A digital object architecture infrastructure includes a handle system that stores handle data and a proxy server that caches handle data for rapid access. A client connects to the proxy server to request access to the handle data. When the handle data does not have access restrictions and is currently cached, the proxy server returns the handle data to the client without accessing the handle system. When the handle data does not have access restrictions and is not cached, the proxy server obtains the handle data from the handle system, caches a copy of the handle data for future access, and provides the handle data to the client. The proxy server may cache encrypted handle data that is subject to access restrictions, cannot be decrypted by proxy server, and can be provided to a client determined to be allowed access. The client can then decrypt the encrypted handle data.