Directly from the PlayOnline Viewer:

At the following time, we will be changing hardware as well as performing FINAL FANTASY XI server maintenance on all worlds. During this period, FINAL FANTASY XI will be unavailable.

[Affected Period]
From Sept. 7, 2004 10:00 to 18:00 (PDT)
*The projected update completion time may be subject to change.

[Affected Services]
FINAL FANTASY XI

The people over at 1up.com have written a rather fun hands-on preview of Chains of Promathia (set to be released September 21) including looks at a few of the new areas, the massive story line being added, and even the new activity of "clamming":

Square Enix's Technology and Service Manager on Final Fantasy XI, Dylan Rhoads boasts that Chains of Promathia has more story content than all the missions of the original three nations combined, which is no small feat.

Read the full thing here: http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3134416.

Just an FYI, the next expansion for FFXI is set to be released in 20 days!! If you havn't allready pre-ordered, i suggest you hurry up and do it now!!!

If you love looking at screenshots, we have TONS of them available for your viewing pleasure under our screenshots section.

Go head, Check them out!!