5. A method according to claim 3 , wherein assigning includes enforcing the uniqueness of a timestamp when it is generated by resolving the conflict with another pre- existing time stamp.
5. A method according to claim 3 , wherein assigning includes enforcing the uniqueness of a timestamp when it is generated by resolving the conflict with another pre- existing time stamp. 7. A method according to claim 5 , wherein said enforcing includes modifying the timestamp by a pre-specified amount of time.