Model Context Protocol (MCP)
An open standard, introduced by Anthropic, that defines how AI applications connect to external tools, data sources and prompts through a common client–server interface.
Definition
Before MCP, every AI application integrated with every system in its own way. The Model Context Protocol, introduced by Anthropic in late 2024, replaces that with one interface. A host application (a chat client, an IDE, an agent) runs an MCP client. The client connects to one or more MCP servers, each of which exposes three kinds of capability: tools the model can call, resources it can read, and prompts (reusable templates).
Servers can run locally alongside the host or remotely over HTTP, and the host discovers what each server offers at connection time. Because the interface is standard, a server written once for your CRM, your database or your document store can be used by any MCP-capable application.
Example: an MCP server for an event platform exposes tools such as list_attendees, create_session and export_checkins. An organiser's AI assistant connects to it and can answer "who has not checked in yet?" or create an agenda item, using the platform's own permissions.
Why it matters for your business
- Integration work becomes reusable: one server per system instead of one integration per AI product.
- Your data stays behind your own API surface, with your authentication and audit logging.
- Vendor flexibility: switching AI hosts does not mean rebuilding every connection.
- Each exposed tool is a privilege; scope, validation and guardrails must be designed in.
How Teksmobile uses it
Our MCP server development service builds and hosts servers for CRMs, databases, document stores and internal APIs, including an MCP server for our own Eventify platform. These servers are how the agents from our AI agents and automation work reach client systems safely.
Related terms
Part of the Teksmobile AI Glossary. Read the full guide: MCP explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is MCP only for Claude?
No. It was introduced by Anthropic and released as an open standard; a growing number of AI applications and developer tools act as MCP clients. A server you build is reusable across them.
What is the difference between MCP and function calling?
Function calling is how a model asks for a tool to run within one application. MCP standardises how tools and data are packaged and discovered, so the same server works in many applications.
Is MCP secure?
The protocol supports authorisation, but security depends on how a server is built and deployed: what it exposes, who may call it and how inputs are validated. Treat every server as an API with real privileges.