Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (J…

@Azure-Samples

About Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (J…

This is a quickstart template to easily build and deploy a custom remote MCP server to the cloud using Azure Functions with Java.

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "remote-mcp-functions-java": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-p",
        "10000:10000",
        "-p",
        "10001:10001",
        "-p",
        "10002:10002",
        "\\"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Tools

No tools detected

We auto-extract tools from the README. The maintainer can list them under a ## Tools heading to populate this section.

Overview

What is Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (Java)?

This quick-start shows how to build and deploy a remote MCP server using Azure Functions (Java). It includes sample tools (HelloWorld, SaveSnippets, GetSnippets) that persist data to Azure Blob Storage, and demonstrates secure deployment with system keys, optional OAuth, and VNet isolation. It is aimed at developers who want to host an MCP server in the cloud for use with AI copilots like GitHub Copilot.

How to use Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (Java)?

Install prerequisites (JDK 17+, Azure Functions Core Tools, Azure Developer CLI, Docker for Azurite). Run mvn clean package then mvn azure-functions:run to start the local SSE endpoint at http://127.0.0.1:7071/runtime/webhooks/mcp/sse. Deploy to Azure with azd up. Connect clients by setting the SSE URL with the system key mcp_extension as a header (x-functions-key).

Key features of Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (Java)

MCP server running on Azure Functions (Java)
Tools: HelloWorld, SaveSnippets, GetSnippets
Server-Sent Events (SSE) transport
Secure with system keys + HTTPS
Optional OAuth via EasyAuth or API Management
Optional VNet isolation
Deploy locally or to Azure with azd up

Use cases of Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (Java)

Hosting a remote MCP server for GitHub Copilot agent mode
Persisting user snippets in Azure Blob Storage across sessions
Securing MCP endpoints behind system keys and optional OAuth
Isolating MCP workloads inside a virtual network

FAQ from Getting Started with Remote MCP Servers using Azure Functions (Java)

What are the prerequisites to run this MCP server?

JDK 17+, Azure Functions Core Tools v4 (≥4.0.7030), Azure Developer CLI, and Docker (for Azurite blob emulator when running locally).

How do I secure the remote MCP server?

The server is secured by design with system keys and HTTPS. For additional OAuth support, use EasyAuth or API Management. VNet isolation can be enabled by setting VNET_ENABLED=true before provisioning.

How do clients connect to the remote server?

Clients use the SSE URL https://<FUNC_APP_NAME>.azurewebsites.net/runtime/webhooks/mcp/sse and pass the mcp_extension system key as the x-functions-key header. The same URL with a ?code= query parameter works for tools like MCP Inspector.

How do I redeploy or clean up the Azure resources?

Redeploy with azd up (safe to run repeatedly). Clean up all resources with azd down.

Where does the server store data?

The SaveSnippets and GetSnippets tools persist data in Azure Blob Storage (emulated locally via Azurite, using a real storage account in Azure).

Frequently asked questions

What are the prerequisites to run this MCP server?

JDK 17+, Azure Functions Core Tools v4 (≥4.0.7030), Azure Developer CLI, and Docker (for Azurite blob emulator when running locally).

How do I secure the remote MCP server?

The server is secured by design with system keys and HTTPS. For additional OAuth support, use EasyAuth or API Management. VNet isolation can be enabled by setting `VNET_ENABLED=true` before provisioning.

How do clients connect to the remote server?

Clients use the SSE URL `https://<FUNC_APP_NAME>.azurewebsites.net/runtime/webhooks/mcp/sse` and pass the `mcp_extension` system key as the `x-functions-key` header. The same URL with a `?code=` query parameter works for tools like MCP Inspector.

How do I redeploy or clean up the Azure resources?

Redeploy with `azd up` (safe to run repeatedly). Clean up all resources with `azd down`.

Where does the server store data?

The `SaveSnippets` and `GetSnippets` tools persist data in Azure Blob Storage (emulated locally via Azurite, using a real storage account in Azure).

Comments

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