Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating identification numbers for use in identifying products such as servers. A number identifying a server includes a first field that stores a timestamp, a second field that stores a random number, and a third field that stores an error correction code being generated from the timestamp and the random number. The timestamp, identified as a first timestamp, is derived from a second timestamp having bits representing accuracy better than that of the first timestamp. The random number, e.g., the first random number, is created from a second random number combined with other data. The error correction code helps verify whether an identification number is what it is supposed to be.