Answers
An AI connector is a read-only OAuth integration that lets an AI assistant like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity query a business tool such as Gmail, Shopify, QuickBooks, or Slack. The connector handles authorization, scope, and the data fetch on demand. CorpusIQ ships 25+ such connectors. Each one is read-only by design, so the assistant cannot modify, send, or delete anything. Answers come back cited with source links so the operator can verify before acting.
Related pillar: AI connectors for ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity
An API is a developer interface for any client to read or write data. An AI connector is purpose-built for an AI assistant to use: OAuth scoped for read-only, surfaced through the Model Context Protocol so the assistant can call it on demand, with citation patterns so the answer remains auditable. The same underlying API can power an AI connector, but the connector adds the read-only constraint and the cited-answer pattern.
Read-only access means the assistant can list, read, and quote from records. It cannot send email, modify orders, change CRM records, or delete files. The operator stays in control of every write; the assistant accelerates reads and reasoning.
Each connector exposes a defined set of read scopes. For Gmail, that means message bodies, headers, attachments. For QuickBooks, invoices, customers, expenses, vendor records. For Shopify, orders, products, customers, inventory. The connector documents exactly what it can read.
When the AI assistant calls the connector, results come back with stable identifiers. The assistant builds an answer and includes source links pointing back to each underlying record. Click the link and the file, order, or message opens in its native tool.
25+ read-only connectors. ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. Solo $29.95 a month. 30-day free trial.
