F-Secure, a provider of security-as-a-service products for PCs, servers and mobile devices, is the latest supplier to join Upware, the cloud-based, curated app marketplace for small- and mid-sized businesses launched last year by Comcast Business.
F-Secure said it is providing Comcast Business customers with hosted, automated security solutions, including antivirus, spam filtering and antispyware, that can reduce or eliminate the need for in-house IT security capabilities. According to pricing posted on the Upware site, F-Secure is charging Comcast Business customers $1.50 per month per computer, server or mobile device.
“Most small businesses don’t have the IT resources or expertise to effectively manage online security,” said Kevin O’Toole, senior vice president and general manager of new business solutions at Comcast Business, in a statement. “F-Secure’s Protection Service for Business provides automated protection against online threats and is easy to use, allowing SMBs to focus on running and growing their business while having the confidence to know they’re IT assets and company information are safe.”
Following the recent addition of Swiftpage, a supplier of e-mail and social marketing tools tailored for businesses, Upware is now up to 15 partners. In addition to security-focused vendors such as Symantec and DigitalSafe, examples of other Upware suppliers include Box, DocuSign, MaaX, Microsoft, Carbonite, Cisco (WebEx), AnyMeeting, Soonr, and Mozy.
Comcast, which launched its Upware B2B marketplace last February, has not announced Upware-related revenues, but the MSO’s broader business services unit generated $836 million in revenues in the third quarter of 2013, putting it on pace for an annual run rate of $3.3 billion.
