The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is the key to unlocking the full potential of your AI agents. It allows agents to interact with external systems, access real-time data, and perform actions in the real world.
What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open protocol developed by Anthropic that enables AI agents to:
- Connect to databases, APIs, and services
- Access tools and resources
- Perform actions on your behalf
- Retrieve real-time information
Learn more about MCP from the official documentation and GitHub repository.
Think of MCP as the "hands" of your AI agent - it's how agents interact with the world beyond just text generation.
Setting Up Your First MCP Connection
Step 1: Choose Your Tool
Agents 365 supports hundreds of MCP-compatible tools:
- Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB
- APIs: REST, GraphQL, Webhooks
- Cloud Services: AWS, GCP, Azure
- Communication: Slack, Email, SMS
- File Systems: Local, S3, Google Drive
Step 2: Configure the Connection
- Navigate to Settings → Integrations
- Click Add MCP Server
- Enter connection details:
- Server name
- Connection URL or endpoint
- Authentication credentials
- Environment variables (for secrets)
Step 3: Test the Connection
Use the test button to verify your connection works before assigning it to agents.
Common Integration Patterns
Database Integration
Connect your agent to a PostgreSQL database:
server: postgresql
host: your-db-host.com
port: 5432
database: your_database
env_vars:
- DB_PASSWORD
Your agent can now:
- Query data
- Insert records
- Update information
- Generate reports
API Integration
Connect to any REST API:
server: rest-api
base_url: https://api.example.com
auth_type: bearer
env_vars:
- API_KEY
Slack Integration
Enable your agent to send messages and read channels:
server: slack
workspace: your-workspace
env_vars:
- SLACK_BOT_TOKEN
Security Best Practices
1. Use Environment Variables
Never store secrets in your agent configuration. Always use environment variables:
// ❌ Bad
apiKey: "sk-1234567890"
// ✅ Good
env_var_names: ["API_KEY"]
2. Limit Permissions
Only grant agents the minimum permissions they need. Use read-only connections when possible.
3. Monitor Access
Review agent tool usage regularly in the Analytics dashboard to detect unusual activity.
Advanced: Building Custom MCP Servers
You can create custom MCP servers for your specific needs:
- Define Tools: What actions can your server perform?
- Implement Handlers: Write code to handle tool calls
- Register Server: Add your server to Agents 365
- Test: Verify it works with your agents
Troubleshooting
Connection Timeouts
- Check network connectivity
- Verify firewall rules
- Ensure credentials are correct
Authentication Errors
- Verify environment variables are set
- Check token expiration
- Review permission scopes
Tool Not Found
- Ensure MCP server is running
- Verify tool names match exactly
- Check server logs for errors
Next Steps
- Explore the MCP Marketplace for pre-built connectors
- Browse the official MCP servers list for inspiration
- Read our Getting Started guide for building your first agent
- Check out Team Management guides for real-world examples
Ready to connect? Add your first MCP server now or explore our agent catalog!