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SPECIFICTION
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OSSKB

softwaretransparency.org

Free plan WebmacOSLinuxAPI
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Spec score 7.6 #17 of 28 in Open Source License Compliance Software

What it is

OSSKB identifies open source software in source code, including at the snippet level, to provide information relevant to license compliance. It matches source-code fingerprints against a database of fingerprints for known open source software. Results may include license names, copyright statements, quality indicators, and vulnerability information. The web service also offers API access, a Python scanner, and Audit Workbench downloads for macOS Intel, macOS M1/M2, and Linux; a compatible CLI or webhook can support automation. OSSKB is powered by the Open Source Software Knowledge Base, created and maintained by SCANOSS. It is free of charge on a best-effort basis, with no guarantee of availability or performance. The provider may limit the number or frequency of transactions to help maintain availability and performance. Fingerprint matching can produce false positives and false negatives, so results need human assessment. The terms say usage information may be logged to monitor load and improve the service, and that OSSKB is designed for professional use rather than end consumers. The listed plan is free.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OSSKB identifies open source software, including at snippet level, and provides information for license compliance.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Intended users
The terms say OSSKB is designed for professional use and is not offered for end-consumer use.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Privacy
The maker describes OSSKB as privacy-friendly; its terms say it may log usage information to monitor service load and improve the service.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Headquarters
Madrid, SpainRead 28 Sep 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Automation
The maker says users can get a compatible CLI or webhook for automation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Availability
The service is provided free of charge on a best-effort basis, without a guarantee of availability or performance.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Clients
The maker lists a Python scanner and Audit Workbench downloads for macOS Intel, macOS M1/M2, and Linux.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Fingerprint matching
The service compares source code fingerprints against a database of known open source software fingerprints.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Knowledge base
OSSKB is powered by the Open Source Software Knowledge Base, created and maintained by SCANOSS.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Metadata
Identifications may include license names, copyright statements, quality indicators, and vulnerabilities.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Result caveat
The maker says fingerprint matching can produce false positives and false negatives, so results require further human assessment.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Support contact
The maker lists [email protected] as its contact email.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org
Usage limits
The provider may limit the number or frequency of transactions per user to help ensure availability and performance.Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org

Plans and prices

OSSKB Free Free of charge · best-effort service · transaction frequency may be limited Read 4 Oct 2026 · softwaretransparency.org

Every OSSKB plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Identifies software down to source-code snippets
  • Results may include licenses and copyright statements
  • Python scanner and Audit Workbench downloads
  • CLI or webhook options for automation
  • Free of charge

Limits

  • Best-effort service without availability or performance guarantees
  • Transaction number or frequency may be limited
  • Fingerprint matches can be false positives or negatives
  • Usage information may be logged

Who it suits

OSSKB is designed for professional users who need to identify open source components in source code and review information relevant to license compliance. It is not offered for end-consumer use, and its matches require further human assessment.

Verdict

OSSKB offers free fingerprint-based identification and several client options for professional workflows. Its best-effort availability and the possibility of false matches make human review important.

Where Specifiction places it

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