excel-online-mcp-server-by-cdata

What is excel-online-mcp-server-by-cdata?

This is a read-only Model Context Protocol (MCP) server built by CData that allows large language models (like Claude Desktop) to query live data from Excel Online. It wraps the CData JDBC Driver for Excel Online, exposing Excel Online data as SQL relational models that LLMs can access via natural language questions — no SQL required.

How to use excel-online-mcp-server-by-cdata?

Clone the repository, build the JAR with Maven, download and install the CData JDBC Driver for Excel Online, license the driver, configure a connection string using the driver’s utility, and create a .prp file with JDBC properties. Then add the server to your Claude Desktop configuration file (claude_desktop_config.json) and restart Claude Desktop. The server runs via stdio and must be on the same machine as the client.

Key features of excel-online-mcp-server-by-cdata

• Read-only querying of Excel Online data via natural language
• Built on the CData JDBC Driver for Excel Online
• Exposes tables and columns as MCP tools
• Supports SQL SELECT queries through the {servername}_run_query tool
• Requires Maven build and driver licensing
• Uses stdio transport for local client-server communication

Use cases of excel-online-mcp-server-by-cdata

• Ask Claude Desktop to summarize data stored in Excel Online workbooks
• Run natural language analytics on Excel Online tables without writing SQL
• Integrate Excel Online data into AI workflows for reporting or dashboards

FAQ from excel-online-mcp-server-by-cdata

Is this server read-only?

Yes, this project builds a read-only MCP server. For full read, write, update, delete, and action capabilities, CData offers a free beta MCP server for Excel Online.

What transport does the server use?

The server uses stdio transport, so it can only be used with clients that run on the same machine as the server.

What tools are provided by the server?

The server provides three tools: {servername}_get_tables (list available tables), {servername}_get_columns (list columns for a table), and {servername}_run_query (execute a SQL SELECT query). Tool names are prefixed with the server name defined in the .prp file.

How do I configure the connection to Excel Online?

Use the CData JDBC Driver’s Connection String utility to test and copy a JDBC connection string, then create a .prp file with properties like DriverPath, DriverClass, and JdbcUrl. OAuth authentication may require browser-based sign-in.

Where can I get help if I have trouble?

For connection issues, contact the CData Support Team. For MCP server usage or feedback, join the CData Community.