In plain language
Instead of a custom integration for every AI app, a tool is exposed once as an MCP server and any compatible AI client can use it.
Example
An AI assistant uses an MCP server to search a CRM and create follow-up tasks without a custom integration.
Related terms
Tool Use (Function Calling) · AI Agent · API · OAuth
Common misconception
MCP does not make every connected tool safe to use; permissions, approvals, and data access still need to be controlled.
Implementation guidance
Connect only trusted MCP servers, grant the narrowest access, require confirmation for write actions, and review which tools each AI client can call.