App development has changed dramatically in the last few years. It's no longer just about building for one platform; it's about building for all of them without breaking your backend or losing your mind.
That’s where MCP comes in.
But what is an MCP, exactly? And how does it fit into modern app architecture?
Let’s break it down, step-by-step.
What is an MCP?
MCP stands for Multi-Channel Platform.
At its core, an MCP is a centralized system that powers your app across multiple platforms like mobile, web, desktop, APIs, and even smart devices, all from a single backend. Platforms like Anything are making it easier than ever to build apps with a unified backend and consistent logic across mobile, web, and beyond.
An MCP server handles the heavy lifting:
- Business logic
- Data management
- API delivery
- Authentication
- Real-time communication
And more, without needing to duplicate code for each platform
Why this matters: Instead of building separate backends for iOS, Android, and web, you use one engine to drive them all. It’s faster, cleaner, and way easier to maintain.
And it’s working. According to a 2024 report by Gartner, over 75% of enterprise apps are expected to adopt multi-channel or modular architectures by 2026. The shift is real and necessary.
MCP vs Traditional Backend
Why MCPs matters?
App users don’t stick to one platform anymore. They move across devices and expect consistency. That’s where MCP becomes essential.
According to data, global mobile app revenue is expected to hit $613 billion by 2025, up from $469 billion in 2023.
And users aren’t just on mobile. 48% of app users also access their services on web platforms at least weekly. That means if you’re not thinking cross-platform, you’re already behind.
An MCP server enables:
- Unified experience across devices
- Less duplicated code across teams
- Easier testing and updates
- Lower development and maintenance costs
- Faster launches for new features
- Integration with backend AI agents that personalize user experience across touchpoints
How does an MCP server work?
An MCP server acts as a central brain for your entire application ecosystem. Here’s what it typically does:
- Handles API requests from different frontends
- Manages user sessions and authentication consistently
- Stores and retrieves data from databases or third-party APIs
- Executes shared business logic that applies across platforms
- Delivers updates via real-time tools like WebSockets or server-sent even
An MCP server sits between your frontend apps and your data/services.
Components of an MCP System:
- Unified Backend The core of your system handles business logic, databases, user sessions, etc.
- API Layer A well-structured REST or GraphQL API that delivers data to all clients.
- Multiple Frontends Web apps, native mobile apps, and desktop interfaces all talking to the same API.
- External Services MCPs make it easy to plug in payment processors, notification systems, analytics, etc., all from one place.
Think of it like this:
If you’re building a messaging app, the MCP server is what sends and syncs messages to your mobile app, web dashboard, and admin panel simultaneously with no duplicated effort.
How Anything uses MCP principles (without making you think about it)
One of the coolest things about using Anything is that you don’t have to understand backend systems to benefit from an MCP-style architecture.
When you build with Anything:
- Your frontend is clean and separate
- Your logic and services are centralized and reusable
- You can deploy across platforms with minimal config
- You get access to structured APIs and dynamic logic blocks
In other words, Anything gives you MCP without the overhead of managing a backend team or DevOps pipeline.
Whether you're building a SaaS, a social app, or a productivity tool, Anything helps you architect like a pro even if you’re just starting out.
Common use cases of MCP in app development
Still wondering where MCPs come in handy? Here are a few places they shine:
1. Cross-platform applications
Apps like Slack, Notion, and Spotify use shared logic across mobile, desktop, and web. MCP architecture lets them do that efficiently.
2. Headless apps
MCPs are great for headless CMS, ecommerce, or platforms where content and logic live on a backend, but the frontend is customized for different interfaces.
3. Multi-tenant SaaS
Need to handle multiple customers, each with slightly different logic or data? An MCP server helps manage this with modular APIs and scalable logic.
4. IoT & wearable integrations
Want to extend your app into watches, TVs, or home devices? MCP gives you the backend flexibility to do that without starting from scratch.
Conclusion
So,
It’s the smart way to build modern apps:
One backend. Multiple frontends. Seamless performance. Ready for anything.
Whether you're an indie dev building your first side project or a team scaling up a SaaS product, using an MCP server approach gives you leverage, speed, and structure.
And with Anything, you’re already steps ahead building apps that work, look great, and are ready for wherever your users show up next.
