MCP for tools, A2A for agents. One open home for both.
Eight months after it launched, the Agentic AI Foundation now hosts the standards for agents to use tools and to work with each other. Automation is getting easier to connect.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 23 August 2026
Key takeaways
- Google's Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol joined the Agentic AI Foundation on 17 August 2026.
- Foundation membership grew from fewer than 40 at its December 2025 launch to more than 250.
- Open standards make it easier for agents from different vendors to cooperate.
In December we wrote about the Agentic AI Foundation's launch with MCP. Now the main standard for agents talking to each other has joined it too.
What happened
MarketingProfs reported the move and the foundation's growth. The Linux Foundation's original announcement explains its purpose.
What it means for businesses
- Mix and match vendors. Your booking agent and your CRM agent can cooperate.
- Less lock-in. Open protocols make switching easier.
- Customer agents will reach you. Be ready for agent-to-agent enquiries.
Preparing for connected agents
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Choose tools that support MCP | Easy to connect to AI. |
| Keep data in one source of truth | Agents need consistent information. |
| Define what agents may do | Clear permissions per task. |
| Log agent actions | Review and audit easily. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the A2A protocol?Google's open Agent2Agent protocol, which lets AI agents from different vendors communicate and coordinate tasks.
Google's open Agent2Agent protocol, which lets AI agents from different vendors communicate and coordinate tasks.
How is A2A different from MCP?MCP connects an AI agent to tools and data; A2A connects agents to each other.
MCP connects an AI agent to tools and data; A2A connects agents to each other.
Does a small business need to know about this?Mainly when choosing tools: prefer software that supports open AI standards so future automation is easier.
Mainly when choosing tools: prefer software that supports open AI standards so future automation is easier.
Automation built on open standards.
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