Some of your code must be reading the jcr tree which has a lot node. Just try to figureout which query is that and apply some custom index on that query fields and try to limit the results. Then it should work.

Even I was wondering. I am an Adobe Certified AEM Architect

If I could understand it correctly you are using this servlet(??) for Authenticated user? If yes please tell me then I can provide something.one thing i believe is you cant cache the java object's data and with each request it will be refreshed.

I believe you are in a dilemma here between CUG and Provide Access control using CRX.1. CUG: It is Closed User Group which is clubs the different user to share same permission. When a CUG (Group Permission) is applied to any content/page, all the users who are part of group will have same permission...

Add some custom JavaScript code onReady of form or onBlur/onKeypress/Keydown event of those field. You can put your own custom logic.There are many formatted libraries available, can use them too.

I believe it should be direct relative to the number of files and the Storage Size of files and your hardware/network to some extent.1. If you have smaller files in size you can have them more, however if you want to search then it would create problem and traverse lot2. If you have bigger files in ...

Use designs for your template. It would help Designs and the Designer

Yes. External Users would not be able to access your AEM system as their permission i assume would be configured that way.

I believe not assuming you dont have ADFS is also configured for Authentication for internal users.

ADFS can be configured as Identity provider in existing SAML Server. Once that is done. User logged in through ADFs should be log in seamlessly.