The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has published a new reference architecture for operator-managed WiFi (OMWi). The standards organization hopes that the framework, which combines a number of standards, will make it easier for operators to adopt advanced managed WiFi features, to the benefit of consumers. The pitch is that multiple vendors have developed overlapping technologies, and so a common reference architecture can simplify vendor development roadmaps. Of course, for many vendors, those investments are meant to differentiate them from the pack, and so it seems unlikely that the likes of Plume will welcome OMWi with open arms – as they trade on offering such functions as a value-add service. However, Airties, a direct Plume rival, is in on the announcement,…