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Making the Decision: Evaluation Framework and Trade-offs.
A Systematic Approach to Choosing the Right Protocol for Your Business.
Gabriel Botsie
August 27, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
AI Agent Protocols - Making the Decision.
Choosing an agent protocol feels like betting on the future of computing. Here's how to make that decision systematically.
Remember: most protocols are in "drafting" or "landing" stages. Only MCP has reached "factual standard" status. Your timeline determines your options:
Immediate Needs (next 6 months): Focus on MCP for proven capability
Medium-term Planning (6-12 months): A2A and ANP may become viable
Long-term Architecture (12+ months):Domain-specific protocols might mature
Seven Critical Evaluation Dimensions
Which agent protocol should be chosen via NapkinAI.
1. Efficiency
Token consumption costs vary dramatically between protocols. What looks free in testing becomes expensive at scale.
2. Scalability
Performance degrades differently as your agent network grows. Critical for expansion planning.
3. Security
Authentication approaches range from simple API keys to complex decentralised identity systems. Match to your compliance requirements.
4. Reliability
Message delivery guarantees differ significantly. Some protocols handle network failures gracefully, others don't.
5. Extensibility
Can the protocol evolve without breaking existing implementations? Essential for long-term investments.
6. Operability
Implementation complexity varies wildly. Factor in:
Dependency components
Deployment complexity
Monitoring requirements
7. Interoperability
Cross-system compatibility isn't guaranteed. Test thoroughly before committing.
Enterprise vs Internet-Scale Path
Two distinct strategic approaches emerging:
Enterprise Path (A2A, LMOS):
Better security and governance
Limited to internal/partner networks
Choose this for: Controlled environments with clear organisational boundaries
Internet-Scale Path (ANP, Coral):
Greater reach and flexibility
More complex security considerations
Choose this for: Cross-organisational collaboration needs
Vendor Positioning Reality - Understanding the Players:
Anthropic: Ecosystem control through MCP adoption
Google: Enterprise focus with A2A integration
IBM: Multiple competing approaches (confusion strategy?)
Open Source: Internet-scale alternatives to vendor lock-in
NB: Your protocol choice affects future vendor relationships and negotiating positions.
Risk Mitigation Strategy
Start small with proven protocols (MCP)
Build abstraction layers to enable protocol switching
Monitor standardisation efforts rather than betting on single protocols
Plan for multiple protocol support as ecosystem matures
Next week: Future-proofing your agent strategy in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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