Interesting discussion. It points out an issue of semantic interoperability
between (among?) the various standards organizations that frequently
collaborate.
Just to "throw" some more information in the mix :-) The OGC uses the phrase
"reference implementation" to mean an open and publicly example of how to
implement one or more OpenGIS specifications in an application and/or
architecture. This would be along the lines of Len's "sample"
implementation. We also use the phrase "reference architecture" to mean an
example architecture for a given application domain, such as a portal, that
support use of OpenGIS specifications and related standards and
specifications. In all cases, these reference implementations are freely and
openly available to public. Further, they must be unencumbered by IPR.
Typically, in the OGC world, these implementations are also Open Source.
Obviously, we do not view "reference" in the same restrictive manner as some
organizations.
Regards
Carl
OGC