LOS ANGELES, Calif.--May 23, 2002--Los Angeles-based International Rectifier (NYSE:IRF) announced today the introduction of a new analog IC chipset developed to manage power for the next generation of space-saving "blade" servers for enterprise computing and the Internet.

By boosting power efficiency and reducing ambient heat in the system, IR's proprietary chipset makes it easy to stack blade servers like plates in a cabinet. These high-density server configurations make networks simpler and more compact by replacing the racks of computers and eliminating the long cables prevalent today.

"Blade servers have a big future in small computer networks," says Robert Grant, International Rectifier's executive vice president, global sales and marketing. "IR's breakthrough power management technology for blade servers provides enabling technology for an emerging multi-billion-dollar market segment."

"Low-power, space-saving servers have broad applications among companies that dedicate small computers to specific tasks," says Carl Blake, International Rectifier's DC-DC marketing manager for computing. "We have optimized our analog IC and advanced-circuit devices to work seamlessly in a chipset that meets Intel's latest specifications and sets the standard for power efficiency in the industry."

Industry analysts predict blade server sales could surge over the next three years, with vendors shipping two million blade servers worth $102 billion in 2005.

International Rectifier supplies power management technology for a wide range of network computer applications. Leading network computer makers who use IR's power chips include Dell, Compaq and IBM, among others.

International Rectifier designs, manufactures and markets power management products to industry leaders in information technology and other market sectors. The company supplies analog power ICs and advanced circuit devices, power systems, and components and is the pioneer and market leader in the $4 billion power MOSFET industry. The company's devices and systems cut energy consumption in home appliances and industrial motors, allow battery-operated products to run longer off a single charge, and improve automotive fuel efficiency. The company's advancements in power management technology allow its customers to add functionality, improve performance and reduce size and weight in products such as routers, servers, cell phones and notebook computers.

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