Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an emerging, open-source standard for connecting LLMs with external services and data sources. Through MCP Servers, AI clients can perform actions like opening Jira tickets, posting Slack messages, committing GitHub branches and more. With CData MCP Servers, these capabilities expand exponentially.
In this article, we guide the reader through installing the CData MCP Server for Google Sheets, configuring the connection to Google Sheets, and asking questions of the data in Claude Desktop.
NOTE: This article focuses on the CData MCP Server for Google Sheets, but the principles apply to any of our MCP Servers.
Prerequisites
You need to download or configure the following accounts and applications to follow along with this installation guide:
- Claude Desktop (download)
- A Google account (if you do not have one, create one here)
- A Google Sheet with data (save a copy of our sample CRM sheet to your Google account)
You can follow the steps below, or read the full installation guide in our Knowledge Base, to get started.
Step 1: Download and install the CData MCP Server
Navigate to https://www.cdata.com/solutions/mcp, download the CData MCP Server for Google Sheets (direct link), and run the installer.
When the installation is complete, you are ready to configure your MCP Server by connecting to Google Sheets.
Step 2: Configure the connection to Google Sheets
After installation, the CData MCP Server configuration wizard should open automatically. Name, configure, and test your connection.
With the CData MCP Server configured, you are ready to start asking questions of your live data from Claude.
Step 3: Ask AI for answers from live Google Sheets data
Now that we have installed the CData MCP Server and configured a connection, we are ready to start with Google Sheets data in Claude Desktop.
Open Claude Desktop and ask Claude questions about the data. For example: "Can you give me a quantitative analysis about my closed-won opportunities by industry?"
Connect your AI to your data today!
CData MCP Servers make it easier than ever for LLMs to work with live enterprise data. To explore the technology hands-on, download a free MCP Server or stick around the CData Community to share insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of enterprise-ready AI.
