MCP: An (Accidentally) Universal Plugin System

Abstraction: MCP as accidentally universal interoperability layer beyond AI context

Key points:

• MCP was designed to connect AI models to data sources and tools, but functions as a general-purpose interoperability layer for any application — the AI requirement is incidental
• Every MCP server built for Claude, ChatGPT, or any AI automatically becomes a free plugin for any other MCP-compatible app, creating an unplanned universal plugin ecosystem
• Analogy: MCP is like USB-C — not special because it's a port for one purpose, but because it is a "possibility space" that accepts anything
• Historical precedent: HTTP (academic papers → civilization), Bluetooth (hands-free → door locks), USB (peripherals → fans) all transcended original intent
• Author's APM (Actions Per Minute) task management app uses MCP servers as its entire plugin system, demonstrating non-AI usage

Connections: Anthropic · Claude · Chatgpt · Model Context Protocol · Plugin Systems · Interoperability

Source: https://worksonmymachine.substack.com/p/mcp-an-accidentally-universal-plugin