Microsoft Corp. and Facebook Inc. will collaborate on co-packaged optics under the Joint Development Foundation.

The goal of co-packaged optics is the adoption of common design elements that will provide guidance for suppliers in the design and manufacturing of co-packaged optics, the companies said March 14, adding that the intention over time is to enable an open and diverse ecosystem.

The collaboration intends to provide open specifications for design elements, including the electrical signaling interface, optical standard, optical module management interface and reliability requirements.

The Joint Development Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that provides the corporate and legal infrastructure to enable groups to establish and operate standards and source code development collaborations.