OpenAI will integrate Anthropic's open-source Model Context Protocol (MCP) into ChatGPT products, helping to enhance connectivity between AI models and data sources.
In a notable move demonstrating openness in the AI field, OpenAI has announced that it will adopt Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) standard to connect its AI assistants with data systems. This decision, announced by CEO Sam Altman on the X platform on Wednesday, marks an important step in promoting interaction between AI platforms and data sources.
"Everyone loves MCP, and we are very excited to add support to our products," Altman shared. According to the announcement, MCP is already available in OpenAI's Agents SDK, and support for the ChatGPT desktop application and Responses API will be deployed soon.
Open standard promotes interaction between AI and data
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open-source standard that allows large language models (LLMs) to access and exploit data from various sources, including business tools, software, content repositories, and application development environments. This helps AI models generate more accurate and contextually appropriate responses.
The essence of MCP is establishing a two-way connection between data sources and AI-supported applications. Developers can build "MCP servers" to expose data and "MCP clients" - such as applications or workflows - to connect to these servers on demand. Since Anthropic open-sourced MCP, many large tech companies like Block, Apollo, Replit, Codeium, and Sourcegraph have integrated this protocol into their platforms.
Mike Krieger, Anthropic's Product Director, welcomed OpenAI's decision: "It's great to see MCP love spread to OpenAI - welcome! MCP has become a thriving open standard with thousands of integrations and is growing. LLMs are most useful when connected to the data you already have and the software you already use."
OpenAI's adoption of its competitor's standard indicates a positive trend in the AI industry, where companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of developing common standards to promote industry-wide development. OpenAI stated that they will share more about their MCP implementation plans in the coming months.
