MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets an AI fetch data and use tools in other systems. We expect Domino IQ to get MCP in both directions.
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It is an open standard that lets an AI talk to other systems. With MCP an AI can fetch data, look things up and take actions in for example a CRM, an accounting system or a Notes database. The standard was launched by Anthropic in November 2024. Since then most large AI tools have adopted it.
How does MCP work?
MCP has two sides:
- MCP server: A system that offers data and tools. It could be a Domino server.
- MCP client: The AI that uses them. It could be Claude, ChatGPT or Copilot.
The server tells which tools it has, for example "find customer" or "create order". The AI picks the right tool based on the user's question. The user does not need to know the system behind it.
Why is it smart?
Before MCP, every AI needed its own connection to every system. With MCP you build the connection once. Then every AI tool that supports MCP can use it. That saves time and makes it easy to switch AI if you want to.
MCP and HCL Domino
MCP servers for Domino already exist from other vendors. HCL has shown MCP in Domino Designer, so developers can get help from AI. We expect Domino IQ to get MCP in both directions in Domino 2027:
- In: An outside AI can look up data in your Notes applications. The user's rights and the ACL decide what it may see.
- Out: Domino IQ can ask other systems itself when a Notes application asks the AI a question.
This is our expectation and not confirmed by HCL. Read more in the article on Notes 2026 and Domino 2027.
Security
When an AI gets access to data, the access must be tightly controlled. An MCP server must require login and only show what the user may see. Everything must be logged. Data that comes from users must never become commands for the AI. We are happy to build a secure link between Notes and AI as part of our Notes development.