What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)?

By Codara · Published: 27 May 2026 · Updated: 7 September 2026

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that lets AI models connect in a uniform way to external tools, data and systems.

What it solves

Without a standard, connecting a model to each internal tool —a CRM, a database, a document repository— requires a custom, fragile integration for every case. MCP defines a common interface: sources and tools expose their capabilities once, and any compatible model or AI agent consumes them the same way. It is the equivalent of a standard connector for AI to access the organization's context.

Why it matters in production

For an agent to do real work it needs to act on the systems the organization already uses. MCP lets compatible applications reuse a connection interface. Process logic, action logs and permissions remain the responsibility of the system implementing it.

What to check before connecting tools

Exposing a tool through MCP does not make it secure. The protocol's security guidance covers authorization, token validation and least privilege. Each server must restrict what each identity can execute.

For an enterprise integration, separate queries from actions that change data, define when human approval is needed and record who authorized each operation. The guide to connecting AI to existing systems places these decisions within the integration process.

How we approach it at Codara

We design each Agentic OS on Codara's proprietary platform connecting the agents to your systems with open standards like MCP, so the integrations stay maintainable and your team keeps control and ownership of everything built.