How to Query Live OData Services in Perplexity MacOS Desktop

Yazhini G
Technical Marketing Engineer

Connect to and query live OData Services in Perplexity Desktop using the CData MCP Server.

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 OData, configuring the connection to OData, and interacting with your live OData services from Perplexity Desktop.

About OData Data Integration

CData simplifies access and integration of live OData services data. Our customers leverage CData connectivity to:

Access OData versions 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0, working with legacy services and the latest features and capabilities.
Leverage advanced query options, including $filter, $select, and $expand, enhancing data retrieval from 3rd party tools.
Use Server-side execution of aggregation and grouping to minimize data transfer and boost performance.
Authenticate securely using a variety of schemes, including Azure AD, digest, negotiate, NTLM, OAuth, and more means secure authentication with every connection.
Use SQL stored procedures to manage OData service entities - listing, creating, and removing associations between entities.

Customers use CData's solutions to regularly integrate their OData services with preferred tools, such as Power BI, MicroStrategy, or Tableau, and to replicate data from OData services to their databases or data warehouses.

Getting Started

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

To begin, download the CData MCP Server for OData
Find and double-click the installer to begin the installation
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 OData.

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.

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

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

Step 2: Configure the Connection to OData

After installation, you can open the CData MCP Server for OData from the Applications folder on your mac
Click the dropdown menu in MCP Configuration > Configuration Name and select "new configuration"
Name the configuration (e.g. "cdata_odata") and click "OK"
Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard.

The User and Password properties, under the Authentication section, must be set to valid OData user credentials. In addition, specify a URL to a valid OData server organization root or OData services file.
Click "Connect" to authenticate with OData.
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

Download the Perplexity Desktop application for macOS and sign in with your Pro or Premium account
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
After restarting, return to Settings > Connectors and click Add Connector

Select the Simple tab and assign a name for the connector (e.g., "CData OData MCP"). In the Command box, enter the absolute path to your MCP Server executable.

For example:

	/Applications/CData MCP Server for OData.app/Contents/Payload/jre/Contents/Home/bin/java \
	-jar /Applications/CData MCP Server for OData.app/Contents/Payload/lib/cdata.mcp.odata.jar \
	cdata_odata

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

Step 4: Query Your Live OData services in Perplexity Desktop

Open a new chat in Perplexity Desktop. Click the Sources toggle and enable your MCP Server
Start asking questions about your OData services. For example:
"List all the tables available in my OData services connection."

Connect your AI to your OData services 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.