Which User Layer requires the least amount of administrative effort to store user settings limited to Microsoft Outlook data and settings for a hosted shared desktop solution based on Windows Server 2012?

The Session Office 365 User Layer is specifically designed for multi-user session host environments, such as a hosted shared desktop on Windows Server 2012. This layer type isolates and persists only the user's Microsoft Outlook data (OST file) and search index database. This targeted approach directly meets the requirement of storing limited Outlook data and settings while minimizing storage consumption and complexity. Because it is purpose-built for this scenario, it requires the least amount of administrative configuration and ongoing management compared to a more comprehensive layer type.

B. Citrix Profile Management with Full: This option is incorrect because a Full User Layer captures all user data, settings, and user-installed applications, which is more than required and increases administrative overhead. Combining it with Citrix Profile Management adds unnecessary complexity.
C. Full: A Full User Layer is not the most efficient choice as it captures the entire user profile and user-installed applications, exceeding the specific requirement for only Outlook data. This results in higher storage costs and greater administrative effort.
D. Office 365: The standard Office 365 User Layer is designed for single-user VDI deployments (e.g., Windows 10), not for multi-user session hosts like Windows Server. The Session Office 365 layer is the correct type for this environment.

1. Citrix App Layering 4.x Documentation, "User layers." This official documentation clearly distinguishes between the User Layer types. It states, "The Session Office 365 User layer stores the data and settings for Microsoft Office 365. This layer type is for use on session hosts." It also specifies that the standard Office 365 User layer is "for use on VDI desktops." This directly supports selecting 'Session Office 365' for a Windows Server environment.

Source: Citrix Product Documentation, Citrix App Layering > Layer > User layers.

2. Citrix App Layering 4.x Documentation, "System requirements." The system requirements for User layers specify the supported operating systems for each layer type. Session Office 365 layers are listed as supported on Windows Server operating systems, including Windows Server 2012 R2, which aligns with the question's scenario of a "hosted shared desktop solution based on Windows Server 2012."

Source: Citrix Product Documentation, Citrix App Layering > Get started > System requirements.