Abstract: This disclosure describes identification of fixed content objects in a distributed fixed content storage system. Unique object identifiers are assigned in a distributed object storage system which consists of a plurality of storage media interconnected over networks subject to disruptions. The object identifier assignment prevents object identifier collisions in a distributed non-connected system regardless of the numbers of objects being stored and ensures continued operation of the object storage system in the presence of network disruptions without requiring unique identifiers for entities performing allocations. Embodiments may be used within any system where there is a need for globally unique identifiers, and the allocation of the globally unique identifiers needs to occur in the absence of network connectivity. The globally unique identifiers may be transformed for security purposes.