How to Query Live SAP Ariba Source Data in Perplexity MacOS Desktop

Yazhini G
Technical Marketing Engineer

Connect to and query live SAP Ariba Source Data 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 SAP Ariba Source, configuring the connection to SAP Ariba Source, and interacting with your live SAP Ariba Source data from Perplexity Desktop.

Step 1: Download and install the CData MCP Server for SAP Ariba Source

To begin, download the CData MCP Server for SAP Ariba Source
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 SAP Ariba Source.

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 SAP Ariba Source

After installation, you can open the CData MCP Server for SAP Ariba Source 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_saparibasource") and click "OK"
Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard.

In order to connect with SAP Ariba Source, set the following:
- API: Specify which API you would like the provider to retrieve SAP Ariba data from. Select the Supplier, Sourcing Project Management, or Contract API based on your business role (possible values are SupplierDataAPIWithPaginationV4, SourcingProjectManagementAPIV2, or ContractAPIV1).
- DataCenter: The data center where your account's data is hosted.
- Realm: The name of the site you want to access.
- Environment: Indicate whether you are connecting to a test or production environment (possible values are TEST or PRODUCTION).
If you are connecting to the Supplier Data API or the Contract API, additionally set the following:
- User: Id of the user on whose behalf API calls are invoked.
- PasswordAdapter: The password associated with the authenticating User.
If you're connecting to the Supplier API, set ProjectId to the Id of the sourcing project you want to retrieve data from.

Authenticating with OAuth

After setting connection properties, you need to configure OAuth connectivity to authenticate.
- Set AuthScheme to OAuthClient.
- Register an application with the service to obtain the APIKey, OAuthClientId and OAuthClientSecret.
  For more information on creating an OAuth application, refer to the Help documentation.
Automatic OAuth

After setting the following, you are ready to connect:
When you connect, the provider automatically completes the OAuth process:
1. The provider obtains an access token from SAP Ariba and uses it to request data.
2. The provider refreshes the access token automatically when it expires.
3. The OAuth values are saved in memory relative to the location specified in OAuthSettingsLocation.
Click "Connect" to authenticate with SAP Ariba Source through OAuth.
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 SAP Ariba Source MCP"). In the Command box, enter the absolute path to your MCP Server executable.

For example:

	/Applications/CData MCP Server for SAP Ariba Source.app/Contents/Payload/jre/Contents/Home/bin/java \
	-jar /Applications/CData MCP Server for SAP Ariba Source.app/Contents/Payload/lib/cdata.mcp.saparibasource.jar \
	cdata_saparibasource

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

Step 4: Query Your Live SAP Ariba Source data in Perplexity Desktop

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

Connect your AI to your SAP Ariba Source 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.