SBOM Observer vs Dependency-Track

Explore the differences between SBOM Observer and Dependency Track to see which platform suits your SBOM management needs.

Data Model

SBOM Observer
Dependency-Track
Data Model
  • Graph
  • All imported data/SBOMs form a single graph
  • Flat
  • One SBOM per project
Operational Model
Track which applications are deployed in which environments
Supported
  • Tracks environments, services, endpoints and deployments
Partially supported
  • Supports CycloneDX SaaS BOMs
Vulnerability Exploitability eXchange
Supported
Supported
Vulnerability Disclosure Reports
as defined in NIST SP 800-161
Partially supported
  • Export
Partially supported
  • Export

SBOM and Other Attestations

SBOM Observer
Dependency-Track
Attestation Archive
Archive of all SBOMs uploaded to the system
Supported
  • Backed by AWS S3 for high availability
Unsupported
CycloneDX SBOM Import
Supported
  • JSON format
  • XML format
Supported
  • JSON format
  • XML format
SPDX SBOM Import
Supported
  • JSON format
  • YAML format
  • RDF/XML format
  • Tag-Value format
Unsupported
SLSA Provenance Import
Supported
Unsupported
OpenVEX Import
Supported
Unsupported
CSAF VEX Import
Unsupported
Unsupported
CycloneDX export
Supported
Supported
SPDX export
Supported
Unsupported

Dependency and Vulnerability Tracking

SBOM Observer
Dependency-Track
Dependency Analysis
Supported
Supported
Vulnerability Analysis
Supported
  • 12+ programming language ecosystems
Supported
  • <10 programming language ecosystems
Docker Container Vulnerabilities
Supported
  • 15+ OS distributions
Unsupported
Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS)
Supported
Supported
Impact Analysis (Graphical Visualization)
Supported
  • Graphical Visualization
Unsupported

Container Security

SBOM Observer
Dependency-Track
Docker Container Vulnerabilities
Supported
  • 15+ OS distributions
Unsupported
Image Layer Analysis
Attribute vulnerabilities to specific layers
Supported
Unsupported
Base Images
Identify common base images and their vulnerabilities
Supported
Unsupported
Custom Base Images
Identify custom base images and their vulnerabilities
Supported
Unsupported

Automation

SBOM Observer
Dependency-Track
Component Policies
Supported
Supported
Attestation policies
Supported
  • NTIA Minimum Elements template
Unsupported
License Compliance Policies
Supported
Supported
Visual Policy Builder
Supported
  • Possible to migrate from visual builder to code
Supported
Policy As Code
Supported
  • JavaScript
  • Rego (Open Policy Agent)
  • Access to the full data model
Unsupported

Commercial Support and Integration

SBOM Observer
Dependency-Track
Managed Solution (SaaS)
Supported
Unsupported
Open Source
No
Yes
  • OWASP Foundation
Commercial Support
Supported
Unsupported
Service Level Agreement
Supported
Unsupported
API integration
Supported
Supported
Above information is based on public information found on the vendors official web site at the time of writing. Notice anything incorrect? Please let us know.

Try it yourself!

We have a live demo instance of SBOM Observer available for you to try out. You explore the product in your own private sandbox, including uploading your own SBOMs, or explore the sample data we have provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.

Can I integrate my current SCA tool with SBOM Observer?
Absolutely! SBOM Observer is compatible with most SCA tools, supporting SBOMs in CycloneDX and SPDX formats.
Is SBOM Observer an alternative to my existing vulnerability scanner?
Yes, it can be. Our platform detects vulnerabilities across various programming languages and operating systems. Also, unique to our service is the ability to deep-dive into Docker containers, identifying vulnerabilities and pinpointing the exact origin. For further details, visit our Ecosystem Coverage page.
How does SBOM Observer assist with compliance for application dependency transparency?
SBOM Observer streamlines compliance with internal policies, regulations, and customer agreements, managing both your internal and external SBOMs. For more on how we can meet your specific needs or to book a demo, reach out to our Support Team.
What are Namespaces, Environments, and Projects in SBOM Observer?
Namespaces in SBOM Observer are secure containers organizing SBOMs, policies, and access controls by organizational units or purposes. Environments represent deployment setups like VMs or clusters, tailored for various stages such as production or testing. Projects categorize related security components under specific products or teams.
Is SBOM Observer Open Source?
Not at the moment. We're considering an Open Source version in the future.
Do you offer bulk purchase discounts?
Yes, we provide volume discounts for organizations with multiple users. Discuss your needs with our Customer Success Team.
Is on-premise deployment available for SBOM Observer?
Yes. For more details, contact our Customer Success Team.