Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of the "agentic web" is emerging as a transformative paradigm. This vision encompasses a network where AI agents—autonomous software entities capable of performing tasks—interact seamlessly across diverse platforms and organizations. Central to realizing this vision are open standards that facilitate interoperability, security, and efficient communication among AI agents.

The Emergence of Open Standards

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Introduced by Anthropic in November 2024, the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open-source framework designed to standardize the integration of AI models with external tools and data sources. MCP provides a model-agnostic interface for reading files, executing functions, and handling contextual prompts, thereby addressing the challenge of connecting AI assistants to various data systems. Its adoption by major AI providers, including OpenAI and Google DeepMind, underscores its potential as a universal connector in the AI ecosystem. (en.wikipedia.org)

Agent2Agent (A2A) Protocol

In April 2025, Google unveiled the Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol, an open standard aimed at enabling AI agents to communicate and collaborate across different platforms and vendors. Developed in partnership with over 50 technology companies, including Microsoft, Salesforce, and SAP, A2A facilitates inter-agent communication by allowing agents to discover capabilities, manage tasks, and collaborate securely. Microsoft has integrated A2A support into its AI development platforms, Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio, highlighting the industry's commitment to fostering interoperability among AI agents. (techcrunch.com)

Implications and Impact

The adoption of open standards like MCP and A2A has profound implications for the AI industry:

  • Enhanced Interoperability: Standardized protocols enable AI agents from different developers and platforms to work together seamlessly, reducing integration complexities and fostering a more cohesive AI ecosystem.
  • Accelerated Innovation: With interoperability challenges addressed, developers can focus on creating innovative AI solutions without being hindered by compatibility issues.
  • Improved Security and Trust: Open standards often incorporate robust security measures, ensuring that inter-agent communications are secure and trustworthy.
  • Economic Efficiency: Organizations can reduce costs associated with custom integrations and maintenance by adopting standardized protocols, leading to more efficient deployment of AI solutions.

Technical Details

MCP Technical Overview

MCP utilizes JSON-RPC 2.0 for communication, providing a structured and efficient method for AI models to interact with external tools. It supports various programming languages, including Python, TypeScript, Java, and C#, making it accessible to a broad range of developers. (en.wikipedia.org)

A2A Technical Overview

A2A defines a client-server relationship between AI agents, where client agents formulate tasks, and remote agents execute them. Key features include:

  • Capability Discovery: Agents advertise their functionalities through an "Agent Card" in JSON format, enabling client agents to identify suitable remote agents for specific tasks.
  • Task Management: A structured task lifecycle ensures clear communication and synchronization between client and remote agents.
  • Secure Collaboration: A2A supports secure message exchanges, allowing agents to share context, replies, artifacts, or user instructions while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. (developers.googleblog.com)

Conclusion

The development and adoption of open standards like MCP and A2A are pivotal in building the agentic web, where AI agents can collaborate effectively across diverse platforms and organizations. These protocols not only enhance interoperability and security but also pave the way for accelerated innovation and economic efficiency in the AI industry. As the agentic web continues to evolve, the commitment to open standards will be crucial in realizing its full potential.