*An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server is not strictly a cloud server by definition, but it is commonly hosted in the cloud to act as a bridge between AI models and external data. **
MCP server is a software program. It gives AI applications access to specific data or capabilities through tools, resources, or prompts.
Local vs. Remote (Cloud) MCP Servers
Local MCP Servers: These run on a machine, like a laptop, alongside an AI application. They are good for privacy and accessing local files, using stdio (standard input/output) for communication.
Remote (Cloud) MCP Servers: These are hosted on cloud platforms, such as Google Cloud Run or AWS. They communicate with AI applications over the internet using HTTP or SSE (Server-Sent Events).
Key Points
Purpose: They let AI models interact with real-world data and tools, like databases, APIs, and files.
Cloud Deployment: Many developers put MCP servers in the cloud for scalability, security, and team collaboration.
Managed Services: Major cloud providers offer pre-built or managed MCP servers hosted in the cloud.
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