TRACK
Building vs. Buying Integrations
A decision framework for technical leaders, when to build custom MCP servers, when to use open source, and how to evaluate the options without getting locked in.
3 articles in this track
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I build a custom MCP server?
Build custom when the integration is proprietary (internal APIs, custom databases), when you need behavior that existing servers don't support, or when the tool's API is undocumented and requires institutional knowledge. Don't build custom for commodity tools like Slack, Salesforce, or Google Workspace, use pre-built servers.
How do I evaluate an open-source MCP server?
Four criteria: does it cover the tool capabilities you need (scope), is it actively maintained (last commit, open issues), has it been security scanned (check mpak trust level), and does it handle auth correctly (OAuth flows, token refresh). NimbleBrain publishes an MCP server quality checklist.
What is the risk of vendor lock-in with AI integrations?
The Windsurf incident proved this is real: over a million developers lost tool access overnight when a provider cut API access. Managed integration platforms create the same risk. Open-source MCP servers on open protocols mean you always have the option to self-host or fork.
What does mpak offer over npm or GitHub?
mpak.dev is purpose-built for MCP servers. It provides security scanning (automated MTF assessment), standardized metadata (capabilities, auth requirements, resource access), and a search experience designed for agents and developers. npm hosts packages. mpak hosts validated agent tools.