Valona Intelligence has unveiled its new Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, a solution designed to connect artificial intelligence platforms with external intelligence sources. As an open standard, MCP enables enterprise AI tools and agent frameworks—including Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and others—to access Valona's market and competitive intelligence directly within their workflows.

Artificial intelligence has become a standard component of modern business operations. According to McKinsey's 2026 research, nearly 90% of organizations now utilize AI technologies. However, as AI adoption becomes widespread, the differentiating factor is no longer access to the technology itself, but the quality and relevance of the information powering it.

"Organizations gain an advantage not from AI alone, but from the intelligence feeding those systems," said Stuart Reynish, Chief Product Officer at Valona. "Our MCP server allows enterprise AI platforms to draw upon continuously updated market and competitive insights. Rebuilding the same analysis repeatedly is both costly and inconsistent. Decision-making requires intelligence that is accurate, current, and immediately actionable."

The company believes that strategic decision-making is evolving from periodic research efforts to a model of continuous intelligence. Instead of requiring AI agents to generate analysis from raw information every time, Valona's MCP server provides access to a curated and constantly maintained intelligence foundation that is readily available whenever needed.

"The intelligence layer is the most challenging element to develop effectively, and we've spent more than twenty years refining it," said Eetu Laaksonen, Chief AI Officer at Valona. "MCP enables us to integrate that intelligence into the AI tools our customers already rely on, while also supporting the broader AI ecosystems they are building."

Laaksonen noted that interest in enterprise-wide intelligence is expanding beyond competitive market intelligence teams. "We're increasingly engaging with IT departments and senior executives because intelligence is becoming a strategic capability across the organization. Customers are telling us they want critical insights delivered proactively, rather than having to search for them."

Valona is currently working with a select group of enterprise customers to pilot the MCP server within Microsoft Copilot and agent-driven AI environments. The company plans to showcase the technology during its webinar, What Agentic AI Means for Competitive Intelligence, scheduled for June 24.

SAS, a leading provider of data and AI solutions, has been named to CRN's 2026 Big Data 100 list in the Big Data Business Analytics category for the second consecutive year. Compiled annually by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, the list honors technology companies that demonstrate exceptional innovation across the big data landscape, including business analytics, data warehouses and lakes, database technologies, data management and integration, big data platforms, and data observability.

The Big Data 100 serves as a key guide for solution providers looking for advanced technologies and services that help create data-centric solutions and deliver measurable business outcomes for customers.

SAS supports its partner ecosystem with technologies designed to unlock value from vast and complex datasets, including SAS Viya, its cloud-native AI and data platform. Engineered to handle data-intensive environments, SAS Viya enables organizations to efficiently manage and analyze information at scale while leveraging embedded AI capabilities to generate timely, actionable insights. With integrated governance and trusted AI features, the platform helps partners and customers make informed decisions and achieve meaningful business results.

"Organizations are increasingly seeking innovative ways to turn data into tangible action," said John Carey, Senior Vice President of Global Channels at SAS.

"Working closely with our partners, SAS continues to provide data and AI solutions that accelerate insights, improve outcomes and create significant value for customers."

Jennifer Follett, Vice President of U.S. Content and Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company, noted that the 2026 Big Data 100 highlights organizations pushing the boundaries of data technology while delivering practical benefits to solution providers and end users. She praised the recognized companies for advancing innovation and helping partners enhance their offerings and drive business growth.

Click here to see the 2026 Big Data 100 list.