Model Context Protocol, abbreviated MCP, is an open protocol for connecting AI applications with external tools, data sources, and reusable context through a consistent interface. An MCP server can expose resources or actions, while a compatible client decides when and how the model may access them. Standardization reduces the need for a separate custom integration for every combination of assistant and service. The protocol does not remove security responsibilities: implementations still need authentication, narrow permissions, input validation, user approval for sensitive actions, and clear handling of untrusted content. Organizations should evaluate each server, log tool use, protect credentials, and restrict access according to the task rather than granting broad authority by default.
OpenAI and Databricks have forged a multiyear $100 million partnership to embed powerful AI agents into enterprise data platforms, enabling organizations to build agents using their own data.
AI search startup Perplexity has reportedly raised $200 million at a $20 billion valuation, just two months after a $100 million round – signaling its rapid rise as a major rival to Google.