How to Query Live AlloyDB Data in Perplexity MacOS Desktop

Perplexity is an AI-powered research and answer engine that allows users to combine web search, structured data, and connected tools through a unified conversational interface. With Perplexity Desktop for macOS, users can bring local tools and data sources directly into their workflow using MCP, enabling fast, context-aware insights powered by live data.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an emerging, open-source standard for connecting LLMs with external services and enterprise data sources. Using MCP Servers, AI clients such as Perplexity Desktop can securely interact with applications and data, performing actions, retrieving live information, and enabling natural language access to data.

In this article, we guide you through installing the CData MCP Server for AlloyDB, configuring the connection to AlloyDB, and interacting with your live AlloyDB data from Perplexity Desktop.

Step 1: Download and install the CData MCP Server for AlloyDB

1. To begin, download the CData MCP Server for AlloyDB
2. Find and double-click the installer to begin the installation
3. Drag the CData MCP Server app into the Applications folder

When the installation is complete, you are ready to configure your MCP Server by connecting to AlloyDB.

NOTE: Since you downloaded the application from the internet and not the Apple App Store, you may see a warning that the application was not opened because Apple could not verify its security. You may continue with the installation.

Installing a trusted, unverified App

CData's solutions are trusted across the globe by some of the largest software vendors in the world. That said, if you have any concerns about continuing, please consult with your IT and/or security team.

1. In the warning message that pops up, click "Done"
2. Open "System Settings" on your machine and navigate to the "Privacy & Security" page

3. Scroll down to the "Security" section and click "Open Anyway"
4. Authorize the installation (passkey or password)

Step 2: Configure the Connection to AlloyDB

1. After installation, you can open the CData MCP Server for AlloyDB from the Applications folder on your mac
2. Click the dropdown menu in MCP Configuration > Configuration Name and select "new configuration"
3. Name the configuration (e.g. "cdata_alloydb") and click "OK"

4. Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard.

   The following connection properties are usually required in order to connect to AlloyDB.

   • Server: The host name or IP of the server hosting the AlloyDB database.
   • User: The user which will be used to authenticate with the AlloyDB server.
   • Password: The password which will be used to authenticate with the AlloyDB server.

   You can also optionally set the following:

   • Database: The database to connect to when connecting to the AlloyDB Server. If this is not set, the user's default database will be used.
   • Port: The port of the server hosting the AlloyDB database. This property is set to 5432 by default.

   Authenticating with Standard Authentication

   Standard authentication (using the user/password combination supplied earlier) is the default form of authentication.

   No further action is required to leverage Standard Authentication to connect.

   Authenticating with pg_hba.conf Auth Schemes

   There are additional methods of authentication available which must be enabled in the pg_hba.conf file on the AlloyDB server.

   Find instructions about authentication setup on the AlloyDB Server here.

   Authenticating with MD5 Authentication

   This authentication method must be enabled by setting the auth-method in the pg_hba.conf file to md5.

   Authenticating with SASL Authentication

   This authentication method must be enabled by setting the auth-method in the pg_hba.conf file to scram-sha-256.

   Authenticating with Kerberos

   The authentication with Kerberos is initiated by AlloyDB Server when the ∏ is trying to connect to it. You should set up Kerberos on the AlloyDB Server to activate this authentication method. Once you have Kerberos authentication set up on the AlloyDB Server, see the Kerberos section of the help documentation for details on how to authenticate with Kerberos.

5. Click "Connect" to authenticate with AlloyDB.
6. Click "Save Configuration" to save the MCP server

With your MCP Server configured, you are ready to connect it to Perplexity Desktop.

Step 3: Connect the MCP Server to Perplexity Desktop

1. Download the Perplexity Desktop application for macOS and sign in with your Pro or Premium account
2. Open Settings > Connectors. If the Perplexity Helper App is not installed, you will be prompted to download it. Install the Helper App, then restart Perplexity Desktop
3. After restarting, return to Settings > Connectors and click Add Connector
4. Select the Simple tab and assign a name for the connector (e.g., "CData AlloyDB MCP"). In the Command box, enter the absolute path to your MCP Server executable.

   For example:

   	/Applications/CData MCP Server for AlloyDB.app/Contents/Payload/jre/Contents/Home/bin/java \
   	-jar /Applications/CData MCP Server for AlloyDB.app/Contents/Payload/lib/cdata.mcp.alloydb.jar \
   	cdata_alloydb
   

   
5. Click Save. Your MCP Server should now appear in the connector list with a "Running" status

Step 4: Query Your Live AlloyDB data in Perplexity Desktop

1. Open a new chat in Perplexity Desktop. Click the Sources toggle and enable your MCP Server
2. Start asking questions about your AlloyDB data. For example:

   "List all the tables available in my AlloyDB data connection."

   

Connect your AI to your AlloyDB data today!

CData MCP Servers make it simple to connect Perplexity and other LLM clients to real-time enterprise data. Download a free, 30-day trial and join the CData Community to share insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of enterprise-ready AI.