Agentic AI
What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)?
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for connecting AI models and agents to external tools, data sources, and services. Often called "USB-C for AI," MCP provides a universal interface so AI can interact with any compatible system without custom integration code.
Understanding MCP
Before standards like USB, every device needed its own cable and connector. Phones had different chargers than cameras, which were different from laptops. MCP solves the same problem for AI: instead of building custom connections between every AI system and every tool, MCP creates one universal protocol.
Developed by Anthropic and released as an open standard, MCP defines how AI models request actions from external tools and how those tools respond. An AI that "speaks MCP" can connect to any MCP-compatible database, API, file system, or application—instantly, without custom coding.
This is foundational infrastructure for agentic AI. Agents need to take actions in the world—search databases, send emails, update records. MCP gives them standardized "hands" to interact with external systems, which is why it's considered critical to the future of autonomous AI.
How MCP Works
MCP Servers (Tools)
Tools expose their capabilities through MCP servers. A database server might offer "search," "read," and "write" operations. Each server describes what it can do in a standardized format.
MCP Clients (AI Systems)
AI applications connect as MCP clients. Claude Desktop, for example, can connect to multiple MCP servers simultaneously—accessing your file system, calendar, and databases through one protocol.
Capability Discovery
When AI connects to an MCP server, it discovers available tools automatically. The AI learns "this server can search property records" or "this server can send emails" and can use those capabilities.
Standardized Communication
Requests and responses follow MCP's defined format. AI asks for actions, servers execute them and return results. No custom parsing or translation—the protocol handles everything.
The USB-C Analogy: Before USB-C, you needed different cables for different devices. Now one cable works everywhere. Before MCP, every AI-tool connection required custom code. With MCP, one protocol works everywhere. Build an MCP server once, any MCP client can use it.
MCP for Real Estate
MCP is infrastructure that enables the AI-powered real estate tools of tomorrow. Here's what becomes possible:
MLS Integration
AI agents with MCP access to MLS could search listings, pull comparables, and analyze market data in real-time without manual exports.
CRM Connection
AI could read contact histories, update lead statuses, log communications, and trigger follow-up sequences directly in your CRM.
Transaction Management
Agents could access DocuSign, title company systems, and transaction platforms—tracking deadlines and document status autonomously.
Communication Tools
AI with email and calendar access could schedule showings, send follow-ups, and coordinate with all transaction parties automatically.
Current State
MCP is early but growing rapidly. Claude Desktop already supports MCP connections to local files and select tools. As more services build MCP servers—and as real estate platforms adopt the standard—the ecosystem will expand. This is infrastructure worth watching.
Key Insight
"MCP is the infrastructure that turns AI from 'chatbot' to 'teammate'—giving AI the ability to take real actions in your business systems."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MCP only for Claude, or can other AI use it?
MCP is an open standard—any AI system can implement it. Anthropic created it but intentionally made it open for industry-wide adoption. Think of it like how Apple created USB but all manufacturers can use it. Expect other AI providers to adopt MCP as it becomes established.
Can I use MCP today?
Yes, with limitations. Claude Desktop supports MCP connections to local files and select servers. Developers can build custom MCP servers for their tools. For most users, MCP works invisibly—you'll benefit from it as more applications adopt the standard without needing to configure anything.
Is MCP secure? Can AI access my data without permission?
MCP includes permission controls. You explicitly authorize which servers an AI client can access and what operations it can perform. The AI cannot connect to systems you haven't permitted. Security is built into the protocol design—connections require explicit configuration.
How is MCP different from APIs?
APIs require custom integration for each connection—different authentication, different request formats, different response structures. MCP standardizes all of this. One MCP client can connect to any MCP server without custom code. APIs are like different languages; MCP is like everyone speaking the same language.
Sources & Further Reading
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