Over two weeks ago, Microsoft issued Yahoo's board an ultimatum -- join or risk losing their jobs. Many assumed Microsoft was just blowing hot air and playing at empty theatrics, but as the deadline arrives this weekend, Microsoft reaffirmed that if a compromise is not met over the weekend, it will take drastic measures.

Among the possibilities, Microsoft said it might go fully hostile, and attempt to oust the board, appealing to shareholders. This follows remarks made by Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer on Thursday. The other option says Microsoft, is to lower the offer or even withdraw it altogether which is a steep departure from previous comments that indicated that Microsoft would keep trying to acquire the company to the bitter end, no matter what the cost.

Commenting on the state of the offer was Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell, who offered insight to Microsoft's plans on a conference call Thursday. Said Liddell, "Speed is of the essence for the deal to make sense. Unfortunately, the transaction has been anything but speedy and has been characterized by what would appear to be unrealistic expectations of value."