OpenLink MCP Server for ODBC
This document covers the set up and use of a generic ODBC server for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), referred to as an mcp-odbc server. It has been developed to provide Large Language Models with transparent access to ODBC-accessible data sources via a Data Source Name configured for a specific ODBC Connector (also called an ODBC Driver).
Server Implementation
This MCP Server for ODBC is a small TypeScript layer built on top of node-odbc. It routes calls to the host system's local ODBC Driver Manager via node.js (specifically using npx for TypeScript).
Operating Environment Set Up & Prerequisites
While the examples that follow are oriented toward the Virtuoso ODBC Connector, this guide will also work with other ODBC Connectors. We strongly encourage code contributions and submissions of usage demos related to other database management systems (DBMS) for incorporation into this project.
Key System Components
- Check the
node.jsversion. If it's not21.1.0or higher, upgrade or install explicitly using:nvm install v21.1.0 - Install MCP components using:
npm install @modelcontextprotocol/sdk zod tsx odbc dotenv - Set the
nvmversion using:nvm alias default 21.1.0
