What Is Model Context Protocol (MCP) | Cohere

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Introduces the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as a standard for connecting AI applications to authorized enterprise systems. MCP acts as a protocol in the application and integration layer, reducing the need for separate integrations. It works via a client-server architecture (host, client, server, transport mechanism) and exposes resources, tools, and prompts. The post details how MCP differs from APIs, RAG, function calling, and agents, and outlines common enterprise use cases in customer support, sales, financial reporting, and IT incident management. It also emphasizes security and implementation considerations for MCP, including access control, authentication, authorization, server trust, tool safety, logging, and monitoring.