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1Server vs DIY (build it yourself)
Cost-of-build for a homegrown MCP aggregator vs adopting 1Server. Engineering time, secrets management, hot reload, and ongoing maintenance.
DIY (build it yourself)
Build your own aggregator MCP server in-house using the official SDK.
Visit DIY (build it yourself)Feature comparison
| Feature | 1Server | DIY (build it yourself) |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first working install | 5 minutes | 1–2 weeks of engineering |
| Secret management | AES-256 vault, included | You build it (and the rotation tooling) |
| Hot reload across servers | You build it | |
| Curated catalogue | You vet every server yourself | |
| Health monitoring + restart | Built-in | You build it |
| Ongoing maintenance | Hosted | You own it |
| Cost | Free in beta | Engineering hours + ongoing |
Bottom line: Build if you have a unique requirement that 1Server can't meet - strict on-prem, custom routing logic, regulatory isolation. Buy 1Server otherwise. The aggregator pattern looks easy on day one and gets expensive on day 90.
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Free in beta. Free forever for beta accounts.