Frequently Asked Questions about CData’s MCP Server for Smartsheet

Q: What is the CData MCP Server for Smartsheet? A: It’s a tool that allows Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude Desktop to query and interact with live data from Smartsheet using natural language, without needing SQL.

Q: What is MCP? A: MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open protocol that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs.

Q: What are the benefits of using this server? A: Seamless integration with Smartsheet, natural language querying, real-time data access, and simplified setup for AI-powered data analysis.

Q: Is this server read-only? A: This specific server is read-only. However, a free beta version with read/write capabilities is available at CData’s website.

Q: What is the CData JDBC Driver for Smartsheet? A: The CData JDBC Driver connects to Smartsheet by exposing its data as relational SQL models, which the server uses to translate natural language queries into SQL.

Q: How do I set up the server? A: The setup involves cloning the repository, building the server with Maven, downloading and licensing the CData JDBC Driver, configuring the connection, creating a .prp file with connection properties, and configuring your client (e.g. Claude Desktop).

Q: What is a .prp file? A: It’s a configuration file containing properties for the JDBC connection, such as the driver path, driver class, JDBC URL, and server details.

Q: What tools are available in the server? A: The server provides tools like get_tables (to list available tables), get_columns (to list columns in a table), and run_query (to execute SQL queries).

Q: How do I use the server with Claude Desktop? A: You need to create a claude_desktop_config.json file to add the server, specifying the command and arguments to run the server’s JAR file with the .prp file.

Q: What if I can’t see the server in Claude Desktop? A: Ensure you have fully quit and restarted Claude Desktop.

Q: What if Claude Desktop can’t retrieve data? A: Double-check your connection configuration and ensure it’s properly set up using the Connection String builder.

Q: Where can I get support if I have trouble connecting to Smartsheet? A: Contact the CData Support Team.

Q: Where can I get help with the MCP server or provide feedback? A: Join the CData Community.

Q: What license is this MCP server under? A: It’s licensed under the MIT License.

Q: What data sources are supported by CData? A: The table in the documentation shows All Supported Sources, including Access, Act CRM, Active Directory, Azure, BigQuery, Cassandra, DB2, Excel, Facebook, GitHub, Google, Hive, Hubspot, Jira, LinkedIn, MariaDB, MongoDB, MySQL, NetSuite, OData, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Redshift, Salesforce, SAP, SharePoint, Smartsheet, Snowflake, SQL Server, and many more.