Can anyone clarify if R3 will be a major or minor release, which I presume will determine if we need new SCCM device CALs or not.

If you do not have an EA or SA on SCCM you must repurchase SCCM to get R3. There is no upgrade license available. John Marcum | http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/jmarcum |

Sorry I just need to confirm your answer. We currently have SCCM 2007 R2 with 6000 device CALs with no EA or SA (it expired beyond our control). Your answer would indicate the need to repurchase 6000 SCCM R3 CALs as well as new server licences. Have I understood correctly? Thank you Jason

That's correct. You will have to repurchase SCCM just as if you do not have it now in order to legally upgrade to R3. Unfortunately I am in the same position so I hace confirmed this with MS. It seems that we are in the less than 10% of customers catagory. This time around I strongly suggest you buy SA otherwise each time a new version come out you need to repurchase SCCM. John Marcum | http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/jmarcum |

Thanks John. We were caught unawares unfortunately with the collapse of the UK NHS enterprise agreement, which has left us in limbo and without SA :( Still, it has made me realise how important SA can be!