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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 servers) and exposing those servers’ tools to the model.

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Host vs. Server

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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.
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MCP Server

Provides capabilities (tools) such as search, chat, and read document. Glean MCP servers are the provider of Glean’s permission-aware capabilities.

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How hosts connect to Glean MCP Servers

Hosts differ in connection method and who configures them:
  • Native HTTP: Connects directly to Glean MCP servers 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 servers centrally.

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Admin-managed vs. end‑user configuration

  • Admin-managed: An administrator configures Glean MCP servers as remote URLs for the organization. Example: ChatGPT managed configuration; Claude for Teams/Enterprise.
  • End‑user: Individual users add Glean MCP servers in their own app settings. Examples: Cursor, VS Code, Claude Code, Goose, Windsurf (with bridge where required).

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Supported hosts

Admin-managed configuration

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ChatGPT

Admin-managedConfiguration guide • Documentation
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Claude for Teams/Enterprise

Admin-managedConfiguration guide • Documentation

End-user configuration

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Claude Code

End-user installConfiguration guide • Documentation
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Claude Desktop

End-user installConfiguration guide • Documentation
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Cursor

End-user installConfiguration guide • Documentation
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Goose

End-user installConfiguration guide • Documentation
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Visual Studio Code

End-user installConfiguration guide • Documentation
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Windsurf

End-user installConfiguration guide • Documentation

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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.

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Next steps