CAM: why does it change everything?

CAM: why does it change everything?

The MCP protocol: a revolution that will transform the digital ecosystem in 2025

Imagine a world where your AI assistants perfectly understand your data, interact with all your tools and orchestrate your digital ecosystem effortlessly. It's no longer science fiction - it's the promise of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), and we're at the forefront of this revolution! 

The MCP: the missing link in the AI ecosystem

2025 marks a decisive turning point in the history of artificial intelligence. While language models (LLMs) such as Claude or GPT already impress us with their reasoning capabilities, they still face a major obstacle: their difficulty in efficiently accessing our data and interacting with our business tools.

It's precisely this gap that the Model Context Protocol (MCP), launched by Anthropic at the end of 2024 and rapidly gaining acceptance in early 2025, is designed to bridge. But what exactly is MCP?

MCP is an open standard that revolutionizes the way AI models communicate with the outside world. Think of it as the "universal USB port of AI" - a protocol that standardizes connections between intelligent assistants and all the tools, data and services they need to support you effectively.

Why MCP is radically transforming our approach to AI

The emergence of the MCP solves a fundamental problem that was holding back the mass adoption of AI in the enterprise: the fragmentation of integrations. Until now, connecting an AI model to each tool required specific and costly developments, creating a real technical headache and seriously limiting the potential of these technologies.

The MCP changes the game completely by proposing a radically different approach:

  • A universal language: It establishes a standardized protocol enabling any AI model to communicate with any compatible data source or tool.
  • Modular architecture: based on three components (MCP servers, MCP clients and hosts), it simplifies integration considerably.
  • An open, collaborative approach: as an open standard, MCP encourages innovation and the emergence of a rich ecosystem of connectors.

And the results are already impressive! The MCP ecosystem is growing at breakneck speed, with over 250 servers available by early 2025, covering a wide range of services, from collaborative platforms like GitHub or Slack to specialized business tools. 

The three pillars of MCP's strength

What sets MCP apart from previous attempts at AI integration is its elegant and efficient structure, based on three essential components:

1. MCP servers: universal translators

MCP servers are lightweight programs that display the functionality of your tools and data in a standardized format. Each MCP server specializes in a specific area: access to your documents, interaction with your CRM, connection to your database...

In concrete terms, these servers transform any resource into a format that all MCP-compatible AI models can understand and use. It's as if every tool in your ecosystem suddenly learned to speak the same language as your AI assistant! 

2. MCP customers: intelligent interpreters

Integrated with AI models, MCP clients enable them to discover and use the capabilities offered by MCP servers. They facilitate this essential two-way communication, where AI can not only obtain information but also trigger actions.

This capability fundamentally transforms AI from a simple conversational tool into a true assistant capable of acting on your digital ecosystem. Imagine asking your assistant to analyze the latest sales trends and automatically create an appropriate marketing campaign - all in one fluid conversation! 

3. MCP hosts: runtime environments

Hosts are the applications that integrate both AI models and MCP clients. They serve as the runtime environments where the magic happens. Claude Desktop, Cursor, and many other environments are rapidly adopting this technology, creating seamless and powerful user experiences.

How MCP transforms your business

The impact of MCP on your organization goes far beyond mere technical improvement. It's a profound transformation that touches every aspect of your digital ecosystem. Here's how:

Democratizing access to data and tools

Gone are the days when only a few experts could fully exploit your data! The MCP enables every employee to interact with your information systems via a natural language interface. Your accountant can ask the AI about the latest sales figures, your marketing team can analyze customer trends, and your customer service department has instant access to the complete history of interactions.

This democratization unleashes immense potential, enabling everyone to fully exploit the company's digital resources. 

Intelligent automation at every level

MCP lets you build a new generation of automated workflows. Instead of rigid sequences of predefined actions, your automations become intelligent and adaptive, capable of:

  • Understand the global context of a situation
  • Choosing the right tools to solve a problem
  • Adapting to exceptions and special cases
  • Learning and improving over time

Imagine self-optimizing business processes, drastically reducing repetitive tasks while improving the quality of decisions! 

Unprecedented scalability

MCP's modular approach radically changes your ability to evolve your digital ecosystem:

  • Add a new data source? Simply create a new MCP server to expose it using the standard protocol.
  • Need a new tool? Integrate an existing MCP server or quickly develop your own.
  • Want to change your AI supplier? All MCP-compatible models will be able to access your ecosystem without major reintegration.

This flexibility preserves your investments and frees you from technological dependencies, allowing you to evolve at the pace of your business needs, not your technical constraints. 

The MCP in action: use cases that are transforming businesses

The practical applications of MCP are as diverse as they are promising. Here are a few particularly inspiring examples:

Marketing augmented by contextual AI

Imagine an AI assistant capable of analyzing real-time data from your CRM, advertising campaigns and market trends to generate personalized strategic recommendations. Thanks to MCP, your marketing team can now :

  • Analyze the effectiveness of past campaigns in unprecedented depth
  • Identify the most promising customer segments by combining multiple data sources
  • Create and test creative concepts based on data insights
  • Optimize marketing ROI in real time

This augmented intelligence transforms marketing decision-making, moving from intuition to a truly data-driven approach without sacrificing human creativity. 

Total knowledge customer service

The MCP allows you to build customer assistants who have access to your entire information ecosystem: customer history, knowledge base, order status, sales policy...

This 360° knowledge combined with LLM intelligence creates a radically new experience:

  • Immediate resolution of 90% of even the most complex customer queries
  • Advanced personalization of responses based on the customer's complete history
  • Proactive anticipation of future customer needs
  • Fluid transmission to human agents with full context when necessary

The result? Dramatically improved customer satisfaction and significantly lower operating costs. 

Collaborative product innovation

MCP is also revolutionizing the way product teams collaborate and innovate. By simultaneously connecting your project management tools, code repositories, user data and design systems, it creates an environment where AI becomes a true catalyst for innovation:

  • Continuous analysis of user feedback to identify opportunities for improvement
  • Generate product specifications based on actual usage trends
  • Rapid prototyping with automatic code and design generation
  • Real-time documentation that is always synchronized with the product

This approach drastically accelerates development cycles while improving alignment between user needs and product evolution. 💫

The Gorillias approach: exploiting the full potential of MCP

At Gorillias, we're convinced that MCP represents a major strategic opportunity for all companies wishing to take full advantage of AI. Our unique approach combines technical expertise and business vision to help you exploit this potential:

A strategy of gradual, targeted adoption

Rather than an abrupt transformation, we favor a step-by-step approach, identifying the areas where MCP will generate the most immediate value for your organization:

  1. MCP maturity assessment: Analysis of your digital ecosystem and identification of priority opportunities
  2. Targeted Proof of Concept: Rapid implementation on a high-impact use case to demonstrate value
  3. Gradual roll-out: methodical extension to other areas according to a roadmap aligned with your business priorities
  4. Industrialization: Implementation of best practices, governance and skills development for your teams

This pragmatic approach guarantees tangible results at every stage, while minimizing risk and disruption. 

Industry-specific MCP connectors

Our team has developed a library of specialized MCP connectors, designed specifically for the needs of different business functions:

  • Finance: Connectors for your ERP, reporting tools, and financial management systems
  • Marketing: Integration with your marketing, analytics and CRM platforms
  • Operations: Connection to your supply chain, logistics and resource management systems
  • HR: Interfaces with your HRIS, recruitment tools and training platforms
  • Innovation: Liaison with your R&D environments, patent databases and technology watch

These ready-to-use connectors considerably speed up your adoption of MCP, while respecting the specific features of your business. 

A vision of digital independence and sovereignty

True to our philosophy, we have designed our MCP offering with technological independence in mind:

  • Open architecture allowing you to use the AI model of your choice
  • Hosting on your own infrastructure for total data sovereignty
  • Skills transfer to ensure your long-term autonomy
  • Hybrid approach combining SaaS solutions and on-premise components according to your requirements

This flexibility allows you to adopt MCP without compromising your overall digital strategy. 

The future is already here: are you ready to seize it?

The Model Context Protocol is not just another technological innovation - it's the missing link that will enable AI to finally deliver on its promise in the enterprise. We are at the dawn of a profound transformation, where the boundaries between our different systems are blurring to create a truly intelligent and connected digital ecosystem.

Companies that are quick to adopt this approach will enjoy a considerable competitive advantage: tenfold operational efficiency, reinvented customer experience, unprecedented capacity for innovation.

At Gorillias, we're at the heart of this revolution and look forward to accompanying you on this transformational journey. 

 

Would you like to explore how MCP can transform your digital ecosystem?

Contact our experts today for a personalized assessment.

Data security and AI: protecting your SME while innovating

Data security and AI: protecting your SME while innovating

In a world of accelerating digital transformation, SMEs face a dual challenge: to innovate thanks to artificial intelligence, while guaranteeing the security of their data. How do you reconcile these two seemingly contradictory imperatives? How can you take advantage of technological advances without compromising your information assets?

In 2025, this question is no longer theoretical, but central to the strategic concerns of any growing company. Let's take a look at how to turn this challenge into a development opportunity.

1. AI and SMEs: a complex but necessary relationship

Artificial intelligence is no longer the preserve of large corporations with colossal budgets. Today, it is part of the daily life of SMEs in a variety of ways: automation of repetitive tasks, predictive analysis, customer personalization, process optimization...

Yet many managers are still reluctant to take the plunge. Why is this so? The fear of seeing their sensitive data exposed often tops the list of concerns. This is a legitimate concern: your data is a major strategic asset.

But giving up on AI for fear of the risks also means giving up on a formidable growth lever. The figures speak for themselves: according to a recent study, SMEs that have adopted AI solutions tailored to their needs have seen an average 22% increase in productivity and an 18% reduction in operational costs.

The good news? It's entirely possible to enjoy the benefits of AI while preserving the confidentiality and integrity of your data.

2. Real risks: what you need to know

Before we explore the solutions, let's take a moment to understand the concrete risks of using AI in your SMB:

  • Leakage of confidential data: some AI solutions, especially those based on the public cloud, can expose your sensitive information to unauthorized third parties.

  • Technological dependency: entrusting your business processes to proprietary AI systems can create dependency on foreign suppliers, with little control over the evolution of costs and functionalities.

  • Regulatory compliance: the RGPD and other regulations impose strict obligations regarding the processing of personal data, with fines of up to 4% of annual worldwide sales.

  • Algorithmic biases: poorly designed AI systems can perpetuate or amplify existing biases, leading to erroneous or discriminatory business decisions.

These risks are real, but they're not insurmountable. With the right approach, you can mitigate them considerably.

3. The sovereign approach: keeping control of your data

Data sovereignty isn't just an abstract concept - it's a decisive competitive advantage. A sovereign approach means that you retain full control over your data, even when using advanced AI technologies.

How can we achieve this?

  • Choose on-premise or private cloud solutions: unlike public cloud solutions, these approaches enable you to keep your data on your own infrastructure or in a dedicated, secure environment.

  • Opt for dedicated AI agents: these tailor-made assistants adapt precisely to your specific needs, while respecting your security and confidentiality requirements.

  • Demand algorithmic transparency: make sure you understand how the AI systems you use work, what data they process and how they make their decisions.

  • Choose local technology partners: French or European suppliers are subject to the same regulations as you, and generally share your concerns about digital sovereignty.

An industrial SME in the Lyon region recently adopted this approach by implementing a dedicated AI agent to optimize its production chain. The result: a 15% increase in productivity, with no exposure of sensitive data outside the company.

4. AI-compatible data protection technologies

Technology is evolving rapidly and today offers innovative solutions for reconciling high-performance AI and data protection:

  • Federated learning: this approach enables AI models to be trained without centralizing the raw data, sharing only the model parameters.

  • Homomorphic encryption: this revolutionary technology makes it possible to perform calculations on encrypted data without having to decrypt it, thus guaranteeing its confidentiality.

  • Differential privacy: this mathematical method adds "noise" to the data in a controlled way, making it impossible to identify individuals while preserving the statistical value of the information.

  • Secure containerization: container technologies enable AI applications to be isolated in hermetically sealed environments, limiting the risk of compromise.

These technologies are not theoretical concepts - they are already being implemented in concrete solutions tailored to SMEs. For example, a predictive analytics solution using federated learning has enabled a network of veterinary clinics to optimize their drug stocks without ever exposing sensitive customer data.

5. Practical strategies for safe AI adoption

Beyond technologies, here are some concrete strategies for integrating AI into your SMB while keeping your data secure:

  • Start small, think big: begin with a pilot project focused on a non-critical process before extending the use of AI to other areas.

  • Train your teams: safety is above all a human issue. Make your employees aware of best practices and potential risks.

  • Establish clear governance: define who has access to what data and for what purposes, with appropriate validation processes.

  • Conduct regular audits: periodically assess the security of your AI systems and their compliance with your internal policies and current regulations.

  • Prepare a continuity plan: anticipate potential incidents with clear procedures for maintaining your operations in the event of a problem.

A financial services company applied these principles when deploying an AI assistant to analyze credit applications. The result: 3 times faster file processing, zero security incidents and full compliance with regulatory requirements.

6. Dedicated AI agents: the ideal solution for SMEs

Of all the approaches available, dedicated AI agents often represent the most balanced solution for security-conscious SMEs.

Unlike generic solutions, these tailor-made assistants are designed specifically for your company and your particular needs. They offer several decisive advantages:

  • Precise adaptation to your processes: they integrate seamlessly into your existing ecosystem without disrupting your working methods.

  • Contextual learning: they understand your industry, your terminology and your specific challenges.

  • Total data control: you decide what information is used, how it is processed and where it is stored.

  • Controlled scalability: they grow with your business, adapting to your changing needs without disrupting service.

An accountancy firm recently implemented a dedicated AI agent to automate the entry and analysis of accounting documents. Not only has productivity increased by 40%, but the solution scrupulously respects the confidentiality requirements imposed by the profession.

7. Change management: the key to success

Technology is only part of the equation. To successfully integrate AI while preserving the security of your data, human support is essential.

Resistance to change is natural, especially when it comes to entrusting tasks to artificial intelligence. To overcome this barrier :

  • Involve your teams from the outset: consult them about their needs and fears, so you can design a solution that truly meets their expectations.

  • Invest in training: offer tailored programs to help your employees master new tools and understand safety issues.

  • Promote skills enhancement: show how AI frees up time for higher value-added tasks, enabling everyone to develop new expertise.

  • Communicate successes: share the positive results and concrete improvements brought about by AI to reinforce buy-in.

A logistics company achieved this transformation by organizing hands-on workshops where each team was able to express its needs and contribute to the design of its AI assistant. The result: rapid and enthusiastic adoption of the solution, with scrupulous respect for safety protocols.

8. Towards a responsible, high-performance AI strategy

By combining the right technologies, the right practices and the right support, you can build an AI strategy that boosts your competitiveness while protecting your data.

Here are the key steps:

  1. Assess your needs and risks: identify the processes that would benefit most from AI, and the sensitive data you need to protect first.

  2. Define your security policy: establish clear rules for data processing, storage and access.

  3. Choose the right solutions: focus on technologies that allow you to maintain control over your data.

  4. Implement in phases: roll out your AI solutions gradually, starting with pilot projects.

  5. Measure results: regularly assess the benefits obtained and any adjustments required.

By following this approach, you'll turn AI into a real competitive advantage for your SMB, without compromising the security of your data.

Today's successful companies are not those who choose between innovation and safety, but those who manage to reconcile the two.

Ready to take the plunge? Solutions exist to help you do just that, with dedicated AI agents that meet your security requirements while boosting your performance. Don't wait any longer to explore how secure AI can transform your business and give you a competitive edge.

Contact a sovereign AI expert today to assess your needs and discover the right solutions for your SME. Your competitive future starts now.

Shadow AI: a guide to turning danger into opportunity

Shadow AI: a guide to turning danger into opportunity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the business world, but not always in an official way. More and more French companies, especially SMEs and VSEs, are facing the Shadow AI phenomenon.

A single figure suffices to explain the scale of the subject: 68% of AI users in a professional context don't tell their managers (BPI France Le Lab - Dec 2024). Behind this term lies a complex reality: employees using AI tools not approved by their company to gain efficiency.

Although the deployment of AI in SMEs and VSEs is progressing, its adoption by managers remains too slow compared to that of their own employees. All the more so as over 50% of managers have no intention of using AI in the short term, and 14% have explicitly forbidden its use.

While shadow AI can boost creativity and productivity in the short term, it also entails major risks over the long term. So how can we turn this challenge into an opportunity? On bringsyou our insights and a number of ways of getting out of this situation.

What is Shadow AI?

The Shadow AI, or "hidden AI", refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools by employees without prior validation by their hierarchy or IT department. These tools include platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL-E, or software specialized in data analysis, project management or content creation.

Why do employees use them?

  • Lack of suitable official tools. The solutions proposed by the company may be perceived as too limited or ill-adapted to the specific context of the business or competitive environment.
  • Productivity. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks (writing, analysis, translation, reporting), quickly solve complex problems (Excel macro, ) or propose a "first version" that meets 80% of the employee's needs.
  • Spontaneous innovation. Some employees want to experiment with new technologies to improve their performance or demonstrate their ability to use new tools, sometimes to get their own management to react.

However, this informal adoption often escapes the radar of senior management and IT departments, posing a number of challenges in terms of organizational coherence, the ability to retain Internet know-how and, of course, data security and compliance.

What are the implications for SMEs and VSEs?

Shadow AI is not just a problem. It also reflects a need for innovation within the company, and a willingness on the part of employees to adapt to digital challenges. It's also the mark of a dynamic team, ready to embrace new ways of working.

  • Time saving. This is the benefit most recognized by all users. AI tools enable employees to automate certain time-consuming tasks (sorting e-mails, writing reports, reporting tables) or tasks that usually require much more time to complete (responding to a call for tenders, redesigning a website).
  • Process improvement. On production lines, better forecasting of maintenance times to limit machine downtime directly increases operational efficiency.
  • Increased creativity. In marketing or communications, for example, generative AIs, seen by many employees as an "expert digital assistant", are used to rapidly create engaging content or personalize customer interactions. These tools also help to reduce the "blank page syndrome" for creative teams, which in turn reduces the mental load on employees.
  • Bottom-up initiatives. The spontaneous use of AI tools in different departments of the company shows that employees are proactive in the search for innovative solutions. This is a corporate culture value worth developing!

However, Shadow AI also entails its share of risks, particularly for smaller organizations which are often less equipped to deal with this type of problem.

  • Data leakage. Information shared with these tools can be stored or used without the company's knowledge, increasing the risk of cyber-attacks or disclosure on the Internet (customer names in an Excel spreadsheet, for example).
  • Internal fragmentation. Uncoordinated use of different tools can lead to inconsistency in internal processes and complicate collaboration between teams.
  • Know-how transfer. If an employee leaves the company with his informal practices, it will probably be difficult to take over his methods or tools, which can be a major loss of time and experience.
  • Legal and regulatory risks. SMEs and VSEs must comply with the RGPD (General Data Protection Regulation). However, some non-validated AI tools can process sensitive data on external servers outside the EU (ChatGPT is an American tool and, in most cases, all data is sent to US servers), exposing the company to sanctions

Enable the entire company to focus on its core objectives: spending more time with employees, partners and customers!

What can be done to rectify the situation?

Rather than repressing the Shadow AI phenomenon, SMEs and VSEs have every interest in integrating it into an overall strategy of responsible innovation. Here are some suggestions from Gorillias on how to capitalize on employee interest and create a general framework compatible with corporate objectives and obligations.

1- Recognizing and managing Shadow AI

  • Map existing uses. Organize an internal audit to identify which AI tools are used by your teams and in which contexts (marketing, HR, customer service, legal, finance, production, logistics...). At the current stage of AI development (generative AI and specialized AI agents), all company departments can be impacted by the deployment of AI solutions.
  • Draw up a clear AI charter. Define what is and isn't allowed when it comes to using AI tools in your company, while explaining the risks associated with certain practices (data security, RGPD compliance, know-how transfer, internal collaboration between different tools).

2- Propose official alternatives

  • Integrate validated tools. Offer employees access to secure AI solutions that comply with legal requirements (e.g. hosted in Europe). Different platforms enable AI to be used while guaranteeing data security. This is how Gorillias works, with data servers hosted in France.
  • Simplify access to technology. Make sure that these tools are easy to use and respond concretely to operational needs (automatic content generation, predictive analysis, etc.).

3- Train your teams and raise their awareness

  • Organize targeted training. As with any technological "revolution", training is crucial! Explain to your employees how to use approved AI tools while respecting internal and external rules.
  • Encourage open dialogue. Involve your teams in defining AI policies so that they feel involved in this digital transformation and adhere to this new framework on their own, rather than continuing the practice of Shadow AI.

4- Enhancing the value of Shadow AI innovation

  • Create a space dedicated to experimentation. Set up a "laboratory" where your employees can freely test certain AI tools under controlled supervision. This unleashes their creativity, maintaining a dynamic approach to rapidly evolving technology while minimizing risk.
  • Reward innovative initiatives. Publicly recognize successful ideas and projects from Shadow AI. This motivates your teams and shows that the company is open to change.

In brief

As such, Shadow AI shows that there is a need expressed by employees to work with new tools, better adapted to the current context. The same was true when computers were introduced into the office 40 years ago. It all depends on how the company manages this transition.

For SMEs and VSEs, this is above all a unique opportunity to accelerate their digital transformation and stimulate internal innovation. By adopting a proactive approach - recognizing the phenomenon, providing a clear framework and formally integrating it - they can transform this informal practice into a genuine strategic lever, enabling the whole company to focus fully on the essential objectives: spending more time with employees, partners and customers!

Questions about Shadow AI? Let's discuss!