MCP and A2A Protocols Standardize Agentic Internet Development

Theo Vasilis· June 28, 2026 View original

▶ The 2-minute explainer

Summary

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Protocol are standardizing how AI agents discover tools, call services, and coordinate across systems. Understanding these protocols is crucial for developers building agent-compatible infrastructure.

The rapid evolution of AI agents necessitates a standardized approach for them to interact effectively with various tools, services, and other agents. Without common ground, the potential for a truly interconnected 'agentic internet' remains limited. Two significant protocols, the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and the Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Protocol, are emerging as foundational elements in this standardization effort. These protocols define the rules and mechanisms for how AI agents can identify available functionalities and invoke specific services. By establishing these common communication frameworks, MCP and A2A aim to enable seamless coordination and complex workflow orchestration among diverse AI systems, paving the way for more robust and interoperable agent-based applications.

Why it matters

Professionals developing AI infrastructure or agent-based applications need to understand these emerging protocols to ensure interoperability and future-proof their systems. Adopting these standards will facilitate seamless integration and broader adoption of agentic capabilities.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Research the specifications of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Protocol.
  2. 2Evaluate existing or planned AI infrastructure for compatibility with these emerging agent communication standards.
  3. 3Design new agent-based systems with explicit consideration for MCP and A2A for tool discovery and inter-agent coordination.
  4. 4Participate in relevant open-source communities or working groups to contribute to and stay updated on protocol developments.
  5. 5Develop proof-of-concept integrations using these protocols to assess their practical implications and benefits.

Who benefits

Software DevelopmentAI/MLCloud ComputingRobotics

Key takeaways

  • MCP and A2A are critical protocols for standardizing AI agent interactions.
  • These protocols govern how agents find tools, use services, and coordinate with each other.
  • Adopting these standards is essential for building interoperable agentic infrastructure.
  • Understanding these protocols is key for future-proofing AI development efforts.

Original post by Theo Vasilis

"How agents discover tools, call services, and coordinate across systems is now standardizing. If you're building infrastructure that agents will use, it helps to know how the Model Context Protocol and Agent-to-Agent Protocol fit together."

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