What is MCP (Model Context Protocol) in AI?

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MCP, or Model Context Protocol, is an open standard that allows AI models such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini to connect easily and securely to external applications, data and tools. Think of MCP as the USB port of the AI ​​world: connect once and your AI has direct access to everything (tools, data, functionalities) without the hassle of separate plug-ins or custom integrations. Just plug, ask, get . MCP does for AI integrations what HTTP did for web pages and USB did for hardware: everything becomes standard, universal and easily scalable. Example : we work internally with DataForSEO; we connected to their MCP once and now have direct access to all of DataForSEO’s tools and functionalities via our own AI chat environment. 

How does MCP work? 

MCP has two main parts:

  • MCP Server : Controls access to tools, resources and data. It bridges the gap between the AI ​​and external sources. 
  • MCP Client : brings everything together in your application or environment (such as Claude Desktop or your own AI dashboard).

The workflow : say an AI model wants to request a spreadsheet, it sends that request via the MCP Client to the MCP Server, which arranges access and sends everything back securely. This allows the AI ​​to retrieve documents in real time, control software, fill in data or even start processes in other applications directly, all without exchanging separate integrations or passwords.

What does this mean in practice? 

  • In marketing : your AI assistant connects directly to systems such as CRMs or dashboards; from now on always up-to-date data, without manual fiddling with downloads or exports.
  • In your working day : collaborate faster, automate more smoothly and no more hassle with double links or complex integration projects.

Additional information about MCP

MCP was launched by Anthropic in late 2024, but is now also supported by parties such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind. The protocol is flexible: you can centrally manage not only data and tools, but also prompts and resources. Plus point: access is always arranged securely and in a controlled manner.

In short : MCP ensures that AI models work much smarter, more powerfully and more securely with your entire digital ecosystem. It not only makes AI applications easier to scale, but also much more useful and valuable for daily work.

Nice that you are here. Curious for more?

This is just one building block of the AI ​​universe. Check out the complete AI ABC for all the key concepts, context and sharp practical examples that will help you as a marketer right away. That way, you’ll be AI-proof at every meeting.

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