I need a clarification : Can I use EJBs instead of helper classes for better performance and less network traffic?

Question

My application was designed based on MVC Architecture. But I made some changes to HMV base on my requirements. Servlet invoke helper classes, helper class uses EJBs to communicate with the database. Jsps also uses EJBs to backtrack the results.
I have two EJBs(Stateless), one Servlet, nearly 70 helperclasses, and nearly 800 jsps. Servlet acts as Controler and all database transactions done through EJBs only. Helper classes are having business logic. Based on the request relevant helper classed is invoked by the Servlet, and all database transactions are done through EJBs. Session scope is 'Page' only.
Now I am planning to use EJBs(for business logic) instead on Helper Classes. But before going to do that I need some clarification regarding Network traffic and for better usage of Container resources.
Please suggest me which method (is Helper classes or Using EJBs) is perferable
1) to get better performance and.
2) for less network traffic
3) for better container resource utilization
I thought if I use EJBs, then the network traffic will increase. Because every time it make a remote call to EJBs.
Please give detailed explanation.
thank you,
sudheer

Answer 1

<i>Please suggest me which method (is Helper classes or Using EJBs) is perferable :
1) to get better performance</i>
EJB's have quite a lot of overhead associated with them to support transactions and remoteability. A non-EJB helper class will almost always outperform an EJB. Often considerably. If you plan on making your 70 helper classes EJB's you should expect to see a dramatic decrease in maximum throughput.
<i>2) for less network traffic</i>
There should be no difference. Both architectures will probably make the exact same JDBC calls from the RDBMS's perspective. And since the EJB's and JSP's are co-located there won't be any other additional overhead there either. (You are co-locating your JSP's and EJB's, aren't you?)
<i>3) for better container resource utilization</i>
Again, the EJB version will consume a lot more container resources.