Target Operating Model: OpenFaaS MCP Server Deployment¶

Overview¶

This Target Operating Model (TOM) outlines the deployment of a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server using OpenFaaS. OpenFaaS provides a serverless framework to package server functionalities as containerized functions, enabling convenient deployment and autoscaling on Kubernetes, OpenShift, or a standalone server.

Executive Summary¶

Deploying MCP server operations with OpenFaaS ensures: - Scalability: Dynamic autoscaling based on demand - Operational Efficiency: Lower overhead by utilizing serverless container functions - Flexibility: Support for any language, provided in a container - Ease of Management: Web-based and CLI management tools

Function Preparation and Deployment¶

Step-by-Step Deployment¶

1. Prepare MCP Server Code¶

• Ready your MCP server executable code.
• Use a command such as:

  npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /data
  

2. Scaffold an OpenFaaS Function¶

• Initialize your project:

  faas-cli new mcp-server --lang dockerfile
  

• This command will structure your function directory with Dockerfile support.

3. Customize Dockerfile¶

• Edit the Dockerfile to install dependencies and set the execution command:

  FROM node:20-alpine
  
  WORKDIR /app
  RUN npm install -g @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem
  
  COPY handler.sh .
  RUN chmod +x handler.sh
  
  ENV fprocess="npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /data"
  CMD ["fwatchdog"]
  

• handler.sh facilitates additional custom execution if needed, controlled by the fprocess environment.

4. Setup OpenFaaS Function Configuration¶

• Configure mcp-server.yml:

  provider:
    name: openfaas
    gateway: http://127.0.0.1:8080
  
  functions:
    mcp-server:
      lang: dockerfile
      handler: ./mcp-server
      image: your_dockerhub_username/mcp-server:latest
  

• Update with your Docker Hub credentials.

5. Build and Deploy¶

• Build and push the Docker image:

  faas-cli build -f mcp-server.yml
  faas-cli push -f mcp-server.yml
  

• Deploy your function to the OpenFaaS gateway:

  faas-cli deploy -f mcp-server.yml
  

6. Confirm and Test¶

• Confirm deployment:

  faas-cli list
  

• Invoke the function:

  echo "test" | faas-cli invoke mcp-server
  

Architectural Benefits¶

Function Management¶

• Easy Scaling: Functions scale automatically based on demand
• Efficient Resource Allocation: Only utilize resources during active requests

Development and Operations¶

• Language Agnostic: Supported deployment of any language as long as it fits within a container
• Robust Tooling: OpenFaaS CLI and UI simplify function management

Key Notes¶

• The fprocess environment variable defines function execution. It tailors the OpenFaaS handling process uniquely for any MCP node command.
• OpenFaaS supports a multi-cloud setup, offering flexibility in hosting serverless functions across varied infrastructures.

Business Impact¶

Enhanced Flexibility: Allows deploying serverless MCP instances at scale with lower costs and enhanced manageability.

Improved Resource Utilization: Ensures optimal cost savings by running functions only when needed, reducing idle time to zero.

Deploying an MCP server as an OpenFaaS function provides a modern, cloud-native approach to dynamic serverless deployments, fully leveraging OpenFaaS's robust features for maximum efficiency and ease of operation.