Flex framework - software needed question

Question

hi, and thank you for your replies in advance.
i'm a bit new to flex framework and flash.
I want to know what software and languages I would need for the following website or web application
I have some knowledge with programing and markup languages like:
c/c++, java
html/css/javascript
php/sql
Professional design experience with
Photoshop/illustrator
What i want to achieve is:
Build a rich internet application.
Unified layout that will start fast. very small loading time (less than 3 seconds including the background and menus).
I need a search and category filter (get input text and check boxes and send them to database and retrieve the query)
When an icon or button is clicked, data is dynamically retrieved and automatically updated (animation on the whole page or text/image area when an icon or button is clicked) (no page refresh)
Some caching or background downloads when the site is idle, but give priority whenever an icon is clicked.
Some animated charts and site stats.
Some animated images where you can click on a portion of the image to trigger some text/images on to the image like tips and help
Site updates send subscription members (rss, email, facebook, twitter)
If there is an easy way to update the site, rss, email, facebook account, and twitter account at the same time
Optional (I want to create a discussion board (forum like) integrated in the site)
Sorry about the rambling.
Now for the questions:
If I already have Flash cs5, do I need:
1-      Flex4 sdk
2-      Flash builder 4 (does it offer something not included in flash cs5, or is it just a better interface for programing)
3-      What does flash catalyst do
4-      If I’m not streaming video do I need the flash servers
5-      Do I need flash services
6-      When I finish the web application. How much work would it take to make a mobile (Android or iPhone maybe) and a desktop (adobe air) versions. Is it as easy as making a file export in different format, or just minor tweaks to make it work?
7-      Last thing, what references or books do I need?

Answer 1

As a new Flex user maintaining part of an existing project, I would say to be very cautious.
I haven't used robotlegs, but attempting to learn flex and robotlegs and convert part of an existing project to use it is a recipe for disaster.
In my experience companies are interested in quick results when in maintenance mode on existing projects and won't be interested in excuses when the new developer messes up an existing project by trying to introduce a framework they know nothing about.
Get comfortable with basic Flex. If you want to try RobotLegs, create a test project to play with.
Don't add robotlegs to a live project when you are not sure of either flex or the framework. Or if you do, start looking for your next job!