Glossary

Protocol

UCP (Universal Commerce Protocol)

A commerce protocol direction for turning AI interactions into direct buying while merchants retain control.

Definition

UCP is an open commerce protocol direction for AI-surface buying. It focuses on merchant-controlled commerce flows where product discovery, cart, checkout, and post-purchase paths can be represented for AI agents.

Why it matters

If UCP-style commerce becomes common, merchants need agent-readable catalogues, policy facts, approval logic, fulfilment ownership, and support readiness.

How HARNEXA uses it

HARNEXA maps UCP readiness in the protocol hub and Protocol + AVO memo while public checkout remains disabled.

FAQ

Questions this definition answers.

Does UCP replace a merchant's backend?

No. It creates a protocol interface around existing merchant systems and business logic.

What should HARNEXA clients prepare for UCP?

Product evidence, inventory truth, checkout rules, support ownership, policy facts, and approval boundaries.

Related terms

AVO / GEOAgent Visibility Optimisation (AVO)Product-data readiness for AI buying agents that need to discover, compare, represent, and recommend products accurately.ProtocolACP (Agentic Commerce Protocol)A commerce protocol for AI-assisted purchase flows where agents, people, and merchants complete orders together.ProtocolCommerce protocol stackThe emerging set of agent-readable commerce standards: MCP, WebMCP, A2A, UCP, ACP, AP2, and payment rails.

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