---
type: strategy
title: MCP Hosting Strategy
description: MCP servers can be hosted locally, remotely, or behind a gateway depending on governance and operational requirements.
resource: sources/mcp-strategies.md
tags: [mcp, hosting, gateway, architecture]
timestamp: 2026-06-30
---

# MCP Hosting Strategy

MCP server hosting determines how agents access tools and how organizations control updates, authentication, authorization, and observability.

## Hosting options

1. **Local hosting**: fast local iteration, but harder lifecycle and governance control.
2. **Remote hosting**: centralized access and versioning, but requires strong authentication and multi-tenant planning.
3. **MCP gateway**: single endpoint for routing, discovery, policy enforcement, and tool filtering.

## Recommended approach

- Start locally for experimentation.
- Move shared enterprise capabilities to remote MCP servers.
- Use a gateway when many agents and MCP servers need centralized governance.

## Related concepts

- [MCP Governance Strategy](mcp-governance-strategy.md)
- [MCP Tool Design Strategy](mcp-tool-design-strategy.md)
