Barman: What's the best way to switch from backup_method postgres (streaming) to rsync (ssh)? My production postgresql server is currently backed up with barman using the backup_method postgres (streaming server). I would like to switch to rsync method (ssh) to benefit from better compression. Do I have to stop current process before reconfiguration, or can I modify the setup and activate it while running?

Current streaming setup:

conninfo = host=conn_host user=conn_user dbname=conn_db
streaming_conninfo = host=conn_host user=streaming_user
backup_method = postgres
streaming_archiver = on
slot_name = barman
minimum_redundancy = 3
last_backup_maximum_age = '3 DAYS'
retention_policy = 'RECOVERY WINDOW OF 31 DAYS'


Future ssh setup:

ssh_command = ssh postgres@conn_host
conninfo = host=conn_host user=conn_user dbname=conn_db
backup_method = rsync
reuse_backup = link
archiver = on
network_compression = true
minimum_redundancy = 3
last_backup_maximum_age = '3 DAYS'
retention_policy = 'RECOVERY WINDOW OF 31 DAYS'
wal_retention_policy = main
Just change the configuration.  It will take effect next time a backup is started.  If there is a currently executing backup it will not switch midstream.  You can let it finish, or kill it and start a new one with the new configuration.