I realize you are all very capable tech professionals and I am coming to you from a near zero knowledge level of all things wireless. So let me thank you all in advance for taking up this challenge.

I have a series of questions so feel free to pick and choose those that fall within your area of expertise.

Q 1: Can anyone point me to the most comprehensive resources on wireless markets, trends and software application development? If so, please feel free to email some credible links and I will gladly soak up all that I can find.

Q 2: Based on currently availalbe technologies, what communication platforms, protocols, development languages would you classify as "common" or enjoy the highest degree of wireless market penetration?

Q 3: Of those common technologies, can you list the strengths and weakness of each? I am specifically interested in security/privacy dimensions of these technologies.

Q 4: Are there any technologies (applications) that enable close proximity communication between wireless devices (e.g. PDA, smart phone etc.) that does not involve transmission through a wireless service provider (mobility carrier)?

Cheers. All I have for now.