MCP server or agent skill? How to tell what your agent is actually missing

An MCP gateway acts as a layer between an agent host and an MCP server, providing essential policy management including request limits, budget caps, and audit logs. While a raw MCP server focuses solely on tool execution, the gateway manages access for clients like Claude Desktop and Cursor. Additionally, distinguishing between an MCP server and a skill is vital; an MCP server provides new capabilities through plumbing, whereas a skill offers specific know-how through training instructions.