In this paper, we consider two important objectives of network operation: (i) capacity minimization and (ii) revenue maximization. For capacity minimization, we formulate three operational phases in survivable WDM network operation viz., initial call set up, short/medium‐term reconfiguration, and long‐term reconfiguration. All three phases are derived from a single integer linear programming (ILP) formulation. This common framework incorporates service disruption. We modify the framework for revenue maximization that includes a service differentiation model based on lightpath protection. We propose a multistage solution methodology to solve individual service classes sequentially and combine them to obtain a feasible solution. We provide cost comparisons in terms of increase in revenue obtained by various service classes with the base case of accepting demands without any protection. Results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework.