Method and apparatus for creating and assigning unique identifiers for

Abstract

Unique identifications are assigned to entities in a network and items in a database. In general, unique identifications are assigned to entities or data items within a network by a plurality of server entities, each server entity capable of obtaining a unique subset of identifications from other server entities, assigning an identification from its subset to another server entity, subdividing its own subset to form other unique subsets and assigning a unique subset to another server entity. Each server entity receives its own server entity identification when it is installed and also may request to receive a unique subset of entity identifications. A subset of entity identifications, also referred to interchangeably herein as a 'block' of entity identifications, comprises one or more entity identifications. Each server entity controls the assignment of the entity identifications within the subsets it receives. When items such as records or attributes within records are created in a server's database, the server entity generates a unique sequence identification which it combines with its entity identification to create a unique item identification.