# What is an MCP server?

> An MCP server is a program that gives an AI app tools and data over the Model Context Protocol, an open standard that Anthropic released as open source. The app, such as Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor, asks the server which tools it has, and the model calls them while it works. A remote MCP server runs on the web, so you add it with a URL and sign in.

| | |
| --- | --- |
| 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](https://www.anthropic.com/news/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](https://www.manifoldmcp.com/docs/clients) 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.

## Questions

### What does MCP stand for?

Model Context Protocol. It is an open standard for connecting AI apps to tools and data, so one server works in every app that supports it.

### What is the difference between a local and a remote MCP server?

A local server runs on your computer, often with your own API keys in a config file. A remote server runs on the web: you paste its URL into your app and sign in, and nothing is installed.

### Which apps support MCP servers?

Claude, Claude Code, ChatGPT, Cursor, Codex, Gemini CLI and others. Each adds a remote server in its settings or with one command.

### What is an MCP server for marketing?

One that gives your agent marketing data: search rankings, AI answers, social posts, ad libraries or leads. Manifold is one such server, with every source behind one sign-in.

## Next

- [Manifold, the marketing data MCP server](https://www.manifoldmcp.com/)
- [Connect an MCP server to your app](https://www.manifoldmcp.com/docs/clients)
- [MCP servers by source](https://www.manifoldmcp.com/mcp)

## Sources

- [Introducing the Model Context Protocol (Anthropic)](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol)

Published 1 October 2026. Updated 26 October 2026.