HERNDON, Va., June 7 -- NEC America Public Networks Group and Tellium have decided to team-up to develop integrated optical systems that will simplify optical networks with fewer networking components. According to the companies, DWDM optical technology from NEC, combined with core optical switching hardware and software from Tellium, will give carriers a high-capacity, reliable and cost-effective mesh network solution with a smaller footprint that requires less power and maintenance. "The work that Tellium and NEC are undertaking together demonstrates our commitment to offering a smarter, more cost-effective optical network for carriers," said Rikio Maruta, senior vice president at NEC America Inc. "Integration of this type simplifies both the architecture and the management of the optical mesh network."