Integrating proprietary data with AI systems (aka AI transformation) is central to nearly every project we’re working on. In practice, it's easier to connect data to AI than it is to get permission to connect data to AI.
This morning, things just got a little easier. Anthropic has announced the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that the company says will enable AI assistants to connect seamlessly with a wide range of data sources. According to Anthropic, the protocol is designed to bridge the gap between AI systems and content repositories, business tools, and developer environments—areas where custom integrations have traditionally posed significant challenges.
If I lost you in the jargon, Anthropic claims MCP will standardize how AI models interact with external data, potentially making integrations faster and more efficient. The company suggests that this approach will enhance the relevance and accuracy of AI-generated outputs by reducing the complexity of connecting models to diverse data ecosystems.
It’s a compelling vision, but (as with any new standard) MCP’s impact will depend on how widely it’s adopted and how well it performs in real-world scenarios. For now, the idea of a universal integration protocol remains an aspirational goal for the industry. If MCP gains traction, it could mark a meaningful step toward making AI more practical and accessible for businesses and developers alike.
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ABOUT SHELLY PALMER
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.
