What is an MCP Host?
An MCP host is the application that runs an MCP client. It is where the user interacts with an assistant, and it is responsible for connecting to MCP servers (like Glean MCP server) and exposing those servers' tools to the model.
Host vs. Server
MCP Host
The app that your users run (e.g., a desktop IDE or chat app). It discovers and invokes tools from connected MCP servers.
MCP Server
Provides capabilities (tools) such as search, chat, and read document. Glean MCP server are the provider of Glean's permission-aware capabilities.
How hosts connect to Glean MCP server
Hosts differ in connection method and who configures them:
- Native HTTP: Connects directly to Glean MCP server over HTTP.
- stdio-only (bridge required): Uses local process I/O. To reach remote HTTP servers like Glean, use a bridge (e.g.,
mcp-remote). - Web-based/managed: No local config; an administrator adds Glean MCP server centrally.
Admin-managed vs. end‑user configuration
- Admin-managed: An administrator configures Glean MCP server as remote URLs for the organization. Example: ChatGPT managed configuration; Claude for Teams/Enterprise.
- End‑user: Individual users add Glean MCP server in their own app settings. Examples: Cursor, VS Code, Claude Code, Goose, Windsurf (with bridge where required).
Supported hosts
Admin-managed configuration
ChatGPT
Admin-managed
Claude for Teams/Enterprise
Admin-managed
Microsoft Copilot Studio
Admin-managed
End-user configuration
Claude Code
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Claude Code • Documentation
Claude Desktop
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Claude Desktop • Documentation
Codex
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Codex • Documentation
Cursor
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Cursor • Documentation
Goose
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Goose • Documentation
Visual Studio Code
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Visual Studio Code • Documentation
Windsurf
End-user install
Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator and select Windsurf • Documentation
Choosing a host
- Your users’ workflow: Editors (VS Code, Cursor) vs. chat (Claude Desktop, ChatGPT).
- Connection model: Native HTTP is simplest; stdio-only hosts need a bridge to reach remote servers.
- Admin requirements: If you need central control, pick a managed host; otherwise enable end‑user installs.
Next steps
- Admins: Configure managed hosts in the Host guides, or point users to the MCP Configurator: Navigate to Settings → Install → MCP Configurator
- End‑users: See Using the Glean MCP Server: /user-guide/mcp/usage