Final answer:
The key difference in bridge software engineers used in Japanese companies versus systems analysts is that they usually have business backgrounds rather than purely technical backgrounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key difference in bridge software engineers used in Japanese companies versus systems analysts, as highlighted in the Tiwana and colleagues article, is that they usually have business backgrounds rather than purely technical backgrounds.
This means that bridge software engineers in Japanese companies not only possess technical skills, but also have a deeper understanding of business processes and requirements. Their role involves operating throughout the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility studies to implementation and maintenance.