MCP (model context protocol) is like a USB-C for AI applications. Just as USB-C provides a universal connector for all your devices, MCP provides a standardized way for AI models to connect with external systems and data sources.

why mcp?

At its core, MCP is a standardized way for AI models to securely connect to and interact with external systems. Think of it as an API specification designed specifically for AI model interactions – it defines how models can request data, execute functions, and maintain context across different services.

This isn't just another API standard. MCP addresses the unique challenges that arise when AI models need to work with real-world data and systems while maintaining security, reliability, and performance.

why this matters for e-commerce?

In my work at New Balance, I've seen firsthand how complex e-commerce systems can be. We have inventory management, customer data, order processing, payment systems, and shipping logistics – all interconnected but often siloed.

MCP could enable AI models to seamlessly work across these systems:

  • Inventory Intelligence – AI could check real-time stock levels across warehouses
  • Customer Support – Models could access order history and shipping data instantly
  • Personalization – AI could combine browsing data with inventory to make smart recommendations
  • Order Management – Automated processing with access to multiple backend systems

looking forward

While MCP is still evolving, I'm excited about its potential to simplify AI integrations in enterprise environments. The protocol could enable more sophisticated AI applications while maintaining the security and reliability requirements of production systems.

For developers working on AI-powered features, understanding MCP will likely become increasingly important. It represents a shift toward more standardized, secure, and efficient AI-system interactions.

The potential for creating more intelligent, context-aware applications is compelling.

next steps

If you're interested in exploring MCP, I recommend starting with the official documentation and considering how it might apply to your specific use cases. The protocol is designed to be implementation-agnostic, so it should work well with existing technology stacks.

As I continue exploring MCP in the context of e-commerce applications, I'll share more insights and practical examples. The intersection of AI protocols and real-world business systems is where some of the most interesting developments are happening.