Frequently Asked Questions about CData MCP Server for Oracle HCM Cloud

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.

Q: What is the CData MCP Server for Oracle HCM Cloud?

A: It’s a pre-built MCP Server that allows LLMs like Claude to query live data in Oracle HCM Cloud, supported by the CData JDBC Driver for Oracle HCM Cloud.

Q: What are the benefits of using this MCP Server?

A: Seamless integration, natural language queries, real-time data access (read-only in the beta version), simplified setup, and an extensible architecture.

Q: Is this a read-only server?

A: Yes, the current version available is a read-only server. Read/write beta servers are available at CData website.

Q: What do I need to use this server?

A: You need a CData JDBC Driver for Oracle HCM Cloud, Java, Maven, and a client like Claude Desktop.

Q: Where can I download the CData JDBC Driver?

A: You can download it from the CData website.

Q: How do I configure the connection to Oracle HCM Cloud?

A: You use the Connection String utility provided with the CData JDBC Driver to configure the connection and then copy the connection string into a .prp file.

Q: What is a .prp file?

A: It’s a properties file that contains the connection details for your JDBC connection, including the driver path, driver class, JDBC URL, and other settings.

Q: How do I add the MCP Server to Claude Desktop?

A: You need to modify the claude_desktop_config.json file to include the new MCP Server, specifying the path to the Java executable, the MCP Server JAR file, and the .prp file.

Q: Claude isn’t showing my MCP Server, what can I do?

A: Ensure you’ve fully quit Claude Desktop and restarted it. Also, double-check the configuration in claude_desktop_config.json.

Q: I’m having trouble connecting to Oracle HCM Cloud, what should I do?

A: Double-check your connection string and ensure you’ve provided the correct credentials. You can also contact CData support for assistance.

Q: Can I use this server with other AI clients besides Claude?

A: Yes, any AI client that supports the MCP protocol and can communicate over stdio can be used.

Q: What kind of queries can I run?

A: You can use natural language queries to ask questions about your data or use SQL SELECT queries.

Q: What tools are available?

A: The server provides tools for getting a list of tables ({servername}_get_tables), getting a list of columns for a table ({servername}_get_columns), and running SQL SELECT queries ({servername}_run_query). Replace {servername} with the name of your server in the config file.