At its annual Relate customer conference on May 21, 2026, Zendesk unveiled support for both Model Context Protocol (MCP) Client and MCP Server capabilities as part of its AI strategy. This move enables AI agents to connect with external systems using the Anthropic‑derived MCP standard, promoting interoperability and reducing vendor lock‑in. MCP acts as a universal language for AI agents to access tools, context, and information with enterprise‑grade security. Zendesk’s MCP Client allows agents to connect once and automatically inherit new capabilities as MCP‑compatible tools are added, while the MCP Server exposes Zendesk tickets, knowledge bases, and customer data to external AI systems. Early access for MCP Client is available now, with MCP Server access slated for summer 2026. This announcement underscores a broader industry shift toward open frameworks and multi‑agent ecosystems in enterprise AI. Zendesk’s dual role as both a read and write platform positions it as a key player in the emerging interoperable AI landscape.