Comcast’s Upware aims to help small businesses buy cloud-based services

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

Comcast Corp. said Wednesday that it is unveiling a software marketplace called Upware that is designed to help make it easier for small and mid-size businesses to find cloud-based storage, data backup, security, and Web collaboration services.

At Upware, business customers can buy services through one integrated Web portal from such vendors as Carbonite Inc., a Boston-based data back-up firm; Mozy, a data back-up business of EMC Corp. of Hopkinton; and Microsoft Corp., Comcast said.

By using Upware, small and mid-size businesses can simplify their information technology systems, control costs, and increase productivity, Comcast said.

“We know small business owners and we know what tools they need to grow their businesses,” Kevin O’Toole, a Comcast senior vice president, said in a statement. “Upware simplifies what can be a complex world of choices when evaluating cloud-based services.”