Hardware end-of-life dates by part number, each linked to the vendor's own bulletin.
Scored across 5 tools
Each tool targets a distinct query mode—vendor discovery, family search, single lookup, bulk lookup, and family detail—and the cross-references are explicit. The only slight overlap is lookup_part also resolving family-name matches, but it is clearly flagged and doesn't undermine selection.
Four tools follow a clear verb_noun pattern (get_family, list_vendors, lookup_part, search_models), using lowercase with underscores. bulk_check breaks the pattern slightly as an adjective-noun form, but it remains readable and predictable.
Five tools is well-scoped for a read-only database: discovery, single lookup, bulk lookup, and detail retrieval each have one dedicated tool. There is no redundancy or bloat.
The surface covers the full read-only workflow: list vendors, search families, look up single or bulk part numbers, and fetch detailed family records with source URLs. There are no obvious dead ends or missing operations for the stated database purpose.
Check up to 200 part numbers in one call (read-only, no auth; for a single part use lookup_part). Returns a per-part row (status, EOSL date, source URL, page URL) plus summary counts: past, endingSoon, supported, active, notFound. Never partial and never destructive: unknown or malformed entries do not fail the call, each simply returns found:false in its row.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| part_numbers | Yes | Part numbers to check; max 200 after case-insensitive deduplication. Punctuation differences (dashes, dots, spaces) are tolerated by the matcher, so raw inventory strings are fine. |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description fully carries the behavioral burden. It discloses read-only, no auth, never partial/destructive behavior, per-row results, summary counts, and the found:false behavior for unknown or malformed entries. This exceeds typical descriptions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two dense sentences deliver all essential information: scope, alternatives, return shape, safety, and edge-case behavior. No word is wasted, and key details are front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema exists, but the description spells out the per-part row fields (status, EOSL date, source URL, page URL) and summary counts. Combined with full parameter documentation and explicit edge-case handling, the tool is fully understood without additional context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already covers the parameter thoroughly with min/max items, deduplication, and punctuation tolerance. The description adds only the 'up to 200' and 'in one call' context, which is marginal on top of the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool checks up to 200 part numbers in one call, names the specific resource (part numbers), and immediately distinguishes it from lookup_part for single-part use. The verb 'check' plus the listed return fields leaves no ambiguity about purpose.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly says to use this for multiple part numbers and names lookup_part as the alternative for a single part. The 200-part limit and read-only/no-auth note also give concrete context for safe use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Fetch the full source-backed record for one product family by slug (from search_models or lookup_part pageUrl): lifecycle dates per SKU group, every part number, support runway score factors, and the vendor bulletin URLs. Read-only; an unknown slug returns found:false with a hint, never an error.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| slug | Yes | Family slug, e.g. "cisco-catalyst-3850". |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses read-only behavior, the unknown-slug response (found:false, never an error), and details what data is returned. It does not cover auth requirements or rate limits, but for a one-parameter read-only lookup, the transparency is strong.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loading the main purpose and then providing behavioral details. Every phrase contributes value, with no redundancy or fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a single-parameter tool with no output schema, the description fully covers what the tool returns, how to obtain the slug, and error behavior. It leaves no significant gaps for an agent to invoke it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already describes the slug parameter with an example, but the description adds crucial context by specifying the slug comes from search_models or lookup_part pageUrl. This gives the agent a clear source for valid slugs, going beyond the schema's basic label.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Fetch') and clearly defines the resource ('full source-backed record for one product family by slug') and its contents. It distinguishes itself from siblings by focusing on a single family's comprehensive record, unlike search or part-related tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It explains when to use this tool—when you have a slug from search_models or lookup_part pageUrl—and clarifies that an unknown slug returns found:false with a hint. However, it does not explicitly state when to prefer alternatives like bulk_check or list_vendors, so it lacks explicit exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
List all vendors tracked by EOSL.ai with family counts and vendor page URLs. Read-only, no parameters. Use this first to check whether a vendor is covered at all; for specific models use search_models, for a part number use lookup_part.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description takes full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It explicitly states 'Read-only, no parameters' and describes the output (family counts and vendor page URLs), fully conveying the tool's behavior for a simple list operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, with the purpose front-loaded and usage guidance following. Every sentence earns its place; no wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (no params, no output schema), the description covers all relevant aspects: purpose, usage, safety (read-only), and expected output. It is complete for an AI agent to select and invoke this tool correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description confirms 'no parameters' and adds no unnecessary detail, which is appropriate for a parameterless tool.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'List all vendors tracked by EOSL.ai with family counts and vendor page URLs.' It uses a specific verb ('list') and resource ('vendors'), and distinguishes itself from sibling tools by noting it should be used first to check vendor coverage.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicit guidance is provided: 'Use this first to check whether a vendor is covered at all; for specific models use search_models, for a part number use lookup_part.' This clearly tells when to use this tool versus alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Look up one hardware part number or model name in the EOSL.ai database (read-only, no auth; for many parts use bulk_check). Returns support status, End-of-Sale and End-of-Service-Life dates, support runway score, and the primary vendor bulletin URL backing the dates. Matching is exact, then punctuation-insensitive, then Fortinet short-SKU aliases (FG-60E -> FortiGate-60E); a model/family name (e.g. "7010TX-48") that matches no SKU returns the family-level record, flagged matchedVia:family-name. Anything else returns found:false rather than a guessed date.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| vendor | No | Optional vendor, e.g. "Cisco". A tracked vendor restricts the match to that vendor (a part tracked under another vendor returns found:false naming that vendor). A string that is not a tracked vendor is ignored and reported back as vendorHint. | |
| part_number | Yes | Vendor part number / SKU, e.g. "WS-C3850-48P-S" or "FG-100F". |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden, and it does so thoroughly. It discloses that the operation is read-only and requires no auth, lists all returned fields (status, dates, score, URL), and details the matching algorithm including edge cases like family-name fallback and found:false rather than guessing. This is exceptional transparency for a read tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise yet dense: it front-loads the primary purpose, then lists return fields, then details matching logic in a logical sequence. Every sentence earns its place, and there is no redundant or filler content. The structure makes it easy for an agent to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with no output schema, the description completely explains the return values and all edge cases: matched SKU, family-name match, vendor restrictions, and found:false. It also covers the alternative for bulk checks. Nothing an agent needs to invoke the tool correctly or interpret results is missing.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already fully documents both parameters (part_number and vendor) with examples and behavior. The description adds value by explaining the Fortinet alias resolution and family-name fallback, but these are tool behaviors rather than parameter-specific semantics. Baseline 3 is appropriate since the description does not meaningfully expand on what the schema already provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states a specific verb ('look up'), a resource ('hardware part number or model name'), and a database ('EOSL.ai'). It also distinguishes itself from the sibling bulk_check by explicitly saying 'for many parts use bulk_check', so an agent can tell them apart without opening schemas.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description names bulk_check as the alternative for many parts, giving an explicit when-not condition. It also explains the matching behavior (exact, punctuation-insensitive, aliases, family-name fallback) and the found:false case, which helps the agent decide when this tool is appropriate vs. search_models or get_family.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Search tracked product families by vendor, product line, or series name (case-insensitive substring, e.g. "nexus 9300"). Read-only. Returns up to 10 families with status, EOSL window, and page URL. Use this for discovery when you have a name; for an exact part number use lookup_part, and use get_family with a returned slug for the full record.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | Search text, 1-120 characters. |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It discloses that the tool is 'Read-only,' returns 'up to 10 families,' and includes specific returned fields ('status, EOSL window, and page URL'). This gives the agent a solid understanding of side effects and output.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is tight and front-loaded, using two sentences to convey purpose, matching behavior, read-only nature, output limit, return fields, and alternatives. Every sentence adds value; no fluff or redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple one-parameter tool with no output schema, this description is complete: it explains what the tool does, how to use it, what it returns, and when to use other tools. It covers discovery, matching, result size, and output fields, so an agent has enough context to invoke it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already fully documents the single 'query' parameter (coverage 100%), so the baseline is 3. The description adds meaningful semantics beyond the schema by specifying 'case-insensitive substring' and providing an example ('nexus 9300'). This enhances parameter understanding without being necessary for basic use.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Search tracked product families by vendor, product line, or series name.' It uses a specific verb ('Search') and resource ('product families'), and differentiates from siblings by mentioning lookup_part and get_family for other use cases.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says when to use this tool: 'Use this for discovery when you have a name.' It also names alternatives with their appropriate contexts: 'for an exact part number use lookup_part, and use get_family with a returned slug for the full record.' This is clear, actionable guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
lookup_part1 field changedInput schema / properties / vendor / descriptionPrevious value: -"Optional vendor hint, e.g. \"Cisco\". Restricts the match to that vendor."New value: +"Optional vendor, e.g. \"Cisco\". A tracked vendor restricts the match to that vendor (a part tracked under another vendor returns found:false naming that vendor). A string that is not a tracked vendor is ignored and reported back as vendorHint."bulk_check1 field changedInput schema / properties / part_numbers / descriptionPrevious value: -"Part numbers to check (deduplicated; max 200)."New value: +"Part numbers to check; max 200 after case-insensitive deduplication. Punctuation differences (dashes, dots, spaces) are tolerated by the matcher, so raw inventory strings are fine."bulk_checkget_familylist_vendorslookup_partsearch_modelsEOL dates, risk scores, CISA KEV exposure, SBOM audits and edge-device EOS for 500+ products.
Latest versions, LTS windows, and EOL dates for 300+ products. Fresh ground truth for stale models.
Parts research for IT hardware brokers: PN normalization, validation, and pricing
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