Final Fantasy XI has been taken down for maintenance in preperation for the major version update that we've all been waiting for. Here's just a sample and review of some of the changes to look out for:

-Ifirit server is joining us on Odin; their server is being shut down, ours wil remain intact.
-New "Grounds of Valor" training manuals (new Fields of Valor) will be inside new locations, varying from Gusgen Mines, The Eldieme Necroplis, Garlaige Citadel, and many more previously hostile exp environments!
-The Delivery System is being updated; you will now be able to trade MOST Rare/Ex items to different characters under the same account. (i.e. Trading bounding boots from your main to your alt)
-All Auction Houses sales will be merged; no longer will the woes of freshly starting out be plagued with barren item listings in the starter nations!
-The new content "Voidwatch" begins! See here for more info: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/4925
-New Abyssea support NPCs have been added to the starter cities, meaning you don't have to use Port Jeuno always anymore.
-New trigger conditions for certain Notorious Monsters (ex: King Behemoth)

For a full listing, check out this page on the official forums: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/7267-May-10-2011-(JST)-Version-Update