Subscribe to the Data Center Knowledge Newsletter
Get analysis and expert insight on the latest in data center business and technology delivered to your inbox daily.
6 MCP Servers That Bring Agentic AI to IT Operations
Explore practical applications of agentic AI and MCP servers in IT operations, focusing on how they help administrators streamline tasks such as file management and system monitoring.
5 Min Read
Image: Alamy
Most IT operations professionals, including those working in data centers, are accustomed to running commands and using specialized tools to handle tasks like file management, application monitoring, and data backups. While mastering IT tools can be rewarding, memorizing complex command syntaxes or navigating intricate software interfaces often becomes tedious over time.
A new development, agentic AI, is beginning to change how IT administrators approach these tasks.
Agentic AI integrates AI models with software utilities, enabling IT admins to perform everyday administration tasks using natural language instead of traditional tools.
Although agentic AI remains a fast-evolving domain and does not address every IT operations need, it offers value in specific use cases. To illustrate its current capabilities, let’s explore how IT teams can use agentic AI with key Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers to streamline their operations.
Why Use MCP Servers for IT Operations?
MCP is a standardized framework for connecting AI models with software utilities. IT professionals can use the framework to create AI agents – software entities capable of autonomously performing actions on a computer system in response to natural-language prompts from human users.
In the MCP framework, an MCP “server” refers to a utility that an AI model can access to execute specific tasks. To create an AI agent, the first step is to deploy a server that provides the necessary functionality, such as the ability to execute commands via a specific command-line interface (CLI) tool. Once the server is in place, it is integrated with an AI assistant or model interface, which serves as the platform where admins issue prompts to trigger agentic AI behavior.
Top MCP Servers for IT Operations
While MCP is just one of many frameworks driving innovation in the agentic AI space, it has gained significant popularity due to its versatility and effectiveness. Examining the available MCP servers for IT operations, like the six listed below, provides valuable insight into what IT teams can achieve using AI agents.
1. Filesystem for File Operations
The Filesystem MCP server, developed by the MCP project, enables AI models to interact with local files and directories on a computer or server. IT administrators can use this server to perform tasks such as searching for files, renaming files, creating directories, and so on. By using Filesystem, IT teams can replace some traditional CLI tools and scripts with natural language commands, making file operations more intuitive and accessible.
2. MCP Server for MySQL Administration
The MCP Server for MySQL and NodeJS comes in handy for IT teams responsible for administering databases. This server allows AI models to connect to MySQL databases and perform tasks like searching for data and modifying database structures – all without requiring admins to write SQL code.
While the tool is ideal for basic MySQL administration tasks, it may not be suitable for complex operations or scenarios requiring precise control. Agentic AI lacks transparency in the exact commands it executes to fulfill user requests, which can pose problems for advanced data management. Nonetheless, for routine tasks, it offers a faster and simpler alternative to manual SQL query writing.
3. MCP Backup Server for Backup Management
Data backup is another essential IT operation that MCP servers can simplify. The MCP Backup Server lets administrators create backups using natural language commands, eliminating the need for lengthy backup scripts or specialized software.
However, this server is not a comprehensive replacement for traditional backup and recovery systems. It lacks advanced features and is primarily geared toward backing up data related to AI development rather than general-purpose backup needs. Still, it offers a quick and straightforward way to perform basic backups without requiring code expertise or additional tools.
4. SSH MCP Server for Remote Logins and Administration
SSH is a venerable protocol that allows IT admins to log into remote systems and run commands securely. However, its relatively complex syntax can pose challenges for advanced use cases, especially for those with limited experience.
The SSH MCP Server simplifies remote system administration and file management by enabling admins to use SSH without manually running commands. The approach retains SSH’s security while eliminating the need to become SSH gurus.
5. Prometheus MCP Server for IT Monitoring
A variety of monitoring and observability tools can help IT teams detect and remediate performance issues. Traditionally, these tools require admins to study complex visualizations and/or manually query metrics and logs to interpret performance data.
The Prometheus MCP Server offers a simpler alternative by allowing AI models to access metrics collected by Prometheus, a popular open-source monitoring and observability tool. Similar MCP systems exist for other monitoring tools, making Prometheus one example of how agentic AI can enhance observability in IT operations.
6. Service Desk Management With Service Desk Plus MCP Server
Service desk and ticketing management are areas where agentic AI offerings are still relatively limited. However, the Service Desk Plus MCP Server provides a notable option by enabling AI models to interact with ServiceDesk Plus, a service desk platform developed by ManageEngine.
(Sticklers for stylistic consistency should note that the official name of this MCP server includes the term Service Desk Plus, even though the actual product name is ServiceDesk Plus.)
This MCP server was created by a third-party community contributor rather than ManageEngine. As such, IT teams should carefully evaluate the server’s security before integrating it into their service desk environments. For those who trust the underlying code, the server offers a faster and more efficient way to manage service requests.
Embracing Agentic AI
Agentic AI represents a significant shift in how enterprise IT teams can approach their daily tasks. By combining the power of AI models with specialized MCP servers, organizations can streamline operations, reduce technical complexity, and empower team members regardless of their command-line expertise.
While these tools won’t replace the need for skilled IT professionals, they offer a complementary approach that can enhance productivity and accessibility. As the technology matures, we can expect even more sophisticated integration between AI and IT operations tools, potentially transforming how teams manage infrastructure, respond to incidents, and deliver services.
