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Understanding the difference between MCP Servers and APIs will help you choose the right integration approach for your apps and make the most of CREAO’s connectivity options.

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MCP (Model Context Protocol) Servers

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What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way for AI applications like CREAO to securely connect with external services. Think of it as a universal translator that allows CREAO to communicate with different services using a common language.

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How MCP Servers Work

1

Service Selection

You choose which MCP-enabled service you want to connect (Slack, Google Sheets, etc.)
2

Authentication

You sign in with your existing account on that service using OAuth
3

Permission Granting

You approve specific permissions for what CREAO can access and do
4

Secure Connection

A secure, encrypted connection is established between CREAO and the service
5

Immediate Use

Your app can now interact with the service using your authenticated account

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MCP Server Advantages

Zero Configuration

No technical setup required
  • No API keys to find or manage
  • No documentation to read
  • No endpoints to configure
  • Just click and authenticate

Secure by Default

Industry-standard security
  • OAuth 2.0 authentication
  • Scoped permissions (only access what’s needed)
  • Encrypted data transmission
  • Revocable access tokens

Automatic Updates

Always current
  • Service changes handled automatically
  • Security patches applied seamlessly
  • New features become available instantly
  • No maintenance required

Error Handling

Built-in reliability
  • Automatic retry logic
  • Rate limit management
  • Graceful error recovery
  • User-friendly error messages

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Available MCP Servers

Communication Platforms:
  • Slack: Send messages, create channels, manage notifications
  • Microsoft Teams: Post updates, coordinate with teammates
  • Discord: Community management and notifications
Google Workspace:
  • Gmail: Send emails, manage messages and labels
  • Google Calendar: Create events, manage schedules
  • Google Sheets: Read/write data, generate reports
  • Google Docs: Create and edit documents
  • Google Tasks: Manage to-do lists and task tracking
  • Google Meet: Schedule and manage video meetings
Productivity & Development:
  • GitHub: Repository management, issue tracking
  • Notion: Database synchronization, page management
  • Miro: Board creation and collaboration
  • Outlook: Email and calendar management
Social & Content:
  • X (Twitter): Post tweets, manage content
  • Reddit: Community monitoring and posting
  • YouTube: Video management and analytics
  • Perplexity Search: AI-powered web search

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When to Choose MCP Servers

✅ Choose MCP Servers when:
  • The service you need is available as an MCP server
  • You want the simplest, most reliable setup
  • You don’t need custom or advanced integration features
  • You prefer hands-off maintenance and updates
  • Security and compliance are priorities

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APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

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What are APIs?

APIs are sets of rules and protocols that define how software applications can communicate with each other. They specify what requests you can make, how to make them, what data formats to use, and what responses you’ll get back.

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Types of APIs in CREAO

  • Official APIs
  • Custom APIs (Pro Plan)
Maintained by CREAO:AI & Machine Learning:
  • OpenAI: Text generation, analysis, and AI processing
  • Language Processing: Translation, sentiment analysis
  • Content Generation: Automated writing and summarization
Communication Services:
  • Email APIs: Transactional email sending (SendGrid, Mailgun)
  • SMS APIs: Text message delivery and notifications
  • Push Notifications: Mobile and web push messaging
Utility Services:
  • Document Processing: PDF generation, file conversion
  • Image Processing: Resize, optimize, format conversion
  • Data Export: CSV generation, report formatting
  • Search APIs: Web search, content discovery
Benefits:
  • Pre-configured and ready to use
  • Maintained and updated by CREAO
  • Built-in error handling and rate limiting
  • Usage-based pricing with free tiers

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How Custom APIs Work

1

API Documentation

Provide the API specification, including endpoints, authentication, and data formats
2

Authentication Setup

Configure API keys, OAuth credentials, or other authentication methods
3

Connection Testing

CREAO validates the API connection and tests basic functionality
4

Integration Building

Describe how you want the API used in natural language
5

Deployment

Your app can now use the custom API for data exchange

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When to Choose APIs

✅ Choose APIs when:
  • You need to connect to services not available as MCP servers
  • You have internal company systems to integrate
  • You need custom functionality not provided by standard integrations
  • You’re on the Pro plan and want maximum flexibility
  • You’re comfortable managing API credentials and documentation

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MCP vs API Comparison

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Setup Complexity

  • MCP Servers
  • APIs
Simple & Fast:
  • ✅ One-click authentication
  • ✅ No technical configuration
  • ✅ Works in minutes
  • ✅ No documentation required
  • ✅ Built-in security
Example Setup:
  1. Select Slack integration
  2. Click “Authenticate”
  3. Sign in to Slack
  4. Approve permissions
  5. Done - ready to use

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Maintenance & Updates

MCP Servers

Automatic Maintenance:
  • Updates handled by CREAO
  • Security patches applied automatically
  • Breaking changes managed seamlessly
  • Service evolution handled transparently
  • Zero maintenance required from users

APIs

User Responsibility:
  • API key rotation and management
  • Monitor for service changes
  • Update credentials when expired
  • Handle breaking changes in API versions
  • Troubleshoot connection issues

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Capabilities & Flexibility

Standardized Functionality:
  • Pre-defined actions and data access patterns
  • Optimized for common use cases
  • Consistent behavior across services
  • Reliable and well-tested functionality
Limitations:
  • Limited to supported services
  • Standard permissions and actions only
  • Can’t access advanced or niche features
  • Dependent on CREAO’s implementation choices
Maximum Flexibility:
  • Access to full service functionality
  • Custom business logic implementation
  • Advanced features and edge cases
  • Integration with proprietary systems
Complexity:
  • Requires understanding of API structure
  • Need to handle edge cases and errors
  • Custom implementation for each service
  • Potential for integration bugs and issues

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Choosing the Right Integration

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Decision Framework

1

Check MCP Availability

Is the service you need available as an MCP server? If yes, start there.
2

Assess Requirements

Do you need standard functionality or custom/advanced features?
3

Consider Maintenance

Do you want hands-off integration or are you comfortable managing API details?
4

Evaluate Timeline

Do you need quick setup (MCP) or can you invest time in custom integration (API)?
5

Plan Subscription

Custom APIs require Pro plan - factor this into your decision

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Common Use Cases

Choose MCP Servers for:
  • Team communication (Slack, Teams, Discord)
  • Document and file management (Google Workspace, Outlook)
  • Basic social media posting (Twitter, LinkedIn)
  • Standard productivity workflows
  • Quick prototyping and MVP development
Choose Custom APIs for:
  • Industry-specific software and tools
  • Internal company systems and databases
  • Advanced features not covered by MCP servers
  • Legacy system integration
  • Highly customized business workflows

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Security Considerations

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MCP Security

Built-in Protection

  • OAuth 2.0 standard authentication
  • Scoped permissions (minimum necessary access)
  • Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
  • Automatic token refresh and management
  • Regular security audits and updates

User Control

  • Granular permission control
  • Ability to revoke access anytime
  • Audit trails of integration usage
  • No credential storage by CREAO
  • Direct authentication with services

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API Security

User Responsibility

  • Secure storage of API keys and credentials
  • Regular rotation of authentication tokens
  • Monitoring for unauthorized access
  • Compliance with service security requirements
  • Implementation of proper error handling

CREAO Support

  • Encrypted credential storage
  • Secure API call transmission
  • Request/response logging for debugging
  • Rate limiting and abuse prevention
  • Best practice implementation guidance

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Getting Help

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MCP Server Support

  • Standard Support: All users get help with MCP server integrations
  • Documentation: Comprehensive guides for each supported service
  • Community: Share experiences and solutions with other users
  • Status Updates: Real-time status of MCP server availability

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Custom API Support

  • Pro Support: Priority assistance for Pro plan users
  • Documentation Review: Help with API specification analysis
  • Implementation Guidance: Best practices for custom integrations
  • Troubleshooting: Assistance with connection and functionality issues

Explore no-code concepts

Learn about the broader no-code movement and how CREAO fits in