// GLOSSARY -- AGENTIC AI
What is the Agent-to-Agent Protocol?
Google's open standard for AI agent discovery, communication, and task delegation across different frameworks — enabling interoperability in the agent ecosystem.
WHY IT MATTERS
The agent ecosystem is fragmented — LangChain, CrewAI, OpenAI SDK agents can't easily communicate. A2A provides a universal protocol.
Defines: Agent Cards (identity/capabilities), task management (requesting/tracking work), and communication patterns (message exchange).
Foundational for the agent economy — without interoperability, agents are siloed. With A2A, any agent can hire any other.
HOW POLICYLAYER USES THIS
PolicyLayer enforces financial policies on A2A interactions — when tasks have financial components, PolicyLayer validates spending.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A2A vs. MCP?
Different purposes. MCP connects agents to tools. A2A connects agents to other agents. They're complementary — an agent might use MCP to access PolicyLayer and A2A to collaborate with other agents.
Who created A2A?
Google, with input from the broader agent development community. It's an open specification.
How does A2A handle payment?
A2A itself doesn't handle payment — it delegates to payment protocols like x402 through the A2A x402 Extension.