> This of course still doesn't solve anything about synchronization or inaccurate system clocks but it would be better than Unix times.
One of the solutions used in various systems from cash machines to databases is to use GPS time. All GPS satellites carry atomic clocks, and when positioning the receiver also determines local time at accuracy up to 10 nanoseconds.
GPS time does not have leap seconds, and is always at a 19 second offset from TAI. It's available without a network, and without synchronization between computers.
One of the solutions used in various systems from cash machines to databases is to use GPS time. All GPS satellites carry atomic clocks, and when positioning the receiver also determines local time at accuracy up to 10 nanoseconds.
GPS time does not have leap seconds, and is always at a 19 second offset from TAI. It's available without a network, and without synchronization between computers.