The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard by Anthropic that defines how AI models access external data sources and tools. MCP solves a concrete problem: previously, every AI integration required its own interface. MCP creates a unified connection layer — comparable to USB-C for hardware. For businesses, this means: one integration, many data sources. arocom deploys MCP in Drupal platforms to connect AI systems modularly and future-proof.
Networking equipment with connected cables, showcasing modern technology infrastructure. — MCP erklärt: Model Context Protocol für KI-Systeme

AI & Automation · · April 2026 Updated AdvancedTechnical

Model Context Protocol (MCP): The USB-C Port for AI Systems

Imagine every USB device needed its own connector. That is exactly how AI integration works in most companies today: a custom interface for every data access, custom code, custom maintenance.

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) changes this. Developed by Anthropic and released as an open-source standard, MCP defines a unified interface between AI models and external systems. Since late 2024, MCP has been adopted by a growing number of tools and platforms — including Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and an increasing number of developer tools.

How MCP Works: Client, Server, Transport

MCP follows a client-server architecture:

MCP Client: The AI application (e.g. Claude, a chatbot, an AI Agent). The client sends requests to MCP Servers.

MCP Server: A lightweight service that exposes a specific data source or tool. Examples: an MCP Server for your Drupal content, one for your CRM, one for your document storage.

Transport: The communication layer. MCP supports local connections (stdio) and network connections (Server-Sent Events over HTTP).

What an MCP Server provides: - Resources: Data the AI model can read (documents, database entries, API responses) - Tools: Actions the model can perform (create file, send email, database query) - Prompts: Predefined prompt templates for recurring tasks

The protocol is standardized: an MCP Server for Drupal works with any MCP-compatible client — whether Claude, GPT, or an open-source model.

Why MCP Matters: The N×M Integration Problem

Without MCP: 5 AI applications × 8 data sources = 40 individual integrations. Each must be built, tested, and maintained.

With MCP: 5 AI applications + 8 MCP Servers = 13 components. Every client speaks to every server via the same protocol.

That is the USB-C effect. Instead of proprietary connections, a universal interface. For businesses, this means:

  • Less integration effort: One MCP Server for Drupal serves all AI applications
  • Easier provider switching: Move from Claude to GPT without rebuilding the data connection
  • More security: Data access is controlled centrally at the MCP Server, not in each AI application individually

MCP vs. REST APIs: What Is the Difference?

MCP does not replace REST APIs. It sits one layer above:

REST API: Defines how two systems exchange data (endpoints, formats, authentication). Every API has its own structure.

MCP: Defines how an AI model discovers and uses data and tools — via a unified protocol. An MCP Server can internally use a REST API, a database, or a file system.

The key difference: With a REST API, the developer must connect each data source individually. With MCP, the server describes its capabilities, and the AI model uses them autonomously — the foundation for Agentic AI.

MCP in Practice: Use Case Examples

Drupal as MCP Server: Your Drupal website exposes its content, taxonomies, and media as MCP Resources. An AI Agent can read, analyze, and suggest improvements for this content — without building a custom integration for each task.

Knowledge management: An MCP Server connects Confluence, SharePoint, and your document storage. Employees query an AI assistant that searches all sources via MCP.

Automated workflows: An AI Agent uses MCP Servers for CRM, email, and project management. It can retrieve customer data, draft emails, and create tasks — all via standardized MCP connections.

A solid technical introduction:

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) — Anthropic team explains MCP

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) — Anthropic team explains MCP

MCP Ecosystem: Who Supports the Standard?

MCP was released by Anthropic as an open-source standard in November 2024. Adoption has been growing rapidly since:

AI clients with MCP support: - Claude (Anthropic) — native support - Cursor — MCP for code contexts - Windsurf, Continue, Zed — developer tools

Available MCP Servers: - File systems, GitHub, GitLab, Slack - PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, Supabase - Google Drive, Notion, Linear - Custom servers via SDKs (Python, TypeScript, Java)

The official MCP specification and server registry are actively maintained. arocom monitors the development and integrates MCP when it delivers concrete value for a client project.

What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

MCP is an open standard by Anthropic that defines how AI models access external data sources and tools. It creates a unified interface — comparable to USB-C — instead of proprietary individual integrations.

Who developed MCP?

Anthropic released MCP as an open-source standard in November 2024. The specification is open and maintained by a growing community. Non-Anthropic models can also use MCP.

Do I need MCP for AI integration?

Not necessarily. MCP pays off when you want to connect multiple AI applications with multiple data sources, or when you want to keep provider switching simple. For a single, dedicated integration, a direct API connection can be more pragmatic.

Does MCP only work with Claude?

No. MCP is an open standard. Any AI model with an MCP client can use MCP Servers. Anthropic developed MCP for Claude, but the protocol is vendor-independent.

Is MCP a replacement for REST APIs?

No. MCP sits one layer above REST APIs. An MCP Server can internally use a REST API but offers a standardized interface for AI models externally. MCP and REST APIs complement each other.

How secure is MCP?

MCP offers granular access control: each server defines which data and actions it exposes. Authentication happens at the transport layer. For businesses, this means data access is controlled centrally at the MCP Server.

Further Reading

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