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MCP Marketplace Validation

This page outlines the process for validating and publishing a Partner MCP Server to the Databricks Marketplace.

Prerequisites​

Before starting MCP Marketplace validation:

  • You must be a Databricks Data Partner. If you're not yet a partner, apply through the Partner Portal first.
  • Have an MCP server ready with HTTP/OAuth authentication

Validation process​

The process consists of three steps:

  1. Technical Validation
  2. Marketplace Onboarding
  3. Testing the Marketplace Listing

Step 1: Technical validation​

Technical validation confirms that the MCP server integrates correctly with Databricks and supports end-to-end tool execution through Databricks-hosted LLMs.

Validation options​

  • Live validation during the Integration Review Call — Partners should perform validation directly in their own Databricks workspace when working with sensitive or customer data.
  • Validation in a Databricks-owned Workspace — If a test MCP server with dummy data is available and authentication details are shared, a Partner Engineer can perform validation in a Databricks-managed workspace.

Partners should review the public MCP Server documentation before starting.

Details required​

  • MCP server URL (base endpoint)
  • Access token or OAuth credentials (required for HTTP authentication)

Validation steps​

  1. Create an External MCP Connection in Databricks using the provided MCP server URL and authentication details.
  2. Attach the MCP Connection to an LLM in Databricks Playground.
  3. Run an end-to-end test to verify MCP tool invocation and responses.
  4. If successful, the Partner Engineer marks the MCP integration as validated.

Required information for validation​

As part of technical validation (and to prepare for Marketplace onboarding), Partners must provide the following:

ItemDescription
Short descriptionA brief overview of what the MCP server does and the problems it helps customers solve
Tools exposedA list of tools currently available through the MCP server, with short descriptions. Include tools planned on the roadmap
Joint value propositionDescribe how joint customers will use the MCP integration with Databricks, including key use cases and the value unlocked by combining the Partner MCP server with Databricks capabilities

Step 2: Marketplace onboarding​

Once technical validation is complete, Partners must onboard their MCP server to the Databricks Marketplace.

The onboarding process covers:

  • Applying to be a Marketplace Data Partner
  • Creating a Provider Profile
  • Creating an MCP Marketplace listing
  • Requesting ISV Partner Manager/Partner Engineer approval for workspace allowlisting
  • Publishing the listing
Workspace allowlisting

To authorize a workspace to create and manage MCP Marketplace listings, partners must provide their Databricks Account ID and Workspace ID.

Step 3: Testing the Marketplace listing​

Partners test the MCP Marketplace listing end-to-end before publishing to ensure installation, authentication, and MCP tool invocation work as expected.

Testing steps:

  1. Install the MCP listing in a test workspace
  2. Configure authentication and connection details
  3. Attach the MCP server to a Databricks-hosted LLM
  4. Run a sample prompt to validate tool invocation

Once testing is complete and successful, the listing can proceed to final review and publication.

What's next​

  • Review the MCP Server documentation for technical details
  • See Listings for Marketplace listing best practices
  • Contact the Databricks Partner Engineering team through the Partner Portal for assistance