> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.runalloy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to MCP & the Alloy MCP Server

> The **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** is an open standard that enables seamless integration between AI assistants and external tools. The **Alloy MCP Server** implements this protocol to give AI assistants (Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients) secure access to your business integrations.

## What is MCP?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standardized protocol developed by Anthropic that allows AI assistants to:

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Connect to external data sources and APIs" icon="plug" iconType="solid" horizontal />

  <Card title="Execute actions in third-party systems" icon="screwdriver-wrench" iconType="solid" horizontal />

  <Card title="Access real-time information" icon="chart-simple" iconType="solid" horizontal />

  <Card title="Maintain security and user context" icon="lock" iconType="solid" horizontal />
</CardGroup>

Think of MCP as a universal adapter that lets AI assistants interact with any system that speaks the protocol. You can read more about MCP [here](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/getting-started/intro).

## How Alloy Implements MCP

Alloy's MCP Server acts as a bridge between MCP clients and the integrations in the Alloy platform:

```mermaid mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[AI Assistant] -->|MCP Protocol| B[Alloy MCP Server]
    B -->|Secure API| C[Business Apps]
    C --> D[Slack]
    C --> E[HubSpot]
    C --> F[Salesforce]
    C --> G[250+ More]
```

### Key Features

#### 🚀 **Instant Access to 250+ Integrations**

Connect Claude to Slack, HubSpot, Salesforce, Notion, and hundreds more platforms without writing any code.

#### 🔐 **Enterprise-Grade Security**

* OAuth 2.0 authentication for secure platform connections
* AES-256 encryption for stored credentials
* Per-request isolation to prevent data leakage
* Fine-grained access controls and restrictions

#### 🎯 **Smart Tool Discovery**

MCP clients can automatically discover available actions and learn how to use them through the MCP protocol.

#### 👤 **Multi-User Support**

Each user gets their own isolated data context, perfect for teams and organizations.

#### ⚡ **Real-Time Operations**

Execute actions instantly - send messages, create records, fetch data - all in real-time.

## Core Concepts

### 1. **Servers**

An MCP server is an instance that MCP clients connect to. Each server can have:

* Access restrictions to control what the AI can do
* Unique authentication tokens for security
* Public or private access modes

### 2. **Tools**

Tools are the actions MCP clients can perform. In connectivity mode, you get 8 powerful tools:

* `list_connectors_alloy` - Discover available platforms and integrations
* `get_connector_resources_alloy` - See what actions are available for each platform
* `get_action_details_alloy` - Get detailed parameter information for actions
* `execute_action_alloy` - Perform actions on connected platforms
* `create_credential_alloy` - Set up new platform connections via OAuth or API keys
* `get_credentials_alloy` - List existing credentials for a connector
* `get_credential_metadata_alloy` - Get authentication requirements for platforms
* `discover_action_path_alloy` - Get intelligent workflow suggestions

### 3. **Connectors**

Connectors are the 250+ pre-built integrations with platforms like:

* **Communication**: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Twilio,
* **CRM**: Salesforce, HubSpot, ServiceNow
* **E-commerce**: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
* **Productivity**: Notion, JIRA, ClickUp
* **And many more...**

### 4. **Restrictions**

Control what MCP clients can access with three types of restrictions:

* **Connector restrictions**: Limit which platforms the AI can use
* **Action restrictions**: Block specific actions (like deleting data)
* **User restrictions**: Control access for specific users

## Common Use Cases

### **Customer Support Automation**

Let AI assistants handle support tickets by connecting to Zendesk, searching knowledge bases, and drafting responses.

### **Sales Intelligence**

Connect AI assistants to your CRM to get instant insights, update deals, and track customer interactions.

### **Content Management**

Use AI assistants to manage content across Notion, WordPress, and other platforms simultaneously.

### **Workflow Automation**

Create complex workflows where AI assistants orchestrate actions across multiple platforms.

### **Data Analysis**

Pull data from various sources and have AI assistants analyze and report on trends.

## Getting Started

Ready to connect AI assistants to your business apps? Here's how to begin:

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Try the Demo" href="https://chat.runalloy.com/" icon="comments" iconType="solid" horizontal>
    Test drive the MCP Server with our live chat demo
  </Card>

  <Card title="5-Minute Quickstart" href="/mcp/getting-started/quickstart" icon="clock" iconType="solid" horizontal>
    Get your first integration running
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication Guide" href="/mcp/security/authentication-security" icon="lock" iconType="solid" horizontal>
    Understand security options
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" href="/mcp/api-reference/api-endpoints-overview" icon="code" iconType="solid" horizontal>
    Complete API documentation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Why Choose Alloy MCP?

* **No Code Required** - Connect platforms without writing integration code
* **Production Ready** - Built on Alloy's battle-tested infrastructure
* **Instant Updates** - New connectors added regularly
* **Enterprise Support** - Get help when you need it
* **SOC 2 Compliant** - Enterprise-grade security and compliance

## Next Steps

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Create your first server" href="/mcp/getting-started/quickstart" icon="arrow-right" iconType="solid" horizontal />

  <Card title="Explore available connectors" href="/mcp/core-concepts/connectors-tools" icon="arrow-right" iconType="solid" horizontal />

  <Card title="Learn about restrictions" href="/mcp/core-concepts/customization-advanced-features" icon="arrow-right" iconType="solid" horizontal />
</CardGroup>

*The Alloy MCP Server is built and maintained by [Alloy Automation](https://runalloy.com), the leading embedded integration platform.*