What is MCP? Model Context Protocol Explained

What is MCP?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard for connecting AI models to external tools and data sources. It provides a unified way for LLMs to access databases, APIs, file systems, and other resources through a consistent interface.

MCP Components

Servers: Expose tools and resources to AI models
Clients: AI applications that consume MCP servers
Tools: Functions the AI can invoke
Resources: Data the AI can read

Benefits of MCP

Standardized tool interface across providers
Reusable integrations for any AI model
Consistent security and access controls
Easier auditing and compliance

MCP and Observability

MCP enables better monitoring:

Centralized logging of all tool invocations
Consistent schema for audit trails
Easier to implement guardrails
Cross-model comparison of tool usage

Why does MCP matter for AI safety?

MCP standardizes tool access, making it easier to implement consistent security controls, audit logging, and monitoring across all AI integrations. This is critical for enterprise AI governance.