Frequently Asked Questions about UBOS Asset Marketplace for MCP Servers

Q: What is an MCP Server?

A: MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open protocol that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs. An MCP Server acts as a bridge, allowing AI models to access and interact with external data sources and tools in a standardized way.

Q: How does the Excel Online MCP Server work?

A: The Excel Online MCP Server uses the CData JDBC Driver to expose Excel Online data as relational SQL models. It then wraps this driver with an MCP interface, allowing LLMs like Claude Desktop to query the data using natural language.

Q: Is the Excel Online MCP Server read-only?

A: Yes, this particular MCP Server is read-only, meaning the LLM can retrieve data from Excel Online but cannot modify it directly through this server. Read/write versions are available from CData.

Q: What are the benefits of using the Excel Online MCP Server with UBOS?

A: Using the Excel Online MCP Server with UBOS allows you to seamlessly connect Claude Desktop to your Excel Online data, enabling you to perform data analysis, generate reports, and automate data-driven tasks using natural language queries.

Q: What is UBOS?

A: UBOS is a Full-stack AI Agent Development Platform focused on bringing AI Agents to every business department. Our platform helps you orchestrate AI Agents, connect them with your enterprise data, build custom AI Agents with your LLM model and Multi-Agent Systems.

Q: What kind of data sources can UBOS connect to?

A: UBOS, through CData JDBC Drivers and MCP servers, supports a wide array of data sources, including databases, cloud applications, and more. A comprehensive list is available in the documentation.

Q: Do I need to know SQL to use the Excel Online MCP Server?

A: No, the Excel Online MCP Server allows you to query data using natural language. The server translates your natural language queries into SQL queries understood by the CData JDBC Driver.

Q: Where can I get support for the Excel Online MCP Server?

A: You can find support through the CData Support Team or by joining the CData Community.

Q: What license is the Excel Online MCP Server released under?

A: The MCP server is licensed under the MIT License.

Q: What is a .prp file?

A: A .prp file is a configuration file that contains the connection details for your JDBC connection, such as the driver path, JDBC URL, and server name. It specifies how the MCP Server connects to the Excel Online data source.

Q: Can I use this MCP Server with other AI clients besides Claude Desktop?

A: This server is specifically designed for Claude Desktop, but the general principles of MCP can be applied to other AI clients with appropriate configuration.

Q: Where do I find the CData JDBC Driver for Excel Online?

A: The CData JDBC Driver for Excel Online can be downloaded from the CData website.

Q: Is there a free trial available for the CData JDBC Driver for Excel Online?

A: Yes, a trial version is available. You can activate it by entering “TRIAL” when prompted for a license key.