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What is A2A (Agent2Agent)?
Short answer
A2A, or Agent2Agent, is an open standard that lets AI agents from different makers talk to each other and share work.
- Category Agents & tools
- Also called Agent2Agent, Agent-to-Agent protocol
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
A2A, explained simply
Agents built by different companies often can't work together. A2A gives them a shared way to introduce themselves and send tasks.
Think of it as a common language between assistants, like a shared phone line between offices.
MCP connects an agent to tools. A2A connects agents to other agents.
On ITG Now, our daily AI news stories may cover A2A when agent standards come up.
Related terms
MCPAI agentMulti-agent systemAgentic AITool calling
Questions people ask about A2A
A2A vs MCP: what is the difference?
MCP links an agent to tools and data. A2A links one agent to another agent.
Do I need A2A to use AI agents?
No. Most users never touch it. It matters mainly to people who build agent systems.