amcchord/slideMCP

Slide MCP Server

An MCP server implementation that integrates with the Slide API, providing comprehensive device and infrastructure management capabilities through a streamlined meta-tools architecture.

🚀 Go Binary Implementation ⚡

• Single binary: No dependencies, just download and run
• Fast startup: ~50ms startup time
• Low memory usage: 10-20MB memory footprint
• Cross-platform: Linux, macOS, Windows binaries
• Zero Installation Hassle: Simple download and configure
• Streamlined Interface: 14 meta-tools instead of 52+ individual tools for better LLM interaction

For quick setup instructions with Claude Desktop, see the installation section below.

🎯 Major Architecture Improvement

Meta-Tools Design: This MCP server uses an innovative meta-tools architecture that consolidates 52+ individual API operations into just 14 focused meta-tools. This design significantly reduces complexity for LLMs while maintaining full functionality.

Each meta-tool accepts an operation parameter that specifies the action to perform, along with the relevant parameters for that operation.

Example Usage Pattern

{
  "name": "slide_devices",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "list",
    "limit": 10,
    "client_id": "client-123"
  }
}

Available Meta-Tools

🔧 Core Infrastructure

1. slide_devices - Physical device management

   • Operations: list, get, update, poweroff, reboot
   • Power control, hostname/display name updates, client assignment

2. slide_agents - Backup agent management

   • Operations: list, get, create, pair, update
   • Agent creation, pairing with devices, display name management

3. slide_networks - Network infrastructure

   • Operations: list, get, create, update, delete
   • Network creation with DHCP, VPN support, client isolation
   • IPSec: create_ipsec, update_ipsec, delete_ipsec
   • Port Forwarding: create_port_forward, update_port_forward, delete_port_forward
   • WireGuard VPN: create_wg_peer, update_wg_peer, delete_wg_peer

💾 Data Management

4. slide_backups - Backup operations

   • Operations: list, get, start
   • Initiate and monitor backup jobs

5. slide_snapshots - Snapshot management

   • Operations: list, get
   • Browse and access point-in-time snapshots with advanced filtering

6. slide_restores - File & image restoration

   • File Restores: list_files, get_file, create_file, delete_file, browse_file
   • Image Exports: list_images, get_image, create_image, delete_image, browse_image
   • Support for VHD, VHDX (dynamic/fixed), and Raw disk formats
   • Optional boot modifications (passwordless admin user)

☁️ Virtual Infrastructure

7. slide_vms - Virtual machine management
   • Operations: list, get, create, update, delete
   • Browser-based VNC console access
   • Configurable CPU (1-16 cores) and RAM (1-12GB)
   • Multiple network modes and disk bus types

👥 Administration

8. slide_users - User management

   • Operations: list, get
   • User account information and permissions

9. slide_alerts - Alert monitoring

   • Operations: list, get, update (resolve)
   • System alert management and resolution

10. slide_accounts - Account & client organization

    • Accounts: list_accounts, get_account, update_account (alert emails)
    • Clients: list_clients, get_client, create_client, update_client, delete_client
    • Organize resources by client, manage alert notifications

📊 Data Presentation & Reporting

11. slide_presentation - Professional data formatting and documentation

    • Operations: get_card, get_runbook_template, get_daily_report_template, get_monthly_report_template
    • Card Types: Individual item cards (agent, client, device, snapshot) and table cards (agents_table, clients_table, etc.)
    • Report Templates: Runbook procedures, daily activity summaries, monthly analysis reports
    • Formats: HTML, Markdown, HAML support for multiple output needs
    • Perfect for status displays, dashboards, documentation, and professional reporting ⚠️ IMPORTANT: If you are building your own presentation logic or custom formatting, you may want to disable the slide_presentation tool to avoid conflicts with your custom implementation. To disable just the slide_presentation tool, add it to the DISABLED_TOOLS environment variable or in the --disabled-tools part of the CLI

12. slide_meta - Meta tools for reporting and aggregated data views

    • Operations: list_all_clients_devices_and_agents, get_snapshot_changes, get_reporting_data
    • list_all_clients_devices_and_agents: Complete hierarchical view of infrastructure
    • get_snapshot_changes: Track new and deleted snapshots over time periods (day, week, month)
    • get_reporting_data: Pre-formatted data for populating report templates
    • Perfect for generating reports with accurate, pre-calculated metrics

13. slide_reports - Pre-calculated statistics and reports for backup/snapshot analysis

    • Operations: daily_backup_snapshot, weekly_backup_snapshot, monthly_backup_snapshot
    • Daily Reports: Single day statistics with backup success rates and failure reasons
    • Weekly Reports: 7-day breakdown with daily agent counts and success metrics
    • Monthly Reports: Full month analysis with visual calendar view (in markdown format)
    • Filtering: By agent_id, device_id, or client_id for targeted reporting
    • Formats: JSON (structured data) or Markdown (human-readable)
    • Performance: Use verbose mode to track progress on large reports

14. slide_docs - Access to official Slide documentation

    • Operations: list_sections, get_topics, search_docs, get_content, get_api_reference
    • Documentation Access: Browse and search docs.slide.tech content directly
    • Contextual Help: Get best practices, troubleshooting guidance, and feature explanations
    • API Reference: Quick access to API endpoint documentation
    • Integration: Complements other tools by providing context and guidance

🔍 Special Tools

• list_all_clients_devices_and_agents - Hierarchical overview (now part of slide_meta)
  • Get complete view of all clients, their devices, and agents in one call
  • Perfect for answering questions about infrastructure scale and organization
  • Can be called directly or via slide_meta with operation list_all_clients_devices_and_agents

Key Features

🔐 Infrastructure Management

• Device Control: Remote power operations, hostname management, client assignment
• Agent Deployment: Automated pairing, display name management
• Network Isolation: Client-specific networks with VPN access
• Advanced Networking: IPSec tunnels, port forwarding, WireGuard peers

💽 Data Protection & Recovery

• Automated Backups: Agent-based backup initiation and monitoring
• Point-in-Time Recovery: Snapshot browsing with location filtering
• Flexible Restores: File-level and full disk image exports
• Multiple Formats: VHD, VHDX (dynamic/fixed), Raw disk images
• Boot Modifications: Optional passwordless admin account creation

☁️ Virtualization

• VM Creation: Create VMs from any snapshot
• Resource Control: Configurable CPU/RAM allocation
• Network Integration: Connect VMs to isolated networks
• Console Access: Browser-based VNC for direct VM interaction

📊 Monitoring & Organization

• Alert Management: Centralized alert monitoring and resolution
• Client Organization: Group resources by client for better management
• User Management: Account access and permissions
• Comprehensive Filtering: Advanced pagination and sorting across all resources

📋 Professional Data Presentation

• Smart Cards: Individual and table-based cards for agents, clients, devices, and snapshots
• Report Templates: Runbook procedures, daily summaries, and monthly analysis reports
• Multiple Formats: HTML, Markdown, and HAML output for different use cases
• Dashboard Ready: Pre-formatted cards perfect for status displays and monitoring
• Documentation Support: Professional templates for operational procedures and troubleshooting

All meta-tools support pagination (limit, offset) and sorting options where applicable.

📊 Data Presentation Tool Guide

The slide_presentation tool is your primary resource for professional data formatting and documentation. It provides pre-built templates and smart cards that transform raw data into polished, readable formats.

🎯 When to Use the Presentation Tool

Always consider this tool first when you need to:

• Display system status or monitoring data to users
• Show lists of items (agents, clients, devices, snapshots)
• Present individual item details in a structured format
• Create reports or summaries
• Generate documentation or procedures
• Format any data that could benefit from professional presentation

📋 Report Templates

Perfect for comprehensive documentation and analysis:

Runbook Templates (get_runbook_template)

• Purpose: Operational procedures, troubleshooting guides, step-by-step instructions
• Use Cases: Incident response, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides
• Formats: HTML, Markdown, HAML

Daily Report Templates (get_daily_report_template)

• Purpose: Activity summaries, status updates, end-of-day reports
• Use Cases: Daily operational summaries, status briefings, activity tracking
• Formats: HTML (default), Markdown, HAML

Monthly Report Templates (get_monthly_report_template)

• Purpose: Comprehensive analysis, trends, monthly summaries
• Use Cases: Executive summaries, trend analysis, performance reviews
• Formats: HTML (default), Markdown, HAML

📊 Smart Cards

Perfect for status displays, dashboards, and data visualization:

Single Item Cards - Detailed Views

• agent: Individual backup agent with hostname, OS, status, recent backups
• client: Individual client with name, agent count, device assignments, stats
• device: Individual backup device with capacity, assignments, storage info
• snapshot: Individual backup snapshot with date, size, status, retention

Table Cards - Overview Dashboards

• agents_table: Multiple agents comparison with status overview and assignments
• clients_table: Multiple clients summary with agent counts and status
• devices_table: Multiple devices overview with capacity and utilization
• snapshots_table: Chronological backup history with sizes and status

💡 Decision Guide

Choose the right presentation format based on your needs:

🚀 Best Practices

1. Start with Presentation: Always consider using the presentation tool before displaying raw data
2. Choose the Right Card: Use single cards for details, table cards for overviews
3. Format for Purpose: Use HTML for web displays, Markdown for documentation
4. Professional Output: Let the tool handle formatting instead of manual formatting
5. Consistent Experience: Use cards for a consistent look and feel across all data displays

📦 Installation & Configuration

Getting an API Key

1. Log in to your Slide account
2. Navigate to your account settings
3. Generate your API key from the API section

🎯 Quick Setup with Claude Desktop

🖥️ GUI Installer (Windows & macOS)

For the easiest installation experience, use our GUI installer:

macOS

1. Download the installer: From the latest release

   • Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4): slide-mcp-installer-v2.2.1-darwin-arm64-signed.tar.gz
   • Intel Mac: slide-mcp-installer-v2.2.1-darwin-amd64-signed.tar.gz

2. Extract and run:

   tar -xzf slide-mcp-installer-v2.2.1-darwin-[arch]-signed.tar.gz
   open slide-mcp-installer.app
   

3. Enter your API key: Input your Slide API key when prompted

4. Install: Click "Install Slide MCP Server"

5. Restart Claude Desktop: The installer will configure everything automatically

Windows

1. Download the installer: From the latest release

   • 64-bit: slide-mcp-installer-v2.2.1-windows-amd64.zip
   • 32-bit: slide-mcp-installer-v2.2.1-windows-386.zip

2. Extract and run:

   • Extract the ZIP file
   • Run slide-mcp-installer.exe

3. Enter your API key: Input your Slide API key when prompted

4. Install: Click "Install Slide MCP Server"

5. Restart Claude Desktop: The installer will configure everything automatically

The GUI installer will:

• ✅ Check if Claude Desktop is installed
• ✅ Download the latest slide-mcp-server binary
• ✅ Install it to the correct location
• ✅ Update your Claude Desktop configuration
• ✅ Provide easy uninstall option

Manual Installation

Download Pre-built Binary (v2.2.1)

For macOS ARM64 (Apple Silicon):

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-arm64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-arm64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-arm64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-arm64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-arm64 slide-mcp-server

For macOS x64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-x64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-x64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-x64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-x64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-macos-x64 slide-mcp-server

For Linux x64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-x64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-x64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-x64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-x64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-x64 slide-mcp-server

For Linux ARM64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-arm64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-arm64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-arm64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-arm64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-linux-arm64 slide-mcp-server

For Windows x64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-windows-x64.zip https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-windows-x64.zip
unzip slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-windows-x64.zip
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.2.1-windows-x64.exe slide-mcp-server.exe

Build from Source

git clone https://github.com/austinmcchord/slide-mcp-server.git
cd slide-mcp-server
make build
# Binary will be in build/slide-mcp-server

Claude Desktop Configuration

Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "SLIDE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

If installed system-wide:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "slide-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "SLIDE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

With custom permission mode and disabled tools:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "SLIDE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
        "SLIDE_TOOLS": "reporting",
        "SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS": "slide_accounts,slide_users"
      }
    }
  }
}

Or using CLI arguments:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
      "args": [
        "--api-key", "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
        "--tools", "full-safe", 
        "--disabled-tools", "slide_agents,slide_backups"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Test Your Installation

# Set your API key
export SLIDE_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

# Test the server
echo '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"initialize","params":{}}' | ./slide-mcp-server

# Should respond with server info and capabilities

🔧 CLI Arguments & Configuration

The Slide MCP Server supports several command-line arguments for flexible configuration:

Command Line Arguments

# Basic usage with API key
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_API_KEY

# All available flags
./slide-mcp-server [OPTIONS]

Priority: CLI flags take precedence over environment variables.

Examples

# Using CLI flags
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --base-url https://custom.api.endpoint --tools reporting

# Using environment variables
export SLIDE_API_KEY="sk_test_123"
export SLIDE_BASE_URL="https://custom.api.endpoint" 
export SLIDE_TOOLS="reporting"
./slide-mcp-server

# Mixed usage (CLI overrides environment)
export SLIDE_TOOLS="full"
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --tools reporting  # Uses reporting mode

# Disable specific tools
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --disabled-tools "slide_agents,slide_backups"

# Show version
./slide-mcp-server --version
# Output: slide-mcp-server version 2.2.1

🚫 Disabling Specific Tools

In addition to permission modes, you can disable specific tools entirely using the --disabled-tools flag or SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS environment variable. This provides fine-grained control over which tools are available.

Usage Examples

# Disable specific tools via CLI flag
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --disabled-tools "slide_agents,slide_backups"

# Disable tools via environment variable
export SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS="slide_devices,slide_users"
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY

# Combined with permission modes
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools reporting --disabled-tools "slide_snapshots"

# Whitespace is handled gracefully
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --disabled-tools " slide_agents , slide_backups , slide_devices "

Available Tool Names

• slide_agents - Agent management
• slide_backups - Backup operations
• slide_snapshots - Snapshot management
• slide_restores - File and image restoration
• slide_networks - Network management
• slide_user_management - User and account management
• slide_alerts - Alert monitoring
• slide_devices - Device management
• slide_vms - Virtual machine management
• slide_presentation - Data presentation and reporting
• slide_meta - Meta tools for reporting and aggregated data views
• slide_reports - Pre-calculated backup/snapshot statistics and reports
• slide_docs - Access to official Slide documentation
• list_all_clients_devices_and_agents - Hierarchical overview (legacy, use slide_meta instead)

Key Features

• Precedence: CLI flags take precedence over environment variables
• Whitespace Handling: Extra spaces around tool names are automatically trimmed
• Error Messages: Clear error messages when attempting to use disabled tools
• Combined Filtering: Works alongside permission modes for layered access control
• Transparency: Logs which tools are disabled on server startup

Use Cases

# Create a read-only server that can't access sensitive data
./slide-mcp-server --tools reporting --disabled-tools "slide_accounts,slide_users"

# Allow restores but prevent network changes
./slide-mcp-server --tools restores --disabled-tools "slide_networks"

# Monitoring setup that excludes VM management
./slide-mcp-server --tools reporting --disabled-tools "slide_vms,slide_networks"

When a disabled tool is called, the server returns:

{
  "error": {
    "code": -32601,
    "message": "Tool 'slide_agents' is disabled"
  }
}

🔒 Permission Modes

The server includes a sophisticated permission system with four distinct access levels:

Permission Levels

reporting - Read-Only Access

Use Case: Monitoring, reporting, and dashboard integrations

• ✅ Allowed: All read operations (list, get, browse)
• ❌ Blocked: All create, update, delete operations
• ❌ Blocked: Power control operations

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools reporting

restores - Data Recovery & VM Management

Use Case: IT support teams performing data recovery and VM management

• ✅ Allowed: All reporting operations
• ✅ Allowed: VM management (create, update, delete)
• ✅ Allowed: File restore operations
• ✅ Allowed: Image export operations
• ✅ Allowed: Network management
• ✅ Allowed: Device management (updates only)
• ✅ Allowed: Agent management (create, pair, update)
• ✅ Allowed: Backup management
• ❌ Blocked: Device power control (poweroff, reboot)
• ❌ Blocked: Account/client management
• ❌ Blocked: Alert resolution
• ❌ Blocked: Agent deletion
• ❌ Blocked: Snapshot deletion

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools restores

full-safe - Comprehensive Access (Default)

Use Case: General administration with safety guardrails

• ✅ Allowed: All operations except dangerous ones
• ❌ Blocked: Agent deletion (prevents accidental backup disruption)
• ❌ Blocked: Snapshot deletion (prevents data loss)
• ❌ Blocked: Device power control (prevents accidental shutdowns)

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools full-safe
# OR simply (default mode)
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY

full - Complete Access

Use Case: Advanced administrators who need unrestricted access

• ✅ Allowed: All operations including dangerous ones
• ⚠️ Warning: Includes agent and snapshot deletion

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools full

Permission Matrix

Security Recommendations

• Production Monitoring: Use reporting mode for read-only dashboards and monitoring systems
• Support Teams: Use restores mode for IT support staff performing data recovery
• General Administration: Use full-safe mode (default) for most administrative tasks
• Advanced Users Only: Use full mode only when agent or snapshot deletion is specifically required

Usage with VS Code

For VS Code integration, add the following JSON block to your User Settings (JSON) file. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P and typing Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON).

Optionally, you can add it to a file called .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace. This will allow you to share the configuration with others.

Note that the mcp key is not needed in the .vscode/mcp.json file.

{
  "mcp": {
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "promptString",
        "id": "slide_api_key",
        "description": "Slide API Key",
        "password": true
      }
    ],
    "servers": {
      "slide": {
        "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
        "env": {
          "SLIDE_API_KEY": "${input:slide_api_key}"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

With custom configuration and disabled tools:

{
  "mcp": {
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "promptString",
        "id": "slide_api_key",
        "description": "Slide API Key",
        "password": true
      }
    ],
    "servers": {
      "slide": {
        "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
        "env": {
          "SLIDE_API_KEY": "${input:slide_api_key}",
          "SLIDE_TOOLS": "reporting",
          "SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS": "slide_accounts,slide_users"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

💡 Usage Examples

List All Devices

{
  "name": "slide_devices",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "list",
    "limit": 20,
    "client_id": "client-123"
  }
}

Create a Network with VPN

{
  "name": "slide_networks",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "create",
    "name": "Development Network",
    "type": "standard",
    "router_prefix": "192.168.100.1/24",
    "dhcp": true,
    "dhcp_range_start": "192.168.100.10",
    "dhcp_range_end": "192.168.100.200",
    "wg": true,
    "wg_prefix": "10.100.0.0/24",
    "client_id": "client-123"
  }
}

Create VM from Snapshot

{
  "name": "slide_vms",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "create",
    "snapshot_id": "snapshot-456",
    "device_id": "device-789",
    "cpu_count": 4,
    "memory_in_mb": 8192,
    "network_type": "network-id",
    "network_source": "network-123"
  }
}

Start Backup Job

{
  "name": "slide_backups",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "start",
    "agent_id": "agent-456"
  }
}

Export Snapshot as VHD Image

{
  "name": "slide_restores",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "create_image",
    "snapshot_id": "snapshot-789",
    "device_id": "device-123",
    "image_type": "vhd-dynamic",
    "boot_remove_passwords": true
  }
}

Display Agent Status Card

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_card",
    "card_type": "agent"
  }
}

Generate Multiple Devices Overview

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_card",
    "card_type": "devices_table"
  }
}

Create Runbook Template

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_runbook_template",
    "format": "markdown"
  }
}

Generate Daily Report Template

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_daily_report_template",
    "format": "html"
  }
}

Generate Backup Reports

{
  "name": "slide_reports",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "daily_backup_snapshot",
    "agent_id": "agent-123",
    "format": "markdown"
  }
}

Search Documentation

{
  "name": "slide_docs",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "search_docs",
    "query": "backup retention policies"
  }
}

Build

# Build for current platform
make build

# Build for all platforms
make build-all

# Create release packages
make release

# View available commands
make help

Architecture Benefits

For LLMs

• Reduced Complexity: 14 meta-tools vs 52+ individual tools
• Logical Grouping: Related operations organized together
• Consistent Interface: All meta-tools follow the same operation pattern
• Better Context: Less tool switching, more focused conversations

For Developers

• Maintainable: Each meta-tool in its own file
• Extensible: Easy to add new operations to existing categories
• Backward Compatible: All original functionality preserved
• Schema Validation: Conditional parameter validation per operation

License

This MCP server is licensed under the MIT License. This means you are free to use, modify, and distribute the software, subject to the terms and conditions of the MIT License. For more details, please see the LICENSE file in the project repository.