Custom MCP servers
stackgate.ai vs building custom MCP servers
Rolling your own MCP servers gives maximum control but multiplies OAuth flows, credential storage, and gateway wiring for every integration. stackgate.ai productizes that infrastructure.
- Definition-backed integrations synced from database/definitions
- OAuth connect UI and encrypted credential storage per tenant
- Private gateway proxies without maintaining 50+ stdio commands
Feature comparison
| Capability | stackgate.ai | Custom MCP servers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use case | Operate MCP infrastructure as a product | Full control over one or few bespoke servers |
| Integration catalog | 98+ maintained integrations with tests and docs | Only what your team builds and maintains |
| Permissions model | Token scopes, connection modes, company policies | Custom auth logic per server |
| Gateway model | Unified gateway with discovery and namespacing | Separate MCP endpoints per server unless you build a router |
| Audit & governance | Central audit logs across integrations | You implement logging and retention |
| Pricing snapshot | Subscription replaces ongoing integration engineering | Engineering time + hosting for every connector |
When stackgate.ai is the better fit
- You need many SaaS connectors quickly and cannot staff a dedicated MCP platform team.
- Security and compliance require centralized credential storage and audit trails.
- You still want custom MCP servers for internal APIs alongside hosted integrations.
Related integrations
Related workflows
Frequently asked questions
- Can I still run custom MCP servers?
- Yes. stackgate.ai supports custom and OpenAPI-generated servers alongside the hosted catalog. The hub is infrastructure, not a walled garden.
- What about local-only integrations?
- Device-bound integrations like Apple Notes use the stackgate.ai desktop app. The hub coordinates auth while secrets stay on the device.
Try stackgate.ai with your AI client
Connect OAuth integrations in minutes, scope API tokens to specific tools, and route everything through a governed private or business gateway.