Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - CData SFTP MCP Server

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 does the CData SFTP MCP Server do?

A: This server allows Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude Desktop to query live data from SFTP servers. It uses the CData JDBC Driver for SFTP to expose SFTP data as relational SQL models, enabling natural language queries.

Q: Is this server read-only?

A: Yes, this particular version of the server is read-only, ensuring data integrity. A free (beta) read/write version is available at https://www.cdata.com/solutions/mcp.

Q: What is the CData JDBC Driver for SFTP?

A: The CData JDBC Driver for SFTP is a software component that enables connectivity to SFTP data sources using standard JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) protocol. It translates SQL queries into SFTP commands.

Q: Do I need a license for the CData JDBC Driver?

A: Yes, you need to license the driver. You can use a trial license or purchase a full license from CData.

Q: How do I configure the connection to my SFTP server?

A: You use the Connection String utility provided with the CData JDBC Driver to create a connection string. This string contains the necessary information to connect to your SFTP server, such as server address, port, username, and password.

Q: What is a .prp file?

A: A .prp file is a properties file that contains configuration information for the MCP Server, including the JDBC driver path, driver class, JDBC connection string, server name, and other settings.

Q: How do I integrate the MCP Server with Claude Desktop?

A: You need to add an entry for the MCP Server in the claude_desktop_config.json file, specifying the path to the Java executable, the JAR file, and the .prp file.

Q: What tools are available through the MCP Server?

A: The server exposes the following tools:

*   `{servername}_get_tables`: Retrieves a list of tables.
*   `{servername}_get_columns`: Retrieves a list of columns for a table.
*   `{servername}_run_query`: Executes a SQL SELECT query.

Q: How do I troubleshoot connection problems?

A: Verify that you have fully quit and restarted Claude Desktop. Double-check the claude_desktop_config.json file for any typos or incorrect paths. Ensure that your JDBC connection string in the .prp file is correct. Use the Connection String builder to test the connection. Also, confirm your SFTP server is accessible.

Q: Where can I get help if I have problems?

A: For problems connecting to your data source, contact the CData Support Team. For MCP server issues or feedback, join the CData Community.

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

A: While designed for Claude Desktop, the server, using the MCP protocol, could potentially be used with other AI clients that support the MCP protocol and can run on the same machine as the server.

Q: What kind of queries can I run?

A: You can run any SELECT SQL query that is supported by the CData JDBC Driver for SFTP. The AI client will translate natural language questions into SQL.

Q: Where does UBOS fit into this?

A: UBOS is a full-stack AI Agent Development Platform that makes it easier to orchestrate AI Agents, connect them with enterprise data (like SFTP through this MCP Server), build custom AI Agents with your LLM model and build Multi-Agent Systems.