Lincoln-based Lighthouse, an IT systems and services provider, is one of just two IBM business partners in New England to have such a facility.

Ernie Yenke, chief operating officer at Lighthouse, said the new facilities help set apart the rapidly growing company from competitors in the region.

The center has earned Lighthouse status as one of IBM’s premier business partners, the highest designation given to companies that sell IBM products. In return, IBM gives its top partners quarterly bonuses and access to marketing campaigns, among other benefits, said Deborah J. Kestin Schildkraut, who heads up the innovation center program at IBM.

Lighthouse, a privately owned company, has told the Providence Business News that its revenue reached $116 million in 2005, more than doubling sales from the previous year.