OPEX vs CAPEX isn’t just a budgeting distinction—it’s a strategic decision that impacts how security dealers and MSPs generate long-term revenue and retain customers. And in today’s competitive market, DW Spectrum Enterprise gives you the edge with a model built specifically for recurring monthly revenue (RMR).
While traditional CAPEX models like DW Spectrum Professional still serve many applications, forward-thinking integrators are rapidly shifting to the OPEX-driven Enterprise model to future-proof their business and unlock scalable growth.
OPEX vs CAPEX: The Recurring Revenue Model Dealers Need
In today’s competitive market, dealers need to move beyond one-time hardware sales. The OPEX model empowers you to generate ongoing revenue through services—something CAPEX simply can’t offer.
OPEX (Operating Expenditure) refers to monthly or annual recurring costs associated with services, which is exactly how DW Spectrum Enterprise is designed to function:
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Monthly VMS licensing
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Remote system health monitoring
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Cloud access and DW Cloud™ management
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Bundled managed services (cameras, updates, storage)
By embracing OPEX vs CAPEX, dealers are transitioning from transactional sales to relationship-based service contracts that deliver predictable, recurring revenue.
CAPEX: The Traditional Model Still Has Its Place
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) refers to large, upfront investments. This model defines DW Spectrum Professional:
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Dealers sell perpetual licenses with one-time fees
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Customers purchase their own NVRs, storage, and servers
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Software is owned outright, with no ongoing licensing
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Revenue is collected once, and post-install support is limited
While certain verticals like education or municipal clients may still prefer CAPEX models, the RMR opportunity is minimal. There’s no built-in incentive to return—no service plan, no renewal, no revenue growth.
OPEX vs CAPEX: Why DW Spectrum Enterprise Wins for Growth
DW Spectrum Enterprise was built from the ground up to support the OPEX model. It empowers you to:
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Sell VMS licensing as a subscription
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Offer hybrid-cloud storage and management
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Provide proactive support and remote diagnostics
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Add services like DW Cloud access, device monitoring, and more
When you lead with OPEX vs CAPEX, you’re not just selling a product—you’re delivering an ongoing service. This creates opportunities to increase margin, grow accounts, and improve customer retention.
Examples: How Dealers Are Monetizing DW Spectrum Enterprise
What You Can Offer with the OPEX Model
By selling DW Spectrum Enterprise as a service, you unlock multiple streams of monthly income:
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Software licensing (camera or server-based)
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Remote system management
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Camera uptime and firmware monitoring
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Cloud storage or redundancy solutions
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Cybersecurity monitoring and alerts
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Support contracts and service visits
And because DW Spectrum Enterprise supports open architecture and flexible licensing, you can scale these offerings across any vertical, from small retail shops to enterprise campuses.
Technical Flexibility Built for Service Providers
DW Spectrum Enterprise gives dealers and MSPs the tools needed to support OPEX-based service models:
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DW Cloud: Remote access and management from anywhere
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No forced maintenance fees — You build and control your own support plan and pricing
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Built-in tools for proactive system health diagnostics
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Multi-site and multi-user support ideal for MSP deployments
- Third-party camera compatibility (ONVIF conformant)
Pair this with the Enterprise platform’s support for Windows, Linux, and Ubuntu—plus compatibility with thousands of ONVIF cameras—and you have a platform that fits almost any application or vertical.
Final Word on OPEX vs CAPEX: Shift Your Business Toward Recurring Revenue
The most successful dealers and MSPs today are moving from CAPEX installs to OPEX-driven managed services. With DW Spectrum Enterprise, you get the tools, flexibility, and support to build your own recurring revenue engine—on your terms.
Stop watching competitors take the RMR. You already have the customer relationships. Now use DW Spectrum Enterprise to build the services that keep them coming back.
Partner with SESP for Your DW Spectrum Enterprise Applications
Southeast Security Products represents Digital Watchdog and other best-in-class manufacturers across the Southeast U.S., offering hands-on support, product expertise, and dealer-focused programs to help you grow your business. Whether you’re building your first smart home package, upgrading to next-gen connectivity, or integrating high-performance technology into a larger security system, we can help you select the right solutions to power your installations. Contact us today for pricing, training, or to request a demo of the DW Spectrum Enterprise.
Visit sesproducts.com or reach out to learn more about how we can support your next project.
