# How to integrate Zoho MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK

```json
{
  "title": "How to integrate Zoho MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK",
  "toolkit": "Zoho",
  "toolkit_slug": "zoho",
  "framework": "OpenAI Agents SDK",
  "framework_slug": "open-ai-agents-sdk",
  "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk",
  "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk.md",
  "updated_at": "2026-05-06T08:34:44.462Z"
}
```

## Introduction

This guide walks you through connecting Zoho to the OpenAI Agents SDK using the Composio tool router. By the end, you'll have a working Zoho agent that can convert new leads to contacts in crm, add a note to an existing zoho deal, list all contacts added this week through natural language commands.
This guide will help you understand how to give your OpenAI Agents SDK agent real control over a Zoho account through Composio's Zoho MCP server.
Before we dive in, let's take a quick look at the key ideas and tools involved.

## Also integrate Zoho with

- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/claude-code)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/codex)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/crew-ai)

## TL;DR

Here's what you'll learn:
- Get and set up your OpenAI and Composio API keys
- Install the necessary dependencies
- Initialize Composio and create a Tool Router session for Zoho
- Configure an AI agent that can use Zoho as a tool
- Run a live chat session where you can ask the agent to perform Zoho operations

## What is OpenAI Agents SDK?

The OpenAI Agents SDK is a lightweight framework for building AI agents that can use tools and maintain conversation state. It provides a simple interface for creating agents with hosted MCP tool support.
Key features include:
- Hosted MCP Tools: Connect to external services through hosted MCP endpoints
- SQLite Sessions: Persist conversation history across interactions
- Simple API: Clean interface with Agent, Runner, and tool configuration
- Streaming Support: Real-time response streaming for interactive applications

## What is the Zoho MCP server, and what's possible with it?

The Zoho MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Zoho account. It provides structured and secure access to your Zoho CRM data, so your agent can perform actions like creating leads, updating records, tagging entries, and managing relationships between your contacts and accounts automatically.
- Automated lead conversion: Instantly convert Zoho CRM leads into contacts, accounts, and even deals without manual effort.
- Effortless CRM record creation: Direct your agent to add new records to any Zoho CRM module—like leads, contacts, or deals—in seconds.
- Bulk record retrieval and updates: Let your agent fetch lists of records or update details across multiple modules to keep your CRM up to date.
- Tag and organize CRM data: Have your agent create and apply new tags for streamlined segmentation and easier tracking of customers or activities.
- Manage cross-module relationships: Enable your agent to associate or update related records between contacts, accounts, and other CRM modules for richer data connections.

## Supported Tools

| Tool slug | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `ZOHO_CONVERT_ZOHO_LEAD` | Convert Zoho CRM Lead | Converts a lead into a contact, account, and optionally a deal in zoho crm. |
| `ZOHO_CREATE_ZOHO_RECORD` | Create Zoho CRM Record | Creates new records in a specified module in zoho crm. |
| `ZOHO_CREATE_ZOHO_TAG` | Create Zoho CRM Tag | Creates new tags in zoho crm. |
| `ZOHO_GET_ZOHO_RECORDS` | Get Zoho CRM Records | Retrieves records from a specified module in zoho crm. |
| `ZOHO_UPDATE_RELATED_RECORDS` | Update Related Records in Zoho CRM | Associates or updates relationships between records across different modules in zoho crm. |
| `ZOHO_UPDATE_ZOHO_RECORD` | Update Zoho CRM Record | Updates existing records in a specified module in zoho crm. |

## Supported Triggers

None listed.

## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK

The Zoho MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent to Zoho. It provides structured and secure access so your agent can perform Zoho operations on your behalf through a secure, permission-based interface.
With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster.

## Step-by-step Guide

### 1. Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:
- Composio API Key and OpenAI API Key
- Primary know-how of OpenAI Agents SDK
- A live Zoho project
- Some knowledge of Python or Typescript

### 1. Getting API Keys for OpenAI and Composio

OpenAI API Key
- Go to the [OpenAI dashboard](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/api-keys) and create an API key. You'll need credits to use the models, or you can connect to another model provider.
- Keep the API key safe.
Composio API Key
- Log in to the [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_docs).
- Go to Settings and copy your API key.

### 2. Install dependencies

Install the Composio SDK and the OpenAI Agents SDK.
```python
pip install composio_openai_agents openai-agents python-dotenv
```

```typescript
npm install @composio/openai-agents @openai/agents dotenv
```

### 3. Set up environment variables

Create a .env file and add your OpenAI and Composio API keys.
```bash
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...your-api-key
COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your-api-key
USER_ID=composio_user@gmail.com
```

### 4. Import dependencies

What's happening:
- You're importing all necessary libraries.
- The Composio and OpenAIAgentsProvider classes are imported to connect your OpenAI agent to Composio tools like Zoho.
```python
import asyncio
import os
from dotenv import load_dotenv

from composio import Composio
from composio_openai_agents import OpenAIAgentsProvider
from agents import Agent, Runner, HostedMCPTool, SQLiteSession
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';
import { OpenAIAgentsProvider } from '@composio/openai-agents';
import { Agent, hostedMcpTool, run, OpenAIConversationsSession } from '@openai/agents';
import * as readline from 'readline';
```

### 5. Set up the Composio instance

No description provided.
```python
load_dotenv()

api_key = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
user_id = os.getenv("USER_ID")

if not api_key:
    raise RuntimeError("COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key")

# Initialize Composio
composio = Composio(api_key=api_key, provider=OpenAIAgentsProvider())
```

```typescript
dotenv.config();

const composioApiKey = process.env.COMPOSIO_API_KEY;
const userId = process.env.USER_ID;

if (!composioApiKey) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key');
}
if (!userId) {
  throw new Error('USER_ID is not set');
}

// Initialize Composio
const composio = new Composio({
  apiKey: composioApiKey,
  provider: new OpenAIAgentsProvider(),
});
```

### 6. Create a Tool Router session

What is happening:
- You give the Tool Router the user id and the toolkits you want available. Here, it is only zoho.
- The router checks the user's Zoho connection and prepares the MCP endpoint.
- The returned session.mcp.url is the MCP URL that your agent will use to access Zoho.
- This approach keeps things lightweight and lets the agent request Zoho tools only when needed during the conversation.
```python
# Create a Zoho Tool Router session
session = composio.create(
    user_id=user_id,
    toolkits=["zoho"]
)

mcp_url = session.mcp.url
```

```typescript
// Create Tool Router session for Zoho
const session = await composio.create(userId as string, {
  toolkits: ['zoho'],
});
const mcpUrl = session.mcp.url;
```

### 7. Configure the agent

No description provided.
```python
# Configure agent with MCP tool
agent = Agent(
    name="Assistant",
    model="gpt-5",
    instructions=(
        "You are a helpful assistant that can access Zoho. "
        "Help users perform Zoho operations through natural language."
    ),
    tools=[
        HostedMCPTool(
            tool_config={
                "type": "mcp",
                "server_label": "tool_router",
                "server_url": mcp_url,
                "headers": {"x-api-key": api_key},
                "require_approval": "never",
            }
        )
    ],
)
```

```typescript
// Configure agent with MCP tool
const agent = new Agent({
  name: 'Assistant',
  model: 'gpt-5',
  instructions:
    'You are a helpful assistant that can access Zoho. Help users perform Zoho operations through natural language.',
  tools: [
    hostedMcpTool({
      serverLabel: 'tool_router',
      serverUrl: mcpUrl,
      headers: { 'x-api-key': composioApiKey },
      requireApproval: 'never',
    }),
  ],
});
```

### 8. Start chat loop and handle conversation

No description provided.
```python
print("\nComposio Tool Router session created.")

chat_session = SQLiteSession("conversation_openai_toolrouter")

print("\nChat started. Type your requests below.")
print("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n")

async def main():
    try:
        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            "What can you help me with?",
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error: {e}\n")

    while True:
        user_input = input("You: ").strip()
        if user_input.lower() in {"exit", "quit", "q"}:
            print("Goodbye!")
            break

        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            user_input,
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")

asyncio.run(main())
```

```typescript
// Keep conversation state across turns
const conversationSession = new OpenAIConversationsSession();

// Simple CLI
const rl = readline.createInterface({
  input: process.stdin,
  output: process.stdout,
  prompt: 'You: ',
});

console.log('\nComposio Tool Router session created.');
console.log('\nChat started. Type your requests below.');
console.log("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n");

try {
  const first = await run(agent, 'What can you help me with?', { session: conversationSession });
  console.log(`Assistant: ${first.finalOutput}\n`);
} catch (e) {
  console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
}

rl.prompt();

rl.on('line', async (userInput) => {
  const text = userInput.trim();

  if (['exit', 'quit', 'q'].includes(text.toLowerCase())) {
    console.log('Goodbye!');
    rl.close();
    process.exit(0);
  }

  if (!text) {
    rl.prompt();
    return;
  }

  try {
    const result = await run(agent, text, { session: conversationSession });
    console.log(`\nAssistant: ${result.finalOutput}\n`);
  } catch (e) {
    console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
  }

  rl.prompt();
});

rl.on('close', () => {
  console.log('\n👋 Session ended.');
  process.exit(0);
});
```

## Complete Code

```python
import asyncio
import os
from dotenv import load_dotenv

from composio import Composio
from composio_openai_agents import OpenAIAgentsProvider
from agents import Agent, Runner, HostedMCPTool, SQLiteSession

load_dotenv()

api_key = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
user_id = os.getenv("USER_ID")

if not api_key:
    raise RuntimeError("COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key")

# Initialize Composio
composio = Composio(api_key=api_key, provider=OpenAIAgentsProvider())

# Create Tool Router session
session = composio.create(
    user_id=user_id,
    toolkits=["zoho"]
)
mcp_url = session.mcp.url

# Configure agent with MCP tool
agent = Agent(
    name="Assistant",
    model="gpt-5",
    instructions=(
        "You are a helpful assistant that can access Zoho. "
        "Help users perform Zoho operations through natural language."
    ),
    tools=[
        HostedMCPTool(
            tool_config={
                "type": "mcp",
                "server_label": "tool_router",
                "server_url": mcp_url,
                "headers": {"x-api-key": api_key},
                "require_approval": "never",
            }
        )
    ],
)

print("\nComposio Tool Router session created.")

chat_session = SQLiteSession("conversation_openai_toolrouter")

print("\nChat started. Type your requests below.")
print("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n")

async def main():
    try:
        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            "What can you help me with?",
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error: {e}\n")

    while True:
        user_input = input("You: ").strip()
        if user_input.lower() in {"exit", "quit", "q"}:
            print("Goodbye!")
            break

        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            user_input,
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")

asyncio.run(main())
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';
import { OpenAIAgentsProvider } from '@composio/openai-agents';
import { Agent, hostedMcpTool, run, OpenAIConversationsSession } from '@openai/agents';
import * as readline from 'readline';

const composioApiKey = process.env.COMPOSIO_API_KEY;
const userId = process.env.USER_ID;

if (!composioApiKey) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key');
}
if (!userId) {
  throw new Error('USER_ID is not set');
}

// Initialize Composio
const composio = new Composio({
  apiKey: composioApiKey,
  provider: new OpenAIAgentsProvider(),
});

async function main() {
  // Create Tool Router session
  const session = await composio.create(userId as string, {
    toolkits: ['zoho'],
  });
  const mcpUrl = session.mcp.url;

  // Configure agent with MCP tool
  const agent = new Agent({
    name: 'Assistant',
    model: 'gpt-5',
    instructions:
      'You are a helpful assistant that can access Zoho. Help users perform Zoho operations through natural language.',
    tools: [
      hostedMcpTool({
        serverLabel: 'tool_router',
        serverUrl: mcpUrl,
        headers: { 'x-api-key': composioApiKey },
        requireApproval: 'never',
      }),
    ],
  });

  // Keep conversation state across turns
  const conversationSession = new OpenAIConversationsSession();

  // Simple CLI
  const rl = readline.createInterface({
    input: process.stdin,
    output: process.stdout,
    prompt: 'You: ',
  });

  console.log('\nComposio Tool Router session created.');
  console.log('\nChat started. Type your requests below.');
  console.log("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n");

  try {
    const first = await run(agent, 'What can you help me with?', { session: conversationSession });
    console.log(`Assistant: ${first.finalOutput}\n`);
  } catch (e) {
    console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
  }

  rl.prompt();

  rl.on('line', async (userInput) => {
    const text = userInput.trim();

    if (['exit', 'quit', 'q'].includes(text.toLowerCase())) {
      console.log('Goodbye!');
      rl.close();
      process.exit(0);
    }

    if (!text) {
      rl.prompt();
      return;
    }

    try {
      const result = await run(agent, text, { session: conversationSession });
      console.log(`\nAssistant: ${result.finalOutput}\n`);
    } catch (e) {
      console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
    }

    rl.prompt();
  });

  rl.on('close', () => {
    console.log('\nSession ended.');
    process.exit(0);
  });
}

main().catch((err) => {
  console.error('Fatal error:', err);
  process.exit(1);
});
```

## Conclusion

This was a starter code for integrating Zoho MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK to build a functional AI agent that can interact with Zoho.
Key features:
- Hosted MCP tool integration through Composio's Tool Router
- SQLite session persistence for conversation history
- Simple async chat loop for interactive testing
You can extend this by adding more toolkits, implementing custom business logic, or building a web interface around the agent.

## How to build Zoho MCP Agent with another framework

- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/claude-code)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/codex)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/zoho/framework/crew-ai)

## Related Toolkits

- [Hubspot](https://composio.dev/toolkits/hubspot) - HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer service platform. It lets teams nurture leads, automate outreach, and track every customer interaction in one place.
- [Pipedrive](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pipedrive) - Pipedrive is a sales management platform offering pipeline visualization, lead tracking, and workflow automation. It helps sales teams keep deals moving forward efficiently and never miss a follow-up.
- [Salesforce](https://composio.dev/toolkits/salesforce) - Salesforce is a leading CRM platform that helps businesses manage sales, service, and marketing. It centralizes customer data, enabling teams to drive growth and build strong relationships.
- [Apollo](https://composio.dev/toolkits/apollo) - Apollo is a CRM and lead generation platform that helps businesses discover contacts and manage sales pipelines. Use it to streamline customer outreach and track your deals from one place.
- [Attio](https://composio.dev/toolkits/attio) - Attio is a customizable CRM and workspace for managing your team's relationships and workflows. It helps teams organize contacts, automate tasks, and collaborate more efficiently.
- [Acculynx](https://composio.dev/toolkits/acculynx) - AccuLynx is a cloud-based roofing business management software for contractors. It streamlines project tracking, lead management, and document sharing.
- [Addressfinder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/addressfinder) - Addressfinder is a data quality platform for verifying addresses, emails, and phone numbers. It helps you ensure accurate customer and contact data every time.
- [Affinity](https://composio.dev/toolkits/affinity) - Affinity is a relationship intelligence CRM that helps private capital investors find, manage, and close more deals. It streamlines deal flow and surfaces key connections to help you win opportunities.
- [Agencyzoom](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agencyzoom) - AgencyZoom is a sales and performance platform built for P&C insurance agencies. It helps agents boost sales, retain clients, and analyze producer results in one place.
- [Bettercontact](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bettercontact) - Bettercontact is a smart contact enrichment tool for finding emails and phone numbers. It helps boost lead generation with automated, waterfall search across multiple sources.
- [Blackbaud](https://composio.dev/toolkits/blackbaud) - Blackbaud provides cloud-based software for nonprofits, schools, and healthcare institutions. It streamlines fundraising, donor management, and mission-driven operations.
- [Brilliant directories](https://composio.dev/toolkits/brilliant_directories) - Brilliant Directories is an all-in-one platform for building and managing online membership communities and business directories. It streamlines listings, member management, and engagement tools into a single, easy interface.
- [Capsule crm](https://composio.dev/toolkits/capsule_crm) - Capsule CRM is a user-friendly CRM platform for managing contacts and sales pipelines. It helps businesses organize relationships and streamline their sales process efficiently.
- [Centralstationcrm](https://composio.dev/toolkits/centralstationcrm) - CentralStationCRM is an easy-to-use CRM software focused on collaboration and long-term customer relationships. It helps teams manage contacts, deals, and communications all in one place.
- [Clientary](https://composio.dev/toolkits/clientary) - Clientary is a platform for managing clients, invoices, projects, proposals, and more. It streamlines client work and saves you serious admin time.
- [Close](https://composio.dev/toolkits/close) - Close is a CRM platform built for sales teams, combining calling, email automation, and predictive dialers. It streamlines sales workflows and boosts productivity with all-in-one communication tools.
- [Dropcontact](https://composio.dev/toolkits/dropcontact) - Dropcontact is a B2B email finder and data enrichment service for professionals. It delivers verified email addresses and enriches contact info with up-to-date data.
- [Dynamics365](https://composio.dev/toolkits/dynamics365) - Dynamics 365 is Microsoft's platform combining CRM, ERP, and productivity apps. It streamlines sales, marketing, service, and operations in one place.
- [Espocrm](https://composio.dev/toolkits/espocrm) - EspoCRM is an open-source web application for managing customer relationships. It helps businesses organize contacts, track leads, and streamline their sales process.
- [Fireberry](https://composio.dev/toolkits/fireberry) - Fireberry is a CRM platform that streamlines customer and sales management. It helps businesses organize contacts, automate sales, and integrate with other business tools.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Zoho MCP?

With a standalone Zoho MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Zoho tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Zoho and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint.

### Can I use Tool Router MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK?

Yes, you can. OpenAI Agents SDK fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Zoho tools.

### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Zoho while using Tool Router?

Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Zoho scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do.

### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router?

All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Zoho data and credentials are handled as safely as possible.

---
[See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)