What is an MCP server?
An MCP server gives an AI app such as Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor tools and data over the Model Context Protocol. What it is, local or remote, and how to add one.
What is an MCP server?
At a glance
| Stands for | Model Context Protocol |
|---|---|
| Released by | Anthropic, as an open-source standard |
| Two kinds | Local (runs on your machine) and remote (a URL you sign in to) |
| Manifold | A remote MCP server of marketing data: https://mcp.manifoldmcp.com/mcp |
How an MCP server works
The Model Context Protocol has two sides. The client is the AI app you use. The server offers tools, each with a name, a description and the inputs it takes. When you ask for something, the model reads the descriptions, picks a tool, calls it with inputs, and writes its answer from what comes back.
Because the protocol is shared, one server works in every app that supports its transport: a remote server, in every app that can add a remote MCP server.
Local and remote
| Local MCP server | Remote MCP server | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | On your computer | On the web |
| How you add it | A config file and a command | A URL, then sign in |
| Credentials | Often your own API keys in the config | The server's own; you sign in with OAuth or a key |
| Works on phone and web apps | No | Yes, where the app supports connectors |
Adding one
Most apps add a remote server in their settings: in Claude, Settings, then Connectors, then add a custom connector with the URL. In Claude Code it is one command. The client guides cover each app.
An MCP server for marketing
Manifold is a remote MCP server of marketing data at https://mcp.manifoldmcp.com/mcp. One sign-in gives your agent Google search and keyword data, AI answers, Reddit, social platforms, ad libraries and company and people data, with 250 free credits a month. Link your Google account to Manifold once as well, and it reads your own Search Console.
