OpenMemory MCP

Product Introduction

1. OpenMemory MCP is a local memory management service designed for MCP-compatible AI tools such as Cursor, Claude Desktop, and Windsurf, enabling users to store, organize, and share contextual data across sessions directly on their devices.
2. The core value lies in providing granular control over AI interactions by preserving user-specific context—such as coding patterns, debugging trails, and personal preferences—while ensuring all data remains private and locally stored unless explicitly shared.

Main Features

1. Structured Memory Storage: Memories are enriched with metadata including categories, timestamps, emotional tags, and topics, enabling precise search and retrieval through programmatic queries or natural language prompts.
2. Cross-Tool Context Sharing: Users maintain continuity between AI tools like Cursor (for coding) and Claude (for analysis) by sharing project-specific memories, such as API usage notes or error patterns, without manual copy-paste.
3. Local-First Security Model: All memories are stored in an encrypted SQLite database on the user’s device, with optional end-to-end encrypted cloud sync via the upcoming OpenMemory Cloud (waitlist-only).

Problems Solved

1. Context Fragmentation: Eliminates the need to re-explain project details or preferences when switching between AI tools, reducing redundant inputs and improving workflow efficiency.
2. Privacy Risks in AI Assistants: Addresses concerns about sensitive data exposure by ensuring memories never leave the user’s device unless explicitly exported, unlike cloud-dependent alternatives.
3. Use Case Scenarios: Supports developers in tracking debugging trails, product managers in maintaining feature request histories, and individuals in journaling thoughts with mood-based tagging for later AI-assisted reflection.

Unique Advantages

1. MCP Protocol Integration: Unlike generic note-taking apps, OpenMemory MCP adheres to the Memory Control Protocol (MCP), enabling seamless interoperability with AI tools that support this standard for context-aware operations.
2. Dynamic Memory Expiry: Upcoming features include time-based memory expiration rules and client-specific access permissions, allowing users to automate data retention policies (e.g., delete temporary debugging logs after 7 days).
3. Metadata-Driven Search: Combines semantic search with structured filters (e.g., “Show API errors from last month tagged ‘urgent’”) for faster recall compared to keyword-only systems used in competitors like Obsidian or Notion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does OpenMemory MCP ensure data privacy? All memories are stored locally in an encrypted format, with no telemetry or cloud sync unless the user opts into the OpenMemory Cloud beta, which uses audited end-to-end encryption.
2. Which AI tools are currently compatible? The service supports MCP-enabled clients including Cursor IDE, Claude Desktop, and Windsurf, with a public API for developers to integrate custom tools.
3. Can I control which memories are accessible to specific apps? Yes, the upcoming “Full Memory Control” update will let users define client-specific permissions (e.g., allow Cursor to read coding snippets but block access to personal journals).
4. Is there a cloud backup option? Local backups can be manually exported, while automated cloud sync is available through the waitlist-only OpenMemory Cloud, which prioritizes on-premise deployment for enterprise users.
5. How does emotional tagging improve AI interactions? Emotions like “frustrated” or “curious” added to memories help AI tools tailor responses—for example, Claude might adjust its tone when analyzing a journal entry tagged “stressful.”