In the big data and cloud computing era, with the challenges of optical networks increase, the next generation optical networks technology for cloud computing has attracted more and more attention. The issue of optical networks supporting cloud computing is regarded as a starting point. The biggest challenge of the optical network for cloud computing is summarized that optical networks resources and IT resources can be jointly and efficiently scheduled on customers′ demand. The latest research progresses are introduced mainly from the optical switching and transmission technology, optical networks routing technology, new generation optical networks management and control architecture and virtualization technology of optical networks. Finally, the future direction of development for the next generation optical networks technology for cloud computing is analyzed.