(Telecompaper) AT&T and Orange have signed an agreement to collaborate on initiatives to accelerate the standardization of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) , focusing on the use of open-source technology. AT&T and Orange will identify appropriate forums for industry standardization discussions to drive standardization efforts forward. By introducing common standards and interfaces, the industry can simplify technological integration, increase operational efficiency and reduce costs, resulting in shorter deployment cycles and a faster pace of innovation, the operators said.