The history of middleware in this and the predictions for MCP based on past outcomes is really interesting.
"Middleware never quite lives up to these promises in practice. MCP, if history is any guide, will go down one of two paths:
1. Everyone will use it.
2. Everyone but one key platform will use it
When (1) happens two things will be true. First, no one will effectively monetize it. Second, every vendor will also add unique aspects to how they consume (client) or produce (server) the exchange. This is internet networking, TCP/IP or HTTP. For (1), the feature is low level enough that all the interesting things will happen on top. This happens as something goes from "new and cool" to building out broader capabilities.
When (2) happens that is because one platform is the leader and our industry has a long history of "everyone but.." APIs/protocols that are used by everyone but the leader. Usually by the time this leader "comes around" to being a first class citizen, it no longer matters as the industry has moved on to the next big thing as a center for innovation."
rbanffy · 33d ago
For me, MCP will always be Master Control Program, which is both Tron's fictional villain, and Borroughs notoriously user-hostile operating system.
"Middleware never quite lives up to these promises in practice. MCP, if history is any guide, will go down one of two paths:
1. Everyone will use it.
2. Everyone but one key platform will use it
When (1) happens two things will be true. First, no one will effectively monetize it. Second, every vendor will also add unique aspects to how they consume (client) or produce (server) the exchange. This is internet networking, TCP/IP or HTTP. For (1), the feature is low level enough that all the interesting things will happen on top. This happens as something goes from "new and cool" to building out broader capabilities.
When (2) happens that is because one platform is the leader and our industry has a long history of "everyone but.." APIs/protocols that are used by everyone but the leader. Usually by the time this leader "comes around" to being a first class citizen, it no longer matters as the industry has moved on to the next big thing as a center for innovation."