In one sentence
An open standard for connecting compatible AI applications to tools, resources, and prompts.
Model Context Protocol is an open protocol introduced by Anthropic in 2024 and now hosted by the Linux Foundation's Agentic AI Foundation. It standardizes how compatible AI applications discover and use tools, resources, and prompts exposed by MCP servers.
For businesses, an MCP server can make approved CRM, EHR, accounting, or internal-system capabilities available to an AI host without building a separate proprietary connector for every compatible client. The server defines its capabilities and schemas; the host decides what is exposed to the model and what the user may invoke.
MCP does not automatically make access secure or accurate. Authentication, authorization, consent, rate limits, auditability, validation, and human approval are implementation responsibilities. An MCP server often wraps existing APIs, so the security and data-handling rules of those underlying services still apply.
A server may run locally or remotely. That describes where the server executes, not where tool results are ultimately processed. Review the AI host, model provider, permissions, retention settings, connected vendors, and deployment architecture before exposing sensitive data.
Keep following the system
AI Agent
A system that uses a model and tools to pursue a goal across multiple steps within defined permissions and review boundaries.
Workflow Automation
Connecting business systems so repeatable tasks run according to defined rules and exceptions reach the right person.
API Integration
A connection that lets software systems exchange approved data and invoke supported operations.