What is an MCP server, in plain English.
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. In practice, it is the way your AI assistant connects to a business tool so it can do things on your behalf, with your permission.
Think of it as a socket, not software you install
An MCP server is not something you download or run on your computer. It is a connection point that a business tool provides so that your AI assistant can reach it. When ChatGPT, Claude or another assistant supports MCP, you give it the address of the server, sign in once, and the assistant can then see what the tool offers and act on it.
The analogy is a power socket. The tool provides the socket. The assistant is the plug. Once they are connected, the assistant can use the tool without you having to copy and paste between them.
What your assistant can do once it is connected
Once an assistant is connected to an MCP server, the server tells it exactly what actions are available. For a pay-as-you-go calling tool like FoxEra Calls, those actions include:
- Adding leads and creating folders
- Choosing the calling agent and setting hours
- Previewing a campaign (how many people, estimated time and cost)
- Approving and starting the campaign
- Reading outcomes, transcripts and recordings after the calls
- Pulling a report or checking your balance
Your assistant sees these as tools it can use inside a conversation, much like it uses a calculator or a web search today.
What the server will never let the assistant do without you
A well-built MCP server has safety rules built in. FoxEra's server requires the assistant to confirm the exact number of people who will be called and get a separate approval from you before any campaign starts. The assistant is told to show you the headcount and wait for your yes.
Your assistant also cannot spend money without your knowledge. It can show you a price estimate and a top-up link, but only you can add credit. Every action the assistant takes is logged, and you can revoke its access at any time by changing your password or deleting the key.
How is this different from a plugin or an API?
A plugin is built for one specific assistant (a ChatGPT plugin only works in ChatGPT). An API is a set of endpoints a developer writes code against. MCP sits in the middle: it is an open standard that works with any assistant that supports it, and you connect it without writing code.
FoxEra Calls supports all three. You can use the MCP server from ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor or any MCP-compatible assistant. If you prefer, you can use the REST API with a bearer key, or the OpenAPI spec to create a GPT Action. The MCP route is the fastest for most business owners because there is nothing to install and no code to write.
A real example: connecting to FoxEra Calls
- Open your AI assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor or another tool that supports MCP).
- Add a custom connector or remote MCP server. Paste the address: https://app.foxera.co.uk/mcp
- Sign in when prompted and press Allow. The assistant now has access to your FoxEra Calls account.
From here you can say "add these 20 leads and have Cass call them tomorrow at 9" and the assistant will build the campaign, show you the numbers, and wait for your go-ahead. It costs from 12p per connected minute with no subscription, and new accounts get £7 of free credit. Use the cost calculator to estimate a campaign, or see the full setup guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is MCP the same as a ChatGPT plugin?
No. A ChatGPT plugin only works inside ChatGPT. An MCP server works with any assistant that supports the protocol, including ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor and others.
Do I need to be technical to use an MCP server?
No. Connecting takes three steps: add a connector in your assistant, paste the server address, and sign in. There is no code to write and nothing to install.
Is it safe to let my assistant connect to an MCP server?
That depends on the server. FoxEra's server requires your approval before anyone is phoned, logs every action, and lets you revoke access at any time. Always check what a server can do before connecting.
Does connecting to an MCP server cost anything?
Connecting is free. You pay only for what the tool itself charges. With FoxEra Calls, that is from 12p per connected minute for the calls themselves.