customer's product. We will also sort out the content to be implemented in-house and the scope of requests to external collaborators.

OSS operation support

We will operate OSS on behalf of customers who do not choose to respond on their own due to various reasons such as not being a main business or lacking expertise. In addition to providing weekly reports, in the event of an emergency, we will contact you immediately and continue to support you until the problem is resolved.

TRACK RECORD

achievement

KPIs

Number of client industriesFourIndustry

Percentage of clients with multiple contracts Approx.95.5%

Percentage of Projects with Benefits100%

Average contract period Approx.6for a month

Number of SBOM tools handled11type

Number of specialist members Approx.9Name

CASE STUDY

CLIENTS' VOICE

customer's voice

Major auto parts manufacturer

Proposals based on proven cases overseas were helpful

While there are still very few achievements in Japan, the proposals based on the cases of major overseas competitors were very useful. It was especially helpful when it was hard to tell if I was doing too much.

In addition, when reporting to management, most of the materials were compiled, and they contributed greatly as consulting.

Major software development company

I felt the convenience of leaving the operation to a third party

At first, some members thought that entrusting the inventory and management of software assets to a third party was too risky, but I felt that it was very meaningful to have the OSS correctly identified and the work including confirmation with the vendor. I was.

​ It was a natural flow to leave the operation after that, but I was able to entrust it without any problems because I was able to proceed with the internal coordination, which was a high hurdle, and I am very grateful. increase.

RELATED SERVICES

Related services

Advanced technology research

We search and pursue advanced technologies that lead to the growth of our customers' businesses. We organize the information necessary for decision-making based on customer needs.

Overseas market trend research

For customers who are considering entering overseas markets, we help them understand market trends in detail and organize the information they need to make decisions about whether to proceed with entry.

​ Advanced technology introduction support

We select cutting-edge technology that meets the needs of the customer's business, and follow up until MVP development and on-site introduction are achieved.

WHITE PAPER
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White Paper Download

Download the white paper here

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