Hands-On IT – MCP Servers 101: How They Work and Why They Matter, E23
Download MP3In this episode of Hands-On IT, host Landon Miles breaks down what MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers are, why they exist, and how they’re transforming real-world IT automation.
Before MCP, AI assistants struggled to interact with the tools, systems, and data IT teams rely on. With the rise of open-source MCP servers, models now have a standardized, permission-aware way to reach into infrastructure, pull context, and execute workflows safely.
Landon also sits down with Henry Smith, who helped build the Automox MCP server prototype. Together, they explore:
- What MCP servers actually do and the problems they solve
- Why the open-source model matters for IT teams
- How MCP provides a clean, consistent interface for tools and data
- Real-world applications like report generation, patch policy creation, and audit log analysis
- How Automox built its own MCP server using Fast MCP
- The future of AI-driven IT operations
If you're an IT admin, security engineer, or automation enthusiast, this episode provides a clear explanation and a practical look at MCP servers in action.
Links:
Automox MCP Blog: https://www.automox.com/blog/automox-mcp
Automox MCP Git Repo: https://github.com/AutomoxCommunity/automox-mcp
Links:
Automox MCP Blog: https://www.automox.com/blog/automox-mcp
Automox MCP Git Repo: https://github.com/AutomoxCommunity/automox-mcp
Creators and Guests
Host
Landon Miles
Landon Miles is the host of the Hands-On IT podcast. Landon’s profound passion for technology isn't just evident in his voice, it’s apparent in how he breaks down cutting-edge tech trends, formats user-friendly tutorials, and gets into the weeds of the complexities of IT technologies. His approach makes the Hands-On IT podcast an essential resource for both seasoned IT pros and those new to the field, looking to enrich their tech experience. With a background that spans various facets of technology, Landon brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to each episode.
