Sun Microsystems and AOL Time Warner both require employees to use their products at work. Employees at AOL Time Warner say the company's email system is not as efficient as competing brands but AOL email is the new standard for the entire firm. Similarly, Sun forbids the use of Microsoft products at work, making it difficult for clients and employees to share files. Older companies like Ford use incentives to encourage workers to consume their products without requiring them to buy Fords.
See Susan Stellin, The New York Times, May 15, 2001