Created in 1962, the Data Universal Numbering System or D-U-N-S® Number is D&B's copyrighted, proprietary means of identifying business entities on a location-specific basis.Assigned and maintained solely by D&B, this unique nine-digit identification number has been assigned to over 100 million businesses worldwide. A D-U-N-S® Number remains with the company location to which it has been assigned even if it closes or goes out-of-business. D-U-N-S® Number also unlocks" a wealth of value-added data associated with that entity